Biochemical characterization of essential oil from Palmarosa (Cymbopogan martinii)

Biochemical characterization of essential oil from Palmarosa (Cymbopogan martinii) growing wild in Thirunelveli has been studied. The yield of the essential oil was 0.9% (w/w) and found rich in geranylgeraniol, limonene, dihydrocitronellol and sesquiterpenes. The TLC analysis revealed two spots with Rf values 0.69 and 0.73. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging method shows that linalool and α-terpene possess good antioxidant properties (73.20%). UV-Vis spectrum indicates no significant absorbance, whereas the FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of OH- group, C-H-aliphatic, C=O-acid group, C=C-conjugated diene and C-H-methyl group. The 1 H NMR spectrum confirms the presence of aliphatic protons and flavonoids. The volatile constituent of Palmarosa essential oil was investigated by GC-MS, where twenty nine constituents were identified. The antimicrobial activity of the oil by disc diffusion method inhibited Saccharomyces sp, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis by 15 mm 12 mm and 12 mm respectively.