Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, commonly known as lemongrass, is a member of the Poaceae family and is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including South Asia. The species is renowned for its diverse applications in culinary arts, perfumery, and traditional medicinal practices. This study aimed to characterize the essential oil (EO) composition of lemongrass and evaluate its biological properties. The EO was extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and its chemical profile was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major constituents identified were neral (35.5 ± 0.6%) and geranial (36.0 ± 0.4%), which together constitute the primary isomers of citral. The antioxidant activity, assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, was moderate compared to the Trolox standard. Similarly, the EO exhibited weak tyrosinase inhibition activity. However, the EO exhibited significant herbicidal and insecticidal effects with no observed ecotoxicological risks. These findings highlight lemongrass EO as a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides.

Central Department of Chemistry Tribhuvan University Nepal

Department of Agriculture Forestry Food and Environmental Sciences University of Basilicata Potenza Italy

Department of Ecology Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences University of Prešov Prešov Slovakia

Department of Fluid Phase Separations Institute of Analytical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences Brno Czech Republic

Department of Pharmacy University of Salerno Fisciano Italy

Zobrazit více v PubMed

K. Manvitha and B. Bidya, “Review on Pharmacological Activity of Cymbopogon citratus,” International Journal of Herbal Medicine 1, no. 6 (2014): 5–7.

S. S. Ranade and P. Thiagarajan, “Lemon Grass,” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research 35, no. 2 (2015): 162–167.

D. Dutta, P. Kumar, A. Nath, N. Verma, and B. Gangwar, “Qualities of Lemongrass (Cymbopogan citratus) Essential Oil at Different Drying Conditions,” International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Biotechnology 7, no. 4 (2014): 903–909.

K. Wadhwa, M. Malhotra, H. Kaur, A. P. Singh, and A. P. Singh, “The An Update on Pharmacological Activities of Herbal Plant Cymbopogon citratus,” Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics 13, no. 3 (2023): 164–170.

S. K. Bharti, A. Kumar, O. Prakash, S. Krishnan, and A. K. Gupta, “Essential Oil of Cymbopogon citratus Against Diabetes,” Scientific Reports 5, no. 5 (2013): 194–203.

J. M. S. Faria and P. Barbosa, “Cymbopogon citratus Allelochemical Volatiles as Potential Biopesticides Against the Pinewood Nematode,” Plants 13, no. 16 (2024): 2233.

N. A. Okémy, A. S. Moussoungou, B. C. Koloungous, and A. A. Abena, “Topical Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Aqueous Extract Ointment of Ageratum conyzoïdes L. in Wistar Rat,” International Journal of Phytopharmacy 5, no. 3 (2015): 37–41.

S. Magotra and A. P. Singh, “A Review on Pharmacological Activities of Cymbopogon citratus,” International Journal of Pharmaceutics and Drug Analysis 9, no. 2 (2021): 151–157.

E. Majewska, M. Kozłowska, E. Gruczyńska‐Sękowska, D. Kowalska, and K. Tarnowska, “Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil: Extraction, Composition, Bioactivity and Uses for Food Preservation—A Review,” Polish Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences 69, no. 4 (2019): 327–341.

K. Saeio, W. Chaiyana, and S. Okonogi, “Antityrosinase and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils of Edible Thai Plants,” Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics 5, no. 3 (2011): 144–149.

B. P. Brügger, L. C. Martínez, A. Plata‐Rueda, et al., “Bioactivity of the Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) Essential Oil and Its Terpenoid Constituents on the Predatory Bug, Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae),” Scientific Reports 9, no. 1 (2019): 8358.

M. Soonwera and S. Phasomkusolsil, “Effect of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) and Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) Oils on the Morphology and Mortality of Aedes aegypti and Anopheles dirus Larvae,” Parasitology Research 115, no. 4 (2016): 1691–1703.

S. Diabate, T. Martin, L. K. Murungi, et al., “Repellent Activity of Cymbopogon citratus and Tagetes minuta and Their Specific Volatiles Against Megalurothrips sjostedti,” Journal of Applied Entomology 143, no. 8 (2019): 855–866.

A. Daba, M. Tadesse, G. Habte, A. T. Negawo, and G. Berecha, “Phytochemical Composition of Essential Oils From Aromatic Plants Inherited With Bioherbicidal Activity in Arabica Coffee Production System of Ethiopia,” Journal of Agriculture and Food Research 10, no. 3 (2022): 100368.

F. Tang, X. Shen, and X.‐W. Gao, “In Vitro Inhibition of the Diphenolase Activity of Tyrosinase by Insecticides and Allelochemicals in Micromelalopha troglodyta (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae),” Journal of Entomological Science 44, no. 2 (2009): 111–119.

A. Akhila, Essential Oil‐Bearing Grasses: The Genus Cymbopogon (CRC Press, 2009).

A. Kiełtyka‐Dadasiewicz, J. Esteban, and A. Jabłońska‐Trypuć, “Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anticancer Activity of Plant Materials Derived From Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Species,” Pharmaceuticals 17, no. 6 (2024): 705.

S. Dangol, D. K. Poudel, P. K. Ojha, et al., “Essential Oil Composition Analysis of Cymbopogon Species From Eastern Nepal by GC‐MS and Chiral GC‐MS, and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Major Compounds,” Molecules 28, no. 2 (2023): 543.

H. Y. Yen and Y. C. Lin, “Green Extraction of Cymbopogon citrus Essential Oil by Solar Energy,” Industrial Crops and Products 108 (2017): 716–721.

C. Li, Y. Luo, W. Zhang, et al., “A Comparative Study on Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Four Essential Oils: Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Cinnamomum cassia (L.) Presl, Salvia japonica Thunb. and Rosa rugosa Thunb,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology 15, no 280 (2021): 114472.

D. Salaria, R. Rolta, N. Sharma, et al., “In Vitro and In Silico Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Potential of Essential Oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. of North‐Western Himalaya,” Journal of Biomolecular Structure & Dynamics 40, no. 24 (2022): 14131–14145.

S. Habib, P. Gupta, S. S. Bhat, and J. Gupta, “In Silico, In‐Vitro and In Vivo Screening of Biological Activities of Citral,” International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research 91, no. 3‐4 (2021): 251–260.

S. D. Wang, W. C. Luo, S. J. Xu, and Q. Ding, “Inhibitory Effects of 4‐Dodecylresorcinol on the Phenoloxidase of the Diamondback Moth Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera Plutellidae),” Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 82, no. 1 (2005): 52–58.

K. Saeio, S. Yotsawimonwat, S. Anuchapreeda, and S. Okonogi, “Development of Microemulsion of a Potent Anti‐Tyrosinase Essential Oil of an Edible Plant,” Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics 5, no. 5 (2011): 246–252.

Z. Aumeeruddy‐Elalfi, A. Gurib‐Fakim, and M. F. Mahomoodally, “Kinetic Studies of Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of 19 Essential Oils Extracted From Endemic and Exotic Medicinal Plants,” South African Journal of Botany 103 (2016): 89–94.

F. Capetti, M. Tacchini, A. Marengo, et al., “Citral‐Containing Essential Oils as Potential Tyrosinase Inhibitors: A Bio‐Guided Fractionation Approach,” Plants 10, no. 5 (2021): 969.

P. K. Mukherjee, R. Biswas, A. Sharma, S. Banerjee, S. Biswas, and C. K. Katiyar, “Validation of Medicinal Herbs for Anti‐Tyrosinase Potential,” Journal of Herbal Medicine 14 (2018): 1–16.

B. Yu, K. Wu, X. Duan, T. Zhang, D. He, and X. Chai, “Composition Analysis and Tyrosinase Inhibitory Activity of Cinnamomum cassia Presl Leaf Hydrosol and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Leaf Hydrosol,” Journal of Food Processing and Preservation 46, no. 11 (2022): e17058.

Y. Chang, P. F. Harmon, D. D. Treadwell, D. Carrillo, A. Sarkhosh, and J. K. Brecht, “Biocontrol Potential of Essential Oils in Organic Horticulture Systems: From Farm to Fork,” Frontiers in Nutrition 8 (2022): 805138.

E. Graña, T. Sotelo, C. Díaz‐Tielas, M. J. Reigosa, and A. M. Sánchez‐Moreiras, “The Phytotoxic Potential of the Terpenoid Citral on Seedlings and Adult Plants,” Weed Science 61, no. 3 (2013): 469–481.

D. Ganjewala, A. K. Gupta, and R. Muhury, “Antibacterial Properties of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud) Wats Essential Oils in Single Form and Combination of Honey Against Drug Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria,” Journal of Biologically Active Products from Nature 4, no. 4 (2012): 278–285.

T. Poonpaiboonpipat, U. Pangnakorn, U. Suvunnamek, M. Teerarak, P. Charoenying, and C. Laosinwattana, “Phytotoxic Effects of Essential Oil From Cymbopogon citratus and Its Physiological Mechanisms on Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus‐galli),” Industrial Crops and Products 41 (2013): 403–407.

S. K. Fagodia, H. P. Singh, D. R. Batish, and R. K. Kohli, “Phytotoxicity and Cytotoxicity of Citrus aurantiifolia Essential Oil and Its Major Constituents: Limonene and Citral,” Industrial Crops and Products 108 (2017): 708–715.

T. N. Füller, C. Bertrand, B. Antonello, C. Wesp, I. B. I. de Barros, and J. F. Barbosa Neto, “Chemical Diversity of Wild Populations of Elionurus muticus (Spreng.) and the Allelopathic Effect of Its Essential Oil,” Journal of Essential Oil Research 29, no. 6 (2017): 499–506.

M. B. Isman, “Botanical Insecticides, Deterrents, and Repellents in Modern Agriculture and an Increasingly Regulated World,” Annual Review of Entomology 51 (2006): 45–66.

C. Martins, T. Natal‐Da‐Luz, J. P. Sousa, M. J. Gonçalves, L. Salgueiro, and C. Canhoto, “Effects of Essential Oils From Eucalyptus globulus Leaves on Soil Organisms Involved in Leaf Degradation,” PLoS One 8, no. 4 (2013): e61233.

C. A. Ferraz, M. R. Pastorinho, A. Palmeira‐de‐Oliveira, and A. C. Sousa, “Ecotoxicity of Plant Extracts and Essential Oils: A Review,” Environmental Pollution 292 (2022): 118319.

A. Plata‐Rueda, L. C. Martínez, M. H. D. Santos, et al., “Insecticidal Activity of Garlic Essential Oil and Their Constituents Against the Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae),” Scientific Reports 7 (2017): 46406.

A. Plata‐Rueda, J. C. Zanuncio, J. E. Serrão, and L. C. Martínez, “Origanum vulgare Essential Oil Against Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): Composition, Insecticidal Activity, and Behavioral Response,” Plants 10, no. 11 (2021): 2513.

S. Burt, “Essential Oils: Their Antibacterial Properties and Potential Applications in Foods—A Review,” International Journal of Food Microbiology 94, no. 3 (2004): 223–253.

J. Sharifi‐Rad, A. Sureda, G. Tenore, et al., “Biological Activities of Essential Oils: From Plant Chemoecology to Traditional Healing Systems,” Molecules 22, no. 1 (2017): 70.

M. Miyazawa and C. Yamafuji, “Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase Activity by Bicyclic Monoterpenoids,” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 53, no. 5 (2005): 1765–1768.

N. Cardullo, V. Muccilli, L. Pulvirenti, et al., “C‐Glucosidic Ellagitannins and Galloylated Glucoses as Potential Functional Food Ingredients With Anti‐Diabetic Properties: A Study of α‐Glucosidase and α‐Amylase Inhibition,” Food Chemistry 313 (2020): 126099.

S. H. Kim, H. C. Bae, E. J. Park, et al., “Geraniol Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth by Targeting Cell Cycle and Apoptosis Pathways,” Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 407, no. 1 (2011): 129–134.

F. A. Santos and V. S. Rao, “Antiinflammatory and Antinociceptive Effects of 1,8‐Cineole a Terpenoid Oxide Present in Many Plant Essential Oils,” Phytotherapy Research 14, no. 4 (2000): 240–244.

B. R. Rajeswara Rao, G. Adinarayana, A. N. Kumar, D. K. Rajput, and K. V. Syamasundar, “Chemical‐Profile Variations in Essential Oils Isolated From Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Biomass and Condensate Wastewater by Re‐Distillation and Solvent Extraction Techniques,” Journal of Essential Oil Research 28, no. 6 (2016): 557–564.

R. P. Adams, Identification of Essential Oil Components by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy. 4th ed (Allured Publishing Corporation, 2007).

J. Xiang, F. B. Apea‐Bah, V. U. Ndolo, M. C. Katundu, and T. Beta, “Profile of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Finger Millet Varieties,” Food Chemistry 275 (2019): 361–368.

F. Benzie and J. J. Strain, “The Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) as a Measure of “Antioxidant Power”: The FRAP Assay,” Analytical Biochemistry 239 (1996): 70–76.

R. Re, N. Pellegrini, A. Proteggente, A. Pannala, M. Yang, and C. Rice‐Evans, “Antioxidant Activity Applying an Improved ABTS Radical Cation Decolorization Assay,” Free Radical Biology and Medicine 26, no. 9–10 (1999): 1231–1237.

S. Khatib, I. Mahdi, B. Drissi, N. Fahsi, L. Bouissane, and M. Sobeh, “Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast.: Volatile Constituents, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Wound Healing Activities of Its Essential Oil,” Heliyon 10, no. 3 (2024): e24563.

H. Lineweaver and D. Burk, “The Determination of Enzyme Dissociation Constants,” Journal of the American Chemical Society 56 (1934): 658–666.

E. Mancini, I. Camele, H. S. Elshafie, et al., “Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil of Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum From Different Areas in the Southern Apennines (Italy),” Chemistry and Biodiversity 11, no. 4 (2014): 639–651.

OECD, Guideline for Testing of Chemicals (Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, 2005).

A. U. Yuguda, Z. A. Abubakar, A. A. Jibo, A. Abdulhameed, and A. J. Nayaya, “Assessment of Toxicity of Some Agricultural Pesticides on Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris),” American‐Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture 9, no. 4 (2015): 49–59.

M. Tichý, M. Rucki, I. Hanzlíková, and Z. Roth, “The Tubifex tubifex Assay for the Determination of Acute Toxicity,” Alternatives to Laboratory Animals 35, no. 2 (2007): 229–237.

World Health Organization, World Health Organization, Guidelines for Laboratory and Field Testing of Mosquito Larvicides (World Health Organization, 2005).

L. C. F. Brito, L. M. F. Dias, G. S. S. Pereira, et al., “Analysis of the Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity and Larvicidal Action Against Aedes aegypti Larvae of the Essential Oil Cymbopogon nardus,” Research Society and Development 10, no. 13 (2021): e543101321452.

Ø. Hammer, D. A. T. Harper, and P. D. Ryan, “Past: Paleontological Statistics Software Package for Education and Data Analysis,” Palaeontologia Electronica 4, no. 1 (2001): 1–9.

A. R. Mekapogu, “Finney's Probit Analysis Spreadsheet Calculator” (Version 2021), https://probitanalysis.wordpress.com/.