Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Potential of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon) and Impact on Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Phytochemicals are versatile plant secondary metabolites with therapeutic properties. In this review, we explore lemongrass’s phytochemistry and pharmacological potential (Cymbopogon) as well as its impact on gut microbiota. Lemongrass is well-known for its antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-mutagenicity, anxiolytic properties, and for its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. Therefore, it is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, feed, and the cosmetics industry. Lemongrass contains phenolic metabolites (including phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans), terpenoids, and alkaloids, which are potent bioactive ingredients. Lemongrass is a precious medicinal plant. Furthermore, lemongrass phytochemicals are considered potential agents to improve health by establishing a balanced gut ecosystem. Lemongrass is considered a quintessential food and feed additive at the industrial level, since there are no issues with residue or toxins. Lemongrass powder and essential oils are used to modulate the gut ecosystem by generating anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant responses, increasing the optimum nutrient absorption in the gut system. This review will further explore lemongrass’s phytochemical, pharmacological, and therapeutic potential.