Description

Cymbopogon nardus, commonly known as Citronella Grass or Ceylon Citronella, is a perennial grass native to Sri Lanka and other parts of tropical Asia. It is widely recognized for its aromatic properties, particularly its citronella oil, which is valued for its use in pest repellents and fragrances.

Botanical Classification:

Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Species: Cymbopogon nardus

Plant Characteristics: Cymbopogon nardus is characterized by:

Leaves: The plant has long, narrow, and arching leaves that are green and can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length. The leaves have a strong citrus aroma, which is released when they are crushed.
Stems: The stems are tall and slender, growing in dense clumps. They typically reach 1-2 meters (3-6 feet) in height.
Flowers: Cymbopogon nardus produces inconspicuous flower spikes that are not prominently displayed. The primary value of the plant lies in its aromatic leaves rather than its flowers.
Soil and Light: Prefers well-drained soils and full sun. It thrives in warm climates and can tolerate periods of drought once established.

Chemical Composition and Structure: The chemical composition of Cymbopogon nardus includes:

Essential Oils: The leaves contain essential oils rich in citronella, primarily composed of citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. Citronellal is the main compound responsible for the plant's lemon-like fragrance and its repellent properties.
Flavonoids: Contains flavonoids such as luteolin and quercetin, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Saponins: Present in small quantities, these compounds may have mild diuretic and expectorant effects.

Uses and Benefits:

Pest Repellent: The essential oil of Cymbopogon nardus is widely used in insect repellents due to its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes and other insects.
Aromatherapy: The oil is used in aromatherapy for its fresh, lemony scent, which is believed to have uplifting and refreshing effects.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into personal care products for its fragrance and potential skin benefits. It is used in soaps, lotions, and perfumes.
Traditional Medicine: In traditional medicine, Cymbopogon nardus is used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, although its primary use is in the production of citronella oil.

Applications:

Pest Control: Used in the formulation of insect repellents and mosquito sprays.
Aromatherapy: Utilized in diffusers and scented products to impart a refreshing and invigorating aroma.
Cosmetics: Added to skincare and fragrance products for its pleasant scent and potential benefits for the skin.
Traditional Remedies: Included in some herbal remedies for its purported antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

Environmental Impact: Cymbopogon nardus is generally considered environmentally friendly as it can be cultivated with minimal impact. It is often grown in tropical areas and can help with soil erosion control.
Safety: The plant and its essential oil are generally safe for use in moderate amounts. However, essential oils should be used with caution, especially in high concentrations, as they may cause skin irritation in some individuals. Consult with a healthcare provider if using for medicinal purposes.

INCI:


Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.

Perfuming. Unlike fragrance, which can also contain slightly less pleasant or characteristic odours, the term perfume indicates only very pleasant fragrances. Used for perfumes and aromatic raw materials.
Synonyms:

CAS: 8000-29-1 89998-15-2 EC number 289-753-6 289-753-6