Antifungal properties of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf—A scoping review.

Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf is an abundant medicinal plant, typically utilized as an antifungal herbal remedy. Despite being widely utilized for its health benefits, to our knowledge, there are no comprehensive literature reviews available on the antifungal properties of the plant. In this review, we aim to synthesize current studies on the antifungal properties of C. citratus plant extracts in order to determine the depth of research available while identifying literature gaps, to help provide focus for future investigations. We conducted a systematic search of the databases, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EBSCO CINAHL, for studies and a thorough scan of relevant grey literature on the topic. Data on plant part utilized, type of extract and extraction method, test organism used, antifungal assay used, reported MIC or MFC, as well as the proposed mechanism of antifungal action, literature gaps, and conclusions were identified and described. Studies were screened for eligibility and data were extracted, charted, and summarized narratively. A total of 117 articles from inception to October 15, 2023 were screened, and 27 were eligible for inclusion, covering the years 1993 to 2023. Results showed the most utilized plant part of C. citratus was the leaves (55 %) and extracts were obtained mostly through hydro-distillation (33 %). Citrals were the most common chemical constituent and were characterized most frequently using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The most common test organism used was Candida albicans (55 %), with the antifungal effect tested with diffusion assays (52 %), followed by broth microdilution methods (41 %). The estimated mean for MIC of C. citratus was 1.42 mg/mL and 0.57 mg/mL for the MFC across various species. Most studies suggested that C. citratus specifically targets and disrupts the cell membrane and cell wall integrity by inhibiting specific biosynthetic pathways. In conclusion, C. citratus is a promising source for antifungal herbal remedies. However, additional studies are necessary to identify the specific bioactive metabolites responsible for the antifungal mechanism of action and to ascertain the overall effectiveness and safety of the extract for clinical use. [Display omitted] • Lemongrass leaf essential oil extracted via hydro-distillation was the most utilized. • Candida albicans was the most common test organism, tested via broth microdilution. • The cell wall and membrane are the most likely antifungal targets. • The MIC and MFC for C. albicans was 1.42 mg/mL and 0.57 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]