article · Toxicology Reports
Cymbopogon citratus, commonly known as lemongrass, has traditionally been used in northern Ethiopia to treat a range of ailments. Researchers evaluated the chemical profile, skin irritation, acute toxicity, and sub-acute toxicity of its essential oil. Chemical analysis via gas chromatography mass spectrometry identified citral and myrcene as the primary chemical components. In animal trials, a daily dose of 2000 milligrams per kilogram of body weight administered to mice over 21 consecutive days produced no mortality, behavioural abnormalities, or signs of illness. Biochemical measurements, body weights, and histological examinations of the liver and kidneys showed no significant differences compared to untreated control groups. Additionally, testing a ten percent ointment formulation on rabbit skin caused no skin irritation, supporting the conclusion that the essential oil is relatively safe and non-toxic under the conditions tested.
Traditional medicinal plants offer promising natural alternatives for healthcare, but their safety profiles must be rigorously assessed before wider use. Demonstrating that Cymbopogon citratus essential oil causes neither systemic toxicity at tested doses nor skin irritation in laboratory animals helps establish foundational safety data, validating traditional usage and supporting the exploration of plant-based therapeutic options.
This research provides preliminary safety and formulation evidence relevant to developers of topical products, cosmetics, and herbal medicines. By demonstrating that a ten percent ointment does not irritate rabbit skin and that the oil exhibits low oral toxicity, the findings support early-stage formulation work. The research remains at an early, preclinical stage, requiring further clinical evaluation before commercial deployment is possible.
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Cymbopogon citratus has been used by the local people in Ankober district, northern Ethiopia, as traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Its essential oil has been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities amongst others. This study was conducted to determine skin irritation, acute and subacute toxicity of C. citratus essential oil in mice and rabbits. The essential oil was analyzed using GC–MS. The essential oil at dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight was administered to mice for 21 consecutive days. The mice mortality, behavioral change, injury and other signs of illness were recorded once daily. Biochemical parameters were evaluated. Liver and kidney were taken after sacrifice for gross findings and histological analyses. 10 % ointment formulation of C. citratus oils was applied on the rabbit skin to determine skin irritation effects. The result revealed, the presence of citral (71.297%), myrcene (19.034%), 4, 5-epoxycarene (2.780%), linalool (1.713%), ((S)-cis-verbenol (1.110 %), linalool (1.713 %), ((S)-cis-verbenol (1.110 %) and undecan-2-one (1.001 %) in the C. citratus essential oil. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the body weights, gross abnormalities of the organs and biochemical parameters compared to the control. No histopathological changes were detected in the organs tested. 10 % ointment formulation of C. citratus oils did not cause skin irritation. Analysis of results leads to the conclusion that Ethiopian C. citratus essential oil may be considered as relatively safe and non-toxic.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.11.002
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