Cymbopogon Citratus and its Polyphenols as Phytotherapeutic Products

Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) commonly known as lemongrass is a tropical perennial shrub originated from the Southeast Asia. This plant is reported to possess antifungal insecticidal anti-diabetic anti-septic anti-mutagenic anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently some phenolic compounds such as flavone glycosides and condensed tannins were identified and related to the anti-inflammatory properties. Cc infusion and flavonoid and tannin fractions were orally administered to rats in order to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect. The observed effect of edema inhibition was very similar to that obtained by the reference NSAID used. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of Cc was also addressed suggesting that luteolin 7-O-neohesperidoside cassiaoccidentalin B carlinoside and cynaroside contribute to the topical anti-inflammatory activity and that the two fractions possess a significant synergistic effect. This book demonstrates the infusion anti-inflammatory activity in safe doses using an in vivo approach which supports the traditional use of lemongrass infusion encouraging the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs or nutraceuticals.