Lemongrass: a traditional ethno-medicinal plant of India

Lemongrass, a medicinal plant belonging to the family Poaceae. This medicinal plant contains compounds that can control pathogens and enhance the resistance of herbal remedies against diseases caused by pathogens. Lemongrass is commonly utilized in the preparation of herbal teas, non-alcoholic beverages, baked goods, and confections. Additionally, the essential oil derived from lemongrass is widely used as a fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics, including creams and soaps. The essential oil of lemongrass is rich in citral, which is a valuable source to produce beta carotene and vitamin A, among other substances. It contains considerable group of flavonoids, essential oils, phenolic compound, and other photochemical constituents which possesses pharmacological activities such as anti-obesity, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-nociceptive, anti-oxidant, anti-diarrheal, and anti-inflammatory properties which could enhance health. In addition, lemongrass oil also contains essential minerals such as Fe, Zn, Mg, Na, K,Ca, Mn, and P but unfortunately, it is not utilized in broad spectrum among rural & urban people. Keeping the importance of Lemongrass, an attempt has been made to gather the information on it through a literature survey. The results are presented in this chapter to bring attention towards its importance.