Botanical Profile
Cymbopogon citratus is an aromatic grass with a lemon-like fragrance profile. Primarily the leaves and leaf bases are used, together with essential oils and extracts obtained from them.
Cymbopogon citratus is a perennial, clump-forming grass species with long, narrow, sharp-edged leaves and robust leaf bases. The plant is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions and is particularly well known in Southeast Asian, African and Latin American cuisines and herbal traditions. The intense lemon-like odour is released when the leaves are crushed or cut. Fresh or dried herb, leaf bases, essential oil and extracts are used as raw materials. Botanically, lemongrass belongs to the Poaceae and is therefore a grass, not a relative of Citrus species. Differentiation from other Cymbopogon species such as palmarosa or citronella grasses is important for raw-material identity.
Phytochemistry
Lemongrass contains essential oil characterised primarily by citral, a mixture of the isomers geranial and neral. Myrcene, geraniol, linalool, citronellal, citronellol and other monoterpenes also occur. The non-volatile fractions contain flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and other polar accompanying constituents. Fresh herb, dried leaves, aqueous extracts and essential oil have markedly different constituent profiles. Citral is highly important sensorially, but is also sensitive to oxidation and relevant to safety assessment in concentrated oils. Origin, harvest age, drying, distillation and storage influence oil quantity and aroma profile.
Traditional Uses
Lemongrass is a classic aromatic herb in many tropical cuisines. It is used fresh, dried or as an infusion in soups, curries, beverages, marinades and herbal teas. In Southeast Asian, African, Caribbean and Latin American traditions, the plant combines culinary, aromatic and herbal significance. Its fresh lemon-like profile also made lemongrass a popular fragrance and bath ingredient. Traditional uses relate mainly to the herb and simple aqueous preparations; essential oil is a concentrated fraction requiring its own assessment.
Current Research
Research on Cymbopogon citratus addresses citral, essential oil, antimicrobial in-vitro models, antioxidant test systems, aroma stability, food preservation, insect interactions and extract variability. Citral-rich oils are analysed for geranial and neral proportions, oxidation products and accompanying monoterpenes. Studies of aqueous or hydroalcoholic extracts focus more strongly on phenolic fractions. Comparability is limited when plant part, oil quality, chemotype or extraction method is not precisely specified. Results from essential oil or isolated citral cannot be transferred to tea or culinary use.
Sources
- Plants of the World Online: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Specialist literature on Cymbopogon citratus, citral and lemongrass essential oil.
- Spice and aromatic-plant literature on lemongrass.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.