Lemongrass, a fragrant tropical herb widely used in cooking and traditional medicine, contains natural compounds being studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, although many proposed health benefits require further human research.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Lemongrass, a citrus-scented tropical plant commonly used in Asian cuisine and traditional herbal medicine, is attracting scientific interest for its naturally occurring compounds that may support several aspects of health, including antioxidant activity, digestive function and protection against certain microorganisms.
Known scientifically as Cymbopogon flexuosus, East Indian lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae grass family and is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions. A closely related species, Cymbopogon citratus, is also widely used in cooking, teas and herbal preparations.
The plant is recognized for its long, narrow green leaves and distinctive lemon-like fragrance, which comes primarily from citral, a naturally occurring compound found in its essential oil.
For generations, lemongrass has been incorporated into Ayurvedic medicine and Southeast Asian herbal traditions. Its leaves and stalks are used to prepare teas, flavor foods and produce concentrated essential oils for fragrances, cosmetics and aromatherapy.
Researchers have identified several biologically active substances in lemongrass, including citral, geraniol and limonene. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial and other potentially beneficial activities in laboratory investigations.
According to research published in Chemistry & Biodiversity, essential oils extracted from three varieties of Cymbopogon flexuosus contained substantial concentrations of citral and demonstrated antioxidant and antibacterial activity under laboratory conditions.
The researchers found that citral concentrations varied considerably among the plant varieties, ranging from approximately 55% to nearly 80% of the essential oil.
Laboratory testing also identified activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, two bacterial species associated with human infections.
The findings suggest that the plant’s natural chemical composition may have applications in antimicrobial research. However, laboratory results do not establish that consuming lemongrass or using its essential oil can prevent or treat bacterial infections in humans.
Antioxidant activity is another area of scientific interest. Certain compounds found in lemongrass can neutralize reactive molecules known as free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress when present in excessive amounts.
Oxidative stress has been associated with cellular damage and the development of several chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease. Researchers are investigating whether lemongrass compounds may help influence biological processes associated with these conditions.
Although laboratory studies have demonstrated antioxidant effects, evidence remains insufficient to conclude that lemongrass consumption directly prevents cancer, heart disease or other chronic illnesses.
The plant’s potential anti-inflammatory properties have also attracted attention.
Citral and other constituents have demonstrated effects on inflammatory pathways in experimental studies. These findings have prompted interest in whether lemongrass-derived compounds could eventually contribute to treatments for inflammatory conditions.
Traditional herbal practitioners have used lemongrass preparations for muscle discomfort, joint pain and other complaints associated with inflammation.
Nevertheless, clinical research has not established that lemongrass provides reliable treatment for arthritis or other chronic inflammatory disorders.
Digestive health represents another longstanding application of the herb.
In India and Thailand, lemongrass tea is traditionally consumed after meals and used to address occasional bloating, gas and digestive discomfort.
The herb’s aromatic compounds have been investigated for potential effects on gastrointestinal function, although evidence supporting specific digestive benefits in humans remains limited.
Lemongrass is also used in aromatherapy, where its fresh citrus scent is associated with relaxation and stress relief.
The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation, a process in which heated steam passes through harvested leaves and stems, releasing volatile compounds that are subsequently condensed and separated into a concentrated oil.
The resulting product is used in diffusers, massage preparations, personal care products and fragrances.
Some experimental studies suggest that lemongrass compounds may influence biological pathways associated with relaxation and sleep.
However, the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s review of lemongrass notes that sedative effects observed in animal studies have not been reliably demonstrated in humans. Human research has also produced inconsistent results regarding anxiety reduction and sleep improvement.
Evidence supporting lemongrass as a natural antifungal treatment remains preliminary. Laboratory investigations have demonstrated activity against certain fungi, while limited human studies suggest possible applications involving fungal infections and oral health.
Additional clinical trials are needed to determine whether these effects can be translated into safe and effective treatments.
Outside medicinal research, lemongrass remains a versatile culinary ingredient.
Fresh stalks are commonly used in Thai soups, Vietnamese dishes, curries, marinades and stir-fries. The plant contributes a citrus flavor without the acidity associated with lemon juice.
Dried leaves can be steeped in hot water to prepare herbal tea, while fresh stalks may be bruised or chopped to release their aromatic compounds during cooking.
These culinary preparations differ substantially from concentrated essential oil, which contains much higher levels of volatile compounds.
Although lemongrass consumed in ordinary food quantities is generally considered safe for most adults, concentrated extracts and essential oils require greater caution.
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center warns that high doses of lemongrass essential oil may damage the liver and stomach lining. Excessive consumption of lemongrass tea may also affect kidney function.
Topical applications can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly when undiluted essential oil is applied directly to the skin.
According to Poison Control, essential oils can cause poisoning when swallowed or used improperly. Individuals using lemongrass oil for massage should follow product instructions and dilute it appropriately with a carrier oil.
Concentrated essential oil should not be added to tea or swallowed as a home remedy. No generally established safe daily oral dosage exists for ordinary lemongrass essential oil products.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription medications or managing chronic medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before using concentrated lemongrass supplements.
Researchers continue examining the plant’s chemical composition and possible applications in food preservation, antimicrobial products and complementary wellness practices.
While laboratory findings provide scientific support for several properties traditionally attributed to lemongrass, the strongest established uses remain culinary and aromatic rather than medicinal.
Its combination of distinctive flavor, longstanding cultural significance and biologically active compounds has nevertheless made lemongrass an enduring subject of interest in nutrition, herbal medicine and natural-product research.
Source: Natural News
Watch this video to learn more about the health benefits of lemongrass.
This video is from the Frozen in Time channel on Brighteon.com.
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