Review on pharmacological activity of Cymbopogon citratus

Abstract

Cymbopogon citratus belonging to the family Gramineae is an herb worldwide known as lemongrass. The prefix ‘lemon’ owes to its typical lemon like odor, which is mainly due to the presence of citral, a cyclic monoterpene. Cymbopogon citratus a fast growing, perennial aromatic grass is native to South India and Sri Lanka, now widely cultivated in the tropical areas of America and Asia. Freshly cut and partially dried leaves are used medicinally and are the source of the essential oil. The plant is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies indicate that Cymbopogon citratus possesses various pharmacological activities such as anti-amoebic, anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-filarial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Various other effects like anti-malarial, anti-mutagenicity, anti-mycobacterial, anti-oxidants, hypoglycemic and neurobehavioral have also been studied. These results are very encouraging and hence this literature review was intended to study about the plant more extensively to confirm these results and reveal other potential therapeutic effects.