Botanical Name: Cymbopogon nardus L. (Andropogon nardus L) Common name:  Read More
Botanical Name: |
Cymbopogon nardus L. (Andropogon nardus L) |
Common name: |
Ceylon, citronella, citronella grass, geranium grass, nardus grass |
Plant family: |
Poaceae |
Genus: |
Cymbopogon |
Appearance/Color: |
A clear light yellow to brownish liquid |
Odor: |
A top note of medium aroma, citronella has a well-rounded lemony scent, through it is much softer and has subtle wood tones. |
Blends With: |
Bergamot, orange, cedarwood, geranium, lemon, lavender and pine. |
Origin |
Sri Lanka |
Source |
Leaves |
Method of Extraction |
Steam Distillation |
The genus Cymbopogon belongs to the family Poaceae, which is widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and America. This genus is famous for its high content of essential oils, which have been used for cosmetics, pharmaceutics, and perfumery applications. Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle, popularly known as citronella, native to Ceylon is one of the Cymbopogon species. The essential oil obtained from the leaves of Cymbopogon nardus is commonly used as an insect repellent. Many Studies have shown the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal activities of this oil. Furthermore, a higher cytotoxic activity of Cymbopogon nardus L. essential oils on human epidermic cell line HaCaT was demonstrated. Thus, the essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus could be quite suitable as an active component in pharmaceutical formulations for skin treatment and its damages repairing. Moreover, Cymbopogon essential oil can be used for the control of foodborne pathogenic bacteria in the food industry.
Citronella oil comes from the Asian grass plant known as Cymbopogon nardus. It’s most commonly used as a natural fragrant oil, in insect repellents, as well as in beauty, household and perfume products. According to dozens of clinical studies, pure citronella oil is an antiseptic, antimicrobial and antifungal treatment. The most popular use for citronella is as a constituent in homemade or commercially sold insect repellents, since it naturally repels mosquitos and other bugs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers citronella to be a “biopesticide” that has a nontoxic mode of action against insects.
Cymbopogon nardus (C. nardus) (L) Rendle, a Poaceae is a medicinal plant widely used as culinary and for perfemury. The Chinese use the leaves more specifically for rheumatism and other uses in the treatment of fever, intestinal parasites, digestive and menstrual problems. C. nardus produced a yellow essential oil which present some pharmacological properties as antifungal, repellent against mosquito.
Citronella Oil in Pharma
Cymbopogon nardus is a local medicinal plant, traditionally used for post-partum bath. Scientific studies have proven C. nardus to possess several biological activities, such as antiviral, antibacterial and insect repellent. Essential oils are known to possess antibacterial activity, which has been evaluated mainly in liquid medium. The essential oil extracted from tulsi leaves contains eugenol, a phenolic compound which may be attributed to its antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties.
Essence of Citronella Oil
C. nardus is the source of citronella oil, used in perfumery and as an insect repellent. Inexpensive soaps sold in Asian markets are scented with citronella oil. Citronella oil can be mixed with other vegetable oils and used in massage or rubbed on the skin for an insect repellent. Citronella candles and incense, however, are less effective.
Practitioners claim citronella oil is a stimulant when inhaled or rubbed on the skin, and an antiseptic that can be used to sterilize food preparation surfaces. It is also used in Chinese medicine and traditional medicine for the treatment of rheumatism, digestive problems, fever and intestinal problems, and in aromatherapy to treat colds, flu and headaches
COMMON USAGE
· Anti-inflammatory properties
· Remove bad odor
· Eliminates toxins
· Stimulates urination
· Reduces fever
· Inhibits fungal growth
· Insects repellant
· Prevents stomach disorders
· Stimulant
Ingredients:
S.No |
Key Constituents |
Strength (%) |
1 |
Citronellal |
24.8-52.8 |
2 |
Geraniol |
16.1-28.5 |
3 |
()-citronellol |
8.9-21.8 |
4 |
Elemol |
2.2-5.16 |
5 |
(P)-limonene |
02.4-4.5 |
6 |
Geranyl acetate |
2.8-4.1 |
7 |
b-Elemene |
1.8-3.1 |
8 |
Eugenol |
1.2-2.4 |
9 |
g-cadinene |
1.17-2.3 |
10 |
Citronellyl acetate |
02.10-2.0 |
11 |
T-amorphol |
0.8-1.5 |
12 |
d-cadinene |
0.4-1.3 |
13 |
Linalool |
0.4-1.2 |
14 |
Methyl-eugenol |
0-0.011 |
TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Safety Summary
· Hazardous: Not Known
· Contraindications Not Known
Organ Specific Effects
· Adverse skin reactions No Additional Data available.
· Reproductive toxicity No Data Available
Systemic Effects
· Skin corrosion/irritation: May be irritating to skin.
· Serious eye damage/irritation: May be irritating to eyes. Prompt rinsing and removal of the substance will avoid damage.
· Respiratory sensitization: May cause irritation.
· Reproductive toxicity: Not specified
· STOT-single exposure: Not specified
· STOT-related exposure: Not specified
ECOLOGICAL INFORMATION
· Toxic to aquatic organisms, may cause long term adverse effects in the aquatic environment.
· Results of PBT and vPvB assessment
o PBT: Not applicable.
o vPvB: Not applicable.
· Persistence and degradability No further relevant information available.
· Bio-accumulative potential No further relevant information available.
· Mobility in soil No further relevant information available.