Cymbopogon citratus: Exploring its Industrial, Medicinal and Environmental Benefits

Cymbopogon citratus, often referred to as lemongrass, is a perennial crop that has considerable economic, medicinal, and industrial value. Cultivated widely in tropical and subtropical regions, it constitutes a source of essential oil that is rich in bioactive compounds such as citral, which show different types of biological activities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Lemongrass has wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, while its essential oil is considered an essential component in aromatherapy, personal care products, and natural preservatives. Its pharmacological properties have been confirmed through many in vitro and in vivo studies, but clinical trials are still limited. Despite its potential, it faces some challenges, including sustainability issues, research gaps, and environmental impacts of large-scale cultivation and oil extraction. Future research directions are to optimize production techniques, new applications such as functional foods and renewable energy, and sustainable practices for production as well as processing. Overall, this review provides insight into the cultivation, biological activities, industrial applications, pharmacological studies, and economic importance of Cymbopogon citratus, thus underpinning its global significance along with the scope for further advancement.