USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

University of Science and Technology Chittagong (USTC)

USTC Pharmacy Medicinal Garden

লেমন ঘাস (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS)

ORIGIN

লেমন ঘাস is native to Southeast Asia, especially:

  • India

  • Sri Lanka

  • Thailand

  • Malaysia

  • Indonesia

Today it is cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions across the world due to its culinary, medicinal, and industrial value.

TAXONOMY

  • Kingdom: Plantae

  • Order: Poales

  • Family: Poaceae

  • Genus: Cymbopogon

  • Species: Cymbopogon citratus

The genus Cymbopogon also includes citronella grass, palmarosa, and other aromatic grasses.

EVOLUTION

  • Evolved in moist, warm, monsoon-fed habitats.

  • Developed strong essential oils (citral, myrcene) as defense against insects and herbivores.

  • Over time, humans selectively cultivated it for fragrance, culinary use, and medicine.

DESCRIPTION

Plant Characteristics

  • Type: Perennial aromatic grass

  • Height: 1–1.5 meters

  • Leaves: Long, narrow, sharp-edged, lemon-scented

  • Stems: Thick, bulbous base (used in cooking & tea)

  • Aroma: Strong citrus fragrance due to citral essential oil

The plant grows in dense clumps and spreads quickly through root division.

ECOLOGY

লেমন ঘাস thrives in:

  • Warm tropical climates

  • High rainfall zones

  • Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

Ecological Importance

  • Repels mosquitoes and insects

  • Prevents soil erosion

  • Attracts beneficial pollinators

  • Acts as a natural barrier plant in gardens

CULTIVATION

Propagation

  • Mainly by root division (slips)

  • Occasionally by seeds (less common)

Growing Conditions

  • Sunlight: Full sun

  • Soil: Fertile, well-drained

  • Water: Moderate; avoid stagnant water

  • Temperature: 20–35°C

  • Harvest: Leaves and stems can be harvested every 3–4 months

Lemongrass is hardy and grows well in both gardens and pots.

TRADITIONAL USES

Culinary

  • Popular in Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Sri Lankan cuisine

  • Used in soups, curries, teas, beverages, and marinades

Aromatic & Household Uses

  • Mosquito repellent

  • Essential oils for perfumes and soaps

  • Room freshener

  • Used in steam inhalation

Cultural Uses

  • Used in traditional cleansing rituals in parts of Asia

MEDICINAL USES

লেমন ঘাস is widely used in herbal medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits.

Key Therapeutic Properties

  • Antibacterial

  • Antifungal

  • Antioxidant

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Antipyretic (reduces fever)

  • Digestive stimulant

  • Calming and anti-anxiety

  • Diuretic

Common Uses

  • Fever reduction (“fever grass tea”)

  • Indigestion, bloating, gas

  • Stress and anxiety relief (tea or aroma)

  • Pain relief

  • Cough, cold, sore throat

  • Improving metabolism

  • Skin infections (topical oil)

  • Natural detoxification

Parts Used

  • Leaves

  • Stalks

  • Essential oil

RESEARCH

Major Active Compounds

  • Citral (neral + geranial)

  • Myrcene

  • Limonene

  • Geraniol

  • Flavonoids

  • Terpenoids

Scientific Findings

  1. Antimicrobial: Effective against many bacteria & fungi

  2. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling & pain

  3. Antioxidant: Protects cells from oxidative stress

  4. Anticancer potential: Citral shows activity against cancer cells in laboratory studies

  5. Anti-anxiety: Calming effect on the nervous system

  6. Digestive health: Stimulates enzyme secretion and improves gut mobility

  7. Mosquito repellent: Strong repellent due to citral and limonene

BIOLOGY

Life Cycle

Rhizome division → Shoot emergence → Leaf growth → Mature clump → Reproduction

Physiology

  • Stores essential oils in leaf glands

  • Has a fibrous root system that strengthens soil

  • Grows rapidly under warm, moist conditions

TOXICITY

লেমন ঘাস is generally safe, but:

Possible Side Effects

  • Large internal doses may cause stomach irritation

  • Essential oil may cause skin sensitivity

  • Can reduce potassium levels when used excessively

  • May lower blood pressure slightly

Avoid or use with caution in:

  • Pregnancy (large amounts not advised)

  • People with kidney issues (due to diuretic effect)

  • Those on blood pressure or diuretic medication

Essential oil should never be consumed directly.

CONCLUSION

লেমন ঘাস (Cymbopogon citratus) is a versatile and highly valued plant known for its culinary, aromatic, and medicinal benefits. Its citrus aroma, antimicrobial properties, and digestive support make it one of the world’s most popular herbal plants. Easy to grow and environmentally friendly, lemongrass plays an important role in traditional medicine, modern herbal therapy, and the essential oil industry.

It truly stands as a multi-purpose herb of global significance.

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