• Citronella
  • Citronella

Citronella

  • Scientific Name
    Cymbopogon nardus
  • Family
    Poaceae
  • Origin
    Indonesia , Sri Lankaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Citronella, belonging to the Poaceae family, reaches a height of approximately 1 meter. Its leaves are characterized by their elongated, green appearance, a common trait within this plant family. The scientific name “Citronella” is believed to have been inspired by its fragrance, reminiscent of the citrus fruit “Citron.” The genus name “Cymbopogon” is derived from two Greek words, “Kymbe,” meaning ship, and “pogon,” meaning beard, alluding to the ship-shaped and bearded nature of the plant. It is renowned as one of the most widely cultivated fragrant plants globally. Close botanical relatives of citronella include Lemongrass and Palmarosa. Citronella comes in two main types: Ceylon and Java, with some asserting that the Java variety offers superior yields and oil content. In the Western regions, it is well-known and utilized as an effective insect repellent.

Essential oil composition

Citronella

  • Citronella

  • INCI
    Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Leaf (whole plant)
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.4%
  • Notes
    Top - Middle
  • Aroma Family
    Citrus

Citronella Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Approximately 0.4% of Citronella essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from whole citronella plants, resulting in a colorless to yellowish-brown liquid. Its primary component is citronellal, renowned for its insect-repelling properties. The scent is rich and lemony, featuring deep, dry undertones within a sweet, green note. This blend of grassy and citrusy aromas can be somewhat subjective in interpretation; some perceive it as spicy, while others lean towards a citrus classification. It's advisable to pair this fragrance with citrusy, fresh, and light notes rather than heavier counterparts, as it carries a robust presence that may overwhelm if used excessively. To maintain a harmonious balance, it's recommended to use this scent sparingly in blends.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Citronellal　33.87%
  • Geraniol　19.89%
  • Citronellol　12.74%
  • Limonene　4.49%
  • Elemol　2.73%
  • Citronellyl acetate　2.72%
  • Geranyl acetate　2.44%
  • δ-Cadinene　2.29%
  • β-Elemene　2.28%
  • Germacrene D　2.19%
  • Isopulegol　1.37%
  • Eugenol　1.18%

Functions and Efficacies

Eugenol

Eugenol
  • IUPAC Name
    2-methoxy-4-prop-2-enylphenol
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H12O2
  • Molecular Weight
    164.20 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    97-53-0
  • Structure
    Phenylpropanoid

Functions and Efficacies of Eugenol

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

Anti-oxidant Effects

A study reported that eugenol possesses DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity and the capacity to inhibit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophils induced by PMA and H2O2.1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that the membrane-bound ATPase activity of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes was reduced by the addition of eugenol.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A study reported that the addition of eugenol reduced the cell viability of human embryonic lung fibroblast MRC-5 and lung cancer adenocarcinoma cells A549. Additionally, it was found to inhibit cell migration and invasive ability as observed through wound healing and transwell assays.3)

Analgesic Effects

A study reported that when artificially cultured trigeminal ganglion neurons were stimulated, eugenol was reported to inhibit sodium channel action potentials. 4)This observation led to the suggestion that the inhibition of sodium channels in neurons can impede the transmission of pain signals, which has potential implications for pain management.

  • 1)Perez-Roses et al., J. Agric. Food Chem., 2016
  • 2)Gill et al., Int. J. Food Microb., 2006
  • 3)Fangjun et al., Thoracic Cancer, 2018
  • 4)Hwang et al., Biomolecules, 2020

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

Limonene

Limonene
  • IUPAC Name
    1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16
  • Molecular Weight
    136.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    138-86-3
  • Structure
    Monocyclic monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of Limonene

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

Stress Reduction

A study reported that mice subjected to cold stress at 4°C (41°F) exhibited reduced elevations in blood corticosterone levels when treated with limonene. Furthermore, the same report demonstrated that limonene effectively lowered corticosterone levels in the blood of mice exposed to both physical and mental stress.1)

Memory Improvement

A study reported that when acetylcholinesterase reacts with acetylthiocholine in phosphate-buffered saline, the introduction of limonene inhibits the degradation by acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase plays a role in the breakdown of acetylcholine, a hormone associated with memory and learning. In the same report, it was also noted that limonene suppressed memory impairment induced by scopolamine administration in rats.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A report indicated that the consumption of limonene by breast cancer patients resulted in reduced expression of Cyclin D1, a protein crucial for cell division, within tumors.3)Furthermore, numerous other studies have also documented the anticancer properties of limonene.4)5)

  • 1)Fukumoto et al., Stress and Health, 2008
  • 2)Zhou et al., Nutritional Neuroscience,, 2013
  • 3)Miller et al., Cancer Prevntion Research, 2013
  • 4)Ajikumaran Nair S et al., Phytomedicine, 2018
  • 5)Chaudhary et al., Human & Experimental Toxicology, 2012

IFRA

Citronella：
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Geraniol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Geraniol

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Citronellol：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential to cause dermal sensitization.

Citronellol

※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
International Fragrance Association, Citronellal, 2020.
International Fragrance Association, Geraniol, 2023.
International Fragrance Association, Citronellol, 2020.
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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