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Phytochemical Constituents in Lemon Grass

Phytochemicals are non-nutritive plant chemicals that have protective or disease preventive properties. Plants produce these chemicals to protect themselves, but scientists are investigating whether these phytochemicals could protect humans as well. Lemon grass, commonly spelled lemongrass, is a tall perennial grass native to tropical Asia. According to Drugs.com, lemon grass has been used for making fragrances, flavoring food, and treating a wide variety of ailments due to its abundance of phytochemical properties.

Citral
- Lemon grass is most popular for its use in citronella candles as an insect repellent due to its high concentration of citral oil. Citral is the phytochemical that gives lemon grass its lemony citrus scent. Citral is used as a fragrant component in soaps, detergents, cosmetics and perfumes to add a pleasant aroma. It is also used for aromatherapy to ease stress and encourage relaxation. According to the Oxford Journal, citral was chosen for studies on phytochemical carcinogenic effects because of its widespread use as a cooking and flavoring ingredient. The study performed by Toxicological Sciences revealed that citral displays anti-cancer properties in male mice, but more research is necessary. Lemon grass is a main ingredient in Tai, Indian and Asian cooking due to its unique flavor.
Limonene
- Limonene is another phytochemical constituent in lemon grass that gives the plant its lemony smell. It is found in the essential oil of lemon grass and is used in cleaning products as an antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. Like citral, limonene is believed to work as an anti-cancer agent by increasing the levels of liver enzymes involved in detoxifying carcinogens. The Journal of Nutrition states that limonene may have anti-tumor properties. Limonene is also used as a solvent and is often added to botanical insecticides, organic cleaners and natural air fresheners.
Geraniol
- Geraniol is the phytochemical in lemon grass believed to work as a tonic for improving the strength and functions of the nervous system. It is believed to work as a diuretic while functioning as a tonic for the kidneys. Geraniol is also added to products that fight acne and other oily conditions due to its astringent properties. Lemon grass has been used as a deodorant and as a fungicide because of the drying effects of geraniol. Fungus needs a moist environment to thrive and geraniol kills fungus by altering its moist environment. Lemon grass oil can be applied directly to areas of athlete's foot, ringworm or other external fungal conditions.
Antioxidants
- Antioxidants destroy free radicals, which are molecules that cause disease and adverse conditions inside the body. Lemon grass has an abundance of antioxidants including vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and flavonoids. Lemon grass leaves are often boiled with water to make a tea full of antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are often added to supplements to fight disease and increase health, but the best way to get antioxidants is through natural sources.

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