Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cymbopogon citratus: A review

Cymbopogon citratus is an aromatic plant of Gramineae family well-known as lemon grass. Cymbopogon is derived from Greek word “kymbe – pogon” which means boat-beard. The lemon-like scent could be ascribed to the existence of a cyclic monoterpene (citral). The herb is a perennial grass, native and distributed in Asia, Africa, South and North America. It contains considerable group of flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic compounds and other phytochemical constituents which possesses pharmacological activities such as anti-obesity, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-nociceptive, anti-oxidants anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties which could enhance health. Owing to its volatility and lemon-like aroma, citronella oil is used as deodorants in cosmetics, toiletries, insecticides (bio-pesticide) and spent grass in agriculture, in pharmaceutical and chemical industries it is incorporated in the manufacture of perfumes, fragrances, soaps, detergents, aftershaves, cosmetics and as culinary flavor in food industries. This literature review was tailored to widely investigate the ethnobiological, phytochemical compounds and pharmacological assays in attempt to divulge other plausible therapeutic activities.