Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) contains citral and other volatile oils that exhibit antimicrobial and enzyme-inhibiting properties. The plant demonstrates antibacterial activity and shows potential neuroprotective effects through cholinesterase inhibition in preliminary studies.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupOther
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary Keywordlemongrass benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) is a perennial herb in the Poaceae family native to tropical Southeast Asia and widely cultivated globally. The plant's leaves and stems are harvested and primarily processed through hydrodistillation to obtain volatile essential oil rich in monoterpenes, or through n-hexane extraction to yield non-volatile fractions containing triterpenoids.
“Lemongrass is recognized as a 'drug and food homologous medicine' in various global traditional systems, particularly in Asian ethnopharmacology. It has been traditionally used for antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antidiabetic purposes in tropical regions where it grows perennially.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Cymbopogon citratus were identified in the research dossier. Available evidence consists entirely of preclinical studies focusing on chemical composition, in vitro bioactivity assays, and animal models investigating oxidative stress and enzyme inhibition.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges for human use have been established. Chemical analyses indicate volatile oils contain approximately 85% oxygenated monoterpenes (primarily citral at ~70%), while hexane extracts contain ~16% lupeol, but therapeutic dosing remains unvalidated. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains modest macronutrients per 100g fresh weight: carbohydrates ~25g, protein ~1.8g, fat ~0.5g, dietary fiber ~2-3g. Key micronutrients include potassium (~723mg/100g), magnesium (~60mg/100g), iron (~8.2mg/100g - though bioavailability is limited due to phytate content), calcium (~65mg/100g), zinc (~2.2mg/100g), and phosphorus (~101mg/100g). Vitamin content includes folate (~75mcg/100g), vitamin C (~2.6mg/100g), vitamin A (~6mcg RAE/100g), and small amounts of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3). The primary bioactive compounds are concentrated in the essential oil fraction: citral (a mixture of geranial ~40-62% and neral ~25-38%) constitutes 65-85% of total essential oil and is the principal antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Other bioactives include myrcene (~12-20% of oil), geraniol (~3-5%), limonene (~2-4%), terpinolene, and linalool. Phenolic compounds include chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, swertiajaponin, and luteolin glycosides at concentrations of 0.5-2mg/g dry weight. Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin are present at ~0.3-0.8mg/g dry weight. Bioavailability note: citral and other volatile terpenoids are highly bioavailable via inhalation and moderately via ingestion; phenolic bioavailability is enhanced by hot water extraction (as in tea/decoction), while iron absorption is significantly reduced by co-occurring tannins and oxalates.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Lemongrass exerts its effects primarily through citral (a mixture of geranial and neral), which disrupts bacterial cell membranes and inhibits microbial growth. The plant's compounds also inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes, potentially preserving neurotransmitter levels. Additional bioactive compounds like myrcene and limonene contribute to anti-inflammatory pathways by modulating cytokine production.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for lemongrass benefits comes primarily from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical data. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant antibacterial activity against various pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.5-2.0 mg/mL. Enzyme assay studies show cholinesterase inhibition rates of 60-80% at concentrations of 100-500 μg/mL. Animal studies suggest antidiabetic effects with blood glucose reductions of 20-40%, but human trials are needed to confirm therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing.
Safety & Interactions
Lemongrass is generally recognized as safe when used as a food flavoring, but concentrated extracts may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The herb may enhance the effects of diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data, though culinary use appears safe. High doses may cause drowsiness and should be used cautiously with sedative medications.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Cymbopogon citratusLemon grassWest Indian lemongrassCitronella grassFever grassSerehTakraiBhustrina
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active compound in lemongrass?
The primary active compound is citral, comprising 65-85% of lemongrass essential oil. Citral consists of two isomers, geranial and neral, which provide the characteristic lemony scent and therapeutic properties.
How much lemongrass extract should I take daily?
There is no established therapeutic dose for lemongrass supplements due to limited human studies. Most research uses 100-500 mg of standardized extract, but consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.
Can lemongrass lower blood sugar levels?
Animal studies suggest lemongrass may reduce blood glucose by 20-40% through enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake. However, human clinical trials are needed to confirm these antidiabetic effects.
Is lemongrass safe during pregnancy?
While culinary amounts are likely safe, pregnant women should avoid lemongrass supplements or therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data. Some traditional uses suggest it may stimulate menstruation.
Does lemongrass interact with medications?
Lemongrass may enhance diabetes medications, potentially causing low blood sugar. It may also increase drowsiness when combined with sedatives or anxiety medications due to its mild calming effects.
What is the difference between lemongrass tea, extract, and essential oil forms?
Lemongrass tea is a brewed whole-plant preparation with lower active compound concentration, while standardized extracts contain concentrated citral and other bioactive compounds for more consistent dosing. Lemongrass essential oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested directly due to toxicity risks; it is primarily used in aromatherapy or topical applications. Extracts and dried herb preparations are generally preferred for internal supplementation, as they offer better bioavailability and safety margins compared to essential oils.
What does current clinical research show about lemongrass effectiveness?
Most evidence for lemongrass comes from preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) showing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potential, but human clinical trials remain limited. The antidiabetic and acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting effects have been demonstrated primarily in pharmacological models rather than large-scale human studies. While traditional use in Southeast Asia spans centuries, consumers should recognize that robust clinical evidence in humans is still emerging, and marketed health claims often exceed current scientific support.
Who is most likely to benefit from lemongrass supplementation, and who should be cautious?
Individuals interested in traditional digestive support, anti-inflammatory benefits, or cognitive wellness may consider lemongrass supplementation, though clinical efficacy in humans remains preliminary. People with allergies to plants in the Poaceae family, those taking medications metabolized by liver enzymes, or individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid supplemental lemongrass beyond culinary amounts due to insufficient safety data, despite its use as a food flavoring.
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