Lemongrass Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Lemongrass, citronella grass, Lemongrass aerial parts extract, Cymbopogon citratus
Overview
Lemongrass aerial parts extract is derived from the leaves and floral tops of *Cymbopogon citratus*, a plant commonly known as lemongrass. This extract is rich in essential oils, including key compounds like citral (comprising geranial and neral), geraniol, and citronellal, which impart its distinctive lemon-like aroma and contribute to its biological activities. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic health benefits. The extract finds applications in aromatherapy, topical formulations, and oral health products. While research on lemongrass extract is growing, encompassing in vitro, animal, and some human clinical studies, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are still limited, with systematic and scoping reviews beginning to synthesize the existing clinical evidence.
Benefits
Lemongrass essential oil (LEO) demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects against various bacteria, fungi, and parasites, primarily due to its citral and terpene content. For oral health, clinical studies indicate that LEO may be as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing gingivitis and periodontitis, and it can improve oral malodor. Its efficacy in periodontitis treatment has been found comparable to doxycycline. Animal studies suggest anti-obesity effects, including improved glucose tolerance, reduced fasting glucose, and an increased metabolic rate, likely mediated by citral and other bioactive compounds. Preliminary evidence also points to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-dandruff, and skin aging prevention properties, though human data for these benefits remain limited and require further investigation.
How it works
The primary bioactive compounds in lemongrass extract, such as citral, geraniol, and nerol, exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. These include disrupting microbial cell membranes, exhibiting antioxidant activity, modulating inflammatory pathways, and enhancing metabolic rate. Citral is particularly noted for its influence on glucose metabolism and energy dissipation in animal models. The lipophilic nature of the essential oils facilitates their penetration through biological membranes, which contributes to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This multi-faceted action allows lemongrass extract to interact with various body systems, providing its diverse range of potential health benefits.
Side effects
Lemongrass extract and its essential oil are generally considered safe when used topically or orally within controlled dosages. The most commonly reported side effects are mild and may include skin irritation or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitivities. Currently, there are no significant drug interactions or contraindications that have been robustly documented. However, due to limited safety data, caution is advised for pregnant and lactating individuals. The long-term safety profile and the effects of high-dose usage of lemongrass extract require further comprehensive study to fully understand potential risks and ensure safe application.
Dosage
Human clinical trials on lemongrass extract are limited, making it challenging to establish definitive dosage guidelines. For topical applications, particularly in oral health products, formulations typically use essential oil concentrations standardized to their citral content. Animal studies have employed various extracts, ranging from aqueous to hydroalcoholic, but the dosages used in these studies are not directly translatable to humans. Therefore, optimal dosing for humans remains to be formally established through rigorous clinical research. Current usage is largely guided by traditional practices and existing product formulation standards, rather than specific, evidence-based clinical recommendations.
FAQs
Is lemongrass extract effective for oral health?
Yes, clinical evidence supports its use for gingivitis and periodontitis, showing efficacy comparable to standard treatments like chlorhexidine and doxycycline.
Can it aid weight loss?
Animal studies show promise for anti-obesity effects, including improved glucose tolerance and increased metabolic rate, but human evidence is currently lacking.
Is it safe?
It is generally considered safe for topical and oral use in moderate amounts, though allergic reactions or skin irritation are possible in sensitive individuals.
How is it best administered?
It is typically applied topically for oral and skin conditions. For metabolic effects, oral ingestion in teas or supplements is used, but clinical dosing is not yet clear.
Research Sources
- https://www.pnrjournal.com/index.php/home/article/download/7290/9519/8870 – This source provides foundational information on the chemical composition of Cymbopogon citratus, highlighting essential oils like citral, geraniol, and citronellal as key bioactive compounds responsible for its characteristic aroma and biological activities. It likely details the traditional uses and general properties of lemongrass extract.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8773226/ – This comprehensive review focuses on the antimicrobial and anticancer potential of lemongrass essential oil (LEO). It details the strong antimicrobial activity linked to citral and other terpenes, primarily based on in vitro and animal data, while also exploring potential anticancer effects. The review emphasizes the need for more clinical trials to confirm these findings in humans.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892616/ – This scoping review synthesizes clinical applications of lemongrass essential oil (LEO), identifying its effectiveness for gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor. It notes LEO's comparable efficacy to standard treatments like chlorhexidine and doxycycline, while also highlighting the limited number of clinical studies and the heterogeneity in methodologies, underscoring the need for more rigorous RCTs.
- https://jppres.com/jppres/pdf/vol12/jppres24.1989_12.6.1090.pdf – This animal study investigates the anti-obesity activity of Cymbopogon citratus extract using in vivo and in vitro components. It reports findings such as improved glucose tolerance, increased metabolic rate, and lowered fasting glucose in rats, suggesting potential metabolic benefits. The study acknowledges that these findings are from an animal model and human translation remains uncertain.
