Cymbopogon flexuosus
Cymbopogon flexuosus, commonly known as lemongrass, is a versatile perennial grass celebrated for its aromatic properties. Rich in essential oils like citral, it serves as a potent medicinal herb. Used globally in traditional medicine, it offers antimicrobial, digestive, and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a staple in holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Cymbopogon flexuosus
- Family: Poaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales, it is a member of the family Poaceae. Specifically, it is categorized under the genus Cymbopogon.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Poaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cymbopogon | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cymbopogon flexuosus, is recognized by various names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 曲序香茅 (zh-hans), 曲序香茅 (zh-hant), and 曲序香茅 (zh-hk). In Poland, the species is commonly called Palczatką pogiętą (pl), while in India, it is known by the Hindi name नीबू घास (hi).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 曲序香茅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 曲序香茅 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 曲序香茅 | Wikidata |
| pl | Palczatka pogięta | Wikidata |
| hi | नीबू घास | Wikidata |
| vi | Sả dịu | Wikidata |
| zh | 曲序香茅 | Wikidata |
| ml | ഇഞ്ചിപ്പുല്ല് | Wikidata |
| kn | ನಿಂಬೆ ಹುಲ್ಲು | Wikidata |
| bg | Източноиндийска лимонова трева | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the world. In Northern Africa, it can be found specifically within the borders of Egypt. Its presence is also highly notable throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. Additionally, the species extends its reach into Asia, specifically within South-Central China. These diverse locations highlight the wide ecological range of Cymbopogon flexuosus.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Seychelles | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as citronella grass, derives its therapeutic value primarily from its fresh leaves, which are harvested to capture their potent aromatic properties. When these leaves undergo distillation, they yield a highly concentrated essential oil that serves as the plant's most significant medicinal component. This oil is widely utilized in aromatherapy and topical applications due to its strong insect-repellent qualities and its ability to soothe skin irritations.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fresh leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cymbopogon flexuosus has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include citral, 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol, MCC, NCC, auxin.
- Total chemicals
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 24
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| citral | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| MCC | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NCC | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| auxin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caryophyllene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caryophyllene oxide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catalase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cellulose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorpyrifos | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cymbopogon flexuosus has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cymbopogon flexuosus has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include salinity stress, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, antioxidant, breast cancer.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| salinity stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dandruff | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lipid peroxidation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lung cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |