Open AccessThe potential of citronella grass to inhibit growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria
Author(s) -
Reynelda Juliani Sagala,
Pretty Falena Atmanda Kambira,
Untung Gunawan,
Grafty Pollin
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
pharmacy education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.198
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1477-2701
pISSN - 1560-2214
DOI - 10.46542/pe.2022.222.218224
Subject(s) - antimicrobial , food science , antiseptic , carboxymethyl cellulose , staphylococcus aureus , chemistry , geraniol , antibacterial activity , gelatin , essential oil , ingredient , escherichia coli , active ingredient , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , sodium , biology , organic chemistry , biochemistry , bioinformatics , gene , genetics
Background: Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) has a distinctive aroma that comes from its essential oils. Essential oil components, especially citronella and geraniol compounds, are known to have antifungal and antibacterial activities. Therefore, citronella grass extract can be used as an active ingredient for antiseptic hand gel products. However, it is necessary to optimise the gelling agent to get the optimal formulation. Aim: This study aimed to determine the concentration mixture from three gelling agents that were optimal, stable, and able to inhibit bacterial growth: Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), gum arabic, and gelatin.Method: Citronella grass was macerated using 70% ethanol. Gelling agents’ variation were evaluated based on the viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion. The most optional variation was obtained using analysis with the Simplex Lattice Design method. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and the gel were tested using the disc diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Result: The results showed that the optimal gelling agents for the specified parameters was a mixture of CMC-Na and gelatin (1:1). This formulation can inhibit the growth of bacteria. Conclusion: Several different types of gelling agents’ mixture for hand antiseptic gel preparation were made from the results of this study. It is necessary to develop a gel that can increase the antimicrobial activity of the active substance of citronella grass extract.