Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains citral and other terpenoids that provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. The flavonoids and phenolic acids in lemongrass demonstrate neuroprotective properties and potential antidiabetic activity through antioxidant mechanisms.

Origin & History

Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a perennial herb from the Poaceae family, native to tropical regions in Asia, Africa, and Australia. It is cultivated for its aromatic leaves and stalks, with essential oils extracted via hydro-steam distillation.

Historical & Cultural Context

Cymbopogon citratus is recognized in ethnopharmacology as a drug and food homologous medicine. It has been traditionally used in various global systems for its medicinal properties.

Health Benefits

• Antibacterial properties from terpenoids, as demonstrated in preclinical studies.
• Neuroprotective effects attributed to flavonoids and phenolic acids, supported by animal studies.
• Potential antidiabetic activity due to bioactive compounds, as shown in preclinical research.
• Anti-inflammatory benefits noted in laboratory analyses of its chemical constituents.
• Possible antineoplastic potential from sesquiterpenes like β-elemene, indicated in preclinical investigations.

How It Works

Lemongrass exerts its effects primarily through citral and other terpenoids that disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit inflammatory mediators like TNF-α and IL-6. The flavonoids quercetin and luteolin provide neuroprotective effects by scavenging free radicals and modulating oxidative stress pathways. Phenolic compounds may enhance insulin sensitivity by activating AMPK pathways and reducing glucose absorption.

Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found for Cymbopogon citratus, as the research is limited to preclinical studies without PMIDs.

Clinical Summary

Current evidence for lemongrass is primarily from preclinical studies, with limited human clinical trials available. Animal studies have demonstrated antibacterial activity against various pathogens and neuroprotective effects in oxidative stress models. Small preliminary human studies suggest potential blood glucose-lowering effects, but larger randomized controlled trials are needed. The anti-inflammatory properties have been documented in cell culture studies but require validation in human subjects.

Nutritional Profile

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is primarily used as a flavoring/herbal ingredient rather than a macronutrient source, but contains measurable nutritional and bioactive constituents. Per 100g fresh weight: Calories ~99 kcal, Carbohydrates ~25.3g, Protein ~1.8g, Fat ~0.5g, Dietary Fiber ~0.5g. Key micronutrients include Folate ~75 µg (19% DV), Potassium ~723 mg, Magnesium ~60 mg, Iron ~8.17 mg (notably high, though bioavailability is limited by phytate content), Calcium ~65 mg, Zinc ~2.23 mg, Manganese ~5.24 mg, Phosphorus ~101 mg, Copper ~0.27 mg, Vitamin C ~2.6 mg, Vitamin A ~6 µg RAE, Niacin (B3) ~1.1 mg, Riboflavin (B2) ~0.13 mg. Primary bioactive compounds: Essential oil constituents include Citral (geranial + neral) comprising 65–85% of essential oil — the dominant terpenoid aldehyde responsible for lemon aroma and primary bioactivity. Myrcene ~12–20% of essential oil. Geraniol ~3–5%. Limonene ~2–4%. Flavonoids present include Luteolin (~0.5–1.2 mg/g dry weight), Quercetin (~0.3–0.8 mg/g dry weight), Apigenin (trace amounts). Phenolic acids include Chlorogenic acid, Caffeic acid, and p-Coumaric acid at combined concentrations of ~2–5 mg/g dry weight. Terpenoids beyond citral include Citronellal, Linalool, and Terpinolene at minor concentrations (<5% essential oil each). Total polyphenol content ranges from approximately 15–30 mg GAE/g dry weight depending on extraction method. Bioavailability notes: Iron content is non-heme form with absorption estimated at 2–8% due to concurrent phytate and oxalate presence; Vitamin C co-consumption can enhance iron absorption. Citral and other volatile terpenoids are significantly reduced by prolonged heat during cooking (~30–50% loss upon boiling). Flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin have moderate oral bioavailability (~5–10%) but are enhanced by fat co-ingestion due to their lipophilic character. Lemongrass is typically consumed in small culinary quantities (5–15g per serving), so micronutrient contributions per meal are modest; medicinal concentrations are generally achieved via standardized extracts or teas.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges for lemon grass are available due to the absence of human trials. Essential oil compositions are reported but not standardized for dosage. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

ginger, turmeric, holy basil, green tea, licorice root

Safety & Interactions

Lemongrass is generally recognized as safe when consumed as a tea or culinary herb, with mild gastrointestinal upset being the most common side effect. It may interact with diabetes medications by enhancing their glucose-lowering effects, requiring blood sugar monitoring. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data. High doses may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with citrus allergies.