THE ANALGESIC EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF LEMON GRASS ( CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS )

ABSTRACT Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, has been extensively studied for its diverse medicinal properties, including its analgesic effects. This study include extraction, investigates the phytochemical composition and evaluates the 7-day LC50 value of the aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, carbohydrates, and cardiac glycosides. Notably, flavonoids, tannins, and phenols were present in significant quantities. The GC-MS analysis identified key constituents such as 3-Methyl Hexane, β Myrcene, D-Limonene, β-Linalool, Pyran-1,3-dione, 1-(1-methylethyl)-2-nonyl-Cyclopropane, 1-Nonadecene, 6-(3- Methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)-2-methyl-2,6-heptadienol, and Tridecanoic acid, with D-Limonene being the predominant compound. The LC50 value determined for the aqueous extract was 5000 mg/10g diet, indicating moderate toxicity. This finding suggests the extract's relative safety for therapeutic applications at controlled dosages. Given the identified phytochemicals, particularly the high presence of flavonoids and phenols, the extract's analgesic potential is supported, aligning with its traditional use in pain relief. The results of this study underscore the potential of Cymbopogon citratus as a source of natural analgesic agents and provide a comprehensive chemical profile that could facilitate further pharmacological investigations. i