Objective: To evaluate the toxicity of the ethanol and hexane extracts of the different parts of Persea americana Mill. (P. americana) toward third and fourth instars larvae of Aedes aegypti (Ae. aegypti) and to characterize the ethanol extract by qualitative phytochemical analysis. Methods: The seeds, peels and pulp of P. americana were processed for crude extraction using 95% ethanol and n-hexane. Crude extracts were bio-assayed for larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti following the World Health Organization standard bioassay method. The mortality was observed at 24 h and 48 h after treatment and data were subjected to probit analysis to determine lethal concentrations (LC

Background: Superficial fungal infection is among the most common reasons for dermatologic consultation. The essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) exhibits antifungal activity. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of 10% lemongrass oil with 1% clotrimazole solution in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris in terms of complete cure and adverse events. Methods: Ninety-six patients clinically and mycologically diagnosed with tinea corporis and/or tinea cruris were assigned randomly to apply either 10% lemongrass oil or 1% clotrimazole solution twice daily for 4 weeks. Clinical and mycologic evaluations were conducted at baseline, and weekly up to 2 weeks post-therapy. Complete cure was achieved if there was clinical and mycologic cure at 4 weeks, Results: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of complete cure at four weeks between the two groups (p=1.0, Fisher's exact test). There was no recurrence 2 weeks post-treatment in both groups. Erythema and burning sebsation from the application of lemongrass were observed in two patients. Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial showed that 10% lemongrass oil was effective as 1% clotrimazole solution in treating tinea corporis and tinea cruris based on clinical, mycologic and complete cure.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Child: 6-12 Yrs Old ; Adolescent: 13-18 Yrs Old ; Young Adult: 19-24 Yrs Old ; Adult: 25-44 Yrs O ; Cymbopogon

Preparation of the essential oil of lemon grass was done in collaboration with the Chemical and Minerals Department of DOST. Properly washed and air dried mature leaves of lemon grass were used. Essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation wherein the cut leaves were placed in a 4 liter erlenmeyer flask filled with tap water which was sealed and connected to a Clevenger tube for collection. This was then dried with anhydrous sodium sulfate (Na2SO4). The percentage oil yield of the sample was computed in terms of volume per weight percent. Moisture of free oils were stored in amber colored bottles at 4 degrees centigrade A 1.17 percent has been extracted through this process. The oil obtained was subjected to bioassay gas chromatography. The gas chromatogram found that Citral was the major component with a concentration of 69.39 percent. The physical properties of lemon grass essential oil in Table 1 Antifungal sensitivities were determined with tube dilution methods. The MIC for Fusarium solani was determined at 625 ug/ml and the MFC was at 700 ug/ml. The MIC of Aspergillus was at 500 ug/ml and MFC was at 570 ug/ml.
Animal ; ESSENTIAL OIL, CORNEA