Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon citratus) (Cymbopogon citratus)

Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus) is a volatile essential oil, not a nutritional food source, so macronutrient values (protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber) are not meaningfully applicable at typical dosage levels (1–5 drops or ~0.05–0.25 mL per use). Its significance lies in its bioactive compound profile: **Primary bioactive compounds:** Citral (a mixture of geranial [40–52%] and neral [25–38%]) is the dominant constituent, responsible for most therapeutic effects. Myrcene (5–15%) contributes analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. Geraniol (2–5%) provides antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Citronellal (1–3%) adds insect-repellent and mild sedative effects. Limonene (1–3%) offers antioxidant and potential chemopreventive activity. **Minor constituents:** Linalool (~1–2%), β-caryophyllene (~0.5–2%, a dietary cannabinoid that binds CB2 receptors), and trace amounts of flavonoids and phenolic acids when derived from whole-plant extracts. **Micronutrient traces (in whole herb, not distilled oil):** The fresh herb contains vitamin A (~112 IU/serving), vitamin C (~2.6 mg/100g), folate (~75 µg/100g), potassium (~723 mg/100g), magnesium (~60 mg/100g), manganese (~5.2 mg/100g), iron (~8.2 mg/100g), and zinc (~2.2 mg/100g); however, distilled essential oil retains negligible mineral or vitamin content. **Bioavailability notes:** Citral is rapidly absorbed through skin and mucous membranes; oral bioavailability is moderate but subject to first-pass hepatic metabolism. Topical application with a carrier oil (e.g., coconut or jojoba) enhances dermal absorption by 20–40%. Encapsulation or nanoemulsion formulations significantly improve citral's stability and bioavailability, as free citral degrades rapidly in acidic environments. The oil is lipophilic (density ~0.87 g/mL), so co-administration with dietary fats enhances gastrointestinal absorption of its terpene constituents.