Evaluation of Commercial Cymbopogon winterianus (Citronella) Volatile Oil Samples in Türkiye in Terms of the European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 Criteria

Abstract

Citronella volatile oil, obtained from the fresh or partially dried aerial parts of Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt ex Bor, Poaceae, by steam distillation, is widely used across multiple sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, food production, and household applications. The quality and safety of volatile oils are vital for public health, with established standards outlined in pharmacopoeias to ensure their proper use and regulation. This study evaluated the quality of 13 C. winterianus volatile oil samples from pharmacies and non-pharmacy sources to determine their compliance with European Pharmacopoeia standards. Analytical techniques such as high-performance thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used in all samples to provide comprehensive information about their phytochemical composition. Additionally, resinified volatile oil test, optical rotation, relative density, and refractive index as well as macroscopic quality assessments including color and odor were employed to check the quality of all samples. None of the samples conformed to all tests, with pharmacy products demonstrating a compliance rate of 69% compared to 54% for non-pharmacy samples, yielding an overall compliance rate of 60%. This study underscores the need for enhanced quality control measures across distribution channels to safeguard consumer health.