Effect of lemongrass powder on proximate and phytochemical content of herbal cookies

Abstract

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial grass belonging to family Graminaceae and grouped under genus Cymbopogon. In this study, the herbal cookies were prepared by incorporating lemongrass powder at 1, 3 and 5% level. The proximate and phytochemical analysis of fresh lemongrass leaves were analyzed. The effect of drying on proximate and phytochemical composition were also determined. The moisture, fat and fiber content were found decreased while protein, carbohydrate and ash content were increased. The phytochemical constituents get reduced when subjected to cabinet drying. The herbal cookies were found to increase in proximate composition with increase in level of lemongrass powder. The herbal cookies contain alkaloid (0.27%), saponin (0.20%), tannin (0.16%), steroids (0.10%), phenols (0.08%) and flavonoids (0.28%) in sensorially selected sample. The sample with 3% lemongrass powder was found to be highly acceptable over other sample. The required daily dose of was about 0.7 mg/kg of bodyweight/day.