Cymbopogon citratus
also known as Lemongrass is an herb which belongs to the grass family of
Poaceae. It is well known and utilized for its distinct lemon flavor and
citrusy aroma. Lemongrass is a tall, perennial grass which is native to India
and tropical regions of Asia. It is a coarse and tufted plant with linear
leaves that grows in thick bunches, emerging from a strong base and standing
for about 3 meters in height with a meter-wide stretch. The
genus Cymbopogon comprises of 55 species of grass, two of which are referred to
as Lemongrass. These are West Indian lemongrass or Cymbopogon citratus which is famously preferred for culinary use
and East Indian lemongrass or Cymobopogon
flexuosus which is used in the manufacturing of various products such as
fragrances because of its extended shelf life, owing to the low amount of
myrcene in that variety.
In
addition to its culinary usage, lemongrass offers a wide array of medicinal
benefits and is in extensive demand due to its antibacterial, anti-fungal and
antimicrobial properties across Southeast Asia, as well as the African and
American continents.
Nutritional Value of Lemongrass
Lemongrass
is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing a wide array of
health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1
(thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6
(pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also provides essentil minerals such as
potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron,
which are required for the healthy functioning of the human body. It offers no
harmful cholesterol or fats.
Health Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass
contains antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic compounds such as luteolin,
glycosides, quercetin, kaempferol, elimicin, catecol, chlorogenic acid, and
caffeic acid, all of which help in providing an impressive range of medicinal
aids. The main component of lemongrass is lemonal or citral, which has
anti-fungal and antimicrobial qualities, while also providing a distinct lemony
smell. Some of the most well known health benefits of lemongrass include
Cholesterol Lowering:
Lemongrass possesses anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hypercholesterolemic
properties that support healthy cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that the
regular consumption of lemongrass has shown significant results in sustaining
healthy levels of triglycerides and reducing the LDL cholesterol in the body.
This helps in preventing the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels and
promotes the unobstructed flow of blood in the arteries and prevents various
cardiac disorders such as atherosclerosis.
Detoxification:
Lemongrass helps in cleansing and flushing harmful toxic wastes out of the
body, as a result of its diuretic properties. Detoxification helps in better
regulation of various organs of the body, including the liver and kidney, while
also helping to lower the levels of uric acid. The diuretic effect of
lemongrass helps in increasing the quantity and frequency of urination, which helps
in maintaining digestive health, eliminating accrued fats, and assisting in
maintaining a clean system.
Stomach Disorders:
Studies have shown that lemongrass essential oil has anti-microbial and
anti-bacterial properties which help in fighting the infections caused by
various pathogens such as Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli. Lemongrass
is beneficial in the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric
ulcers, helps in stimulating the bowel function, and improves digestion. The
anti-inflammatory properties of lemongrass are beneficial for treating
constipation, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, nausea and stomach aches.
Respiratory Disorders:
Lemongrass is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing effects in
treating coughs and colds. Along with other beneficial components, the vitamin
C content present in lemongrass helps in providing relief from nasal blockages,
flu and other respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma.
Fever:
Lemongrass is a febrifuge and is also known as the ‘fever grass’, owing to its beneficial
effects in lowering fevers. The anti-pyretic and diaphoretic effect of
lemongrass is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine for curing fevers by
inducing sweating.
Immune System:
Lemongrass helps in restoring the vital systems which are operational in the
body, including digestion, respiration, excretion and nervous system. This
assists in better absorption of nutrients and strengthens the immune defense
mechanism of the body. Lemongrass extracts have a beneficial effect on the
inflammatory actions of cytokines, which are the signaling molecules through
which the cells communicate and respond in the body. Studies have shown that
lemongrass exerts anti-inflammatory action and its constituents such as citral
may be the cause behind its inhibitory effects on cytokine production.
Author:
Faisal Mahmood
Post Graduate Research Scholar at Functional & Nutraceutical Food Research Section
National institute of Food Science & Technology
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)
Pakistan
