Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does citronella oil work as an insect repellent?

Citronella oil repels insects primarily through its volatile compounds—citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol—which mask human scent cues that attract mosquitoes. These compounds interfere with mosquitoes' olfactory receptors, making it difficult for them to locate hosts. Research indicates citronella provides moderate protection duration compared to synthetic alternatives like DEET. The repellent effect is concentration-dependent and requires frequent reapplication. Evidence Level: C.

Does citronella oil interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented drug interactions with citronella oil in clinical literature. However, citronella contains compounds metabolized by liver enzymes, which could theoretically affect drugs processed through similar pathways. Limited human pharmacokinetic data exists. Patients taking anticoagulants or medications with narrow therapeutic windows should consult healthcare providers before using concentrated citronella products. Evidence Level: D (insufficient data).

What is the correct dosage for citronella essential oil?

For aromatherapy, use 5-10 drops in a diffuser. For topical application as insect repellent, dilute citronella oil to 5% concentration in a carrier oil (approximately 5 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil). Higher concentrations increase skin irritation risk. Reapply every 30-60 minutes for continued mosquito protection. Internal use is not recommended without professional guidance. Evidence Level: Traditional/C.

Is citronella safe to use during pregnancy?

Citronella oil is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data and potential uterine stimulation. The essential oil's concentrated compounds may cross the placental barrier. Pregnant women should avoid both topical application and inhalation of concentrated citronella. Limited clinical evidence exists regarding pregnancy outcomes. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oils during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Evidence Level: D (insufficient safety data).

Can citronella oil cause skin irritation?

Yes, undiluted citronella oil can cause skin irritation, redness, and contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Citronellal and geraniol are known skin sensitizers. Always dilute citronella to 5% or less in a carrier oil before topical use. Perform a patch test on a small area before widespread application. People with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise particular caution. Discontinue use if irritation occurs. Evidence Level: C.

Is citronella effective for treating fever?

Citronella has a long history in Asian folk medicine for fever management, though clinical evidence supporting this use is limited. Traditional practitioners have used citronella preparations to reduce fever symptoms, but controlled human trials are lacking. The antipyretic mechanism remains poorly understood. Modern medical guidance recommends evidence-based fever treatments. Citronella should not replace conventional medical care for fever management. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is an aromatic plant primarily used for its essential oil, which exhibits insect repellent, antimicrobial, and cytoprotective properties [PMID:30019646, 37247287].

Contexte

Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) is a grass species used to produce essential oils via steam-water distillation [PMID:38439835, 37247287]. It is widely exported from countries such as Indonesia [PMID:38439835].

Usages traditionnels

Cymbopogon species have been used in folk medicine to treat cold, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, rheumatism, diarrhea, sore throat, and tracheitis [PMID:38608798].

Composés actifs

Major chemical constituents include citronellal [PMID:39185036, 35386096], geraniol [PMID:31093420, 35717505], citral (including cis- and trans-isomers) [PMID:35182563, 35717505], citronellol [PMID:22816268, 35717505], and eugenol [PMID:22816268]. Other identified compounds include $\delta$-cadinene [PMID:39185036] and sesquiterpene alcohols such as farnesol and nerolidol [PMID:30135179].

Mécanisme d'action

In antifungal applications, the oil may inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis, increase leakage of cellular contents, and impair cellular methylglyoxal biosynthesis [PMID:35182563]. It also demonstrates the ability to decrease reactive oxygen species to protect cells against doxorubicin-induced damage [PMID:37247287].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AMosquito Repellency

Citronella oil provides protection against Aedes mosquitoes, though protection time is significantly shorter than that of DEET [PMID:21481108]. It is also effective as a repellent in dogs when formulated in a bath bomb [PMID:39185036].

Preuve DChemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV)

Sesquiterpene alcohols found in citronella (farnesol and nerolidol) reduced pica behavior in rats treated with cisplatin [PMID:30135179].

Preuve DAntifungal/Antibacterial Activity

In vitro activity demonstrated against Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus [PMID:35205871], Aspergillus niger [PMID:23081773], Microsporum canis [PMID:27049705], Staphylococcus aureus [PMID:31093420], and Candida albicans [PMID:35386096].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Citronella oil can cause contact allergy, with positive patch test reactions occurring in more than 2% of patients, often associated with pure oils or high-concentration products [PMID:27427818]. Aspiration of citronella oil has been reported to cause severe necrotising pneumonia with complex cyst formation and large pleural effusions [PMID:18564809].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies (antimicrobial/cytoprotective) and animal/laboratory models (insect repellency). Clinical human evidence is limited to case reports of toxicity and systematic reviews of laboratory repellent studies.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 34543260 (2021) — Insect repellents. · The Medical letter on drugs and therapeutics
2.PMID: 18564809 (2008) — Fire-eater's lung. · Anaesthesia and intensive care
3.PMID: 38439835 (2024) — Effect of doses fertilizer and harvest interval on the intensity of leaf spot diseases, production and quality of citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus L.) essential oils in ultisols soil. · Heliyon
4.PMID: 39185036 (2024) — In vivo mosquito repellency effect of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) essential oil bath bomb formulation in dogs. · Veterinary world
5.PMID: 37247287 (2023) — Cytoprotective Properties of Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendl.) and Lemongrass Oil (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf) through Attenuation of Senescent-Induced Chemotherapeutic Agent Doxorubicin on Vero and NIH-3T3 Cells.

Citronella

Sources et citations

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