Citronnelle entière (Cymbopogon citratus whole): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does lemongrass work as a digestive remedy?

Lemongrass contains citral, geraniol, and myrcene—volatile oils that act as antispasmodics on smooth muscle in the digestive tract. These compounds help relax intestinal spasms and reduce gas and bloating. The essential oils also stimulate digestive enzyme secretion and bile flow, improving overall digestion. Additionally, citral demonstrates antimicrobial activity against certain gut pathogens. Evidence Level: C (preliminary clinical evidence and traditional use).

Does lemongrass interact with any medications?

Lemongrass has no well-documented drug interactions in clinical literature. However, due to its potential mild diuretic effects, it may theoretically enhance the effects of diuretic medications. The herb may also have mild sedative properties that could be additive with central nervous system depressants. Patients taking antidiabetic medications should monitor blood sugar, as lemongrass may have hypoglycemic effects. Evidence Level: C.

How much lemongrass should I use for tea?

The standard adult dosage for lemongrass tea is 2-4 grams of dried herb or 2-3 fresh stalks steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. This can be consumed up to three times daily for digestive complaints or fever. For culinary and mild therapeutic use, one cup daily is generally sufficient. Store dried herb in airtight containers away from light to preserve volatile oil content. Evidence Level: Traditional use.

Is lemongrass safe to consume during pregnancy?

Lemongrass is considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in normal culinary amounts, such as in food or occasional tea. However, large medicinal doses should be avoided, as the essential oils may stimulate uterine contractions. Pregnant women should limit intake to food-level quantities and avoid concentrated essential oil preparations. Those with allergies to grasses (Poaceae family) should avoid lemongrass entirely. Evidence Level: C.

What are the main health benefits of lemongrass?

Lemongrass is traditionally used for digestive issues, fever reduction, and as an antimicrobial agent. The herb contains citral, which has demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties in laboratory studies. Traditional medicine systems in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Caribbean use it for stomach upset, headaches, and minor infections. It also functions as a natural insect repellent. Current evidence is preliminary (Level C), with most support from traditional use.

What are the side effects of drinking lemongrass tea?

Lemongrass tea is generally well-tolerated when consumed in recommended amounts. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, particularly those sensitive to grasses in the Poaceae family. Topical application of the essential oil may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Discontinue use if adverse symptoms occur. Evidence Level: C.

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

Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as Lemon Grass, is a tropical plant native to Maritime Southeast Asia used in cooking and traditional medicine [PMID:37207024, PMID:22171285].

Contexte

Cymbopogon citratus is a member of the Poaceae family characterized by simple, bluish-green leaves with linear white margins [PMID:37207024, PMID:37579058]. It is abundant in Indonesia and the Philippines [PMID:37207024].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used in cooking, as a brewed tea, and in traditional medicine to treat fever, malaria, hypertension, and diabetes [PMID:37207024, PMID:27693771, PMID:24423518].

Composés actifs

Active constituents include essential oils containing citral (geranial and neral isomers), myrcene, limonene, geraniol, citronellol, geranyl acetate, neral, and nerol [PMID:37579058, PMID:35557478]. It also contains polyphenols such as chlorogenic acid, isoorientin, swertiajaponin, luteolin, quercetin, kaempferol, and apiginin [PMID:24423518, PMID:22171285].

Mécanisme d'action

Citral suppresses lymphocyte expression of gut homing molecules by inhibiting retinoic acid formation [PMID:20618690]. Myrcene may induce antinociception via alpha 2-adrenoceptor stimulated release of endogenous opioids [PMID:1983154].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BOral thrush (HIV/AIDS patients)

Lemon grass infusion was investigated for safety and efficacy compared to gentian violet [PMID:19109001]

Preuve CPeriodontitis

Reported as one of several herbs used in the treatment of periodontitis [PMID:38290997]

Preuve DChemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV)

Farnesol and nerolidol (found in lemon grass) reduced kaolin consumption in rats, indicating antiemetic efficacy [PMID:30135179]

Preuve DChronic ileitis (murine)

Treatment attenuated surface expression of beta7-integrin and CCR9, reducing lymphocyte recruitment to the inflamed intestine [PMID:20618690]

Preuve DNematode infection (H. polygyrus bakeri in mice)

Aqueous extract (50mg/kg) reduced eggs per gram of feces by 54% and adult nematodes by 89% [PMID:39774742]

Preuve DPitted Keratolysis

Essential oil-based ointments demonstrated antibacterial efficacy against K. sedentarius, D. congolensis, and B. thuringien [PMID:40149054]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Essential oil is considered safe [PMID:40149054].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with limited clinical trial data (Level B) and narrative reviews (Level C).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 38290997 (2024) — Phytotherapy in periodontics as an effective and sustainable supplemental treatment: a narrative review. · Journal of periodontal & implant science
2.PMID: 30135179 (2018) — Parapheromones Suppress Chemotherapy Side Effects. · The Journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics
3.PMID: 37207024 (2023) — The Complete Genome Sequence of Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae, Poales), Lemon Grass. · Biodiversity genomes
4.PMID: 27693771 (2016) — Exploring the antimalarial potential of whole Cymbopogon citratus plant therapy. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 37687224 (2023) — Emerging Insights into the Applicability of Essential Oils in the Management of Acne Vulgaris. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Citronnelle entière

Sources et citations

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