JURNAL KIMIA SAINS DAN APLIKASI
Vol 29, No 5 (2026): Volume 29 Issue 5 Year 2026

Combination of Nutmeg Seed (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oils: Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities

Enny Fachriyah (Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH., Tembalang, Semarang|Diponegoro University|Indonesia)
Tyara Qisti Aisyah (Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH., Tembalang, Semarang|Diponegoro University|Indonesia)
Muhammad Badrul Huda (Chemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. Soedarto, SH., Tembalang, Semarang|Diponegoro University|Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jun 2026

Abstract

Essential oils are secondary metabolites that exhibit various biological activities, such as antioxidants and antibacterial activities. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of nutmeg seed (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils, as well as their combination. The essential oils were obtained by steam distillation, physically characterized, and their chemical components analyzed using GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH method, and antibacterial activity was evaluated using the well-diffusion method against E. coli and S. aureus. The results showed that nutmeg seed essential oil contained α-pinene (18.49%) as the major compound with moderate antioxidant activity (IC50 = 139.49 mg/L), whereas lemongrass essential oil was dominated by α-pinene (29.19%) with lower antioxidant activity (IC50 = 263.54 mg/L). In antibacterial assays, nutmeg essential oil showed moderate to strong activity, while lemongrass essential oil exhibited weak to moderate activity. Among the combinations, the ratio of 2:1 (nutmeg:lemongrass) demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 13.50 mm against E. coli and 14.00 mm against S. aureus at 50% concentration, indicating improved antibacterial effects compared to other combinations. The combined essential oils of nutmeg and lemongrass exhibited bacteriostatic activity and showed improved antibacterial effects; however, no enhancement in antioxidant activity was observed.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ksa

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Chemistry Engineering

Description

urnal Kimia Sains dan Aplikasi (p-ISSN: 1410-8917) and e-ISSN: 2597-9914) is published by Department of Chemistry, Diponegoro University. This journal is published four times per year and publishes research, review and short communication in field of ...