Cymbopogon citratus:

Exploring its Industrial, Medicinal and Environmental Benefits

 

Shweta R. Bharati, Simran M. Jamadar, Madhuri S. Nalawade*

Abhinav Education Society’s, College of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), Narhe, Pune, 411041, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: simranjamadar2104@gmail.com

 

ABSTRACT:

Cymbopogon citratus, often referred to as lemongrass, is a perennial crop that has considerable economic, medicinal, and industrial value. Cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, it constitutes a source of essential oil that is rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, which show different types of biological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Lemongrass has wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, while its essential oil is considered an essential component in aromatherapy, personal care products, and natural preservatives. Its pharmacological properties have been confirmed through many in vitro and in vivo studies, but clinical trials are still limited. Despite its potential, it faces some challenges, including sustainability issues, research gaps, and environmental impacts of large-scale cultivation and oil extraction. Future research directions are to optimize production techniques, new applications such as functional foods and renewable energy, and sustainable practices for production as well as processing. Overall, this review provides insight into the cultivation, biological activities, industrial applications, pharmacological studies, and economic importance of Cymbopogon citratus, thus underpinning its global significance along with the scope for further advancement.

 

KEYWORDS: Essential oil, Biological activities, Industrial applications, Pharmacological studies.

 

 


INTRODUCTION:

Cymbopogon citrus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a perennial grass that belongs to the Poaceae family and has a strong aroma. It has become widely known across the globe for its numerous applications in medicine, food processing, and other sectors. This plant has an unusual citrus flavor, which is attributed to bioactive compounds like citral, responsible for 65-85% of the essential oil in this species.

 

Lemongrass has an ancient history in the Asian traditional medicine systems, primarily in India, China, and Thailand. In Ayurvedic medicine, some texts have been written more than 5000 years ago mentioning its use as a remedy for fever, digestive disorders, and infectious diseases1.

 

The indigenous communities have been using this herb for a long time due to its therapeutic properties as an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agent. Its use in the cultural context of many societies goes beyond just medicine as it has played an important role in traditional cuisines and religious ceremonies. In today's world, Cymbopogon citrus is a valuable resource across the board in several sectors, and the pharmaceutical industry shows a growing interest in this plant for therapeutic applications as a natural source of antimicrobial agents and anti-inflammatory drugs. The food and beverages sector uses lemongrass as a flavoring agent and natural preservative while cosmetic companies use its essential oil in many products owing to its fragrance and properties in skincare2. Modern science research has confirmed most of the traditional uses and also found some new ones such as acting as a natural pesticide and helping manage stress. This review will summarize and discuss the literature on Cymbopogon citrus with its botanical features, phytochemical constituents, and its numerous uses. The review will review the recent scientific literature concerning its biological activities with a specific focus on antimicrobial, antioxidant, and therapeutic effects. Additionally, it will address the industrial uses, economic significance, and potential of this plant for the future. This systematic analysis would help in the identification of gaps in research and areas of future study. We also present a resource to researchers, industry professionals, and practitioners interested in the various facets of Cymbopogon citrus3.

 

There has been an increased importance of Cymbopogon citrus due to increasing demand for natural and sustainable products in recent years. Increased environmental concern and consumer awareness regarding synthetic chemicals have triggered the recent upsurge in plant-based alternatives4. One such promising candidate in this direction has been lemongrass, with research that establishes its potential as an environmentally friendly pesticide, natural food preservative, and a source of essential oils that can be produced sustainably. The plant is adaptable to various climatic conditions and requires less maintenance, which makes it economically viable for farming different geographical regions. Recent advances in analytical techniques have recently led to identification and characterization of novel compounds from Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) thus expanding our knowledge of its therapeutic potential. Advanced extraction techniques and better chemical analysis have revealed complex interactions between several bioactive compounds present in plant, suggesting synergistic effects that may increase therapeutic efficacy of plant4. These discoveries opened new avenues for research in drug development and have attracted pharmaceutical companies interested in developing natural medicine formulations. The accommodation of scientific evidence that supports traditional use of lemongrass, aside from prospective applications in modern medicine and industry, underscores importance of a comprehensive review of this valuable plant species5.

 

Fig1: Cymbopogon citratus

 

Table No. 1- General category and details of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Name

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Synonyms

Andropogon citratus, Barbed wire grass, Citronella grass, Fever grass, West Indian lemongrass

Regional Name

Maharashtra - Gavti Chaha, Hirva Gavat

West Bengal - Lebur Ghas

Kerala - Inji Pul

Tamil Nadu - Pulichai

Hindi - Gandhatrina

Kannada - Nimbehullu

Telugu - Nimma Gaddi

Gujarati - Leeli Ghas

Bengali - Gandharaj

Sanskrit - Bhustrina

Botanical Name

Cymbopogon citratus

Family

Poaceae

Genus

Cymbopogon

Useful Part

Leaves, Stems, Roots

Phytoconstituents

Citral (major), geraniol, myrcene, limonene, linalool, citronellal, and terpenes

Biologically Active Components

Citral A (geranial), Citral B (neral), citronellol, flavonoids, and polyphenols

Vitamins

Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins

 

Morphology

Table No.2- Morphology of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Characteristic

Description

Size

Perennial grass growing up to 1.5 meters tall

Stems

Long, slender, and hollow stems with a smooth texture

Leaves

Linear, blade-like leaves that are green, aromatic, and rough to touch; tapering to a sharp point

Flowers

Small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in loose panicles

Color

Flowers are pale green or white in color

Smell

Strong lemon-like aroma due to high citral content

Fruits

Rarely produces fruits; if present, they are small, dry, and non-fleshy

Thorns

Absent; stems and leaves are smooth and non-thorny

 

Taxonomy:

Table No.3- Taxonomy of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Taxonomic Rank

Classification

Species

Cymbopogon citratus

Genus

Cymbopogon

Family

Poaceae

Domain

Eukaryota

Kingdom

Plantae

Phylum

Spermatophyta

Subphylum

Angiospermae

Class

Monocotyledonae

Order

Poales

 

Uses of Cymbopogon citratus:

1.     Lemongrass is used to treat fever, digestive disturbances, and respiratory conditions.

2.     It helps to manage anxiety and stress-related disorders.

3.     It also supports healthy sleep and improves mood.

4.     It helps in managing hypertension and promoting heart health.

5.     Lemongrass is used to treat gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating.

6.     It also exhibits antioxidant properties to fight oxidative stress.

7.     Lemongrass oil is used in aromatherapy for its calming effects.

8.     It is also used in herbal teas, capsules, and extracts for wellness.

9.     Lemongrass oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties.

10. It is widely used in soaps, shampoos, lotions, and deodorants.

 

Geography:

Table No. 4- Geography of cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass)

Characteristic

Description

Native Range

Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.

Naturalized Range

Widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Africa, the Americas, and Australia.

Habitat

Found in grasslands, roadsides, agricultural fields, gardens, and open sunny areas.

Growth

Grows up to 1-1.5 meters tall in clumps; forms dense tufts with long, slender, aromatic leaves.

Impact

Extensively cultivated for its essential oils; minimal ecological impact as it is not highly invasive.

 

Botanical Classification and Morphology:

Cymbopogon citratus, a member of the Poaceae family, is one of the most economically significant species among the 140 in the Cymbopogon genus. Its classification places it within the grass family, helping trace its evolutionary background. The species has undergone various nomenclature changes, highlighting the need for standardized taxonomy in science. Morphologically, it is a tall, perennial grass (1–2 meters) with dense clumps, linear bluish-green leaves, and a strong citrus scent. Its leaves contain silica and have parallel venation, while the inflorescence is a panicle of paired spikelets, rarely setting seeds under cultivation. C. citratus is widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas, notably in Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America. It thrives in regions with 1500–2500mm of rainfall and temperatures between 20–30°C, preferring fertile, well-drained soils. Major producers include India, Thailand, and Guatemala. Other key species include C. flexuosus, C. nardus, and C. winterianus, each with distinct oil compositions and uses. Natural hybrids have led to cultivars with improved traits like higher oil yield and disease resistance, supporting commercial and breeding interests5.

 

Chemical Composition6,7,8

Category

Constituent

Amount

Phenolic Compounds

Tannins

Ellagitannins

0.5–2% of the fruit's dry weight

Gallotannins

0.31–1.5% of the dry weight

Flavonoids

Quercetin

10–50 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Kaempferol

5–20 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Rutin

20–100 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Catechins

10–50 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Coumarins

Umbelliferone

1–5 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Scopoletin

0.5–3 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Phenolic Acids

Gallic Acid

20–80 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Ferulic Acid

10–30 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Caffeic Acid

5–20 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Other Polyphenols

Resveratrol

Trace amounts, less than 5 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Chlorogenic Acid

10–40 mg per 100 g of dried fruit

Carbohydrates

Total Sugars

10–20% of the fresh weight

Fructose

4–8% of the fresh weight

Glucose

3.6–6% of the fresh weight

Sucrose

2–6% of the fresh weight

Dietary Fiber

3–5% of the fresh weight

Soluble Fiber

Includes gums and pectins

Insoluble Fiber

Comprises lignin and cellulose

Vitamins

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

20–50 mg per 100 g of fresh pulp

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

0.1–0.3 mg per 100 g

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

0.02–0.05 mg per 100 g

Niacin (Vitamin B3)

0.5–1.5 mg per 100 g

Carotenoids (Vitamin A)

100–300 IU per 100 g (depending on ripeness)

Minerals

Calcium

130–140 mg per 100 g

Phosphorus

40–50 mg per 100 g

Magnesium

30–40 mg per 100 g

Potassium

600–800 mg per 100 g

Iron

1–2 mg per 100 g

Sodium

20–30 mg per 100 g

Organic Compounds

Organic Acids

Citric Acid

0.2–0.5% of fresh pulp

Tartaric Acid

0.1–0.3% of fresh pulp

Malic Acid

0.1–0.2% of fresh pulp

Lactic Acid

Less than 0.1% of fresh pulp

Amino Acids

Lysine

0.3–0.5 g per 100 g of dry weight

Leucine

0.4–0.6 g per 100 g of dry weight

Valine

0.2–0.4 g per 100 g of dry weight

Essential Oils

Limonene

Less than 0.1% of fresh weight

Caryophyllene

Less than 0.1% of fresh weight

Pinene

Less than 0.1% of fresh weight

Proteins

1.0–1.5 g per 100 g of fresh pulp

Terpenoids

Limonene

Trace amounts (less than 0.1% of fresh weight)

Caryophyllene

Trace amounts (less than 0.1% of fresh weight)

Pinene

Trace amounts (less than 0.1% of fresh weight)

Terpinene

Trace amounts

Camphene

Trace amounts

Other Constituents

Saponins

0.1–0.5% of the fresh fruits

Alkaloids

Less than 0.1% of the fresh fruits

Polysaccharides

Pectin

5–7% of the dry weight of the pulp

Cellulose

2–3% of the dry weight of the pulp

Hemicellulose

1–2% of the dry weight of the pulp

 

Pharmacological Activity:

Antimicrobial Activity:

Cymbopogon citratus has been extensively investigated for its diverse pharmacological properties, supported by a wealth of in vitro, in vivo, and limited clinical studies. One of the most well-documented activities of lemongrass is its antimicrobial potential, largely attributed to its essential oil components, primarily citral, citronellal, and geraniol. These compounds exert bactericidal and fungicidal actions by disrupting microbial cell membrane integrity and inhibiting enzymatic pathways crucial for microbial survival. Studies have demonstrated effective inhibition of pathogenic organisms including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis, highlighting its relevance in both medical and food preservation contexts9.

 

Antioxidant Activity:

In addition to its antimicrobial properties, lemongrass exhibits potent antioxidant activity, largely due to its rich content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. Radical scavenging assays, such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), have confirmed the capacity of lemongrass extracts to neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby potentially mitigating oxidative stress-associated conditions like cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer10.

 

Cytotoxic and Anticancer Properties:

Emerging evidence also supports the cytotoxic and anticancer properties of C. citratus, primarily mediated by citral, which induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various human cancer cell lines, including breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), and colon (HT-29) carcinomas. The underlying mechanisms involve mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, caspase activation, and modulation of signaling pathways such as p53, Bax/Bcl-2, and MAPK.

 

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

The anti-inflammatory effects of lemongrass have been validated in several preclinical models. Its extracts reduce inflammation in carrageenan-induced paw edema and arthritis models, possibly by downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators like cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Such properties highlight its therapeutic promise in managing chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease11.

 

Antidiabetic Activity:

Lemongrass has also demonstrated antidiabetic activity, particularly in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat models. Oral administration of its aqueous or ethanolic extracts significantly lowered blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity. These effects are proposed to occur through the enhancement of insulin secretion, modulation of glucose transporters (GLUT4), and inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase12.

 

Anxiolytic and Sedative Actions:

The anxiolytic and sedative actions of C. citratus essential oil have been evaluated through behavioral studies in rodents. Inhalation or oral intake was associated with reduced anxiety-like behavior and improved sleep latency, likely mediated via GABAergic pathways and serotonergic modulation. These findings have underpinned its application in aromatherapy for stress and sleep disorders13.

 

Gastroprotective Properties:

Gastroprotective properties have also been reported, where lemongrass extracts showed protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in animal models. This effect is thought to be linked to reduced gastric acid secretion, increased production of protective mucus, and enhanced antioxidant defense in gastric mucosa, possibly involving upregulation of prostaglandin synthesis and downregulation of lipid peroxidation14.Clinical investigations, although limited in scale, have further corroborated the therapeutic potential of C. citratus. Aromatherapy with lemongrass oil has shown promising outcomes in reducing preoperative anxiety and blood pressure in hospitalized patients. Pilot trials in dental health have revealed its effectiveness as a natural antimicrobial agent in mouthwash formulations, significantly decreasing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Additionally, small-scale studies have reported modest but statistically significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure following the consumption of lemongrass tea without adverse effects15.

 

Economic Importance of Cymbopogon citratus:

Cymbopogon citratus plays a significant role in the global economy, particularly in agriculture and industry, due to its diverse applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and essential oil production. Rising consumer preference for natural, eco-friendly products has increased its global demand and cultivation.

 

Lemongrass oil, rich in citral, is widely used in aromatherapy, personal care, and natural cleaning products. The global essential oil market was valued at $8.3 billion in 2020, with a projected CAGR of 9.9% from 2021 to 2028. India leads global lemongrass production, contributing 40–45% (50,000–60,000 metric tons annually), followed by Indonesia and China. Expansion into Africa and Latin America has further boosted production. The plant is cultivated for both leaves and essential oil, supporting a variety of commercial uses.

 

Lemongrass trade significantly supports the economies of producing countries. In 2020, global lemongrass oil exports were valued at $47 million, with India as the top exporter, accounting for $12.4 million (26.3% of global share). Key export destinations include North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Economically, lemongrass cultivation provides considerable income and employment, especially in rural areas. In India, over 500,000 farmers rely on lemongrass, earning between $3,000–$5,000 per hectare. Infrastructure like distillation units and transport networks further enhance local economic growth. Similar benefits are seen in Indonesia and Thailand.

 

In summary, the economic importance of lemongrass continues to grow with the rising demand for natural products. Its cultivation supports livelihoods, boosts exports, and strengthens rural economies across the tropics16,17.

 

Current Challenges and Future Perspectives of Cymbopogon citratus:

Cymbopogon citratus, though increasingly valued across industries, still faces hurdles in sustainable cultivation and wider industrial use. While its chemical makeup and bioactivities are well-studied, there are gaps in understanding its full therapeutic potential and optimal growing conditions across different climates. Further investigation is needed into its bioactive compounds, their synergistic effects, and clinical efficacy in human health. Despite known antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, comprehensive clinical trials remain limited.

 

New applications are emerging in functional foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture—as a natural pesticide and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic products. Additionally, lemongrass biomass shows potential in bioethanol production for renewable energy. Environmental sustainability is a concern in large-scale production due to issues like water overuse and energy-intensive oil extraction. Promoting organic farming, efficient irrigation, and green extraction methods such as supercritical CO₂ can help reduce the ecological impact. To fully harness its potential, future research should focus on improving cultivation practices, developing resilient varieties, and conducting thorough clinical validations for its therapeutic benefits18,19.

 

CONCLUSION:

Finally, in its several usages and health benefits, Cymbopogon citratus holds tremendous promise in both agricultural and industrial sectors. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries value the plant's essential oil, and in addition to its biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, the plant has been established. Some hurdles related to it not being sustainably produced on a wide scale and even more studies that would entail clinical analysis still need to be surmounted to utilize it up to its real potential. Further research for optimization in the cultivation procedures, its use in applications not identified as yet and for improvements in sustainability measures need to come about so that Cymbopogon citratus shall contribute considerably toward both local economy and worldwide market. Cymbopogon citratus is a versatile plant with great economic and medicinal potential. Its essential oil is widely used in numerous industries, especially in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The health benefits of the plant range from antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory to many others. Despite the promise, sustainability concerns and limited clinical validation remain. The results point to further research in the optimization of cultivation techniques, new applications, and exploration of the full pharmacological potential of the plant. Sustainability studies, including water-efficient farming methods and green extraction technologies, will be key to ensuring the long-term viability of lemongrass cultivation. Future studies should focus on filling clinical research gaps, especially focusing on the therapeutic efficacy of lemongrass on humans. Also, understanding the sustainability of cultivation, and extraction techniques will form an essential aspect of finding alternative solutions that are free from environmental degradation. Investigation into the potential new usage of lemongrass, especially its biofuel applications and pest control properties, may unlock new avenues to utilize it in the coming years.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors have no conflict of interest.

 

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Received on 12.03.2025      Revised on 03.09.2025

Accepted on 15.11.2025      Published on 31.01.2026

Available online from February 07, 2026

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2026; 18(1):56-61.

DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2026.00009

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