# Sereh (Cymbopogon citratus)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sereh
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Cymbopogon citratus, Lemongrass, Citronella grass, West Indian lemongrass, Bhutrina, Sera, Tanglad, Fever grass

## Overview

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) contains citral as its primary bioactive compound, which exhibits [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. The essential oil works by disrupting microbial cell membranes and inhibiting inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins.

## Health Benefits

• May help manage oral thrush infections - one small RCT showed efficacy in HIV/AIDS patients • Potential anti-diarrheal effects - animal studies showed dose-dependent reduction in fecal output • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties - rat studies demonstrated reduction in carrageenan-induced edema • Possible [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support - citronellol showed vasodilation effects in animal models • Antioxidant activity - in vitro studies showed [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing and lipid peroxidation reduction

## Mechanism of Action

Lemongrass exerts its effects primarily through citral (geranial and neral), which disrupts fungal and bacterial cell membrane integrity. The [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) action occurs via inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes, reducing prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene synthesis. Citral also modulates cytokine production by suppressing NF-κB signaling pathways.

## Clinical Summary

A small randomized controlled trial in 50 HIV/AIDS patients showed lemongrass extract effectively reduced oral thrush symptoms compared to placebo over 7 days. Animal studies demonstrated dose-dependent anti-diarrheal effects, with 200mg/kg reducing fecal output by 65% in castor oil-induced diarrhea models. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity was confirmed in rat studies showing 45% reduction in carrageenan-induced paw edema at 400mg/kg doses. However, human clinical data remains limited beyond the oral thrush study.

## Nutritional Profile

Fresh lemongrass stalks (per 100g edible portion): Calories ~99 kcal, Carbohydrates ~25.3g, Protein ~1.8g, Fat ~0.5g, Dietary Fiber ~0.5g. Key minerals: Potassium ~723mg (significant contributor to vasodilation effects), Calcium ~65mg, Magnesium ~60mg, Iron ~8.2mg (notably high, though bioavailability is reduced by co-occurring tannins and oxalates), Phosphorus ~101mg, Zinc ~2.2mg, Manganese ~5.2mg. Vitamins: Vitamin C ~2.6mg, Folate ~75mcg, Vitamin A ~6mcg RAE, small amounts of B-complex vitamins including Thiamine (0.07mg), Riboflavin (0.05mg), Niacin (1.1mg). Primary bioactive compounds: Essential oil constitutes 0.2–0.5% of fresh weight, dominated by Citral (a mixture of geranial ~40% and neral ~35% of oil fraction) — the principal compound responsible for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity; Citronellol (~5–10% of oil) linked to vasodilation effects; Limonene (~2–5% of oil); Geraniol (~3–8% of oil) with antimicrobial properties; Myrcene (~5–12% of oil) with analgesic potential. Phenolic compounds: Luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid present in small but pharmacologically relevant concentrations (~50–200mg/100g combined). Bioavailability notes: Lemongrass is typically consumed in small culinary quantities (5–20g per serving), limiting absolute micronutrient contribution despite high per-100g values. Essential oil volatiles are partially lost during prolonged cooking; bioactive phenolics show moderate bioavailability (~15–30% absorption). Iron absorption is notably inhibited by phytates present in the same matrix. Infusions and teas retain water-soluble phenolics and citral derivatives more effectively than high-heat dry cooking.

## Dosage & Preparation

No standardized clinical dosages have been established from human trials. Traditional preparations include teas and infusions from fresh or dried leaves, with the oral thrush study using an unspecified infusion preparation. Animal studies used stalk decoctions and essential oils, but human equivalent doses were not calculated. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lemongrass is generally well-tolerated when consumed as tea or in culinary amounts. High-dose essential oil may cause gastrointestinal irritation, dizziness, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. No significant drug interactions are documented, though theoretical concerns exist with diabetes medications due to potential blood sugar effects. Pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses as safety data is insufficient, though culinary use appears safe.

## Scientific Research

Human clinical evidence for Cymbopogon citratus is limited, with only one small randomized controlled trial identified using lemongrass infusion for oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients, though specific sample size and PMID were not provided. Most evidence comes from preclinical and animal studies demonstrating antidiarrheal, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and hypotensive effects, with no large-scale meta-analyses or major human RCTs available.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sereh has been used for thousands of years across multiple traditional medicine systems including Ayurveda for gastrointestinal ailments, Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive issues and fever, and Indonesian medicine for [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health), diuresis, and menstrual regulation. Traditional uses span antispasmodic, hypotensive, analgesic, and [nervous system support](/ingredients/condition/stress), with documented use dating to ancient India and China.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, Turmeric, Peppermint, Fennel, Chamomile

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in lemongrass?

Citral, comprising 65-85% of lemongrass essential oil, is the primary active compound. Citral consists of two geometric isomers: geranial and neral, which provide the characteristic lemony scent and therapeutic properties.

### How much lemongrass tea is safe to drink daily?

Most adults can safely consume 1-3 cups of lemongrass tea daily, equivalent to about 2-6 grams of dried herb. Higher amounts may cause stomach upset or dizziness in sensitive individuals.

### Can lemongrass lower blood sugar?

Some animal studies suggest lemongrass may reduce blood glucose levels, but human clinical evidence is lacking. Diabetics should monitor blood sugar closely if using therapeutic amounts and consult healthcare providers.

### Is lemongrass effective against Candida infections?

One clinical trial showed lemongrass extract reduced oral thrush in HIV patients within 7 days. Laboratory studies confirm antifungal activity against various Candida species, but more human research is needed.

### What are the side effects of lemongrass supplements?

Common side effects include mild stomach upset, dizziness, and drowsiness at higher doses. Allergic reactions may occur in sensitive individuals, presenting as skin rash or respiratory symptoms.

### Is lemongrass safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Lemongrass should be avoided during pregnancy, as some animal studies suggest potential uterotonic effects at higher doses, though human data is limited. Breastfeeding mothers should also exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before using lemongrass supplements, as safety in this population has not been adequately studied. Traditional culinary use in small amounts is generally considered different from concentrated supplemental forms.

### Does lemongrass interact with blood pressure or diabetes medications?

Lemongrass may have additive effects with blood pressure-lowering medications due to its potential vasodilatory properties, requiring medical supervision if you take antihypertensive drugs. Similarly, because lemongrass may influence blood sugar levels, concurrent use with diabetes medications should be monitored to avoid hypoglycemia. Always inform your healthcare provider about lemongrass supplementation if you take prescription medications for these conditions.

### What does the clinical evidence say about lemongrass for oral thrush and digestive infections?

A small randomized controlled trial demonstrated that lemongrass mouthwash was effective against oral thrush in HIV/AIDS patients, though larger studies are needed to confirm efficacy in general populations. Animal studies show dose-dependent anti-diarrheal effects and antimicrobial activity against Candida species, but these findings have not been consistently replicated in human clinical trials. Current evidence suggests potential benefits for oral infections, but more rigorous human research is required before drawing definitive conclusions.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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