Lemongrass
Also known as: Cymbopogon citratus, lemongrass essential oil, citral, lemon grass
Effective Dosage
No established dose from provided studies for oral supplementation; aromatherapy studies used inhalation of essential oil
What the Science Says
Lemongrass is a tropical grass whose leaves and oil are used in cooking, traditional medicine, and aromatherapy. Early clinical trials suggest that inhaling lemongrass essential oil may reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure and heart rate during stressful procedures like dental work. As a mouthwash, a 0.25% lemongrass oil solution showed comparable plaque- and gingivitis-reducing effects to chlorhexidine in a small orthodontic patient study. Its main active compound, citral, has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in animal models, but these findings have not yet been confirmed in human clinical trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat any disease or medical condition in humans. No solid evidence it works as an oral supplement for anxiety, inflammation, or organ protection — those studies were done in rats. Aromatherapy is not a substitute for medical treatment. No evidence it burns fat, boosts testosterone, or detoxifies the body. Lemongrass oil in insect repellents or food coatings is a completely different use case from taking it as a supplement.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Aromatherapy with lemongrass essential oil has shown statistically significant reductions in dental anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate in small clinical trials (PMID: 40069670, 40159612). A 0.25% lemongrass oil mouthwash demonstrated antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine in orthodontic patients (PMID: 37534506). Its active compound citral showed hepatorenal protective effects against LPS-induced oxidative stress in rat models, suggesting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (PMID: 41199554).
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose for oral supplementation; aromatherapy studies used inhalation; mouthwash studies used 0.25% concentration
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for oral supplementation in humans. Inhalation route (aromatherapy) is the best-studied delivery method in the provided clinical trials. Citral absorption data in humans is not available from the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lemongrass oil can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions — one study specifically flagged it as a dermatological risk in topical/repellent products
- Most compelling findings (anti-inflammatory, organ protection) come from rat studies only — do not assume these translate to humans
- No established safe oral supplementation dose exists based on the provided research
- Aromatherapy studies are small (38–355 participants) and lack blinding for the scent intervention, making placebo effects hard to rule out
- Products marketed as lemongrass supplements are not regulated for potency or purity — 423 registered products exist with no standardized dosing
Products Containing Lemongrass
See how Lemongrass is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06