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Abstract

This article provides a thorough analysis of the pharmacological effects, extraction characteristics, composition, and industrial uses of lemongrass essential oil. Since ancient times, people have used lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil as a cure to enhance the body's immune system, treat fever and malaria, improve blood circulation, and stimulate digestion. Essential oils made from lemongrass are used in a wide variety of sectors Aromatherapy, the food and beverage business, the pharmaceutical industry, the fragrance and flavour industry, the agriculture and livestock sector, the cosmetic and soap industry and the household and domestic industry are just some of the many businesses that make extensive use of them. The process that is utilized to extract the lemongrass essential oil, in addition to the conditions in which it is manufactured, have a sizeable impact on the product's overall quality. Lemongrass essential oil can be extracted through a wide variety of processes, some of which include steam distillation, traditional solvent extraction, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), hydro distillation (HD), microwave-assisted hydro distillation (MAHD), simultaneous distillation and extraction (SDE), solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide. The essential oil of Citronella contains a wide variety of chemicals, including citronellyl, geraniol, elemol elemene, citral A, citral B, caryophyllene, citronellyl acetate, geranyl acetate and-caryophyllene oxide, to name just a few of them. Additionally, significant amounts of minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese and phosphorus can be discovered in lemongrass oil. In terms of its physicochemical properties, lemongrass oil is notable for a number of characteristics, including percentage of citral, freezing point, moisture content, acid value, ester value, carbonyl value, specific gravity, optical rotation, refractive index and phenol content, to name a few. However, the exact chemical make-up of lemongrass essential oil can change depending on a variety of circumstances, such as the plant's cultivar, age, geographic origin, photoperiod, harvesting season, and photoperiod, as well as the agricultural operations and agricultural practices used to produce the oil. Lemongrass oil is therefore employed in many pharmaceutical businesses as an antidepressant, analgesic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antiseptic digestive and astringent due to the presence of diverse chemical components. (2024) Pharmacological potential of lemongrass oil: A systematic review and meta analysis.
PHARMACOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OF LEMONGRASS OIL: A
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META ANALYSIS
Tushar Chaudhary1, Chirag Varshney1, Afzal Khan1, Balwan Singh1*, Shubham Jainer1,
Ankush Kumar Tiwari1, K. Nagarjan1 and Ajay Pal Singh2
1KIET School of Pharmacy, KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad - 201 206, India.
2Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical & Allied Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, India.
*Corresponding author e-mail : scorpiobalwan@gmail.com
(Received 5 February 2024, Revised 22 March 2024, Accepted 31 March2024)
ABSTRACT : This article provides a thorough analysis of the pharmacological effects, extraction characteristics, composition,
and industrial uses of lemongrass essential oil. Since ancient times, people have used lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
essential oil as a cure to enhance the body’s immune system, treat fever and malaria, improve blood circulation, and stimulate
digestion. Essential oils made from lemongrass are used in a wide variety of sectors Aromatherapy, the food and beverage
business, the pharmaceutical industry, the fragrance and flavour industry, the agriculture and livestock sector, the cosmetic
and soap industry and the household and domestic industry are just some of the many businesses that make extensive use of
them. The process that is utilized to extract the lemongrass essential oil, in addition to the conditions in which it is manufactured,
have a sizeable impact on the product’s overall quality. Lemongrass essential oil can be extracted through a wide variety of
processes, some of which include steam distillation, traditional solvent extraction, Soxhlet extraction, ultrasound-assisted
extraction (UAE), hydro distillation (HD), microwave-assisted hydro distillation (MAHD), simultaneous distillation and extraction
(SDE), solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with carbon dioxide. The essential oil
of Citronella contains a wide variety of chemicals, including citronellyl, geraniol, elemol elemene, citral A, citral B, caryophyllene,
citronellyl acetate, geranyl acetate and -caryophyllene oxide, to name just a few of them. Additionally, significant amounts of
minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese and phosphorus can be discovered in lemongrass
oil. In terms of its physicochemical properties, lemongrass oil is notable for a number of characteristics, including percentage
of citral, freezing point, moisture content, acid value, ester value, carbonyl value, specific gravity, optical rotation, refractive
index and phenol content, to name a few. However, the exact chemical make-up of lemongrass essential oil can change depending
on a variety of circumstances, such as the plant’s cultivar, age, geographic origin, photoperiod, harvesting season, and photoperiod,
as well as the agricultural operations and agricultural practices used to produce the oil. Lemongrass oil is therefore employed
in many pharmaceutical businesses as an antidepressant, analgesic, antipyretic, antibacterial, antiseptic digestive and astringent
due to the presence of diverse chemical components.
Key words : Cymbopogon essential oil, anti-inflammatory activity, antifungal activity.
How to cite : Tushar Chaudhary, Chirag Varshney, Afzal Khan, Balwan Singh, Shubham Jainer, Ankush Kumar Tiwari, K.
Nagarjan and Ajay Pal Singh (2024) Pharmacological potential of lemongrass oil: A systematic review and meta analysis.
Biochem. Cell. Arch. 24, 587-593. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2024.24.1.587
Biochem. Cell. Arch. Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 587-593, 2024 ISSN 0972-5075
DocID: https://connectjournals.com/03896.2024.24.587 eISSN 0976-1772
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51470/bca.2024.24.1.587
INTRODUCTION
Lemongrass is utilized as a medicine in India.
Lemongrass is an herb that is used both medicinally and
as fragrances in India. Brazilian folk medicine
recommends drinking lemongrass tea to treat anxiety,
but human research revealed no benefit. In one case,
the tea led to a return of contact dermatitis. The tea is
also prepared and drunk in the Caribbean to strengthen
immunity. It is known as Tangled in the Philippines, where
it is thought to be good for the kidneys and liver
(Khandagle and Jadhav, 2022).
In hoodoo, cymbopogon is used both in this
combination and on its own to fend against evil, spiritually
purify a home, and improve romantic connections. In
addition, cymbopogon is utilized to improve romantic
relationships. Because it replicates the pheromone that
the Nasonov gland in honey bees emits to draw bees to a
hive or swarm, lemongrass oil is also used as a mosquito
repellent. This is one of the many uses for this oil. One of
the oils that is utilized most frequently in the practice of
conjuring is citronella oil (Khandagle and Jadhav, 2022).
588 Tushar Chaudhary et al
It offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits,
including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, gastroprotective, anti-nausea, cholesterol-
lowering, blood sugar, lipid-regulating and potential
analgesic qualities. It might ease migraines and headaches
(Khandagle and Jadhav, 2022).
All tropical and subtropical countries deal with a
serious human health issue brought on by mosquito-borne
illness. Malaria, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and
dengue fever are among the diseases that are spread.
The most prevalent tropical disease, caused by the possible
lymphatic disease vector Culex fasciatus, affects over
120 million people worldwide, 44 million of whom have a
common chronic symptom. Because of mosquitoes’ high
rate of reproduction and emergence of insecticide
resistance, it is become harder to control such dangerous
diseases (Beier et al, 2008; Lemon et al, 2008).
Over the course of the previous fifty years, the
incidence of the disease has increased by a factor of
thirty, in terms of its dissemination. There are around 50–
100 million new cases of infection each year, and nearly
half of the world’s population resides in countries that
are considered to be endemic for the disease.
approximately 75 percent of the total population of the
world at the present time. The most common application
for lemongrass oil nowadays is in insect repellent,
specifically for protection against mosquitoes and
houseflies (Patra et al, 2019).
Methods of extraction
Extraction and characterisation of bioactive chemicals
from medicinal plants is an absolutely necessary step in
the development of drugs with a high potential for
therapeutic benefit. Distillation is the best method for
obtaining the essential oil that can be obtained from
lemongrass (Dutta et al, 2014). In spite of this, research
has shown that steam and water distillation, maceration,
destructive distillation hydro distillation (HD), steam
distillation, maceration and hydro distillation (HD) are
some of the most common techniques for removing
essential oils from medicinal plants like lemongrass (Dhobi
et al, 2009). When heated, various fragrance and volatile
chemicals may go through Cymbopogon citratus the
processes of degradation, hydrolysis and water
solubilization (Dhobi et al, 2009; Karakaya et al, 2014).
Furthermore, the residues that are left behind in the oil
after solvent-assisted extraction have the potential to
contaminate the food fragrances to which it is added.
Several other methods have been proposed as potential
solutions to these issues, including supercritical fluid
extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, hydro
distillation and ultrasound-assisted extraction. These
procedures have the potential to provide a number of
benefits, including reductions in extraction time, increases
in extraction yield, and reductions in operating expenses
(Wang et al, 2010).
Steam distillation : The most common and cost-
effective method for isolating essential oils is through the
distillation of steam. Steam distillation is the technique
that is utilized in order to obtain around 80–90% of the
key plant components. When applied to fresh plant
components that have a high point of boiling, such as
roots and seeds, this method operates extremely well and
achieves excellent results. During this step of the
procedure, the plant matrix, which is solid, is placed inside
of the perforated grid. After the steam from the steam
boiler is delivered into the extraction still (pot), the steam
then moves through the plant matrix (solid), which allows
oil to be extracted from the plant matrix via diffusion.
After that, the steam goes to the condenser, and after
that, it goes to the separation unit. The Clevenger steam
distillation method is often utilized, when only a limited
quantity of solid plant material needs to be extracted.
The advantages of utilizing this technology include a
simplified method for controlling the steam’s quality and
quantity at all times, as well as a decreased risk of thermal
damage as a result of temperatures that rarely go above
100 degrees Celsius. The high level of complexity that
must be met when making repairs and doing maintenance
is a drawback (Aziz et al, 2018).
Hydro distillation : The steam distillation process
is distinct from the hydro distillation process. In the
process of hydro-distillation, boiling water is utilized to
extract aromatic plant oil. The distillation process is
sluggish, which results in a long distillation period, which
requires more energy, which makes the procedure
uneconomical. Additionally, the extraction of herbs
(leaves) is not always complete, which is one of the
method’s disadvantages. Alterations to a substance’s
chemical make-up are possible if it is subjected to high
temperatures over an extended period of time. There is
Pharmacological potential of lemongrass oil 589
a possibility that the plant raw material that is located
towards the bottom walls of the pot can catch fire since
it is in direct contact with the heat source. If this happens,
the oil will have an unpleasant odour (Onoriode, 2023).
Soxhlet extraction : Although, Soxhlet extraction
is a typical approach for the removal of nutraceuticals, it
does come with a few drawbacks, such as the use of a
sizable amount of solvent and the fact that the process
can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks
to finish (Angelo Izzo et al, 2017). Despite these
drawbacks, Soxhlet extraction is still widely used.
According to Luque De Castro and Garcõ Âa-Ayuso
(n.d.), the process of Soxhlet extraction is carried out by
placing a sample solid material that contains the desired
component inside of a thimble made of thick filter paper,
and then loading it into the main chamber of the Soxhlet
extractor. This is said to be the method that is used to
carry out the Soxhlet extraction process. Before it is put
to the extraction solvent, the Soxhlet extractor is stored
in a flask until it is ready to be utilized. After this
procedure, the Soxhlet is eventually wired up to a
condenser. When the temperature of the solvent exceeds
its boiling point, the reaction will start to reflux. After
passing via a distillation arm, the vapor of the solvent
makes its way into the reception chamber, which is where
the solid thimble is kept. The condenser is in charge of
bringing the temperature of any solvent vapor down to a
more manageable level so that it can drip back into the
chamber where the solid substance is located. The space
that already holds the solid object has had the heated
solvent begin to fill up the space in an overwhelming
manner. When the desired chemical is introduced to the
heated solvent, a portion of the substance will dissolve.
Just when the Soxhlet chamber is getting near to being
full, it is mechanically emptied by a siphon side arm that
is attached to the device. This opens up the possibility of
the solvent being able to stream back down into the
distillation flask. Over the period of several hours, days,
or even weeks, this cycle might be repeated an infinite
number of times (Angelo Izzo et al, 2017; Luque De
Castro and Garcõ Âa-Ayuso, n.d.)
Physiochemical characteristics of lemongrass oil
Physical properties
Parameter Values
Acid value 2.805
Saponification value 140.25
pH 5.5
Boiling point 212°C
Moisture content 20.7
Specific gravity 0.896
Peroxide value 6.0
Refractive index 2.487
Chemical properties
l Citral : The lemony scent that is so characteristic
of lemongrass oil can be traced back to the citral
component of the oil. The essential oil citral, which is
produced by combining the isomers geranial and neral, is
largely accountable for the distinctive aroma of lemon.
l Geraniol : Geraniol is another essential component
of lemongrass oil that contributes to the production of
that recognizable odour.
l Citronellal : Citronellal is a terpenoid molecule
that may be found in lemongrass oil. It is responsible for
the oil’s signature lemon aroma.
l Geranyl acetate : Geranyl acetate is a chemical
component that contributes to the oil having a flowery
and sweet aroma and flavour. It also plays a role in these
characteristics.
l Limonene : The zesty aroma of lemongrass oil is
mostly attributed to a terpene known as limonene, which
is extremely common.
l Myrcene : Myrcene can be found in a large
number of different plant species, including lemongrass,
and one of those species is lemongrass. There is a
possibility of aromas resembling fruit or earth.
l Terpinolene : Terpinolene is the terpene that gives
the oil its woodsy and piney scents, and it is responsible
for such aromas.
l Linalool : Linalool is a terpene alcohol that has a
floral scent; lemongrass oil contains it, but only in trace
amounts. It is present in lemongrass oil.
l Pinene : Another probable component of
lemongrass oil is pinene, which has a fragrance similar
to that of pine trees.
l Caryophyllene : Caryophyllene is a type of
sesquiterpene that is responsible for the oil’s warm and
woodsy aroma.
Pharmacological activity of lemongrass oil
Antibacterial activity : The antibacterial action of
cymbopogon essential oils is the basis for a vast array of
uses, one of which is the preservation of raw and
processed foods. Other uses of essential oils include a
wide variety of other applications. The citronella food-
grade essential oil’s antimicrobial qualities, which are put
to use in the process of preserving semi-dried round scads
fish. Dried fish products that are kept at a temperature
of 4 degrees Celsius and are infused with citronella oil at
a concentration of 1% (v/v) have the potential to have
their shelf life extended by an additional week (Sharma
et al, 2018).
590 Tushar Chaudhary et al
Antifungal activity : Dermatophytid fungi and yeasts
are common causes of fungal skin infections in humans.
Subcutaneous candidiasis is caused by the yeast
Candida albicans. This infection is widespread in
immunocompromised patients and can manifest in a
variety of body sites including the mouth, skin,
oesophagus, oral cavity and vagina. Other forms of
candida can also affect the skin, nails, hair, and mucous
membranes (Eggimann et al, 2003; Lacaz, 2002). Women
with vulvovaginal candidiasis are more likely to be affected
by Candiasis albicans (85%-95%) than Candiasis
glabrata (10%-20%) (Lacaz, 2002). Vulvovaginal
candidiasis can also be caused by Candida krusei and
Candida tropicalis. Researchers have found that
LGEO’s composition is critical to its antibacterial effects
(Dorman and Deans, 2000). Along with the use of
antimicrobial activity is more sensitive to the levels of
monoterpenic aldehydes such geranial and neral.
Researchers have observed that LGEO’s synergy
between the mono terpenes and other important
compounds, such as terpinene, cymene and linalool, has
a potent inhibitory spectrum against Candida species
(Bakkali et al, 2008; Tyagi and Malik, 2010). Research
shows that lemon grass essential oil can be used to treat
skin conditions including cutaneous candidiasis, a fungal
infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans.
Changes in the morphological and fungal cell structure,
as well as the cell surface, are the mechanisms by which
the essential vapour oils of lemon grass suppress C.
albicans. Shape shifts and surface modifications on fungal
cells can reduce infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Intragastric administration of a hot water extract of
dried lemon grass leaves containing an essential oil elicited
a more robust form of pedeledema in rats than
carrageenan. To name a few, LGEO reduces
concentrations of VCAM-1, IP-10, I-TAC, MIG,
collagen-I and III, EGFR, M-CSF, and PAI, all of which
play important roles in inflammation and tissue remodeling.
Genome-wide gene expression analysis has been shown
to be significantly impacted by LGEO. The anti-
inflammatory properties of lemon grass essential oil are
facilitated by the fact that inflammation involves multiple
gene and pathway types. It has shown promising results
in treating skin irritation (Han and Parker, 2017). Long-
term use does not result in resistance to LGEO’s major
component, citral, which inhibits Gram-negative and
Gram-positive bacteria (Irkin and Korukluoglu, 2009;
Tyagi and Malik, 2010). Effectiveness against
Staphylococcus aureus infections is quite high(Praveen,
n.d.; Tyagi and Malik, 2010a, 2010b).
Antiviral : If a substance can prevent the replication
of a virus by a percentage of at least 50 percent, we call
that substance an antiviral agent.99% (two log factors
of 10) at a level that does not cause cytotoxicity (Sharma
et al, 2018a). Cymbopogon nardus (L.), often known
as rindle, was investigated by Aini and colleagues for the
cytotoxic and antiviral activities it possesses. It was
discovered to have characteristics that are antiviral.
Infection of Vero cells with the measles virus was
investigated. Research was conducted to investigate the
antiviral effects of crude oil fractions and subfractions
against measles virus utilizing three distinct treatment
approaches. In the first approach, cells were treated after
they had been inoculated with a virus, but in the second
way, cells were treated before they were inoculated. After
utilizing the third treatment strategy, the illness was
completely eradicated. Before the cells were injected with
fractions, they were treated in a way that left them
inoperable. It was discovered that subfractions and
fractions were not nearly as effective as wholes in halting
the transmission of the measles virus after an infection.
On the other hand, in vitro grown cells that were treated
with fraction prior to being vaccinated against the virus
resulted in increased antiviral activity. It was therefore
hypothesized that subfractions and extracted fractions
reflected improved cellular defences against viral
invasion. Injected cells are present at a stage in the
process of viral proliferation that is fairly late. In a second
line of research, the effectiveness of C. nardus extracts
was investigated. activity of the measles virus in
combination with Riva viral, in Vero cells and the varying
potencies of Riva viral.(Sharma et al, 2018a) .
Mosquito repellent : Mosquito repellents are
essential tools for avoiding painful mosquito bites as well
as terrible diseases. Studies on the effectiveness of
citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon citratus) as a
mosquito repellent have been conducted. In comparison
to the activity of the well-liked chemical insect repellent
N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide (DEET), lemongrass oil
demonstrated a mean of 30 min of safety time against
Pharmacological potential of lemongrass oil 591
mosquitoes to drive them away from the situated region.
The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the
efficacy of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) as a
mosquito deterrent. In particular, it hopes to use extraction
techniques to remove lemon grass’s fragrant oils. Lemon
grass oil is a potential herbal repellent since it provides a
higher level of protection than chemical repellents (Vidya
Prabhakar et al, 2013).
Anticonvulsant : Many herbal treatments have
been shown to have bioactivities that have positive
impacts on the central nervous system (CNS) and have
the power to combating CNS disorders such epilepsy,
depression and anxiety maladies (Silva et al, 2011).
Additionally, essential oils have been linked to a physiologic
process, including anxiolytic ones and action against
convulsions. About the effects of C. winterianus
(Poaceae), C. for neurological conditions, citratus, and
their bioactive citronellol. Citronellol demonstrated,
according Sousa et al. The essential oil of C. winterianus
was found to be particularly abundant in citronellal
(27.44%), geraniol (40.06%) and picrotoxin, which were
found to have neuroprotective activity convulsion and
maximum electroshock-induced convulsion mouse
seizures. These compounds were also found to have
anticonvulsant potential. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
was used to test for Myeloperoxidase (MPO) cytotoxicity,
a human biomarker for inflammation. It has also been
demonstrated to possess antioxidant qualities. The 1, 1-
diphenyl-2-piorylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was used in the
research. This Essential oils work on the central nervous
system, making them acyclic monoterpenes. Citronellol
and alcohol make up the majority of the ingredients in C.
Winterianus oil.(Medicinales Aromáticas et al, n.d.).
Anthelmintic : The effects of cymbopogon and
neem oil on Fasciola gigantica in a test tube are
antimicrobial. It showed good action against worms on
live Fasciola gigantica. Neem oil, on the other hand,
didn’t do anything different from the flukicide drug
oxyclozanide, which was used as a test. But nothing was
said about how the anthelmintic activity worked (Sharma
et al, 2018a).
Uses and applications
The utilization of citronella and its bioactive
constituents in traditional medicine has been prevalent in
numerous nations for an extended period. This is primarily
attributed to the presence of several medicinal properties,
including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and
analgesic capabilities. The utilization of lemongrass stalks
and leaves as a herb is also observed. Throughout history,
individuals across the globe have been afflicted by various
neurological and gastrointestinal ailments. These
conditions have traditionally been addressed through the
use of therapeutic interventions possessing diverse
pharmacological properties, including antiemetic,
hypotensive, antibacterial, analgesic, antitussive,
antirheumatic, and antirheumatic, anticonvulsant,
antispasmodic effects. Moreover, lemongrass essential
oil finds application in various industries like cookery and
beverages, cosmetics, fragrances, pharmaceuticals,
nutraceuticals, sanitary products, agronomy and beverage
flavouring. Lemongrass oil has been widely utilized in
various domains such as aromatherapy, cosmetics,
perfumery, culinary applications, and beverage production.
Cosmetics : Lemongrass oil is commonly used as a
constituent in a variety of formulations of cosmetics,
detergents and soaps. Additionally, it is utilized to facilitate
the systematic recirculation of blood and promote
muscular toning. Lemongrass is a cost-effective and
environmentally friendly deodorant option that is known
for its non-irritating properties and extended efficacy
when it is appropriately diluted, while also lacking any
discernible adverse effects (Sharma et al, 2018a).
Pharmaceutical and therapeutic effect : For the
treatment of flu, headaches, fevers, stomach-aches, and
muscle aches/pulls, lemongrass oil is used aside from. In
addition to the previously mentioned medical benefits of
lemongrass oil, research has shown that it has antibacterial
and antifungal effects on various pathogenic organisms,
making it beneficial in the pharmaceutical industry.it has
been suggested that lemongrass oil derived from
Cymbopogon citratus may potentially be utilized in the
management of several health conditions such as coughs,
constipation, malaria, headaches, leprosy, elephantiasis,
ophthalmia, pneumonia, influenza, gingivitis and vascular
disease. the inflammation-reducing. Its antioxidant
activities are well-documented in many academic
publications. The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer,
anti-hyperglycaemic, antioxidant and antimalarial
properties of lemongrass essential oil qualities that prevent
mutation and fight germs. Lemongrass is an essential herb
because of its qualities and chemical composition.
Medicinal herb for treating and preventing a wide range
of illnesses (Mu’azu et al, 2009).
Food and drinks : The oil lemongrass is used as a
flavour in food. Alcoholic beverages, spices, tea leaves,
candies baked goods, confectionary and meat/meat
products have all been flavoured with lemongrass oil.
Lemongrass oil is to be effective in the battle against
post-harvest fungi toxins for the defence of foods from
storage fungal. Numerous research have been carried
out to study the efficacy of citronella essential oil in
592 Tushar Chaudhary et al
preserving a variety of finished food products and the
possibilities for employing them as natural alternatives to
artificial preservatives in the production of food.
lemongrass essential oil has been utilized to eliminate
mycotoxigenic fungi and stop the development of
mycotoxin in dairy products. Lemongrass essential oil’s
antifungal and antibacterial properties, Lemongrass
essential oil has also been shown to have antifungal
properties against fungi that are known to promote the
spoiling of bakery goods. Because lemongrass possesses
antibacterial qualities, its essential oil (EO) is used as a
natural preservative in the cheese-making business and
to protect meat products from rotting and harmful
microbes (Sharma et al, 2018b).
Uses in industrial : Lemongrass oil is utilized in a
wide variety of products, including deodorant, insect and
mosquito repellent cream, candles, polish, waxes,
insecticides and anti-fungal cream, all of which are
marketed to consumers as having a pleasant aroma
(Toungos, n.d.).
Uses in agriculture : Despite the fact that
lemongrass oil has a wide range of applications across
many industries, the agriculture sector has seen the most
use. The manufacture of bactericides and germicides has
been shown to use the oils of specific lemongrass species
Additionally, it has been demonstrated that lemongrass
oil possesses insecticidal, nematicidal and fungicidal
activities. Furthermore, lemongrass essential oil may have
the potential to have insecticidal activity against other
insect pests that target the seedling stage of numerous
field crops in many different countries throughout the
world (Moustafa et al, 2021).
CONCLUSION
Cymbopogon citrates is cultivated in various tropical
regions, including Asia, Africa and parts of the Americas.
Essential oil serves as a fragrant and flavour-enhancing
component within the cosmetic and perfumery sectors.
In the realm of traditional medicine, this substance is
employed for its various therapeutic properties, including
but not limited to its anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory,
antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, antibacterial, analgesic,
antitussive, anti-rheumatic, hypotensive and
anticonvulsant effects. Essential oils of lemongrass consist
of many volatile molecules that find applications in
pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural, food and
aromatherapy etc. Extraction of lemongrass essential oils
could be carried out by various methods.
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... In a transport trial, sea bass subjected to 40 mg L −1 lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) EO, whose main compound is citral, presented lower levels of oxidant enzymes (including myeloperoxidase) than the control fish (water only); the authors attributed such outcome to a superior antioxidant capacity in the EO-treated fish [47]. The current findings also evidence an anti-inflammatory potential of citral, which has been previously reported [48] and requires further investigation. ...
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Background: The destructive insect pest Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a polyphagous species targeting many economically important plants. The extensive and arbitrary use of insecticides has resulted in the build-up of insecticide resistance and pesticide residues accumulating in food. Therefore, it is becoming evident that alternative pest management tools are needed to reduce risks to humans, the environment, and non-target organisms, and at the same time, they should be used in field application at the lowest cost. Methods: In view of this objective, the present study demonstrates the toxicity of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf) essential oil (EO), against the black cutworm A. ipsilon under controlled laboratory conditions in terms of measuring the activity of peroxidase and detoxification enzymes. The chemical components of the EO were analyzed using GC-MS. Results: The results show that after 96 h post treatment, the LC15 and LC50 values were 427.67 and 2623.06 mg/L, respectively, of C. citratus EO on second-instar larvae of A. ipsilon. A slight significance in elongation of the larval duration with LC15 and LC50 value was found with control. By GC-MS analysis, the main compounds identified in the EO were α-citral and β-citral with percentages of 35.91%, and 35%, respectively. The oxidative stress indicates a significant increase in CAT and lipid peroxidase enzyme activity after 96 h post treatment at the LC15 and LC50. Conversely, the detoxification enzyme activity shows an inhibition of CarE and GST enzymes of larvae exposed to LC15 and LC50 values in response to C. citratus EO. Conclusions: The present data show that lemongrass EO has insecticidal activity against the black cutworm, A. ipsilon.
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