Phytocompound screening, cytotoxicity and antifungal activity of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> extract against onychomycosis pathogens in Benue State, Nigeria

Onychomycosis, a prevalent fungal nail infection, poses a substantial public health challenge, particularly in tropical regions such as Nigeria. This study investigates the phytocompounds, cytotoxicity and antifungal activity of Cymbopogon citratus extracts, as a source of novel antifungal compounds for onychomycosis treatment. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry technique was employed for the phytocompounds screening, while minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentrations were determined using standard method. The results revealed that a total of twenty-four (24) compounds were detected out of which 7 compounds were assessed from the essential oil, extracts of methanol had five (5), ethyl-acetate (8), and hexane (4) compounds respectively. Compound with the highest percentage height was Dodecanoic acid, 1,2,3-propane (6.48%). Hexane had higher MIC ranging from 0.232 µg/ml. whereas diacetate had MIC range of 0.03-2 µg/ml, however essential oil (EO) showed the lowest MIC range of 0.03 -1 µg/ml as compared to all other extracts and the control (Terbinafine) showing a MIC of 0.03-4 µg/ml. The antifungal potential of Cymbopogon citratus extracts, particularly essential oil, was demonstrated against various fungal isolates. Essential oil consistently exhibited the lowest MIC and MFC values, indicating potent antifungal properties. The study added valuable information to the growing body of evidence supporting the antimicrobial efficacy of C. citratus extracts.