Structural Insight of an Aqueous Extract of Cymbopogon citratus and its Antimicrobial Efficacy Against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus sanguinis

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Abstract
Aims: This study investigates the antimicrobial potential of aqueous extracts from the leaves and stems of Cymbopogon citratus on the root canal pathogens of E. faecalis and S. sanguinis . Material and Methods: The sample extraction was constructed by reflux condensation, frozen at −20 °C and lyophilised under a freeze dryer at −50 °C to obtain a powder form. The chemical structure was analysed under Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in transmission mode, wavenumber range from 400 to 4000 cm −1 with a spectral resolution of 4 cm −1 . The C. citratus extract powder was observed and viewed under a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The extract powder was subjected to serial dilutions of 480 mg/mL, 240 mg/mL, 120 mg/mL, 60 mg/mL and 30 mg/mL. These concentrations were evaluated against Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus sanguinis under minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. Result: Both leaf and stem extracts demonstrated concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, with efficacy observed against S. sanguinis than E. faecalis in concentrations ranging from 120 mg/mL to 480 mg/mL. Conclusions: These findings suggest that C. citratus extracts have promising potential as a natural antibacterial agent for root canal irrigation. However, further studies are necessary to explore its bactericidal mechanisms, optimise formulation, and assess its clinical applicability in root canal disinfection.

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