Cymbopogon species; ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and the pharmacological importance.
Cymbopogon genus is a member of the family of Gramineae which are herbs known worldwide for their high essential oil content. They are widely distributed across all continents where they are used for various purposes. The commercial and medicinal uses of the various species of Cymbopogon are well documented. Ethnopharmacology evidence shows that they possess a wide array of properties that justifies their use for pest control, in cosmetics and as anti-inflammation agents. These plants may also hold promise as potent anti-tumor and chemopreventive drugs. The chemo-types from this genus have been used as biomarkers for their identification and classification. Pharmacological applications of Cymbopogon citratus are well exploited, though studies show that other species may also useful pharmaceutically. Hence this literature review intends to discuss these species and explore their potential economic importance.
Chemistry Department, University of Fort Hare, 5700 Alice, South Africa. seavoseh@gmail.com.
Opeyemi
O
Avoseh
Chemistry Department, University of Fort Hare, 5700 Alice, South Africa. ooyedeji@ufh.ac.za.
Opeoluwa
O
Oyedeji
Chemistry Department, University of Fort Hare, 5700 Alice, South Africa. 200800815@ufh.ac.za.
Pamela
P
Rungqu
Department of Zoology, Walter Sisulu University, 5099 Mthatha, South Africa. bnkehchungag@wsu.ac.za.
Benedicta
B
Nkeh-Chungag
Department of Chemistry, Walter Sisulu University, 5099 Mthatha, South Africa. aoyedeji@wsu.ac.za.
Adebola
A
Oyedeji
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods; D031743:Cymbopogon / Q000378:metabolism*; D020834:Ethnopharmacology; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D064209:Phytochemicals / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000981:Antiprotozoal Agents; D009822:Oils, Volatile; D064209:Phytochemicals; D010936:Plant Extracts