UMYU Scientifica

A periodical of the Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, UMYU, Katsina

ISSN: 2955 – 1145 (print); 2955 – 1153 (online)

ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE

Cymbopogon citratus: From Lab to Market-A Critical Review of Pharmacological Properties, Bioavailability, Formulation, and Commercialization Challenges

Musa Isah¹, Peter Abiodun Olugbemi¹, Farida Abubakar Tomo¹, Amina Muhammad¹, Bilyaminu Garba Jega, Baha'uddeen Salisu², and Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain^3*

¹Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, P.M.B. 1144, Kebbi State, Nigeria

²Department of Microbiology, Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina, Nigeria

³School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: Mohd Dasuki Sul’ain drdasuki@usm.my

Abstract

The aromatic grass Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as Lemongrass, has traditionally been used for its medicinal properties and is now receiving heightened scientific and commercial attention for its applications in therapeutics, food flavoring, cosmetics, and agro-industrial products. This review synthesizes data from over 30 studies that focused on four critical aspects: (i) the pharmacological properties of C. citratus, (ii) the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of its active constituents, (iii) formulation strategies to address stability, delivery, and utility challenges, and (iv) commercialization obstacles such as production, regulation, and market acceptance. The report indicates that C. citratus exhibited potent antimicrobial activity with MIC values ranging from 12.5 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL, antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values from 15.13 mg/mL to 4.05 mg/mL, and anti-inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 50mg/mL to 750 mg/Kg. These pharmacological properties are attributed to the major bioactive compounds, including citral, caryophyllene, and myrcene. Pharmacokinetic studies indicate that citral and myrcene undergo rapid absorption, significant metabolism, and are eliminated through urine and other bodily fluids. Research in formulation has focused on enhancing the bioactive compounds in C. citratus essential oils (EOs) through the application of microencapsulation, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions to improve stability. While the plant has shown promising efficacy, the path to commercialization faces several challenges, including variable raw material quality, regulatory scrutiny, and competition from synthetic alternatives. This review concludes with an examination of the potential of C. citratus in both therapeutic and commercial sectors. Despite promising pre-clinical data, a significant lack of clinical trials and in-depth mechanistic studies remains the primary barrier to therapeutic application.

Keywords: Cymbopogon citratus, pharmacological properties, nanoparticles, bioavailability, bioactive compounds

INTRODUCTION

The most substantial and safest drugs since sundry have been medicinal plants, which play a remarkable role in health care systems (Isah et al., 2022; Oladeji et al., 2020). Medicinal herbs are indispensable therapeutic agents in the healthcare system for maintaining exceptional well-being and optimal health (Bensabah et al., 2015). The ethnopharmacological knowledge of medicinal herbs could well be traced back to the Stone Age (Bello et al., 2019). Recently, unexpected advancements have been observed in the use of herbs in primary healthcare systems across Asia (Isah et al., 2025), Africa, America, and other parts of the world (Lawal et al., 2017). Over two-thirds of the world's population relies on medicinal plants as therapeutic drugs; this upsurge may be due to the acceptability, compatibility, and adaptability of these natural remedies to the human body (Balakrishnan et al., 2014). In the past, an increasing number of consumers have been looking for new herbal products with unique features that offer acceptable moments, fewer side effects, and sufficient health benefits (Asioli et al., 2017; Yasmeen et al., 2017). Furthermore, herbal drugs were produced through scientific or systematic studies of bioactive constituents, ethnopharmacology, or indigenous knowledge of medicinal herbs (Román et al., 2017). This forms the bedrock of the advancement in phytochemistry (McCarthy & Liu, 2017). In recent times, almost 10,000 medicinal herbs have been documented, and about 4500 have been examined for bioactive components and pharmacological properties (Oladeji et al., 2020). One of the medicinal herbs with immeasurable pharmacological activities is C. citratus.

Lemongrass is a perennial grass that is evenly dispersed and found in tropical regions (Francisco et al., 2011).. It is widely used in South and Central America for its pleasant taste and therapeutic properties (Bensabah et al., 2015; Coelho et al., 2016). The name Cymbopogon originates from the Greek words "kymbe-pogon," meaning boat-beard (due to its flower spike configuration), and "citratus" (Latin), meaning lemon-scented leaves (Shah et al., 2011). It is part of the Poaceae (formerly Gramineae) family (Figure 1). Findings have reported more than 55 species. Out of which C. citratus (West Indian grass), C. flexuosus (East Indian or Malabar grass), and C. pendulus (Jammu grass) are the most widely distributed species (Chowdury et al., 2015; Clement et al., 2015). The pharmacological activities of C. citratus have an outstanding record in the folk and Ayurvedic medicine (Tarkang et al., 2012). Scientific investigations have reported the antifungal, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, and cardio-protective properties of C. citratus (Ajayi et al., 2016; Avoseh et al., 2015). It has also been known to restrain platelet composition, cure diabetes, gastrointestinal infections, anxiety or depression, malaria, and pneumonia (Costa et al., 2016). Industrially, it serves as additives, flavor, and insecticides (Bossou et al., 2013) and preservatives in beverages, baked foods, and cuisines (Avoseh et al., 2015). However, the information obtained from these studies is highly fragmented, and there is limited documentation regarding the plant’s bioavailability, formulation strategies, and commercialization. Consequently, an in-depth literature review of C. citratus will undoubtedly provide the information necessary to understand the knowledge gaps and stimulate future research opportunities. Hence, this review aims to critically synthesize this fragmented data, identify consistent trends and contradictions in bioactivity, and establish a solid foundation for future research.

Figure 1: Cymbopogon citratus (Lemongrass) (Cortes-torres et al., 2023)

Traditional uses of C. citratus

Many people use plant-based medicines today as part of traditional medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses (Manzoor et al., 2019). It has been reported that the use of traditional medicine improves the socioeconomic standing and overall health of human populations in developing nations (van Wyk & Prinsloo, 2020). C. citratus is one of the most used medicinal plants by various populations from ancient times. The medicinal uses of this plant are diverse, depending on factors such as the illness being treated, the parts of the plant used, and the geographic area of the population. All the traditional uses of the plant are based on the richness of C. citratus, which contains a wide range of bioactive compounds with potential health-beneficial effects (Avoseh et al., 2015). C. citratus and its derivatives are used differently to manage various diseases in the North, West, South, and East of Africa (Hacke et al., 2020). In Ethiopia, the plant and its parts are used to treat stomach aches. They administer the plant's roots orally to patients with digestive problems (Tazi et al., 2024). The plant is widely used by the Moroccan, Algerian, and Tunisian populations in folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases (Chaachouay et al., 2022; Miara et al., 2018, 2019). In Tunisia, the local population uses the infusion and extract of C. citratus to manage diuretic and intestinal troubles (Tazi et al., 2024). In Egypt, Madi et al. (2021) reported the use of the EOs from the C. citratus as an anticholinesterase agent. In South Africa, C. citratus is widely used by local people to treat stomach and gut problems, high fever, and headaches. Meanwhile, Ntonga et al. (2014) reported the use of C. citratus extracts, EOs, and infusions against malaria and other fevers in Cameroon. In Asia, the plant is traditionally used as a digestive aid, a pain reliever, and for the management of colds and flu (Kurnia Supandi et al., 2024).

METHODOLOGY

Research papers

The methodology used in this review paper was based on a literature review of publications focusing on the pharmacological properties and bioactive constituents of C. citratus. In this context, various search engines and databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, were used to collect valuable information for the current review. The keywords for the search include C. citratus, Lemongrass, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory properties, anticancer activity, enzyme inhibitory activity, bioactive compounds, and phytoconstituents. Only original research articles published in English from 2015 to 2025 were incorporated into the table synthesis.

Research articles from various databases were screened, harmonised, and de-duplicated. Titles and abstracts were screened to remove any records that contained inaccuracies in subject matter or outcomes pertinent to this review. Finally, the complete text articles were scrutinized to eliminate any irrelevant data, as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 2: Flow diagram of the literature search and selection process.

Data recordings

Relevant data on studies of C. citratus bioactive compounds and their pharmacological properties were recorded. The information obtained consisted of various parts of the plant, such as leaves, roots, stems, and EOs. The extraction solvent/methods, pharmacological properties, principal bioactive constituent, findings, country of study, and references regarding C. citratus are summarised in Table 1.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Collection, Reporting, and Summary of the Review Outcomes

All findings were recorded and summarized in Table 1. The research gaps were identified to establish a roadmap for future research, providing knowledge on novel drug discoveries from C. citratus.

Table 1: Summary of pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of C. citratus

Major Bioactive Compounds and EO Extraction Method of C. citratus

Hydrodistillation was the predominant method for EO extraction (67% of studies). The method is widely used for EO extraction because it is simple, cost-effective, and well established, and it can efficiently extract oils from a variety of medicinal and aromatic plants (Kaur et al., 2021). This technique uses water or steam to break down plant material, allowing volatile compounds to be released and collected, thereby preserving the natural composition of the oils and avoiding the use of chemical solvents that could alter their properties (Nguyen et al., 2021). C. citratus contains numerous bioactive compounds, including caryophyllene, citral, myrcene, α-pinene, phenols, and flavonoids, which are crucial for its therapeutic potential (Irfan et al., 2022; Lahyaoui et al., 2025; Vijitra et al., 2024). Bioactive compounds, such as citral, caryophyllene, and phenolics, contribute significantly to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties (Salaria et al., 2021; Salih et al., 2022). Studies highlight the broad antimicrobial spectrum of these compounds, especially against multidrug-resistant strains of S. aureus and C. albicans, which showcase their potential as natural therapeutic agents for combating microbial infections (Chibuzo et al., 2025; Rhimi et al., 2022). The high concentration of antioxidant compounds, such as flavonoids, helps neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are involved in oxidative stress that causes cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer (Onyedikachi et al., 2021). Figure 3 depicts the structures of the most often reported bioactive compounds in C. citratus.

Figure 3: Chemical structures of the major bioactive compounds reported in C. citratus

Pharmacological Properties of C. citratus

The number of studies regarding the pharmacological properties of C. citratus is shown in the Figure 4. Most studies focused on antimicrobial activity, followed by antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitory activities. However, some studies assess multiple bioactivities.

Figure 4: Number of studies regarding the different pharmacological properties of C. citratus

C. citratus extracts demonstrate notable antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, especially Bacillus spp., K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. Furthermore, it exhibits potent antifungal activity, particularly on Candida and Aspergillus species (Olaitan et al., 2023; Subramaniam et al., 2020). Studies also suggest that flavonoids disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit biofilm formation, thereby contributing to the plant's antimicrobial efficacy (Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz et al., 2024; Rhimi et al., 2022). Moreover, when combined with antibiotics, lemongrass extracts enhance antimicrobial activity, offering a promising approach to combat multidrug-resistant microorganisms (Aparna et al., 2019). The report indicates that C. citratus exhibited potent antimicrobial activity, with MIC values ranging from 12.5 mg/mL to 100 mg/mL against bacteria and fungal isolates.

Similarly, leaf and EOs from C. citratus have been shown to possess potent antioxidant properties. The plant's phenolic compounds play a significant role in scavenging free radicals, which are known to cause cellular damage and contribute to various diseases (Adeyemo et al., 2018). In vitro assays, such as the DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, FRAP, and metal chelating assays, have confirmed the strong antioxidant potential of C. citratus extracts at IC₅₀ values ranging from 15.13 mg/mL to 4.05 mg/mL, making it a valuable candidate for preventing oxidative stress-related conditions like cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer (Kiara et al., 2024; Olaiya et al., 2016).

Furthermore, C. citratus has been documented to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity with IC₅₀ values ranging from 50 mg/mL to 750 mg/Kg. This efficacy has been attributed to its active constituents, such as citral, myrcene, and caryophyllene (Kiara et al., 2024; Salaria et al., 2021). These compounds have been found to inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways by suppressing the production of inflammatory cytokines and reducing swelling in animal models (Onyedikachi et al., 2021). This makes Lemongrass a potential therapeutic agent for managing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease (Muhammad et al., 2021).

C. citratus extracts also demonstrated enzyme inhibitory activity against sucrase and maltase enzymes, which are involved in carbohydrate digestion (Tirtaningtyas Gunawan-Puteri et al., 2020). The enzyme-inhibitory activity of plant’s extracts, particularly those from the leaves, plays a crucial role in regulating postprandial blood glucose levels, making them beneficial for managing diabetes (Tirtaningtyas Gunawan-Puteri et al., 2020). Additionally, the extracts have shown potential inhibition of lipase activity, which could aid in weight management and the prevention of obesity (Rahhal et al., 2024).

Likewise, numerous studies highlight the ability of Lemongrass extracts to combat oxidative stress, which is crucial for cancer prevention, and their potent anticancer effects, through the induction of apoptosis in human cancer cells, including colon (HT-29) and cervical (SiHa) cancer cells. LEO enhances the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies that show its ability to reduce cell viability, promote apoptosis, and inhibit tumor growth (Pan et al., 2021; Ruvinov et al., 2019). Additionally, lemongrass extract has shown promise in reducing chemotherapy side effects, such as weight loss, and in preventing intestinal tumors in transgenic mice, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment for colorectal cancer (Ruvinov et al., 2019). These findings indicate that LEO has a promising role in cancer treatment and prevention, warranting further investigation (Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz et al., 2024; Mukarram et al., 2022).

BIOAVAILABILITY AND PHARMACOKINETICS

Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion

Investigations into the pharmacokinetics of C. citratus are scarce, especially with human subjects (Ozojiofor et al., 2021). Nevertheless, animal and in vitro studies have offered valuable insights into the absorption and metabolism of its bioactive constituents, notably citral, a principal monoterpene alcohol (Tak & Isman, 2016). Studies suggest that these compounds are rapidly absorbed following oral administration and extensively metabolized through oxidation, glucuronidation, and sulphation (Lan et al., 2013).. Citral, being highly lipophilic, exhibits high tissue distribution but is metabolized quickly in the liver. Its half-life is relatively short, and it is excreted primarily through urine and expired air (Li et al., 2017). This rapid metabolism limits systemic bioavailability, but it supports the potential therapeutic application of short-acting formulations (Lan et al., 2013; Tak & Isman, 2016).

Phytochemicals and Implications for Bioavailability

Citral, comprising approximately 60–80% of lemongrass oil, is the most extensively studied bioactive molecule due to its potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties (Aly et al., 2025; Sharma et al., 2021). Its bioavailability is limited by its low aqueous solubility and volatility (Aytac et al., 2018). Consequently, oral bioavailability is frequently diminished, especially when delivered as an EO. Research on its pharmacokinetics indicates significant first-pass metabolism, resulting in rapid elimination from the body (Mishra et al., 2019; Sharma et al., 2021). Enhancing the bioavailability of citral is essential to improve its therapeutic efficacy, especially for formulations designed for prolonged therapeutic effects (Ekpenyong et al., 2015). Synergistic interactions among phytochemicals may improve absorption and efficacy (Zhao et al., 2020).

FORMULATION STRATEGIES

Due to the volatile nature and limited water solubility of Lemongrass EO, various formulation techniques have been designed to improve its stability, delivery, and bioavailability.

Microencapsulation via Spray Drying

Microencapsulation has been identified as a promising technique to mitigate the instability and degradation of EOs during processing (Mostafa & Mohammad, 2020). A previous study demonstrated that spray drying with maltodextrin as the wall material achieved an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 85%, successfully preserving the EO and improving its retention during storage. The microencapsulated formulations exhibited potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities, suggesting potential uses in the food and pharmaceutical sectors (Alencar et al., 2022). Similarly, another study highlighted the use of a maltodextrin-gelatin combination for microencapsulating Lemongrass EO, demonstrating that microencapsulation can protect the oil from oxidation and degradation of its bioactive components (Nguyen et al., 2021).

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanoemulsions

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have resulted in the development of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and nanoemulsions for the effective delivery of C. citratus oil (Ujilestari et al., 2018). Ali et al. (2023) investigated the application of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for encapsulating lemongrass oil, demonstrating improved stability and regulated release of its active components, notably citral. The SLNs were shown to enhance the antibacterial and anticancer efficacy of lemongrass oil, suggesting that this formulation could expand its medicinal applications. Additionally, nanoemulsions and chitosan-coated nanoemulsions have been investigated as carriers for lemongrass oil in food packaging applications (Silva et al., 2025). Nanoemulsions offer improved dispersion in aqueous systems and enhanced retention of volatile compounds (Ashaq et al., 2025).

Food Ingredient/Nutritional Formulations

Research on formulation has investigated C. citratus EO and extracts inside food matrices. A study by Santoso et al. (2018) examined the potential of lemongrass extract in ice cream and yogurt. The outcome indicated that lemongrass-based products had favorable consumer acceptance, exhibiting no notable sensory deterrents, suggesting that lemongrass active constituents can be effectively integrated into food compositions. Moreover, its antioxidant properties make it a viable additive for extending the shelf life of food products (Kiara et al., 2024; Naufalin et al., 2019; Rhimi et al., 2022). A study on soy lecithin-stabilized lemongrass essential oil (LGEO) nanoemulsions revealed that their incorporation into orange juice enhanced its shelf life. The ideal formulation (6% LGEO, 6% lecithin) markedly enhanced antioxidant activity and decreased bacterial count. Sensory evaluations indicated that the juice had a better flavor and scent, especially at a concentration of 0.2% (Nouraddini et al., 2025).

Formulation Challenges

Notwithstanding progress, numerous hurdles remain in formulating lemongrass oil-based products. A significant concern is the volatility of EOs, which may lead to the degradation of active compounds during processing and storage (Ashaq et al., 2025; Nouraddini et al., 2025). Microencapsulation techniques, while efficacious, may lead to a gradual degradation of the bioactive constituents over time. Moreover, transitioning nano-formulations from laboratory settings to industrial production poses obstacles, especially regarding maintaining product quality consistency and achieving cost-effective manufacturing (Alencar et al., 2022; Mostafa & Mohammad, 2020; Nguyen et al., 2021).

COMMERCIALIZATION CHALLENGES

Supply Chain, Raw Material Variability, and Quality Issues

C. citratus is a valuable aromatic and medicinal plant with considerable industrial potential, particularly due to its citral-rich EO (Lahyaoui et al., 2025; Mukarram et al., 2022). Despite its increasing demand in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, the commercialization of Lemongrass faces persistent challenges across production, processing, and marketing (Mukarram et al., 2022). The barriers include limited financial resources, lack of technical knowledge, inadequate processing facilities, post-harvest losses, ineffective marketing channels, and fluctuating market prices (Dewi et al., 2024; Singh et al., 2024). These challenges are compounded by environmental stresses, including soil salinity, and necessitate the development of enhanced agronomic methods and value-added practices to promote profitability and sustainability. A study in Kenya found considerable diversity in lemongrass oil composition, which may affect product consistency (Mwithiga et al., 2024). Additionally, the variability in raw material quality complicates compliance with regulatory standards for commercial products, particularly in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors (Irfan et al., 2022; Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz et al., 2024). Furthermore, fragmented supply chains in key producing regions (e.g., Southeast Asia, Africa) complicate large-scale production (Aly et al., 2025).

Competition with Synthetic Alternatives and Other Species

The global market for Lemongrass faces intense competition from synthetic fragrances and flavoring agents, which are produced at a lower cost and offer more consistent quality (Balanay & Guinancias, 2025). Moreover, other Cymbopogon species, such as C. nardus and C. winterianus, predominate in specific industries, particularly in the manufacture of insect repellents, overshadowing C. citratus. These factors hinder C. citratus's competitive positioning in the market (Kaur et al., 2021; Munda & Lal, 2020).

Regulatory and Standardization Issues

Regulatory challenges remain a significant barrier to the commercialization of lemongrass oil. In many countries, EOs are subject to strict quality control measures regarding purity, safety, and stability (Faheem et al., 2022). The variability in oil content and the risk of contamination with pesticides or heavy metals complicates the approval process (Bhatnagar, 2018; Okpo & Edeh, 2022). Furthermore, establishing standardized extraction and formulation protocols is essential to ensuring regulatory compliance in international markets (Aly et al., 2025; Ujilestari et al., 2018).

Market Size and Growth Forecast

Despite these challenges, the market for lemongrass extract is projected to grow significantly. The global market for C. citratus is experiencing exponential growth, driven by its extensive use in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biopesticide industries, with India leading as the largest producer and exporter (Kumoro et al., 2021; Solomon et al., 2019). Recent forecasts project the global lemongrass oil market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.93% from 2021 to 2028, expanding from $41.98 million to $81.43 million, reflecting rising demand for natural products and the development of high-yielding cultivars (Channayya et al., 2023). This growth is driven by increasing demand across industries such as fragrance, culinary, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, as well as the oil's documented therapeutic properties (Ashaq et al., 2024; Mukarram et al., 2022). In India, the lemongrass oil export market has grown at a compound annual rate of 16.08% in quantity and 25.20% in value over the past two decades, underscoring strong international demand and a sustainable supply (Harendra et al., 2025). Advances in cultivation techniques and the introduction of high-yielding varieties, such as "CIM-Krishnapriya," are expected to further boost production and farmer income (Channayya et al., 2023). Additionally, advancements in extraction methods are enhancing oil yield and quality, thereby supporting the market's expansion (Ashaq et al., 2024; Mwithiga et al., 2024).  The global lemongrass oil market is poised for significant growth, driven by technological innovations and expanding applications across various sectors (Ashaq et al., 2024; Channayya et al., 2023; Harendra et al., 2025).

CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH GAPS

This review examines the therapeutic potential of C. citratus, focusing on its pharmacological properties, bioactive compounds, bioavailability, formulation strategies, and commercialization challenges, all of which are of increasing interest in current medical research. Despite these advancements in C. citratus research, there are still knowledge gaps, including limited clinical data on efficacy and safety, insufficient standardization of extraction, a lack of in-depth molecular mechanisms investigations and formulation methods, and a lack of scalable, cost-effective delivery systems (Süntar, 2020; Ujilestari et al., 2018). There is also a need for more research on synergistic effects and long-term stability of formulated products (Aparna et al., 2019; Partovi et al., 2019).

CONCLUSION

This critical synthesis confirms the strong pre-clinical evidence for C. citratus as a source of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agents, primarily driven by citral. Moreover, this review highlighted its bioavailability, formulation strategies, and commercialization potential. The review revealed that C. citratus is a promising natural source of bioactive compounds with multifaceted therapeutic and economic benefits. However, further research is essential to bridge the existing knowledge gaps, such as the lack of clinical trials and precise mechanistic data.

REFERENCES

Adeyemo, O. A., Osibote, E., Adedugba, A., Bhadmus, O. A., Adeoshun, A. A., & Allison, M. O. (2018). Antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents, and functional group identification of leaf extracts among Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) accessions. NISEB Journal, 18(2), 1595–6938.

Ajayi, E. O., Sadimenko, A. P., & Afolayan, A. J. (2016). GC-MS evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf oil obtained using modified hydrodistillation and microwave extraction methods. Food Chemistry, 209, 262–266. [Crossref]

Alencar, D. D. de O., Evandro, L. de S., Erika, T. da C. A., André, L. da S., Hugo, M. L. O., & Mônica, T. C. (2022). Microencapsulation of Cymbopogon citratus D.C. Stapf essential oil with spray drying: Development, characterization, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Foods, 11(8), 1–17. [Crossref]

Ali, A., Ali, A., Husain, M., Wasim, W., Mohd, A., & Sayed, A. H. A. (2023). Formulation of lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: An in vitro assessment study. 3 Biotech, 13(9), 1–11. [Crossref]

Aly, S. H., Uba, A. I., Nilofar, N., Majrashi, T. A., El Hassab, M. A., Eldehna, W. M., Zengin, G., & Eldahshan, O. A. (2025). Chemical composition and biological activity of lemongrass volatile oil and n-Hexane extract: GC/MS analysis, in vitro and molecular modelling studies. PLoS ONE, 20(2), 1–19. [Crossref]

Aparna, S., Beena, A., & Rekha, B. (2019). Antibiofilm activity and the synergistic effect of lemon grass essential oil with antibiotics against A. baumannii complex-a preliminary report. European Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research, 6(2), 505–510.

Ashaq, B., Mohd, S., Rasool, K., Habib, S., Abdul, M., Parveen, S., Ganai, S. A., Dhekale, B., & Rashid, R. (2025). Macromolecules nanoencapsulation of ultrasound-assisted extracted lemongrass essential oil and bioactive from residues using gum arabic and maltodextrin as wall material. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 322, 146800. [Crossref]

Ashaq, B., Rasool, K., Habib, S., Bashir, I., Nisar, N., Mustafa, S., & Mohd, S. (2024). Insights into chemistry, extraction, and industrial application of lemon grass essential oil -A review of recent advances. Food Chemistry: X, 22, 101521. [Crossref]

Asioli, D., Aschemann-Witzel, J., Caputo, V., Vecchio, R., Annunziata, A., Næs, T., & Varela, P. (2017). Making sense of the "clean label" trends: A review of consumer food choice behavior and discussion of industry implications. Food Research International, 99, 58–71. [Crossref]

Avoseh, O., Oyedeji, O., Rungqu, P., Nkeh-Chungag, B., & Oyedeji, A. (2015). Cymbopogon species: Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and the pharmacological importance. Molecules, 20(5), 7438–7453. [Crossref]

Aytac, Z., Celebioglu, A., Yildiz, Z. I., & Uyar, T. (2018). Efficient encapsulation of citral in fast-dissolving polymer-free electrospun nanofibers of cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: High thermal stability, longer shelf-life, and enhanced water solubility of citral. Nanomaterials, 8(10), 1–15. [Crossref]

Balakrishnan, B., Paramasivam, S., & Arulkumar, A. (2014). Evaluation of the lemongrass plant (Cymbopogon citratus) extracted in different solvents for antioxidant and antibacterial activity against human pathogens. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 4, S134–S139. [Crossref]

Balanay, R. M., & Guinancias, A. R. (2025). Streamlining a short supply chain for increased agricultural resilience and global market opportunities: The case of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) in Caraga Region, Philippines. Agricultural and Food Economics, 13(41), 1–23. [Crossref]

Bello, O. M., Jagaba, S. M., Bello, O. E., Ogbesejana, A. B., Dada, O. A., Adetunji, C. O., & Abubakar, S. M. (2019). Phytochemistry, pharmacology, and perceived health uses of non-cultivated vegetable Cyphostemma adenocaule (Steud. ex A. Rich.) Desc. Ex Wild and RB Drumm: A review. Scientific African, 2, e00053. [Crossref]

Bensabah, F., Lamiri, A., & Naja, J. (2015). Effect of purified wastewater from the city of Settat (Morocco) on the quality of Lippia citriodora essential oil and infusion. Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences, 14(2), 101–108. [Crossref]

Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Composition variation of essential oil of Cymbopogon spp. growing in Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, India. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 10(1), 363–366. [Crossref]

Bossou, A. D., Mangelinckx, S., Yedomonhan, H., Boko, P. M., Akogbeto, M. C., De Kimpe, N., Avlessi, F., & Sohounhloue, D. C. K. (2013). Chemical composition and insecticidal activity of plant essential oils from Benin against Anopheles gambiae (Giles). Parasites & Vectors, 6, 1–17. [Crossref]

Chaachouay, N., Douira, A., & Zidane, L. (2022). Herbal medicine used in the treatment of human diseases in the Rif, Northern Morocco. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 47(1), 131–153. [Crossref]

Channayya, H., Nagegowda, D., Baskaran, K., Verma, R., Sundaresan, V., Gupta, P., Ashwini, K., Singh, S., Gowda, W. M., Ac, J., & Pk, T. (2023). Registration of high oil-yielding Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud.) Wats Variety: CIM - Krishnapriya. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences, 45(1-2), 70–78. [Crossref]

Chibuzo, U. C., Ozochi, C. A., Polytechnic, F., & Ifeyinwa, R. (2025). Antibacterial activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) on Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus isolated from throat of university students. Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Bioresource Technology, 11(1), 31–41. [Crossref]

Chowdury, M. I. A., Debnath, M., Ahmad, M. F., Alam, M. N., Saleh, A. M., Chowdhury, S., Barua, R., Mazumdar, M. M., & Kamal, A. H. (2015). Potential phytochemical, analgesic, and anticancerous activities of Cymbopogon citratus leaf. American Journal of Biomedical Research, 3(4), 66–70.

Clement, Y. N., Baksh-Comeau, Y. S., & Seaforth, C. E. (2015). An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants in Trinidad. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 11, 1–28. [Crossref]

Coelho, M., Rocha, C., Cunha, L. M., Cardoso, L., Alves, L., Lima, R. C., Pereira, M. J., Campos, F. M., & Pintado, M. (2016). Influence of harvesting factors on sensory attributes and phenolic and aroma compounds composition of Cymbopogon citratus leaves infusions. Food Research International, 89, 1029–1037. [Crossref]

Cortes-torres, A. G., Guiee, N. L., Mar, J. L., Portillo-Réyes, R., Luna, F., Baca, B. E., & Carrasco-carballo, A. (2023). Cymbopogon citratus essential oil: Extraction, GC - MS, phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activity, and in silico molecular docking for protein targets related to CNS. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45(6), 5164–5179. [Crossref]

Costa, G., Grangeia, H., Figueirinha, A., Figueiredo, I. V., & Batista, M. T. (2016). Influence of harvest date and material quality on polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of Cymbopogon citratus infusion. Industrial Crops and Products, 83, 738–745. [Crossref]

Dègnon, R. G., Allagbé, A. C., & Adjou, E. S. (2019). Antifungal activities of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil against Aspergillus species isolated from fermented fish products of Southern Benin. Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control, 6(2), 53–57. [Crossref]

Dewi, A., Setiana, M., Ferawati, B. I., Wardani, D. K., & Himelda, T. A. N. (2024). Creating value-added lemongrass oil from Lemongrass for Tanjung Asri Women Farmers Group. Community Empowerment, 9(10), 1534–1540. [Crossref]

Ekpenyong, C. E., Akpan, E., & Nyoh, A. (2015). Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf extracts. Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 13(5), 321–337. [Crossref]

Erminawati, Naufalin, R., Sitoresmi, I., Sidik, W., & Bachtiar, A. (2019). Antioxidant activity of microencapsulated lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 250(1). [Crossref]

Faheem, F., Liu, Z. W., Rabail, R., Haq, I., Gul, M., & Bryła, M. (2022). Uncovering the industrial potentials of lemongrass essential oil as a food preservative: A Review. Antioxidants, 11(4), 1–21. [Crossref]

Francisco, V., Figueirinha, A., Neves, B. M., García-Rodríguez, C., Lopes, M. C., Cruz, M. T., & Batista, M. T. (2011). Cymbopogon citratus as source of new and safe anti-inflammatory drugs: Bio-guided assay using lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(2), 818–827. [Crossref]

Hacke, A. C. M., Miyoshi, E., Marques, J. A., & Pereira, R. P. (2020). Anxiolytic properties of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf extract, essential oil, and its constituents in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 260, 113036. [Crossref]

Hanaa, H., Aboel-Ainin, M., Ali, S., & Darwish, A. (2021). Antioxidant and Antimicrobial activities of MEOH Extract of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Journal of Agricultural Chemistry and Biotechnology, 12(2), 25–28. [Crossref]

Harendra, P. S. C., Verma, D. K., Sharma, R. S., & Kumar, S. (2025). Assessment of trade performance and growth potential of lemongrass oil export in India. International Journal of Economic Plants, 12(1), 1–7. [Crossref]

Hassan, A. U., Madu, A. H., Ozojiofor, U. O., Galadanci, A. H., Mato, I. B., & Jafaru, R. (2021). Antimicrobial activities of Cymbopogon citratus and Ximenia Americana leaf extracts against some selected bacterial and yeast clinical isolates. Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, 9(1), 1–10. [Crossref]

Irfan, S., Mudassar, M., Nawaz, A., Nadeem, M., Safdar, M. N., Jabbar, S., Mahmood, S., Murtaza, M. A., Ameer, K., & Ibrahim, S. A. (2022). Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of sonication- and maceration-assisted ethanol and acetone extracts of Cymbopogon citratus Leaves. Separations, 9(9), 244. [Crossref]

Isah, M., Muhammad, A., Farida, A. T., Doro, R. J., Baha'uddeen, S., & Peter, A. O. (2025). Phytomedicine in Southeast Asia: Harnessing biodiversity for sustainable healthcare and economic growth. International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Science Research, 9(2), 38–58. [Crossref]

Isah, M., Rosdi, R. A., Wan, W. N. A., Wahab, A., Abdullah, H., Dasuki Sul'ain, M., Rosli, W., & Ishak, W. (2022). Phytoconstituents and biological activities of Melaleuca cajuputi Powell: A scoping review. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 13(1), 1–14. [Crossref]

Karthikeyan, B., & Nyamath, S. (2018). In-vitro antibacterial activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaves extract by agar well method. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(3), 1185–1188.

Kaur, H., Bhardwaj, U., & Kaur, R. (2021). Cymbopogon nardus essential oil: A comprehensive review on its chemistry and bioactivity. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 33(3), 205–220. [Crossref]

Kiara, C. D. da S., William, F. C., Bárbara, do C. R. V., Maria, de F. S., João, P. L. de O., Tássia, F. D. C., Suzan, K. V. B., & Luis, D. S. M. (2024). Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil in Zebrafish. Animals, 14(4), 581. [Crossref]

Kiełtyka-Dadasiewicz, A., Esteban, J., & Jabłońska-Trypuć, A. (2024). Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activity of plant materials derived from Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Species. Pharmaceuticals, 17(6), 705. [Crossref]

Kumoro, A., Wardhani, D., Retnowati, D. S., & Haryani, K. (2021). A brief review on the characteristics, extraction and potential industrial applications of citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oils. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 1053(1), 012118. [Crossref]

Kurnia Supandi, S., Afra Natasya, S., Arti, E., Kharismazahra Aisyah, A., & Komang Evan Wijaksana, I. (2024). The inhibitory power of lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citarus) Against The Growth of Bacteria Fusobacterium nucleatum. International Journal of Research Publications, 141(1), 71–81. [Crossref]

Lahyaoui, M., El, N., Sobeh, M., Fahsi, N., Mahdi, I., El-mernissi, R., Dakka, N., & Bouyahya, A. (2025). Phytochemical diversity of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf volatile compounds and evaluation of their biological properties. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 122, 105046. [Crossref]

Lan, T., Juan, Z., Cai-Hua, Y., Bi-Jun, X., Ming, H., & Zhong-Qiu, L. (2013). Systematic studies of sulfation and glucuronidation of 12 flavonoids in the mouse liver s9 fraction reveals both unique and shared positional preferences. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 60(12), 3223–3233. [Crossref]

Lawal, O. A., Ogundajo, A. L., Avoseh, N. O., & Ogunwande, I. A. (2017). Cymbopogon citratus. In Medicinal spices and vegetables from Africa (pp. 397–423). Elsevier. [Crossref]

Lawrence, R., Lawrence, K., & Srivastava, R. (2015). Antioxidant activity of lemon grass essential oil (Cympopogon citratus) grown in North Indian plains. The Scientific Temper, IV, 23–29.

Li, C., Yu, H., Chang, C., & Liu, Y. (2017). Effects of lemongrass oil and citral on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, oxidative stress, and acetaminophen toxicity in rats. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 26(1), 432–438. [Crossref]

Lone, T. A. (2017). Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus against clinically burn wound associated selected gram positive and gram negative bacteria. European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(10), 710–714.

Madi, Y. F., Choucry, M. A., Meselhy, M. R., & El-Kashoury, E.-S. A. (2021). Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus cultivated in Egypt: Seasonal variation in chemical composition and anticholinesterase activity. Natural Product Research, 35(21), 4063–4067. [Crossref]

Manzoor, M. F., Ahmad, N., Ahmed, Z., Siddique, R., Zeng, X., Rahaman, A., Muhammad Aadil, R., & Wahab, A. (2019). Novel extraction techniques and pharmaceutical activities of luteolin and its derivatives. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(9), e12974. [Crossref]

McCarthy, B., & Liu, H. B. (2017). Food waste and the 'green'consumer. Australasian Marketing Journal, 25(2), 126–132. [Crossref]

Miara, M. D., Bendif, H., Ait Hammou, M., & Teixidor-Toneu, I. (2018). Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by nomadic peoples in the Algerian steppe. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 219, 248–256. [Crossref]

Miara, M. D., Teixidor-Toneu, I., Sahnoun, T., Bendif, H., & Ait Hammou, M. (2019). Herbal remedies and traditional knowledge of the Tuareg community in the region of Illizi (Algerian Sahara). Journal of Arid Environments, 167, 65–73. [Crossref]

Mishra, C., Khalid, M. A., Fatima, N., Singh, B., Tripathi, D., Waseem, M., & Mahdi, A. A. (2019). Effects of citral on oxidative stress and hepatic key enzymes of glucose metabolism in streptozotocin/high-fat-diet induced diabetic dyslipidemic rats. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 22(1), 51–57. [Crossref]

Mohamed Ali, M. (2017). GC-MS analysis and antimicrobial screening of essential oil from Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). International Journal of Pharmacy and Chemistry, 3(6), 72. [Crossref]

Mostafa, S. N., & Mohammad, M. (2020). Microencapsulation optimization of cinnamon essential oil in the matrices of gum Arabic, maltodextrin, and inulin by spray-drying using mixture design. Journal of Food Processing Engineering, 43(9), 1–13. [Crossref]

Muhammad, A., Muhammad, T. T., Saeed, -ul-Hassan, & Arham, S. (2021). Investigation and comparison of anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts of Cymbopogon citratus using various in vivo models. Pakistan Journal of Botany, 53(1), 217–226. [Crossref]

Mukarram, M., Choudhary, S., Khan, M. A., & Poltronieri, P. (2022). Lemongrass essential oil components with antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Antioxidants, 11(1), 1–23. [Crossref]

Munda, S., & Lal, M. (2020). Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt ex Bor, a hub for various industrial and pharmaceutical applications. In Botanical leads for drug discovery (pp. 353–369). [Crossref]

Mwithiga, G., Maina, S., Muturi, P., & Gitari, J. (2024). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) growth rate, essential oil yield, and composition as influenced by different soil conditioners under two watering regimes. Heliyon, 10(4), e25540. [Crossref]

Naufalin, R., Sitoresmi, I., Sidik, W., & Bachtiar, A. (2019). Antioxidant activity of microencapsulated lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 250, 1–6. [Crossref]

Nguyen, P. T. N., Vo, T. T., Tran, T. Y. N., Le, T. H. N., Mai, H. C., Tran, T. T., & Long, G. B. (2021). Encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil microencapsulated by the spray-drying process. Food Research, 5(1), 195–202. [Crossref]

Nouraddini, M., Mohtarami, F., & Esmaiili, M. (2025). Enhancing orange juice shelf life using soy stabilized lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsions: Formulation, optimization, and application. Food Science & Nutrition, 13, 1–18. [Crossref]

Ntonga, P. A., Baldovini, N., Mouray, E., Mambu, L., Belong, P., & Grellier, P. (2014). Activity of Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum canum, and Cymbopogon citratus essential oils against Plasmodium falciparum and mature-stage larvae of Anopheles funestus ss. Parasite, 21, 33. [Crossref]

Nyamath, S., & Karthikeyan, B. (2018). In vitro Antifungal activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaf extracts. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7, 1148–1151.

Okpo, S. O., & Edeh, I. (2022). Determination of the metal contents of essential oil from Lemongrass. Engineering Advances, 2(2), 141–146. [Crossref]

Oladeji, O. S., Odelade, K. A., & Oloke, J. K. (2020). Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial investigation of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 12(1), 79–84. [Crossref]

Olaitan, C. O., Zakari, D. A., Olorunmowaju, I., & Emurotu, O. M. (2023a). Antimicrobial activity of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon Citratus) oil on some selected microorganisms. Journal of Food Technology and Preservation, 5(3), 1–6. [Crossref]

Olaiya, C. O., Ojebode, M. E., & Karigidi, K. O. (2016). Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus and Citrus sinensis. European Journal of Medicinal Plants, 16(1), 1–10. [Crossref]

Onyedikachi, U. B., Awah, F. M., & Chukwu, C. N. (2021). Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus grown in umuahia: A viable candidate for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapy. Acta Universitatis Cibiniensis Series E: Food Technology, 25(1), 1–14. [Crossref]

Ozojiofor, U. O., Academy, N. D., Mato, I. B., & Academy, N. D. (2021). Antimicrobial activities of Cymbopogon citratus and Ximenia americana leaf extracts against some selected bacterial and yeast clinical isolates. Asian Journal of Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, 9(1), 1–10. [Crossref]

Pan, D., Machado, L., Bica, C. G., Kolinski, A., Steffani, J. A., & Cadoná, F. C. (2021). In Vitro evaluation of antioxidant and anticancer activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf). Nutrition and Cancer, 73(11-12), 1–15. [Crossref]

Partovi, R., Talebi, F., Boluki, Z., & Sharifzadeh, A. (2019). Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil alone and in combination with Origanum majorana and Caryophyllus aromaticus essential oils against some foodborne bacteria. International Journal of Enteric Pathogens, 7(2), 60–67. [Crossref]

Premathilake, U. G. A. T., Wathugala, D. L., & Dharmadasa, R. M. (2018). Evaluation of chemical composition and assessment of antimicrobial activities of essential oil of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf). International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Fashion Research, 4(1), 13–19. [Crossref]

Rahhal, B., Qneibi, M., Jaradat, N., Hawash, M., Qadi, M., & Issa, L. (2024). Multi-biological activity assessment and phytochemical characterization of an aqueous extract of the Cymbopogon citratus grown in Palestine. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(27), 1–12. [Crossref]

Rhimi, W., Mohammed, M. A., Attia, A., Zarea, K., Greco, G., Tempesta, M., Otranto, D., & Cafarchia, C. (2022). Antifungal, antioxidant, and antibiofilm activities of essential Oils of Cymbopogon spp. Antibiotics, 11(6), 829. [Crossref]

Román, S., Sánchez-Siles, L. M., & Siegrist, M. (2017). The importance of food naturalness for consumers: Results of a systematic review. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 67, 44–57. [Crossref]

Ruvinov, I., Nguyen, C., Scaria, B., Vegh, C., Zaitoon, O., Baskaran, K., Mehaidli, A., Nunes, M., & Pandey, S. (2019). Lemongrass extract possesses potent anticancer activity against human colon cancers, inhibits tumorigenesis, enhances efficacy of FOLFOX, and reduces its adverse effects. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 18, 1–13. [Crossref]

Salaria, D., Rolta, R., Sharma, N., Dev, K., & Sourirajan, A. (2020). In silico and in vitro evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Cymbopogon citratus from North-western Himalayas. bioRxiv, 1–27. [Crossref]

Salaria, D., Rolta, R., Sharma, N., Patel, C. N., Dev, K., Sourirajan, A., & Kumar, V. (2021). Inflammatory potential of essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. of North-Western Himalaya. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 0(0), 1–15. [Crossref]

Salih, A. H., Salih, R. H., & Ahmed, H. Y. (2022). Bioactivity of Cymbopogon citratus aqueous extract against measles virus and some bacterial isolates. Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, 20(3), 585–592. [Crossref]

Santoso, F., Jonathan, W., & Maria, D. P. T. G.-P. (2018). Application of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as a functional food ingredient with alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Advances in Engineering Research, 172, 205–209. [Crossref]

Selim, M. T., Badr, B. M., Salem, S. S., Elkady, F. M., Abdel-maksoud, M. A., Issa, N. I., Sobhy, K. M., Shaban, K. M., Abdallah, A. A., & Sabeq, A. M. (2025). Preparation and characterization of lemongrass oil nanoemulsion: Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Open Life Sciences, 20, 1–14. [Crossref]

Shah, G., Shri, R., Panchal, V., Sharma, N., Singh, B., & Mann, A. S. (2011). Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf (Lemon grass). Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2(1), 3–8. [Crossref]

Sharma, S., Habib, S., Sahu, D., & Gupta, J. (2021). Chemical properties and therapeutic potential of citral, a monoterpene isolated from Lemongrass. Medicinal Chemistry, 17(1), 1–12. [Crossref]

Silva, M. D. F., Ernesto, J. V., Rinaldi, A. R., Paula, A., Noletto, R., Lopes, P. S., Carvalho, R. A. De, Augusto, V., Maria, C., & Yoshida, P. (2025). Chitosan‑Lemongrass essential oil on paperboard for active food packaging applications. Polymers, 17(4), 1–18. [Crossref]

Singh, Kuldeep, Bhat, A., Lal, B., & Verma, A. (2024). Farmers' experience problems and constraints in production, processing, and marketing of Lemongrass in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir union territory: An analysis. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development, 7(3), 563–567. [Crossref]

Solomon, O., Enitan, F., Temitope, D., & Abraham, K. (2019). Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cymbopogon citratus: A review. Scientific African, 6, e00137. [Crossref]

Subramaniam, G., Yew, X. Y., & Sivasamugham, L. A. (2020). Antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus against clinically important bacteria. South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, 34, 26–30. [Crossref]

Süntar, I. (2020). Importance of ethnopharmacological studies in drug discovery: role of medicinal plants. Phytochemistry Reviews, 19(5), 1199–1209. [Crossref]

Tak, J., & Isman, M. B. (2016). Metabolism of citral, the major constituent of lemongrass oil, in the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni, and effects of enzyme inhibitors on toxicity and metabolism. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, 133, 20–25. [Crossref]

Tarkang, P. A., Agbor, G. A., Tsabang, N., Tchokouaha, R. Y., Tchamgoue, D. A., Kemeta, D., Mengue, Y., Mba, J., & Weyepe, F. (2012). Effect of long-term oral administration of the aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (DC. ex Nees) Stapf. Annals of Biological Research, 3(12), 5561–5570.

Tazi, A., Zinedine, A., Rocha, J. M., & Errachidi, F. (2024). Review on the pharmacological properties of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) as a promising source of bioactive compounds. Pharmacological Research-Natural Products, 3, 100046. [Crossref]

Tirtaningtyas Gunawan-Puteri, M. D. P., Tjiptadi, F. M., Hendra, P., Santoso, F., Udin, Z., Artanti, N., & Ignatia, F. (2020). Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) ethanolic extract exhibited activities that inhibit α-glucosidase enzymes and postprandial blood glucose Elevation. Makara Journal of Science, 24(4), 219–227. [Crossref]

Ujilestari, T., Danar, N., Ariyadi, B., Martien, R., & Zuprizal. (2018). Formulation and characterization of self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil. Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences, 14(3), 360–363. [Crossref]

Umar, M., Mohammed, I., Oko, J., Tafinta, I., Aliko, A., & Jobbi, D. (2016). Phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial effect of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) obtained from Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 1(2), 1–8. [Crossref]

Van Wyk, A. S., & Prinsloo, G. (2020). Health, safety, and quality concerns of plant-based traditional medicines and herbal remedies. South African Journal of Botany, 133, 54–62. [Crossref]

Vijitra, Luang-In, Saengha Worachot, Karirat Thipphiya, Senakun Chadaporn, and Siriamornpun Sirithon. (2024). Phytochemical profile of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Lemongrass essential oil from Northeastern Thailand and Its Antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes and cytotoxic effects on HT-29 Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells. Foods, 13(18), 2928. [Crossref]

Yasmeen, R., Fukagawa, N. K., & Wang, T. T. Y. (2017). Establishing health benefits of bioactive food components: A basic research scientist's perspective. Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 44, 109–114. [Crossref]

Zhao, Q., Luan, X., Zheng, M., Tian, X., Zhao, J., & Zhang, W. (2020). Synergistic mechanisms of constituents in herbal extracts during intestinal absorption: Focus on natural occurring nanoparticles. Pharmaceutics, 12(2), 1–12. [Crossref]