Pharmacological and Pharmacognostic review on Cymbopogon citrus

Cymbopogon citratus of the family Gramineae is a plant known worldwide for lemongrass. The origin of the word 'lemon' owes its common lemon as an aroma, largely due to the presence of citral, cyclic monoterpene. Cymbopogon citratus is a fast-growing, perennial herb native to South India and Sri Lanka, now widely grown in tropical America and Asia. Freshly cut and slightly dried leaves are used medicinally and are a source of essential oils. This plant is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. Studies show that Cymbopogon citratus has various medicinal properties such as anti-amoebic, anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-filarial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Various other effects such as anti-malarial, anti-mutagenicity, anti-mycobacterial, anti-oxidants, hypoglycemic and neurobehavioral have also been investigated. These results are very encouraging and that is why this review of the literature was intended to further study the plant to confirm these effects and to highlight other potential therapeutic effects.