Lemongrass: Are There Health Benefits?

Health Benefits of Lemongrass

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Lemongrass, scientifically known as Cymbopogon citratus, is a popular herb used in various traditional medicines and culinary practices. Recent studies have explored its potential health benefits, revealing promising results in several areas.

Erythropoiesis and Anemia Prevention

Lemongrass tea has been shown to have a positive impact on hematologic indices, which are crucial for preventing and treating anemia. A study involving human volunteers demonstrated that lemongrass tea significantly increased packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), and red blood cell (RBC) count after 30 days of consumption. These effects are attributed to the nutritional constituents and antioxidant properties of lemongrass, which enhance erythropoiesis, the process of producing red blood cells1 2.

Cholesterol Reduction

The essential oil of lemongrass has been found to reduce blood cholesterol levels without causing genotoxic or toxic effects. In a study conducted on mice, lemongrass essential oil significantly lowered cholesterol levels after a 21-day oral intake, suggesting its potential as a natural remedy for managing cholesterol3.

Anxiolytic Effects

Lemongrass aroma has been investigated for its potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. In a study with human participants, exposure to lemongrass essential oil aroma resulted in a reduction in state anxiety and subjective tension. Although the physiological parameters were not significantly altered, the perceived reduction in anxiety suggests that lemongrass aroma may have beneficial effects in stress management4.

Antidiabetic Properties

Research on diabetic rats has shown that lemongrass leaves, both in aqueous extract and powder form, can improve glucose levels and enhance liver and kidney functions. This indicates that lemongrass may be beneficial in managing diabetes and improving overall metabolic health6.

Immunity and Antioxidant Enhancement

Lemongrass has also been studied for its effects on immunity and antioxidant levels. In dairy cows, lemongrass supplementation improved milk yield and enhanced immune function. It also increased serum and milk zinc concentrations, which are vital for immune health7. Similarly, in quails, lemongrass essential oil improved growth performance, immunity, and antioxidant indices, while reducing intestinal pathogens8.

Oral Health

Lemongrass gel has been compared to doxycycline gel in treating chronic periodontitis. The study found that lemongrass gel was effective in reducing gingival inflammation and periodontal pathogens, making it a viable natural alternative for oral health care9.

Uric Acid Reduction

In elderly women with hyperuricemia, the inclusion of lemongrass stems in their diet significantly reduced uric acid levels. This suggests that lemongrass can be used to prevent elevated blood uric acid levels, which are associated with gout and other health issues10.

In summary, lemongrass offers a range of health benefits, including improving blood health, reducing cholesterol, managing anxiety, enhancing metabolic and immune functions, and supporting oral health. These findings highlight the potential of lemongrass as a natural therapeutic agent in various health conditions.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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