Abstract:
Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng, a plant widely used in traditional medicine and
locally known as "El Lamad," was selected following an ethnobotanical study conducted in
GhardaÔa. this study led to identify 84 medicinal plant species, with C. schoenanthus being the
most frequently used among them. This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical
composition of the plant and evaluate its antioxidant, antibacterial, toxicity, and analgesic
properties. Maceration extraction yielded the highest quantity (7.26%) in the crude extract
(CrE), which was further fractionated into four extracts: hexane extract (HE), ethyl acetate
extract (EAE), chloroform extract (CE), and aqueous extract (AE). Phytochemical analysis
revealed that the EAE contained the highest levels of total phenols (322.43±8.267 μg
GAE/mg Ex) and total flavonoids (45.53±21.88 μg QE/mg Ex), highlighting its significant
bioactive potential. The in vitro antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using four
methods: the TAC, DPPH, ABTS, and reducing power tests. The results of the antioxidant
activity revealed that all the extracts were effective. By using the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP
tests, EAE appeared to have the most potent anti-radical (IC50=16.82±0.05 μg/mL), ABTS
(IC50=92.01±1.95 μg/mL) and reducing power (A0.5=65.66±1.88 μg/mL). The evaluation of
the antibacterial activity against four bacterial strains revealed weak antibacterial effects
against both Gram+ and Gram- strains. The acute toxicity of CrE was carried out using mice.
The administered dose did not result in mortality or changes in general behaviors. The LD50
was found to be superior to 2000 mg/kg. In vivo assessment of the analgesic effect showed
that the CrE exhibited significant inhibition (73.13±2.07%). Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.)
Spreng demonstrated strong in vitro antioxidant activity, was non-toxic, and exhibited notable
analgesic effects, supporting its traditional medicinal uses.
