Comparative study of Elyonurus muticus and Cymbopogon essential oils: potential as food preservative and surface coating of strawberries

Elyonurus muticus (Em) is a discarded native grass from South America, and its essential oil recently demonstrated properties comparable to Cymbopogon flexuosus (Cf) and Cymbopogon citratus (Cc) essential oils. Thus, this study aimed to compare these lemongrass essential oils regarding their potential as food preservatives. Chemical composition (GC/MS), antioxidant, Fe2+ chelatiion, antibacterial activity and phenolic content were done. As for the Fe2+ chelating activity, Em essential oil had IC50 of 0.005 mg. mL−1, three and six times less than Cf and Cc, respectively. The antibacterial test exhibited major activity on Listeria monocytogenes with 54.21% inhibition effect to Em oil (concentration 1:2). Em and Cf oily solutions 0.750 µL.L−1 indicated high postharvest preserving capacity, as they kept phenolic content of strawberries during 15 days with less fungal development. The study emphasized Elyonurus muticus essential oil as suitable alternative to lemongrass species, for food preservation, suggesting pharmaceutical and medical applications.