Review of phytomedicine, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacological activities of Cymbopogon genus

Abstract

The Cymbopogon genus belongs to the Andropoganeae family of the family Poaceae, which is famous for its high essential oil concentration. Cymbopogon possesses a diverse set of characteristics that supports its applications in cosmetic, pharmaceuticals and phytotherapy. The purpose of this review is to summarize and connect the evidence supporting the use of phytotherapy, phytomedicine, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, pharmacological activities, and quality control of the Cymbopogon species and their extracts. To ensure the successful completion of this review, data and studies relating to this review were strategically searched and obtained from scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier. Approximately 120 acceptable reviews, original research articles, and other observational studies were included and incorporated for further analysis. Studies showed that the genus Cymbopogon mainly contained flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which were the pivotal pharmacological active ingredients. When combined with the complex β-cyclodextrin, phytochemicals such as citronellal have been shown to have their own mechanism of action in inhibiting the descending pain pathway. Another mechanism of action described in this review is that of geraniol and citral phytochemicals, which have rose and lemon-like scents and can be exploited in soaps, detergents, mouthwash, cosmetics, and other products. Many other pharmacological effects, such as anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer have been discussed sequentially, along with how and which phytochemicals are responsible for the observed effect. Cymbopogon species have proven to be extremely valuable, with many applications. Its phytotherapy is proven to be due to its rich phytochemicals, obtained from different parts of the plant like leaves, roots, aerial parts, rhizomes, and even its essential oils. For herbs of Cymbopogon genus as a characteristic plant therapy, significant research is required to ensure their efficacy and safety for a variety of ailments.

Natural Product Citronellal can Significantly Disturb Chitin Synthesis and Cell Wall Integrity in Magnaporthe oryzae

“…Citronellal (Figure 1) is a volatile colorless-to-yellowish liquid, with lemon, citronella and rose aroma; soluble in ethanol and the most non-volatile oil; slightly soluble in volatile oil and propylene glycol; and insoluble in glycerin and water. It is naturally present in citronella oil and eucalyptus oil, which is widely used in medicine, edible spices, and agriculture [18]. For example, citronellal can inhibit the expression of leukotrienes, reduce inflammation, reduce edema, anti-inflammatory and analgesic [19,20], and it is an effective mosquito repellent [21].…”

Medicinal Plants and Plant-Based Remedies in Grande-Terre: An Ethnopharmacological Approach

“…These results are broadly in line with previous ethnobotanical studies. Cymbopogon citratus essential oils, aerial parts, and leaf extracts have been traditionally used against dysmenorrhea, fever, cough, and anxiety [ 56 , 57 ]. Of note, the genus Cymbopogon and specifically Cymbopogon citratus have a wide variety of biologically active phytochemicals and these bioactives have been examined for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties both in vivo and in vitro [ 58 , 59 , 60 ].…”

Plant Essential Oils as a Tool in the Control of Bovine Mastitis: An Update

“…Cymbopogon plants (Andropoganeae family) are diverse in terms of names, species, and uses, with almost all of them being aromatic and having geraniol and citral as the two major constituents of the essential oil [121]. Lemongrass and citronella grass EOs were tested, respectively, against MRSA and E.coli from bovine mastitis [91,122,123].…”