Lemongrass and Men’s Health: A Review of Its Therapeutic Benefits and Applications

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a tropical plant widely used in culinary traditions and traditional medicine systems, particularly in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. Beyond its aromatic flavor, lemongrass boasts a potent chemical profile that includes citral, myrcene, limonene, and flavonoids, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. These qualities have piqued growing scientific interest, particularly regarding its benefits for men’s health, including prostate wellness and urinary function.

Chemical Composition and Bioactive Properties

Lemongrass essential oil is primarily composed of citral (comprising geranial and neral), which is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. According to a study published in Molecules, citral exhibits strong antioxidant potential and can modulate inflammatory mediators, such as COX-2 and TNF-α.

Additionally, lemongrass contains flavonoids, saponins, and phenolic compounds that contribute to its chemopreventive effects. These compounds are being studied for their roles in inhibiting the proliferation of abnormal cells and enhancing cellular repair mechanisms.

Effects on General Health

Numerous studies have confirmed that lemongrass possesses a wide range of health-enhancing properties:

Lemongrass and Men’s Health

1. Prostate Health

Prostate inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common in aging men. Lemongrass, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, may help reduce prostate swelling and oxidative damage.

A 2016 animal study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine demonstrated that lemongrass extract significantly reduced prostate weight and improved histological structure in testosterone-induced BPH in rats (APJTB).

Furthermore, citral has shown antiproliferative activity on cancer cells, including prostate cancer cell lines. One study from Cancer Investigation demonstrated the compound’s ability to induce apoptosis in prostate carcinoma cells.

2. Urinary Health

Lemongrass acts as a natural diuretic, promoting increased urine output and aiding in the removal of toxins and excess fluids. This can alleviate pressure on the prostate and improve symptoms of urinary retention often associated with BPH.

A 2011 study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology found that lemongrass infusion significantly increased urinary volume in animal models without disturbing electrolyte balance, suggesting it as a safe natural diuretic (ScienceDirect).

3. Hormonal and Sexual Health

While direct studies are limited, lemongrass’s anti-stress properties via modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may positively influence testosterone production, libido, and sexual vitality in men. It’s traditionally used in Ayurvedic and African medicine as a tonic for male reproductive health.

Other Traditional and Modern Uses

  • Culinary applications: Widely used in teas, soups, and curries, especially in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Aromatherapy: Lemongrass oil is used for stress relief, mental clarity, and detoxification.
  • Topical application: Used in massage oils and creams for muscle relaxation and skin conditions.

Ingestion Methods

Lemongrass can be safely consumed in several forms:

  1. Tea or Infusion:
    • Boil fresh or dried lemongrass stalks for 10–15 minutes.
    • Ideal for daily use to support urinary health and reduce inflammation.
  2. Essential Oil (with caution):
    • Must be diluted with a carrier oil if used topically.
    • Not recommended for internal use unless supervised by a healthcare professional.
  3. Capsules and Supplements:
    • Available as standardized extracts for systemic use.
    • Follow dosage guidelines provided by reputable brands or healthcare providers.
  4. Juice and Smoothies:
    • Lemongrass juice, often blended with ginger and lime, is popular in detox beverages.

Safety and Contraindications

While lemongrass is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, overuse or concentrated essential oils can cause gastric irritation, allergic reactions, or drug interactions. Caution is advised for individuals on diuretics or anticoagulants. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Conclusion

Lemongrass emerges as a multifaceted herbal agent offering significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diureticbenefits that particularly support prostate and urinary health in men. Its inclusion in daily diet or supplemental form may offer a natural adjunctive approach to managing benign prostatic conditions and improving overall well-being. However, more clinical studies on human subjects are needed to validate its long-term efficacy and safety.

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Lemongrass: Functional and Medicinal Properties
  2. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research. Lemongrass Pharmacology
  3. Journal of Applied Microbiology. Antimicrobial Activity of Lemongrass Essential Oil
  4. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. Lemongrass Extract and BPH in Rats
  5. Food and Chemical Toxicology. Lemongrass Tea as a Natural Diuretic
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