Organic Lemongrass
Also known as: Lemongrass, Citronella grass, Cymbopogon citratus
Overview
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical herb native to Asia, primarily utilized for its essential oil, which is extracted from its leaves and stalks. This oil is rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, limonene, and geraniol, contributing to its diverse range of applications. Traditionally, lemongrass has been employed for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive health benefits. Current clinical research explores its potential in oral health, specifically in treating conditions like periodontitis and gingivitis, as well as its role in managing metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Additionally, it is being investigated as a natural growth promoter in animal husbandry. Lemongrass contains essential oils with notable antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, while aqueous extracts demonstrate immunomodulatory effects. While research is ongoing, the existing evidence suggests promising therapeutic potential.
Benefits
Lemongrass offers several evidence-based benefits. In oral health, lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) has shown efficacy comparable to chlorhexidine and doxycycline in treating gingivitis and periodontitis, effectively reducing oral malodor. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties support periodontal therapy by targeting oral pathogens and inflammation. Animal studies indicate that aqueous lemongrass extract can improve weight gain, feed conversion, blood biomarkers, immunity, and gut health in broilers without adverse effects, suggesting its potential as a natural growth promoter. Preliminary research also suggests potential benefits in improving lipid homeostasis and providing antioxidant effects relevant to diabetes management, although these findings are primarily from preclinical and animal models. These benefits are particularly relevant for individuals with gingivitis or periodontitis, broiler chickens, and potentially diabetic patients, pending further investigation.
How it works
Lemongrass exerts its effects through several key mechanisms. Its antimicrobial activity stems from the disruption of bacterial membranes by essential oil components like citral. Anti-inflammatory effects are achieved through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the reduction of oxidative stress. The antioxidant activity involves scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may improve metabolic parameters. These actions impact various body systems, including the oral mucosa, where it provides local antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. In the gastrointestinal tract, it modulates gut microbiota and immune gene expression, as observed in animal studies. Furthermore, it may influence the metabolic system by modulating lipid metabolism, particularly relevant in the context of diabetes.
Side effects
Lemongrass is generally considered safe in topical and dietary forms when used at studied doses. Common side effects may include mild irritation or allergic reactions, particularly with topical application of the essential oil. Animal feeding studies have not reported significant adverse effects. Uncommon or rare side effects are not well-documented in reviewed clinical studies. Drug interactions are not well-established, but caution is advised when using lemongrass in conjunction with other antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory agents. Contraindications include known sensitivity to essential oils or lemongrass components. Limited data are available regarding the safety of lemongrass in pregnant women, children, or patients with chronic diseases, necessitating further research. It is important to perform a patch test before topical use to check for allergic reactions.
Dosage
For oral health, topical application of lemongrass essential oil at concentrations comparable to clinically used chlorhexidine has been effective, though exact dosing varies by formulation. In animal studies, an effective dose for broilers is 100-200 ml/l of aqueous extract in drinking water. The maximum safe dose for humans is not well-defined, and high doses of the essential oil may cause irritation. For oral health, regular topical or oromucosal application is recommended. In animal studies, continuous supplementation in feed or water has been used for growth effects. Essential oil is typically used for topical or oral applications, while aqueous extracts are used for ingestion. Lipophilic essential oils require appropriate formulation to ensure mucosal absorption. There are no specifically identified required cofactors.
FAQs
Is lemongrass safe for daily oral use?
Clinical studies suggest that lemongrass is as safe as chlorhexidine when used topically for oral health, making it suitable for daily use in appropriate formulations.
Can lemongrass replace antibiotics?
In animal production, lemongrass extract shows promise as a natural growth promoter and antimicrobial alternative, but its use as a human antibiotic replacement is not yet established.
How quickly does it work?
Oral health benefits have been observed within weeks of topical application, while growth and immune effects in animals are typically noted over about a month of continuous supplementation.
Are there risks of allergic reactions?
Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. A patch test is recommended before topical use to assess sensitivity and prevent potential irritation.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10892616/ – This scoping review included eight clinical studies from 2013 to 2022, focusing on the use of lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) for treating periodontitis, gingivitis, and oral malodor. The review found that LGEO was comparable to chlorhexidine and doxycycline in reducing gingival inflammation and bacterial load, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment. However, the authors noted limitations such as the small number of studies and varied methodologies, calling for larger, more rigorous randomized controlled trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11420471/ – This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of aqueous lemongrass extract on broiler chickens. Two hundred chicks were randomized to either a control group or one of three doses of the extract over 35 days. The study found significant improvements in weight gain, feed conversion ratio, immune gene expression, and gut health at doses of 100-200 ml/l, with no observed adverse effects, suggesting lemongrass as a natural growth promoter alternative to antibiotics.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9623/2/4/16 – This review summarizes the bioactive compounds in lemongrass and their effects on gut microbiota and systemic health. It highlights the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties of lemongrass. The review concludes that while promising, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits in humans.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/14/3/336/review_report – This study discusses the potential lipid homeostasis and antioxidant effects of lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) in type 1 diabetes models. It suggests that LGEO may reduce oxidative stress and improve metabolic parameters. The authors note that clinical evidence is still preliminary, warranting further investigation.
- https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0313419 – This study investigated the effects of lemongrass supplementation in dairy cows. The results indicated that lemongrass supplementation increased unsaturated fatty acids and n-3 fatty acids in milk, suggesting improved lipid profiles. This supports the potential systemic antioxidant and metabolic benefits of lemongrass in animal models.
