PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is an aromatic grass valued for its essential oil, which exhibits antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and neuroprotective properties [PMID:41951146, 13680833, 22855942].
Background
Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) is a perennial aromatic grass grown for the production of essential oils used in the fragrance and pharmaceutical industries [PMID:26437026, 41951146].
Traditional uses
In south Asian communities, it is traditionally used to manage gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular disorders [PMID:25554990]. In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used for skin problems and to relieve nerve pain, and it is used in aromatherapy as a skin tonic [PMID:24934659]. It is also traditionally prescribed for central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neuralgia, epileptic fits, and anorexia [PMID:22855942].
Active compounds
The essential oil is rich in geraniol and geranyl acetate [PMID:12809717, 11397433]. Other reported major compounds in leaf essential oil include neral and geranial [PMID:36677603].
Mechanism of action
The oil's antimicrobial action against Saccharomyces cerevisiae is attributed to geraniol, which causes K(+) leakage and changes in cell membrane composition, increasing saturated fatty acids [PMID:12809717]. In rabbit jejunum preparations, it exhibits Ca(2+) channel blocking activity, leading to relaxation of spontaneous and K(+)-induced contractions [PMID:25554990]. Against B. cinerea, it influences cell contents leakage and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) [PMID:38040655].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DCerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress (rat model)
Essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii demonstrated neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress [PMID:22855942]
Evidence DGastrointestinal/Vascular spasms (isolated rabbit jejunum)
Methanol extract and its fractions caused concentration-dependent relaxation of contractions, comparable to verapamil [PMID:25554990]
Evidence DInflammation (human monocytes in vitro)
Essential oil and geraniol showed immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects without cytotoxic effects on monocytes [PMID:24934659]
Safety & adverse effects
Inhalation of geraniol in rats may trigger some degree of hepatic toxicity, as indicated by increased serum alanine aminotransferase activity and lipid hydroperoxide [PMID:25574990]. Oxidation of essential oils may generate reactive oxygen species, potentially leading to sensitizing effects or genetic damage [PMID:27136257].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats, rabbits), and agricultural/environmental research. There are no human clinical trials provided in the source abstracts.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 12809717 (2003) — Antimicrobial action of palmarosa oil (Cymbopogon martinii) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae. · Phytochemistry
- 2.PMID: 26298512 (2015) — Palmarosa [Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats.] as a putative crop for phytoremediation, in tannery sludge polluted soil. · Ecotoxicology and environmental safety
- 3.PMID: 34443412 (2021) — Design of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing Cymbopogon martinii (Palmarosa) Essential Oil against Aspergillus nomius. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 39190938 (2024) — Acaricidal potential of essential oils on Rhipicephalus linnaei: Alternatives and prospects. · Veterinary parasitology
- 5.PMID: 23415329 (2013) — Biochemical characteristics of a novel vegetative tissue geraniol acetyltransferase from a monoterpene oil grass (Palmarosa, Cymbopogon martinii var. Motia) leaf.