• Lemongrass
  • Lemongrass

Lemongrass

  • Scientific Name
    Cymbopogon citratus（Cymbopogon schoenanthus）
  • Family
    Poaceae
  • Origin
    Indiaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Lemongrass, is a perennial plant of the Poaceae family, grows up to 1.5 meters and boasts the typical long, slender green leaves characteristic of this plant family. Depending on its place of origin, it goes by different scientific names: “Cymbopogon citratus” for the white-stemmed variety and “Cymbopogon flexuosus” for the red-stemmed type. “Cymbopogon citratus” is primarily utilized in cosmetics. The name “lemongrass” is derived from the lemon-like fragrance emitted when the leaves are rubbed. This aromatic herb has a rich history in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine and has also been utilized as an insect repellent due to its distinctive scent. While it thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and may struggle in colder climates, it is an easy-to-cultivate herb that adapts well to Japan’s climate.

Essential oil composition

Lemongrass

  • Lemongrass

  • INCI
    Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil、Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Leaf
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.4 - 0.5%
  • Notes
    Top - Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Citrus, Spice

Lemongrass Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Lemongrass essential oil is obtained from lemongrass leaves by steam distillation at about 0.4-0.5% efficiency, and it has a light yellow to light brownish color. The main component is citral, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, and the amount of oil extracted is slightly more efficient than other herbal essential oils. Its fragrance is reminiscent of citrus and lemon, featuring a dry, fresh, with a hint of green herbal aroma. Additionally, it possesses a deep, ginger-like undertone, contributing to its deep scent profile. This unique aroma profile often leads to its classification as either a citrus or spice aroma. Lemongrass essential oil blends harmoniously with a wide array of essential oils, particularly those with floral notes like Clary Sage and Geranium, as well as herbal scents like Peppermint. Due to its relitavely strong fragrance, it is advisable to add it gradually when blending to achieve a balanced scent.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Citral　54.6％
  • Myrcene　15.3%
  • Geraniol　3.8％
  • Linalool　2.2%
  • Geranyl acetate　2.0%
  • other components　22.1％

Functions and Efficacies

Geraniol

Geraniol
  • IUPAC Name
    (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C15H26O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    106-24-1
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Geraniol

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that the addition of geraniol to human umbilical vein endothelial cells inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, induced by Ox-LDL.1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that growth-inhibitory effect on B. botulinum was observed in culture medium supplemented with geraniol. 2) Similar inhibitory effects have also been reported against several other bacteria.3)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported an increased hepatic apoptosis (cell death) index in the group of hepatocarcinogenesis model rats treated with geraniol．4)

  • 1)Ammar et al., Nutrients, 2022
  • 2)Ueda et al., Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo gakkaishi, 1982
  • 3)M˛aczka et al., Molecules, 2020
  • 4)Ong et al., Carcinogenesis, 2006

Citral

Citral
  • IUPAC Name
    (2E)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dienal
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16O
  • Molecular Weight
    152.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    5392-40-5
  • Structure
    Monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of Citral

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that mice exposed to cold stress at 4°C exhibited suppressed increases in brain monoamine levels within the citral-treated group.1)

Acti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that when Aspergillus niger was cultivated in a growth medium supplemented with citral, it exhibited superior antimicrobial activity compared to other essential oil components. Additionally, citral demonstrated a longer-lasting antimicrobial effect against multiple fungi.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported that the administration of citral to human breast cancer-derived 3D-cultured cells resulted in a concentration-dependent reduction in the size of cell aggregates. Additionally, in experiments utilizing AnnexinV/7AAD flow cytometry—a method used to detect apoptotic cells—an increase in apoptotic cells was observed following citral administration.3)

  • 1)Fukumoto et al., Stress and Health, 2008
  • 2)岡村、木材保存、2002
  • 3)Nigjeh et al., BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018

Linalool

Linalool
  • IUPAC Name
    3,7-Dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H18O
  • Molecular Weight
    154.25 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    78-70-6
  • Structure
    Monoterpene alcohol

Functions and Efficacies of Linalool

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○
Stress Reduction ○ ○
Anti-oxidant Effects ○

Anti-inflammatory Effects

A study reported that linalool reduced hindlimb edema in rats induced by carrageenan administration. 1)

Stress Reduction

A study reported that linalool treatment increased the time it took for mice to escape to a dark room when under light stress. Additionally, it reduced the number and duration of attacks on other mice in a confined room, indicating its stress-reducing effects.2) Linalool inhalation was observed to reverse gene expression alterations in the hypothalamus associated with stress response in mice.3) Numerous studies have documented the stress-reducing capabilities of linalool.4)5)6)

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that the addition of linalool was found to suppress the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by UV irradiation in human skin fibroblasts.7)

  • 1)Peana et al., Phytomedicine, 2002
  • 2)Linck et al., Phytomedicine, 2010
  • 3)Yoshida et al., Neuroscience Letters, 2017
  • 4)Harada et al., Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 2018
  • 5)Souto-Maior et al., Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 2011
  • 6)Weston-Green et al., Frontiers in Scichiatry, 2021
  • 7)Gunaseelan et al., Plos One, 2017

IFRA

Lemongrass：
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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