Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a versatile herb known for its culinary uses and medicinal properties. It typically grows in tall, slender stalks with long, sharp-edged leaves that resemble grass. The plant emits a distinct lemony fragrance due to its high citral content, which also gives it its refreshing flavor. In terms of varieties, lemongrass primarily differs in its cultivation methods and regional adaptations rather than distinct botanical varieties. It is cultivated in various parts of the world, including East and Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas, each region contributing slightly different flavors and nuances to the herb. Medicinally, lemongrass is cherished for its digestive benefits, antimicrobial qualities, anti-inflammatory effects, and its role in promoting relaxation and skin health. Whether brewed into teas, used in cooking, or as an essential oil, lemongrass remains prized for its aromatic appeal and therapeutic potential in diverse cultures worldwide.
APPEARENCE:
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is characterized by its tall, slender stalks that can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height. The plant has long, narrow leaves with sharp edges, similar to those of a blade of grass, hence its name. These leaves are green with a slight bluish tinge and grow in clusters along the length of the stalks. Lemongrass leaves emit a strong citrusy fragrance when crushed, owing to its high content of essential oils, particularly citral. The base of the stalks is bulbous and white, with a fibrous texture that is often used in culinary preparations after being finely chopped or crushed to release its aromatic oils. Overall, lemongrass has a fresh and invigorating appearance that reflects its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.
VARIETIES:
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) does not have distinct botanical varieties in the same way as some other plants do. However, there are different cultivars and regional variations that are cultivated and used for various purposes. Here are a few notable variations:
- East Indian Lemongrass: This variety is commonly grown in India and Southeast Asia. It tends to have a robust citrus flavor and is often used in culinary dishes and herbal teas.
- West Indian Lemongrass: Originating from the Caribbean and Central America, this type of lemongrass is also known for its strong lemony aroma and is used similarly in cooking and herbal remedies.
- African Lemongrass: Found in regions of Africa, this variety may exhibit slightly different flavor profiles depending on local growing conditions and cultivation practices.
- Australian Lemongrass: Native to Australia, this type of lemongrass is used both in culinary preparations and in essential oil production due to its aromatic qualities.
- Cymbopogon flexuosus: While not a separate species, Cymbopogon flexuosus is sometimes considered a variety of lemongrass and is commonly used for its high citral content, which makes it particularly suitable for essential oil extraction.
These variations in lemongrass cultivars often influence their flavor profiles, aroma intensity, and suitability for different culinary and medicinal applications. Whether used fresh, dried, or as an essential oil, lemongrass continues to be cherished for its refreshing taste and therapeutic properties worldwide.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:
Citral (mixture of geranial and neral), Terpinolene, Geranyl acetate, Myrecene and Terpinol Methylheptenone. isoneral, isogeranial, geraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellal, citronellol, germacrene-D, and elemol, vitamins A, C, E, folate, niacin, and riboflavin, protein, antioxidants, and mineral nutrients, such as N , P , K , S, Mg, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ca and Fe ,flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which consist of luteolin, isoorientin 2’-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, kaempferol and apiginin.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
1. Possess anti-microbial property
The antimicrobial action of lemongrass is attributed to the compounds found in it, primarily citral, citronellal, and geraniol. These compounds disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, leading to their destruction or inhibition of growth. Citral, for example, interferes with the permeability of bacterial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity and causing leakage of cellular contents, ultimately leading to cell death. Similarly, citronellal and geraniol have been shown to disrupt microbial membranes and inhibit essential cellular processes, ultimately exerting antimicrobial effects. Additionally, these compounds may interfere with microbial enzymes and metabolic pathways, further contributing to their antimicrobial activity.
2. Improves digestive health
Citral, a major component of lemongrass , is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help to soothe digestive discomfort and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Myrcene, another prominent compound in lemongrass, has been shown to have gastroprotective effects, protecting the stomach lining from damage and promoting the healing of ulcers.
3. Reduces hypertension
Citral which has been shown to have vasorelaxant effects, meaning it can help dilate blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure. Additionally, citral has been found to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays a role in regulating blood pressure by constricting blood vessels. By inhibiting ACE activity, citral may help to promote blood vessel dilation and lower blood pressure. Furthermore, lemongrass contains potassium, a mineral known for its ability to counteract the effects of sodium and help regulate blood pressure levels. Potassium helps to relax blood vessel walls, reducing tension and improving blood flow.
4. Possess anti- inflammatory properties Lemongrass possesses anti-inflammatory properties primarily due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds, such as citral, citronellal, and geraniol. These compounds have been shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways in the body, including the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Citral, for example, has been found to suppress the activity of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which are enzymes involved in the production of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, citral and citronellal have been shown to modulate the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation. By inhibiting these inflammatory pathways, lemongrass can help reduce inflammation in various tissues and organs, making it potentially beneficial for managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gastritis, and skin inflammation.
REFERENCE:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3217679/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8773226/#:~:text=Lemongrass%20essential%20oil%20(LEO)%20carries,addition%20to%20other%20bioactive%20compounds
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326778/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9598547/#:~:text=In%20both%20healthy%20and%20hypertensive,lemongrass%20tea%20decreases%20blood%20pressure.