Lemon Grass

Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a traditional plant used in various culinary and aromatic practices. While its specific traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, it has been employed in some cultural practices for flavoring and scenting purposes. Scientific evidence suggests that Cymbopogon proximus essential oil exhibits enhanced anti-inflammatory properties and promotes wound healing, though these findings are not yet fully conclusive regarding clinical applications. In a study involving lemongrass inhalation, significant reductions in nicotine dependence scores and nAChRs levels were observed compared to placebo, indicating potential benefits for smoking cessation. Additionally, C. citratus demonstrates notable hepatoprotective effects in animal models exposed to various toxins, though its application in human medicine remains to be determined. A lemongrass-based nanoparticulate gel showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis compared to non-nanoparticulated extracts and performed comparably to chlorhexidine and better than sodium hypochlorite. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified for Cymbopogon citratus, though further research is warranted to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Cymbopogon proximus essential oil showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and promoted wound healing, comparable to a reference preparation, without being overly conclusive about its clinical application. D PMID
  • Lemongrass inhalation significantly reduced nicotine dependence scores and nAChRs levels compared to placebo. D PMID
  • C. citratus shows significant hepatoprotective effects in animal models subjected to various hepatotoxins, though clinical applications remain to be determined. D PMID
  • The lemongrass-based nanoparticulate gel showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis compared to the non-nanoparticulated extract and performed comparably to chlorhexidine and better than sodium hypochlorite. D PMID
  • Citral reduced nociception in both normal and obese mice, with enhanced effects in obese mice through CB2 receptor modulation. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Lemon Grass?

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Lemon Grass?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Lemon Grass; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Cymbopogon proximus essential oil showed enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and promoted wound healing, comparable to a reference preparation, without being overly conclusive about its clinical application.

How strong is the evidence for Lemon Grass?

The strongest finding for Lemon Grass carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Lemon Grass safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Lemon Grass in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Lemon Grass interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Lemon Grass in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Lemon Grass?

Lemon Grass is also known as: Челнобородник лимонный, Citronnelle.

Is Lemon Grass a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Citral exerts a more pronounced antinociceptive effect in obese adult male C57BL/6J mice mediated through the CB2 receptor. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Therapeutic Potential of Cymbopogon citratus in Hepatotoxicity: A Review of Its Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Preliminary evaluation of a lemongrass-based nanoparticle gel for antibacterial control of Enterococcus faecalis: an in vitro study. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Cymbopogon proximus essential oil promotes wound healing and attenuates inflammation through mechanisms supported by network pharmacology and molecular docking. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Randomized Controlled Trial of a Nicotine Dependence Intervention: Evaluating the Efficacy of a Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Inhaler via Modulation of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. literature abstract metadata