Essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle and Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng exert additive antibacterial effects and low cytotoxicity
Journal of Essential Oil Research, vol.38, no.4, pp.431-445, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 38 Issue: 4
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1080/10412905.2026.2697746
- Journal Name: Journal of Essential Oil Research
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Pharma Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Page Numbers: pp.431-445
- Keywords: antibiotic resistance, checkerboard microdilution, Cymbopogon, essential oil composition
- Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The application of essential oils against resistant pathogenic microorganisms is a promising strategy, particularly when combined with conventional antibiotics. The genus Cymbopogon (Poaceae) is an important source of bioactive essential oils with antimicrobial potential. This study evaluated the chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, synergistic interactions, and cytotoxicity of Cymbopogon nardus and Cymbopogon schoenanthus essential oils. Major constituents of C. nardus were geranyl acetate (17.5%) and trans-methyl isoeugenol (12.6%), while C. schoenanthus was rich in neral (26.3%) and limonene (19.0%). Antimicrobial interactions with ampicillin, sulfadiazine, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 using the checkerboard microdilution method. Additive effects were observed for C. schoenanthus + ampicillin (FICI = 0.562) and C. nardus +sulfadiazine (FICI = 0.625) against S. aureus. Both essential oils showed no cytotoxicity toward NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells.