Citronella: beyond the scent

Citronella (Cymbopogon citratus) is an aromatic plant well known for its citrus scent, its use in natural repellents, and digestive infusions. However, its value goes far beyond its aroma: from the perspective of modern herbal medicine, citronella has properties that support its inclusion in formulas aimed at digestive well-being, organic cleansing, and liver protection. In this post, we’ll explore what studies (in vitro, animal, and reviews) have to say about its mechanisms of action, its limitations, and how it is scientifically—and responsibly—integrated into products like KSUMAI’s Liver Detox. We’ll also address the topic of citronella and liver health, highlighting its surprising benefits.

1. Phytochemical Profile: What Lemongrass Contains
Lemongrass is rich in essential oils, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenoid compounds, most notably citral (a mixture of geranial and neral), as well as other monoterpenes such as citronellol. These components are key to its biological actions: its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification enzyme modulating properties are supported by this phytochemical richness. (PMC)

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds allow lemongrass to act as a free radical scavenger and protect against oxidative stress, which is especially relevant when the liver is subjected to metabolic or chemical overload. (PMC)

2. Actions on the Liver: Mechanisms Supported by Science
a) Hepatoprotection and Cytoprotective Capacity
A study in HepG2 cells (cultured human liver cells) analyzed the effect of citronellol (one of the main monoterpene alcohols present in citronella essential oils) against ethanol-induced damage. The result: treatment with citronellol improved cell viability, reduced alcohol-induced death, and modulated genes related to inflammation (IL-6), TGF-β, type I collagen, and antioxidant enzymes. (De Gruyter Brill)

This effect suggests that citronella volatile compounds may attenuate oxidative and inflammatory toxicity in the liver, decreasing structural damage to liver tissue. (De Gruyter Brill)

b) Modulation of detoxification enzymes
Another animal study, focusing on citronella oil and the compound citral, examined their influence on liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism and oxidative stress. The results indicated that citronella oil (and its component citral) can modify liver enzyme activity and reduce markers of oxidative damage. (PMC)

Although these effects are promising, the authors caution that high doses can lead to alterations, so dosage and formulation are critical. (ResearchGate)

c) Evidence in animal models of liver toxicity
In a recent study on diclofenac-induced toxicity, the use of citronella essential oil showed preventive effects on the liver and kidneys. That is, it helped mitigate the hormonal, biochemical, and structural damage caused by the drug. (ScienceDirect)

Citronellol has also been observed to have a protective effect on liver damage associated with E. coli septicemia in rats, reducing liver injury caused by systemic infections. (ResearchGate)

Furthermore, essential oils in general—including citronella—have been evaluated in reviews as a class of compounds with hepatoprotective potential, when used in a controlled manner and within safe formulations. (journal-jop.org)

3. Digestion, Nutrient Absorption, and Intestinal Action
One of the most recognized (and popularly used) benefits of citronella is its potential to improve digestion, reduce fermentation, and promote more efficient nutrient absorption. In humans, citronella (or lemongrass) infusions have traditionally been used after heavy meals to relieve the feeling of hepatic discomfort.

From the botanical and nutritional literature, it has been observed that the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus can exert beneficial effects on the intestinal mucosa and contribute to a favorable microbial balance. In studies with birds, for example, it was reported that supplementation with lemongrass oil improved intestinal health, stimulated the secretion of digestive enzymes, and improved nutrient absorption. (ResearchGate)

Likewise, in humans, some reports suggest that moderate consumption of lemongrass tea can relieve digestive discomfort, such as gas, mild colic, or dyspepsia, although human clinical studies are still scarce. (Healthline)

Furthermore, in animal/experimental models, lemongrass oil and compounds such as citral have shown the ability to reduce oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal mucosa and modulate local antioxidant enzymes, which may contribute to improved digestive function.

and less inflammation in the gut. (PMC)

4. Limitations, Precautions, and Safe Dosage
Although modern studies provide interesting support, it is important to highlight the limitations:

Much research is in vitro or in animal models, which does not guarantee that the effects translate directly to humans.
Doses, methods of administration, and the type of extract or oil used vary between studies: what is safe in animal models may not be safe in humans.
Adverse effects have been reported at high doses, especially for the liver or digestive mucosa, as well as possible interactions with liver enzymes (CYP450). (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
With prolonged use or high doses, there is a theoretical risk of gastrointestinal or renal toxicity, so it is prudent to use standardized extracts and balanced formulations. (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
Therefore, when formulating products like KSUMAI Liver Detox, lemongrass doesn’t go alone: ​​it’s combined with other hepatoprotective extracts (such as milk thistle and turmeric, among others) and safe concentrations are adjusted to synergistically harness its potential without exceeding risky thresholds.

5. Why include it in KSUMAI Liver Detox?
Based on scientific literature and phytotherapeutic tradition, lemongrass offers an interesting profile to contribute to detox formulas:

Its ability to moderate hepatic oxidative stress helps protect the liver from everyday metabolic stressors (stress, diet, pollutants).
Its effect on digestion and stimulation of bile secretions promotes better absorption of nutrients and efficient processing of fats.
Its aromatic and volatile nature helps the formula act quickly on the intestinal mucosa and improve the smooth motility of the digestive tract.
Combined with other liver-supporting components, it acts in a complementary manner without being absorbed in large quantities or overtaxing the liver.
In short, lemongrass is a natural ally that, when properly dosed and combined, strengthens the body’s mission to gently purify, revitalize, and maintain internal balance.

Conclusion

Lemongrass is not just a fragrant herb; scientifically, it possesses compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver enzyme-modulating properties, which support its use in liver and digestive support formulas. Although robust human clinical trials are still lacking, the preclinical evidence is promising. Its inclusion in KSUMAI’s Liver Detox is driven by a conscious approach: respecting safe doses, combining synergistically with other extracts, and offering the body a gentle and efficient cleansing from within.