Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Research

Latin Name: Cymbopogon citratus

Family: Graminaceae

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• WebMD (n.d.).  Lemongrass.  Retrieved in December 2016.  Retrieved from www.webmd.com
• Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014).  Essential Oil Safety.  Second Edition.  Churchill, Livingstone, Elsevier.
• Natural Medicines (2018). Lemongrass Monograph.  Retrieved in May, 2021.  Retrieved from www.naturalmedicines.com
• Ulbricht, C. (2010).  Natural Standard.  Herb & Supplement Guide.  An Evidence-Based Reference.  Mosby Elsevier
• Therapeutic uses and scientific studies about lemongrass are reviewed.  Potential actions include: anti-amoebic, antibacterial, antidiarrheal, antifungal anti-viral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic and mood enhancement. From:  Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus, stapf (Lemon grass). Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research, 2(1), 3.
• Scientific studies on the pharmacological activities of lemongrass were reviewed and included: anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenicity, antioxidants, hypoglycemic, and neurobehavioral results.  From:  Manvitha, K., & Bidya, B. (2014). Review on pharmacological activity of Cymbopogon citratus. prevent, 6, 7.
• Scientific research on lemongrass was reviewed.  It has demonstrated the following potential actions:  a neurobehavioral effect, larvicidal, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antinociceptive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antidiarrheal. Ethno-pharmaceutical uses include: to treat a sore throat, as an antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, diuretic, sedative, anti-parasite, as an emmenagogue, for hypotensive, catarrh, rheumatism, headache, fever, digestive complaints, to heal wounds, and as a snake repellent.  From:  Ravinder, K., Pawan, K., Gaurav, S., Paramjot, K., Gagan, S., & Appramdeep, K. (2010). Pharmacognostical investigation of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. Scholars Research Library, 2, 181-189.
• Nambiar, V. S., & Matela, H. (2012). Potential functions of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) in health and disease. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Archives, 3(5), 1035-1043.

SAFETY

• Lemongrass may be able to start menstrual flow, and is thus unadvised for use during pregnancy (WebMD, n.d.).
• Possible skin sensitizer (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
• Sometimes adultered with synthetic citral (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
• Both lemongrass essential oil and the herb can cause contact skin irritation in some people, so avoid with sensitive skin.  Avoid with low blood sugar, and with blood sugar medications as it may further lower blood sugar. Avoid with liver conditions and drugs metabolized in the liver, as lemongrass may increase liver functions.  Avoid with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and young children (Ulbricht, C., 2010).

INSECTICIDAL / REPELLENT

• Essential oils can be efficient, and safer repellents for humans and the environment.  In this mega analysis on insect repelling essential oils, Cymbopogon (lemongrass) spp., Ocimum (basil) spp. and Eucalyptus (eucalyptus) spp. are the most cited.  Key constituents cited include α-pinene, limonene, citronellol, citronellal, camphor and thymol.  From:  Nerio, L. S., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. (2010). Repellent activity of essential oils: a review. Bioresource technology, 101(1), 372-378.
• Essential oils of Cymbopogan martinii (palmarosa), Cymbopogan citratus (lemon grass) and Cymbopogan nardus (citronella) were as effective as the chemical mylol in repelling mosquitoes. From:  Ansari, M. A., & Razdan, R. K. (1995). Relative efficacy of various oils in repelling mosquitoes. Indian journal of malariology, 32(3), 104-111.
• Essential oils from Cymbopogan citrates (lemongrass), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Zingiber officinale (ginger) showed promising larvicidal and repellent agent against the mosquitos: C. tritaeniorhynchus and A. subpictus.  From:  Govindarajan, M. (2011). Larvicidal and repellent properties of some essential oils against Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles and Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine, 4(2), 106-111.
• Essential oils from Cymbopogon martinii “palmarosa”, Cymbopogon flexuosus “lemongrass”, and Lippia origanoides “wild oregano” were insecticidal against Tribolium castaneum.  From:  Caballero-Gallardo, K., Olivero-Verbel, J., & Stashenko, E. E. (2012). Repellency and toxicity of essential oils from Cymbopogon martinii, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Lippia origanoides cultivated in Colombia against Tribolium castaneum. Journal of Stored Products Research, 50, 62-65.   ​
• Cymbopogon citratus  (lemongrass) was effective against Anopheles arabiensis.  From:  Karunamoorthi, K., Ilango, K., & Murugan, K. (2010). Laboratory evaluation of traditionally used plant-based insect repellent against the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasitology research, 106(5), 1217-1223.
• Against the sciarid fly, good insecticidal activity was achieved with essential oils of caraway seed, lemongrass, mandarin, nutmeg, cade (Juniperus oxycedrus L.), spearmint, cumin, and red thyme.  From:  Park, I. K., Kim, J. N., Lee, Y. S., Lee, S. G., Ahn, Y. J., & Shin, S. C. (2008). Toxicity of plant essential oils and their components against Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae). Journal of Economic Entomology, 101(1), 139-144.
• Lemongrass essential oil and its constituent citral was effective against T. cruzi trypomastigotes and amastigotes.  From:  Santoro, G. F., Cardoso, M. G., Guimarães, L. G. L., Freire, J. M., & Soares, M. J. (2007). Anti-proliferative effect of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf (lemongrass) on intracellular amastigotes, bloodstream trypomastigotes and culture epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida). Parasitology, 134(11), 1649-1656.  
• Essential oils from the following plants and their effectiveness as a mosquito repellent was reviewed:  Cymbopogon nardus, Eucalyptus maculata, Cymbopogon excavatus, Mentha piperita, and Azadirachta indica.  From:  Gupta, D. K., Chouhan, M., & Gupta, R. A. (2018). Herbal Mosquito Repellent Formulation from the Essential Oil: A Review. International Journal of Pharmacy & Life Sciences, 9(2).
  
• A review of plant based mosquitoe repellents is provided. Much research is available on plants of the Eucalyptus spp., Ocimum spp. and Cymbopogon sp. From: Rehman, J. U., Ali, A., & Khan, I. A. (2014). Plant based products: use and development as repellents against mosquitoes: a review. Fitoterapia, 95, 65-74.

ANTI-PARASITE

• Essential oil extracts of lemongrass were anti-protozoan against Crithidia deanei.  From:  Pedroso, R. B., Ueda-Nakamura, T., Filho, B. P. D., Cortez, D. A. G., Cortez, L. E. R., Morgado-Diaz, J. A., & Nakamura, C. V. (2007). Biological activities of essential oil obtained from Cymbopogon citratus on Crithidia deanei. Acta Protozoologica, 45(3), 231.
• Essential oils from fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum demonstrated an anti-malarial effect in mice.  From:  Tchoumbougnang, F., Zollo, P. A., Dagne, E., & Mekonnen, Y. (2005). In vivo antimalarial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Planta medica, 71(01), 20-23.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIFUNGAL / ANTIVIRAL

• The use of plant essential oils against antibiotic resistant microbes is discussed. Key essential oils include basil, cilantro, coriander, cinnamon, clove, curry, garlic, helichrysum, lavender, lemongrass, oregano, peppermint, and tea tree. From: Yang, S. K., Low, L. Y., Yap, P. S. X., Yusoff, K., Mai, C. W., Lai, K. S., & Lim, S. H. E. (2018). Plant-Derived Antimicrobials: Insights into Mitigation of Antimicrobial Resistance. Records of Natural Products, 12(4).
• Inhibition of 45 oils on eight bacteria (four Gram positive and four Gram negative), two fungi, and one yeast were examined using disk assay.  Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Melaleuca alternifolia showed an inhibition against all test organisms and phage. Coriandrum sativum highly inhibited Gram positive bacteria and fungi. Cymbopogon flexuosus and Chamaemelum nobile oils highly inhibited both phage types. Angelica archangelica and Pinus sylvestris inhibited bacteria, but not any fungi. Oils with the highest antimicrobial abilities with the broadest range of inhibition were cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus), savory (Satureja montana), Roman chamomile (Cbamaemelum nobile), rosewood (Aniba rosaeodora), spearmint (Mentha spicata) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia).  From:  Chao, S. C., Young, D. G., & Oberg, C. J. (2000). Screening for inhibitory activity of essential oils on selected bacteria, fungi and viruses. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 12(5), 639-649.
• Fourteen essential oils were tested against multiple bacteria and cinnamon bark, lemongrass and thyme oils showed the lowest minimal inhibitory dose.  From:  Inouye, S., Takizawa, T., & Yamaguchi, H. (2001). Antibacterial activity of essential oils and their major constituents against respiratory tract pathogens by gaseous contact. Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy, 47(5), 565-573.
• The following essential oils and their constituents in order of effectiveness were active against pathogens in apple juice:  against E. coli: carvacrol, oregano oil, geraniol, eugenol, cinnamon leaf oil, citral, clove bud oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon bark oil, and lemon oil, and against S. enterica:  melissa oil, carvacrol, oregano oil, terpeineol, geraniol, lemon oil, citral, lemongrass oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and linalool. From:  Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., Levin, C. E., & Mandrell, R. E. (2004). Antibacterial activities of plant essential oils and their components against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella enterica in apple juice. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(19), 6042-6048
• Lemongrass, palmarosa, lavender and rose scented geranium showed in vitro activity against pathogenic vaginal microorganisms.  From:  Schwiertz, A., Duttke, C., Hild, J., & Mueller, H. J. (2006). In vitro activity of essential oils on microorganisms isolated from vaginal infections. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3), 169-174.
• Lemongrass oil was fungitoxic against Aspergillus spp. pathogens that cause respiratory infections.  From:  Al Yousef, S. A. (2013). Antifungal activity of volatiles from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) oils against some respiratory pathogenic species of Aspergillus. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci, 2(6), 261-72.
• Lemongrass and the citral constituent were active against a variety of tested Candida ssp. In vitro.  From:  Silva, C. D. B. D., Guterres, S. S., Weisheimer, V., & Schapoval, E. E. (2008). Antifungal activity of the lemongrass oil and citral against Candida spp. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases, 12(1), 63-66.
• Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarose, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water.  From:  Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae was highly sensitive to terpinen-4-ol and geraniol was likely the active antibacterial constituent of C. martinii EO.  Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium) and Cymbopogon martinii (lemongrass) were three essential oils tested, with these constituents.  From:  Murbach Teles Andrade, B. F., Nunes Barbosa, L., Bérgamo Alves, F. C., Albano, M., Mores Rall, V. L., Sforcin, J. M., … & Fernandes Júnior, A. (2016). The antibacterial effects of Melaleuca alternifolia, Pelargonium graveolens and Cymbopogon martinii essential oils and major compounds on liquid and vapor phase. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 28(3), 227-233.   ​
• Of 35 medicinal plants tested, the essential oils from 13 plants showed anti-Candida activity: Aloysia triphylla (lemon verbena), Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile), Cymbopogon martini (palmarosa), Cymbopogon winterianus (lemongrass), Cyperus articulatus, Cyperus rotundus, Lippia alba, Mentha arvensis, Mikania glomerata, Mentha piperita, Mentha sp., Stachys byzantina, and Solidago chilensis. From: Duarte, M. C. T., Figueira, G. M., Sartoratto, A., Rehder, V. L. G., & Delarmelina, C. (2005). Anti-Candida activity of Brazilian medicinal plants. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 97(2), 305-311.
• Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Ocimum basilicum (basil), and Ocimum gratissimum (basil) were most effective in vitro, completely inhibiting the growth of F. verticillioides in corn.  From:  Fandohan, P., Gbenou, J. D., Gnonlonfin, B., Hell, K., Marasas, W. F., & Wingfield, M. J. (2004). Effect of essential oils on the growth of Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin contamination in corn. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(22), 6824-6829.
• Plant oils of 52 species were tested against key bacteria. Lemongrass, oregano and bay inhibited all organisms, and rosewood, coriander, palmarosa, tea tree, niaouli, peppermint, spearmint, sage and marjoram inhibited all organisms except P. aeruginosa.  Carrot, patchouli, sandalwood and vetiver inhibited Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans. Myrrh and cypress inhibited only Gram-positive organisms and mandarin oil inhibited only C. albicans.  From:  Hammer, K. A., Carson, C. F., & Riley, T. V. (1999). Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. Journal of applied microbiology, 86(6), 985-990.
• Cinnamon, oregano, savory, thyme, clove, lemongrass, cajuput, and allspice showed antibacterial activity against meat spoilage bacteria.  From:  Oussalah, M., Caillet, S., Saucier, L., & Lacroix, M. (2006). Antimicrobial effects of selected plant essential oils on the growth of a Pseudomonas putida strain isolated from meat. Meat science, 73(2), 236-244.
• Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities were observed from cinnamon, geranium, cumin, thyme, basil and lemongrass essential oils against the following tobacco plant pathogens:  Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum destructivum and Phytophthora parasiticasuperior.  From:  Lu, M., Han, Z., Xu, Y., & Yao, L. (2013). Effects of essential oils from Chinese indigenous aromatic plants on mycelial growth and morphogenesis of three phytopathogens. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 28(2), 84-92.
• Plant oils were tested against the fungi: A.  fumigatus and A. nigermaximum.  Antimycotic activity was demonstrated by oils of lemongrass, eucalyptus and cinnamon. The oils of Mentha spicata, Azadirachta indica,  Eugenia  caryophyllata,  Withania  somnifera  and Zingiber officinale exhibited moderate activity. Blends of oils showed more activity than single notes.  From:  Bansod, S., & Rai, M. (2008). Antifungal activity of essential oils from Indian medicinal plants against human pathogenic Aspergillus fumigatus and A. niger. World Journal of Medical Sciences, 3(2), 81-88.
• Essential oils from Origanum officinalis and Cymbopogon citratus were highly active against ten bacteria species.  From:  Deans, S. G., Svoboda, K. P., Gundidza, M., & Brechany, E. Y. (1990, September). Essential oil profiles of several temperate and tropical aromatic plants: their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. In International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, XXIII IHC 306 (pp. 229-232).
• Oils from lemongrass, Hemandia voyroni, and Aframomum citratum displayed good antibacterial and antifungal activities.  From:  Chalchat, J. C., Garry, R. P., Menut, C., Lamaty, G., Malhuret, R., & Chopineau, J. (1997). Correlation between chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. VI. Activity of some African essential oils. Journal of essential oil research, 9(1), 67-75.
• Multiple species of eucalyptus, as well as lemongrass, basil, and nutmeg from the Congo demonstrated antibacterial activity.  From:  Cimanga, K., Kambu, K., Tona, L., Apers, S., De Bruyne, T., Hermans, N., … & Vlietinck, A. J. (2002). Correlation between chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils of some aromatic medicinal plants growing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 79(2), 213-220.
• The essential oil from lemongrass was antimicrobial against all plant and food mold rot tested.  From  Sridhar, S. R., Rajagopal, R. V., Rajavel, R., Masilamani, S., & Narasimhan, S. (2003). Antifungal activity of some essential oils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 51(26), 7596-7599.
• Antibacterial abilities of 96 essential oils and their constituents were assessed. Marigold, ginger, jasmine, patchouli, gardenia, cedarwood, carrot seed, celery seed, mugwort, spikenard, and orange bitter oils along with the constituents of cinnamaldehyde, estragole, carvacrol, benzaldehyde, citral, thymol, eugenol, perillaldehyde, carvone R, and geranyl acetate were strongest against C. jejuni.  Those most active against E. coli were oregano, thyme, cinnamon, palmarosa, bay leaf, clove bud, lemongrass, and allspice oils and the constituents: carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, thymol, eugenol, salicylaldehyde, geraniol, isoeugenol, citral, perillaldehyde, and estragole.  Those most active against L. monocytogenes were gardenia, cedarwood, bay leaf, clove bud, oregano, cinnamon, allspice, thyme, and patchouli and the constituents of cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, thymol, carvacrol, citral, geraniol, perillaldehyde, carvone S, estragole, and salicylaldehyde.  Those most active against S. enterica were thyme, oregano, cinnamon, clove bud, allspice, bay leaf, palmarosa, and marjoram oils as well as thymol, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, eugenol, salicylaldehyde, geraniol, isoeugenol, terpineol, perillaldehyde, and estragole.  From:  Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., & Mandrell, R. E. (2002). Bactericidal activities of plant essential oils and some of their isolated constituents against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica. Journal of Food Protection®, 65(10), 1545-1560.
• Cinnamon, lemongrass, cedarwood, clove and eucalyptus oils exhibit antibacterial property against S. mutans.  From:  Chaudhari, L. K. D., Jawale, B. A., Sharma, S., Kumar, H. S. M., & Kulkarni, P. A. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of commercially available essential oils against Streptococcus mutans. The Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice, 13(1), 71-74.
• Aegle, ageratum, citronella, eucalyptus, geranium, lemongrass, orange, palmarosa, patchouli and peppermint, were tested for antibacterial activity against 22 bacteria, and twelve fungi. From:  Pattnaik, S., Subramanyam, V. R., & Kole, C. (1995). Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro. Microbios, 86(349), 237-246.
• Canaga odorata (ylang ylang), Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)  and Curcuma longa (tumeric) showed major antimicrobial effectiveness.  From:  Sacchetti, G., Maietti, S., Muzzoli, M., Scaglianti, M., Manfredini, S., Radice, M., & Bruni, R. (2005). Comparative evaluation of 11 essential oils of different origin as functional antioxidants, antiradicals and antimicrobials in foods. Food chemistry, 91(4), 621-632.
• Sixteen essential oils and forty-two pure constituents were tested against Candida albicans. Origanum vulgare, Satureja montana, Mentha piperita, Cinnamomum verum, and Cymbopogon flexuosus along with the  pure constituents (by family) of , β-phellandrene, carvacrol, 1-decanol, and trans-cynnamaldehyde.  From:  Tampieri, M. P., Galuppi, R., Macchioni, F., Carelle, M. S., Falcioni, L., Cioni, P. L., & Morelli, I. (2005). The inhibition of Candida albicans by selected essential oils and their major components. Mycopathologia, 159(3), 339-345.
• Palmarosa, lemongrass, peppermint, and eucalyptus were bactericidal against Escherichia coli.  From:  Pattnaik, S., Subramanyam, V. R., & Rath, C. C. (1994). Effect of essential oils on the viability and morphology of Escherichia coli (SP-11). Microbios, 84(340), 195-199.
• Cananga odorata, Boswellia thurifera, Cymbopogon citratus, Marjorana hortensis, Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Citrus limon exhibited considerable inhibitory effect against all the bacteria and fungi tested, and also demonstrated antioxidant activity comparable with α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene.  From:  Baratta, M. T., Dorman, H. J., Deans, S. G., Figueiredo, A. C., Barroso, J. G., & Ruberto, G. (1998). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of some commercial essential oils. Flavour and fragrance journal, 13(4), 235-244.
• Extracts of clove basil, ginger, and lemongrass were able to surpress rot causing fungi of soursop fruits.  From:  Okigbo, R. N., Ezebo, R. O., & Ugwu, S. C. (2018). Antifungal Attributes of Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Zingiber officinale, and Cymbopogon citratus on Rot Fungi of Soursop Fruit.
• Ethanol extracts of lemongrass were antibacterial against Staphylococcus aurus and Klebsiella pneumonia related to flavonoid and tannin content.  From:  Danlami, U., Rebecca, A., Machan, D. B., & Asuquo, T. S. (2011). Comparative study on the Antimicrobial activities of the Ethanolic extracts of Lemon grass and Polyalthia longifolia. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 1(9), 174.
• Extracts of cypress were healing to ulcerative colitis wounds in vivo.  From:  Sepehrimanesh, M., Samimi, N., Koohi-Hosseinabadi, O., Mokhtari, M., Amiri-Zadeh, S., & Farjam, M. (2018). Effects of Cupressus sempervirens extract on the healing of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rat. Journal of Coloproctology.
• Thirty essential oils were tested against pathogenic plant bacteria. Ceylon cinnamon (leaf and bark), oregano, clove bud, palmarosa, basil, peppermint, rosemary, blue gum, camphor, lemongrass, aniseed, ylang ylang, silver fir, lemon, dwarf mountain pine, bay laurel, scots pine, black cumin, Indian frankincense, bergamot orange, common juniper, bitter orange, and neem showed varying degrees of reaction.  From: Popović, T., Milićević, Z., Oro, V., Kostić, I., Radović, V., Jelušić, A., & Krnjajić, S. (2018). A preliminary study of antibacterial activity of thirty essential oils against several important plant pathogenic bacteria. Pesticidi i fitomedicina, 33(3-4), 185-195.
• Lemongrass, palmarosa, cinnamon, and rosemary essential oils showed antimicrobial activity against antibiotic resistant organisms. From: Narayanasamy, K., Elangovan, E., Keerthi, D., Jagadeeswari, S., Krithiga, B., Padmanabhan, V., & Periyasamy, S. (2019). Antimicrobial activity of selected essential oils against antibiotic resistant organisms. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 5(3), 503-512.
• The combination of Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon nardus essential oils showed high antibacterial activity against six bacteria. From: Wahab, N. A. A., Muhamad, H. S., Alhadi, N. A., Radzi, S. M., Rehan, M. M., & Noor, H. M. (2018). Combination Effects of Cymbopogon sp. Essential Oil on Selected Bacteria. Malaysian Journal of Science Health & Technology, 1(1).
• Ten minutes of exposure of vapors from essential oils Citrus bergamia, Eucalyptus globulus, and the constituents citronellol and eugenol were very active against the influenza virus. Vapors of Pelargonium graveolens, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Cymbopogon flexuosus were very active with 30 minutes of exposure. Further, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Citrus bergamia, Cymbopogon flexuosus and Thymus vulgaris liquid essential oils displayed 100% inhibitory activity at a 3.1 µL/mL concentration. From: Vimalanathan, S., & Hudson, J. (2014). Anti-influenza virus activity of essential oils and vapors. American Journal of Essential Oils and Natural Products, 2(1), 47-53.

PRESERVATIVE

• Extracts of clove basil, ginger, and lemongrass were able to surpress rot causing fungi of soursop fruits.  From:  Okigbo, R. N., Ezebo, R. O., & Ugwu, S. C. (2018). Antifungal Attributes of Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Zingiber officinale, and Cymbopogon citratus on Rot Fungi of Soursop Fruit.
• ymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Ocimum basilicum (basil), and Ocimum gratissimum (basil) were most effective in vitro, completely inhibiting the growth of F. verticillioides in corn.  From:  Fandohan, P., Gbenou, J. D., Gnonlonfin, B., Hell, K., Marasas, W. F., & Wingfield, M. J. (2004). Effect of essential oils on the growth of Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin contamination in corn. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(22), 6824-6829.
• Cinnamon, oregano, savory, thyme, clove, lemongrass, cajuput, and allspice showed antibacterial activity against meat spoilage bacteria.  From:  Oussalah, M., Caillet, S., Saucier, L., & Lacroix, M. (2006). Antimicrobial effects of selected plant essential oils on the growth of a Pseudomonas putida strain isolated from meat. Meat science, 73(2), 236-244.
• The essential oil from lemongrass was antimicrobial against all plant and food mold rot tested.  From  Sridhar, S. R., Rajagopal, R. V., Rajavel, R., Masilamani, S., & Narasimhan, S. (2003). Antifungal activity of some essential oils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 51(26), 7596-7599.
• Essential oils of cilantro, coriander, cinnamon, oregano, rosemary, sage, clove, thyme, lemongrass, turmeric, mint, basil, and constituents of linalool, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thymol, terpinene, cymene, alpha/beta pinene, bornyl acetate, camphor, 1,8-cineole, alpha terpeneol, geraniol, perrilaldehyde, and eugenol have demonstrated food preserving potential.  From:  Burt, S. (2004). Essential oils: their antibacterial properties and potential applications in foods—a review. International journal of food microbiology, 94(3), 223-253.

RESPIRATORY HEALTH

• Lemongrass oil was fungitoxic against Aspergillus spp. pathogens that cause respiratory infections.  From:  Al Yousef, S. A. (2013). Antifungal activity of volatiles from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) oils against some respiratory pathogenic species of Aspergillus. Int J Curr Microbiol App Sci, 2(6), 261-72.

ATHLETE’S FOOT / FOOT FUNGI

• Oregano, thyme, cinnamon bark, lemongrass, clove, palmarose, peppermint, lavender, geranium Bourbon, and tea tree reduced fungus in heated footbath water.  From:  Inouye, S., Uchida, K., Nishiyama, Y., Hasumi, Y., Yamaguchi, H., & Abe, S. (2007). Combined effect of heat, essential oils and salt on the fungicidal activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes in foot bath. Nippon Ishinkin Gakkai Zasshi, 48(1), 27-36.

ANTIOXIDANT

• Cananga odorata, Boswellia thurifera, Cymbopogon citratus, Marjorana hortensis, Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Citrus limon exhibited considerable inhibitory effect against all the bacteria and fungi tested, and also demonstrated antioxidant activity comparable with α-tocopherol and butylated hydroxytoluene.  From:  Baratta, M. T., Dorman, H. J., Deans, S. G., Figueiredo, A. C., Barroso, J. G., & Ruberto, G. (1998). Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of some commercial essential oils. Flavour and fragrance journal, 13(4), 235-244.
• Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of lemongrass were assessed.  From:  Cheel, J., Theoduloz, C., Rodríguez, J., & Schmeda-Hirschmann, G. (2005). Free radical scavengers and antioxidants from Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 53(7), 2511-2517.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

• Geranium, lemongrass and spearmint oils showed anti-inflammatory activity in mice.  From:  Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Inouye, S., Oshima, H., & Yamaguchi, H. (2004). Suppression of neutrophil recruitment in mice by geranium essential oil. Mediators of inflammation, 13(1), 21-24.
• Lemongrass, geranium and spearmint oils inhibited neutrophil adherence.  From:  Abe, S., Maruyama, N., Hayama, K., Ishibashi, H., Inoue, S., Oshima, H., & Yamaguchi, H. (2003). Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced neutrophil adherence responses by essential oils. Mediators of inflammation, 12(6), 323-328.

ANALGESIC / ANTINOCICEPTIVE

• In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated an analgesic effect of lemongrass.  This maybe related to the release of endogenous opioids and maybe related to the myrcene constituent.  From: Natural Medicines (2018). Lemongrass Monograph.  Retrieved in July, 2016.  Retrieved from www.naturalmedicines.com
• Lemongrass essential oil had both a peripheral and central antinociceptive effect in vivo.  From:  Viana, G. S. B., Vale, T. G., Pinho, R. S. N., & Matos, F. J. A. (2000). Antinociceptive effect of the essential oil from Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 70(3), 323-327.
• Myrcene from lemongrass had an antinociceptive effect in mice.  From:  Rao, V. S. N., Menezes, A. M. S., & Viana, G. S. B. (1990). Effect of myrcene on nociception in mice. Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology, 42(12), 877-878.
• Research on analgesic activities of essential oils is reviewed. Included is: wild caraway (Bunium persicum ), lemon (Citrus limon), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citrates), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata), hogweed (Heracleum persicum), Hofmeisteria schaffneri, bushmint (Hyptis fruticosa), star anise (Illicum lanceolatum), verbenea (Lippia gracilis), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Cuban mint (Mentha x villosa), catmint (Nepeta crispa Willd), basil (Ocimum basilicum), Peperomia serpens, Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus, long pepper (Piper alyreanum), Summer savory (Satureja hortensis), Senecio rufinervis, Tetradenia riparia, Teucrium stocksianum, Ugni myricoides, valerian (Valeriana wallichii), Xylopia laevigata, and candeeiro (Vanillosmopsis arborea). From: Sarmento-Neto, J., do Nascimento, L., Felipe, C., & de Sousa, D. (2015). Analgesic potential of essential oils. Molecules, 21(1), 20.
• Essential oil constituents with an analgesic activity are reviewed. Included are p-cymene, carvacrol, linalool, eugenol, menthol, alpha-bisabolol, cinnamaldehyde, citronellal, citronellol, citronellyl acetate, alpha-phelandrene, alpha-terpeneol, vanillin, borneol, myrtenol, pulegone, citral, thymol, limonene, nerol, anethole, nerolidol, carvone, farnesol, and beta-caryphyllene. From: Lima, T., da Nóbrega, F., de Brito, A., & de Sousa, D. (2017). Analgesic-like activity of essential oil constituents: an update. International journal of molecular sciences, 18(12), 2392.

ORAL HEALTH

• In a double blind study with 20 volunteers, a lemongrass mouth rinse taken for 8 days reduced oral bacteria and bad breathe.  From:  Satthanakul, P., Taweechaisupapong, S., Paphangkorakit, J., Pesee, M., Timabut, P., & Khunkitti, W. (2015). Antimicrobial effect of lemongrass oil against oral malodour micro‐organisms and the pilot study of safety and efficacy of lemongrass mouthrinse on oral malodour. Journal of applied microbiology, 118(1), 11-17.
• In a 21 day study with 60 subjects, a 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis.  From:  Dany, S. S., Mohanty, P., Tangade, P., Rajput, P., & Batra, M. (2015). Efficacy of 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash: A three arm prospective parallel clinical study. Journal of clinical and diagnostic research: JCDR, 9(10), ZC13.
• In a random study of 83 patients, either a lemongrass infusion or lemon juice taken for 11 days, were both helpful in reducing oral thrush in AIDS patients.  From:  Wright, S. C., Maree, J. E., & Sibanyoni, M. (2009). Treatment of oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients with lemon juice and lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and gentian violet. Phytomedicine, 16(2-3), 118-124.
• Extracts of cypress were healing to ulcerative colitis wounds in vivo.  From:  Sepehrimanesh, M., Samimi, N., Koohi-Hosseinabadi, O., Mokhtari, M., Amiri-Zadeh, S., & Farjam, M. (2018). Effects of Cupressus sempervirens extract on the healing of acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rat. Journal of Coloproctology.

DANDRUFF

• In a study with 30 participants with dandruff, a hair product with 10% lemongrass oil used for 14 days reduced dandruff significantly.  From:  Chaisripipat, W., Lourith, N., & Kanlayavattanakul, M. (2015). Anti-dandruff hair tonic containing lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) oil. Complementary Medicine Research, 22(4), 226-229.

DIGESTIVE AID

• Lemongrass extracts showed an anti-inflammatory action that could be useful in treating gastrointestinal issues.  From:  Figueirinha, A., Cruz, M. T., Francisco, V., Lopes, M. C., & Batista, M. T. (2010). Anti-inflammatory activity of Cymbopogon citratus leaf infusion in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dendritic cells: contribution of the polyphenols. Journal of Medicinal Food, 13(3), 681-690.
• Lemongrass decoctions had an anti-diarrheal effect in mice using three different experimental methods.  From:  Tangpu, V., & Yadav, A. K. (2006). Antidiarrhoeal activity of Cymbopogon citratus and its main constituent, citral. Pharmacologyonline, 2, 290-298.

ANXIOLITIC

• In a parallel study with 60 healthy women, the inhalation of a blend of lemongrass, patchouli, and ylang ylang was more effective than inhaling lavender in reducing anxiety.  Both the lavender group and the blend group showed reduced anxiety compared to the placebo.  From:  Siahaan, R., Rahardjo, T. B., & Ranti, A. (2015). Effectiveness of Indonesian Essential Oil Mixture of Lemongrass, Cananga, and Patchouli in Relaxation through Inhalation: A Clinical Test on Healthy Woman with High Potential for Stress. Makara Journal of Health Research, 143-151.
• In mice, Cymbopogon citratus was anxiolytic, sedative or anticonvulsive.  From:  Blanco, M. M., Costa, C. A. R. A., Freire, A. O., Santos, J. G., & Costa, M. (2009). Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine, 16(2), 265-270.
• Women who inhaled lemongrass aroma for 5 minutes had improved mood and cognition compared to the placebo.  From:  Sriraksa, N., Kaewwongse, M., Phachonpai, W., & Hawiset, T. (2018). Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil Inhalation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Women. Thai Pharmaceutical and Health Science Journal-วารสาร ไทย เภสัชศาสตร์ และ วิทยาการ สุขภาพ, 13(2), 80-88.
• A study of lemongrass massage oil on 29 Taiwanese participants resulted in reduction in decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) but no significant variations in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or pulse rate. The author suggested that lemongrass oil had a harmonizing effect on emotional state. From:  Kamkaen, N., Ruangrungsi, N., Patalung, N. N., & Watthanachaiyingcharoen, R. (2015). Physiological and psychological effects of lemongrass and sweet almond massage oil. J Health Res— vol, 29(2).

SEDATIVE

• In mice, Cymbopogon citratus was anxiolytic, sedative or anticonvulsive.  From:  Blanco, M. M., Costa, C. A. R. A., Freire, A. O., Santos, J. G., & Costa, M. (2009). Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine, 16(2), 265-270.

ANTIDEPRESSIVE

• Women who inhaled lemongrass aroma for 5 minutes had improved mood and cognition compared to the placebo.  From:  Sriraksa, N., Kaewwongse, M., Phachonpai, W., & Hawiset, T. (2018). Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil Inhalation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Women. Thai Pharmaceutical and Health Science Journal-วารสาร ไทย เภสัชศาสตร์ และ วิทยาการ สุขภาพ, 13(2), 80-88.
• A study of lemongrass massage oil on 29 Taiwanese participants resulted in reduction in decreased diastolic blood pressure (DBP) but no significant variations in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or pulse rate. The author suggested that lemongrass oil had a harmonizing effect on emotional state. From:  Kamkaen, N., Ruangrungsi, N., Patalung, N. N., & Watthanachaiyingcharoen, R. (2015). Physiological and psychological effects of lemongrass and sweet almond massage oil. J Health Res— vol, 29(2).

COGNITION

• In a study of 30 women who inhaled lemongrass aroma, cognitive performance and alertness improved without a change in blood pressure or heart rate.  From:  Sriraksa, N., Kaewwongse, M., Phachonpai, W., & Hawiset, T. (2018). Effects of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil Inhalation on Cognitive Performance and Mood in Healthy Women. Thai Pharmaceutical and Health Science Journal-วารสาร ไทย เภสัชศาสตร์ และ วิทยาการ สุขภาพ, 13(2), 80-88.

ANTICONVULSANT

• Lemongrass essential oil showed cardiovascular depressive, antiemetic, and anticonvulsant activity in mice.  From:  El Tahir, K. E., & Abdel-Kader, M. S. (2008). Chemical and pharmacological study of cymbopogon proximus. Research Journal of Medicinal Plant, 2(2), 53-60.
• Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) EO showed activity that could be useful as an anticonvulsant.  From:  Silva, M. R., Ximenes, R. M., da Costa, J. G. M., Leal, L. K. A., de Lopes, A. A., & de Barros Viana, G. S. (2010). Comparative anticonvulsant activities of the essential oils (EOs) from Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt and Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. in mice. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s archives of pharmacology, 381(5), 415-426.
• In mice, Cymbopogon citratus was anxiolytic, sedative or anticonvulsive.  From:  Blanco, M. M., Costa, C. A. R. A., Freire, A. O., Santos, J. G., & Costa, M. (2009). Neurobehavioral effect of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Phytomedicine, 16(2), 265-270.

ANTIPYRETIC

• Lemongrass has been commonly used as a folk remedy to reduce fever.  From: Natural Medicines (2018). Lemongrass Monograph.  Retrieved in July, 2016.  Retrieved from www.naturalmedicines.com

HYPOTENSIVE / CARDIAC HEALTH

• In a study with 31 hypertensive individuals, taking a lemongrass decoction twice a day for 16 weeks reduced mean arterial blood pressure.  From:  Caluscusin, I. R. (2010). The Effect of Twice-a-Day Intake of Lemon Grass Decoction Among Hypertensive Individuals in Barangay Situbo, Municipality of Tampilisan, Province of Zamboanga Del Norte. ADZU-SOM (http://som. adzu. edu. ph/research/index. php).

ANTI-CANCER

• Lemongrass essential oil ssp. and the key constituent of citral demonstrated cytotoxic action against prostate cancer and glioblastoma tumor cells in vitro.  From:  Bayala, B., Bassole, I. H., Maqdasy, S., Baron, S., Simpore, J., & Lobaccaro, J. M. A. (2018). Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon giganteus essential oils have cytotoxic effects on tumor cell cultures. Identification of citral as a new putative anti-proliferative molecule. Biochimie, 153, 162-170.

HEPATOPROTECTIVE

• Lemongrass extracts had hepatoprotective action when toxicity was induced in vivo.  From:  Arhoghro, E. M., Kpomah, D. E., & Uwakwe, A. A. (2012). Curative potential of aqueous extract of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) on cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity in Albino Wistar Rats. J Phys Pharm Adv, 2(8), 282-294.

HYPOCHOLESTEROL

• Lemongrass essential oil was safe and effective in reducing cholesterol levels in rodents.  From:  Costa, C. A., Bidinotto, L. T., Takahira, R. K., Salvadori, D. M., Barbisan, L. F., & Costa, M. (2011). Cholesterol reduction and lack of genotoxic or toxic effects in mice after repeated 21-day oral intake of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 49(9), 2268-2272.
• Lemongrass ethanol extracts reduced cholesterol levels in induced rats.  From:  Agbafor, K. N., & Akubugwo, E. I. (2007). Hypocholesterolaemic effect of ethanolic extract of fresh leaves of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass). African Journal of Biotechnology, 6(5), 596-598.

FEMALE HEALTH

• Lemongrass, palmarosa, lavender and rose scented geranium showed in vitro activity against pathogenic vaginal microorganisms.  From:  Schwiertz, A., Duttke, C., Hild, J., & Mueller, H. J. (2006). In vitro activity of essential oils on microorganisms isolated from vaginal infections. International Journal of Aromatherapy, 16(3), 169-174.

HYPOGLYCEMIC

• Lemongrass has been commonly used as a folk remedy to reduce blood sugar levels and one animal study supported this possible use.  From: Natural Medicines (2018). Lemongrass Monograph.  Retrieved in July, 2016.  Retrieved from www.naturalmedicines.com.
• Lemongrass extracts safely reduced fasting plasma glucose levels in rats.  From:  Adeneye, A. A., & Agbaje, E. O. (2007). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of fresh leaf aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf. in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 112(3), 440-444.

GREEN GARDENING

• Thirty essential oils were tested against pathogenic plant bacteria. Ceylon cinnamon (leaf and bark), oregano, clove bud, palmarosa, basil, peppermint, rosemary, blue gum, camphor, lemongrass, aniseed, ylang ylang, silver fir, lemon, dwarf mountain pine, bay laurel, scots pine, black cumin, Indian frankincense, bergamot orange, common juniper, bitter orange, and neem showed varying degrees of reaction.  From: Popović, T., Milićević, Z., Oro, V., Kostić, I., Radović, V., Jelušić, A., & Krnjajić, S. (2018). A preliminary study of antibacterial activity of thirty essential oils against several important plant pathogenic bacteria. Pesticidi i fitomedicina, 33(3-4), 185-195.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 5/16/2021