THE EFFECT OF AUTOXIDATION OF LEMON-GRASS OIL ON ITS ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

The effect of autoxidation of lemon-grass oil on its antibacterial act ivity has been studied. Using the Active Oxygen method, the oil was fo und to undergo rapid oxidation under accelerated test conditions. The oxidized oil samples were found to have reduced activity against bacte ria. This activity was completely lost in extensively oxidized oil sam ples. Inclusion of antioxidants in the oil samples reduced the rate of oxidation and enhanced the antibacterial activity of the oil. The eff ects of the antioxidants were concentration dependent, and at their ef fective concentrations, oxidation was completely prevented for the per iod of the test.