Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant originally from South Asia but now used in almost every part of the world.
As its name implies, Lemongrass’ flavor in teas or culinary dishes is lemon-like but without tartness. It is used both in foods and as a medicine, in topical applications, as well as an insect repellent.
Lemongrass essential oil use spans many activities, including digestion, depression, as an anti-inflammatory, antifungal, insecticide, anti-protozoan, anti-diabetic and as an analgesic. Though there is a need for further clinical studies to confirm its clinical effects, Lemongrass is delicious in foods and teas and safe for humans.
The use of the Lemongrass oil not only can provide flavor to a formulation, but also health benefits, and improve product stability and shelf life. For example, a recent study found the addition of Lemongrass at 10 uL/500 g of chocolate improved oxidative stability at 90 days.
Lemongrass is consumed or included in medicinal products as either dried leaf, the essential oil or leaf extracts. Leaf extracts of Lemongrass contain phenolic acids, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. Lemongrass contains high levels of essential oil, especially high in the volatile terpenoids neral and geranial; however, the content of the essential oil components differs depending on the area of the world it is produced. For example, high amounts of myrcene is produced of Lemongrass of African origin and is used as a distinguishing feature of this origin Lemongrass.
Preclinical studies have found various possible mechanisms of action. Analgesic properties may have to do with the release of endogenous opioids. Citral has been reported to induce apoptosis, and anti-parasitic, antimicrobial and antifungal activities have been observed.
In preclinical studies, Lemongrass was reported to have anxiolytic effects, mediated by the GABA(A) receptor-benzodiazepine complex. Other exciting observations have been hypoglycemic and cholesterol-reducing effects of leaf extracts.
As a sampling of the many traditional medicinal uses of Lemongrass around the world: in Brazilian traditional medicine Lemongrass is used for hypnotic and anxiolytic indications; while, in Indian traditional medicine, it is used more as a sudorific, stimulant and for coughs; in Nigeria, its uses include upset stomach, malaria, insect repellant, and antioxidant; in Putumayo, Colombia it is used for coughs and tuberculosis.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Photo by Obsidian Soul (altered)