Health Benefits of Lemongrass; an Overview

Student: Barakat Omobolanle Oladele (Project, 2025)
Department of Applied Chemistry
Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State

Abstract

This study investigates the nutritional, phytochemical, and functional properties of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), highlighting its potential applications in health and nutrition. Proximate analysis revealed carbohydrate content (67.04%), moisture (15.17%), protein (10.21%), fat (3.12%), and fiber (2.15%). Mineral analysis identified significant levels of sodium (130.15 mg/kg), potassium (55.23 mg/kg), calcium (9.12 mg/kg), magnesium (19.23 mg/kg), and trace metals like lead (0.16 mg/kg). Phytochemical analysis quantified total phenol (134.65 mgGAE/100g), flavonoids (87.13 mgCE/100g), and carotenoids (41.19 mg/100g), showcasing potent antioxidant properties. Amino acid profiling highlighted glutamine (8.12 µg/100g), lysine (3.15 µg/100g), and cysteine (4.12 µg/100g), essential for metabolic and physiological functions. These findings emphasize lemongrass's role as a functional food with nutritional and therapeutic benefits, while also recommending attention to heavy metal content for safety.

Keywords
Lemongrass antioxidants flavonoids carotenoids amino acids nutritional benefits therapeutic properties heavy metals functional food safety
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