Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Chrysopogon zizanioides Essential Oil: A Comprehensive Study on Its Chemical Composition, Thermal Analysis, and Biological Activities

Abstract

Natural bioactive compounds sourced from plants and plant parts have become integral to drug discovery as natural products. The overreliance on synthetic drugs has adversely affected human health. This study focuses on the essential oil from Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as "Vetiver" to explore its medicinal value. The oil underwent various analytical and biological assessments. Extraction involved hydro-distillation of the roots, and GC-MS analysis unveiled its composition. FAME analysis provided insights into fatty acid composition. Infrared spectroscopy identified different functional groups. Thermal stability was gauged using TG-DTA and DSC methods. The essential oil's antibacterial potency was tested against bacterial strains. Antimalarial and antituberculosis potential were evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, respectively. Vetiver essential oil's ability to counter free radicals was determined via the DPPH reagent. Its impact on biofilm produced by 5 cultures was studied. The essential oil's effects on cancerous (HeLa) and normal (CHO) cell lines were assessed using the MTT assay. In conclusion, Chrysopogon zizanioides essential oil exhibits considerable potential with diverse activities. It could serve as a non-toxic alternative for infection prevention and find utility in the food industry Keyword: Chrysopogon zizanioides, Essential oil, Thermal Characterization, GCMS, Antimicrobial, Biofilm.