p-Menthenols chemotype of Cymbopogon distans from India: composition, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the essential oil against pathogens

AbstractCymbopogon distans (Nees. ex. Steud.) W. Watson (family: Poaceae) is a perennial aromatic grass widely distributed in tropical and subtropical zones of north-western Himalaya. The essential oil of C. distans has industrial potential for aromatherapy, fragrances and for natural aroma isolates. In view of chemotypic variations and industrial potential of the essential oil of C. distans, the present study was carried out to investigate the variability in chemical composition of p-menthenols chemotype of the C. distans harvested in different seasons during annual growth, and to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of its essential oil against pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. The major constituents identified in essential oil of C. distans were cis-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (24.5–26.7%), δ-2-carene (19.9–28.2%), cis-piperitol (10.9–23.6%), trans-p-menth-2-en-1-ol (8.4–13.3%) and trans-piperitol (5.4–7.3%). The essential oil showed antagonist activity against nine bacterial strains (MIC: 250–1000 μg/mL)...