Lemongrass Leaf Oil
Also known as: Lemongrass oil, LGEO, Lemongrass essential oil, Cymbopogon citratus
Overview
Lemongrass leaf oil is an essential oil primarily extracted from the leaves of *Cymbopogon citratus*, a tropical grass. It is rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, geraniol, and limonene, which contribute to its therapeutic properties. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and oral health benefits. The oil can be applied topically, used in aromatherapy, or administered oromucosally. Research indicates its potential in reducing anxiety and acting as an effective antimicrobial agent, particularly against oral pathogens. While promising, the clinical evidence is still emerging, with a limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews available. Most current evidence is preliminary but suggests significant physiological effects, such as reductions in blood pressure and anxiety when used in aromatherapy. Further rigorous research is needed to fully establish its efficacy and safety across various applications.
Benefits
Lemongrass leaf oil exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily in oral health and anxiety reduction. For oral health, it has shown comparable efficacy to conventional treatments like chlorhexidine in reducing gingivitis and doxycycline in periodontitis treatment. This is supported by a scoping review identifying its potential in this area. Its antimicrobial properties are significant, with nanoparticle formulations effectively inhibiting key oral pathogens such as *Candida albicans* and *Streptococcus mutans* without compromising material hardness in dental applications, as demonstrated in experimental studies. In terms of anxiety reduction, aromatherapy with lemongrass essential oil has been shown to significantly decrease anxiety scores and physiological markers like heart rate and blood pressure in dental patients, with effects observed immediately post-intervention. This benefit is supported by a high-quality randomized controlled trial. Secondary effects, such as anti-dandruff and skin aging prevention, have been suggested but require more robust research. The benefits are particularly relevant for adult dental patients experiencing anxiety or those with oral infections.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for lemongrass leaf oil is attributed to its main component, citral, which exerts antimicrobial effects by disrupting microbial cell membranes. Its anxiolytic properties are believed to involve the modulation of central nervous system neurotransmitters, likely through olfactory pathways when inhaled. The anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduction of oxidative stress. Lemongrass oil interacts with various body systems, including the oral mucosa, skin, and central nervous system, depending on the method of application (topical, inhalation). While specific molecular targets are still being elucidated, it is understood to affect microbial cell membranes, inflammatory mediators, and potentially certain CNS receptors. Transdermal absorption of citral is suggested, and inhalation leads to systemic effects, contributing to its therapeutic actions.
Side effects
Lemongrass leaf oil is generally considered safe when used topically or via aromatherapy in controlled doses. The most common side effects are mild skin irritation or sensitization, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Allergic reactions are possible in individuals predisposed to allergies to lemongrass or related plants, and these individuals should avoid its use. No serious adverse events have been reported in the clinical studies reviewed to date. Drug interactions are not well characterized, but caution is advised when using lemongrass oil concurrently with central nervous system depressants due to its anxiolytic effects, which could potentially enhance sedation. It is contraindicated in individuals with known allergies to lemongrass or other plants in the *Cymbopogon* genus. Safety data for special populations, such as pregnant women and children, are limited, and therefore, its use in these groups is not well established and should be approached with caution.
Dosage
There is no standardized minimum effective dose for lemongrass leaf oil, as studies have utilized various methods of application. For anxiety reduction, aromatherapy involves diluted essential oil applied to gauze or diffused into the ambient air. Clinical studies have used concentrations sufficient to achieve desired effects, such as reducing anxiety and microbial load. For antimicrobial benefits, particularly in oral health, nanoparticle formulations at concentrations ranging from 25% to 100% have shown efficacy. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but essential oils should always be diluted to prevent skin irritation or other adverse reactions. For anxiety, effects can be observed after a single aromatherapy session. For oral health and antimicrobial benefits, repeated topical or oromucosal application over several days to weeks is typically required to see improvements. Absorption can be enhanced by nanoparticle delivery, and transdermal absorption is possible but variable. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is lemongrass oil safe for oral use?
Yes, studies indicate it can be used oromucosally with efficacy comparable to chlorhexidine. However, formulations should be carefully controlled for concentration to prevent irritation.
Can lemongrass oil reduce anxiety?
Aromatherapy with lemongrass oil has been shown to significantly reduce anxiety and physiological stress markers, such as heart rate and blood pressure, in dental patients.
Are there antimicrobial benefits?
Yes, it exhibits antimicrobial properties, particularly against oral pathogens like *Candida albicans* and *Streptococcus mutans*, with nanoparticle formulations enhancing its efficacy.
How quickly do effects appear?
Anxiety reduction can be immediate with aromatherapy. Antimicrobial and oral health benefits typically require repeated application over a period of days to weeks.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for lemongrass leaf oil are currently limited. Further research is needed to fully assess its safety profile for extended periods of use.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892616/ – This scoping review identified 8 clinical studies on lemongrass essential oil, highlighting its potential for oral health comparable to chlorhexidine and doxycycline, and suggesting benefits for skin and dandruff. The review emphasized the need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials due to the limited number and heterogeneity of existing studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11899488/ – This randomized controlled trial investigated the anxiolytic effects of lemongrass aromatherapy in dental patients. It found a significant reduction in anxiety scores (STAI-S), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate after a single session, indicating its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for dental anxiety.
- https://jppres.com/jppres/lemongrass-oil-nanoparticle-as-antimicrobial-and-its-acrylic-resin-hardness-influence/ – This experimental study explored the antimicrobial efficacy of lemongrass oil nanoparticles against *Candida albicans* and *Streptococcus mutans*. It demonstrated that these nanoparticles effectively inhibited both pathogens at concentrations of 25-100% without negatively impacting the hardness of acrylic resin, suggesting its potential for dental applications.
