ABSTRACT
Lemongrass oil East Indian is the essential oil obtained from the aerial part of the lemongrass, Cymbopogon flexuosus J.F. Watson. Fresh bulbous stems and leaves are used in oriental cooking for their distinct lemon flavor. The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic, antiseptic and stimulant and is used to treat diarrhea, stomach-ache, headaches, fevers, and flu. It is also perceived as helpful in treating muscular pain, poor circulation, muscle tone and slack tissue. Lemongrass oil is said to possess biological properties such as anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial and mosquito repellant activities. Lemongrass oil is a clear, mobile liquid with tender yellow to light yellowish brown color, which has a fresh citrusy, slightly green metallic odor, reminding of citral. In most oils, citral is the dominant ingredient and this is certainly the case in the lemongrass oils of commerce. Contact allergy to / allergic contact dermatitis from lemongrass oil has been reported in over 20 publications.
