(Natural News) A study published in the journal Food Science and Human Wellness reported that lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil possesses cytoprotective and antioxidant properties.

• Lemongrass is widely used in traditional folk medicine.
• The essential oil extracted from lemongrass has been reported for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.
• For the study, researchers at the University of Madras and Prist University in India induced cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, resulting in modified low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, to test the protective effect of lemongrass essential oil. The accumulation of LDL and reactive oxygen species in the arteries can cause atherosclerosis.
• The researchers also assessed the electron-donating capability of lemongrass essential oil and compared it with L-ascorbic acid.
• The results showed that lemongrass essential oil exhibited powerful antioxidant activity against modified LDL in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, demonstrating free radical scavenging activity and eliminating reactive oxygen species.
• Its antioxidant activity was greater compared to the standard L-ascorbic acid.
• Lemongrass essential oil also exhibited cytoprotective properties against modified LDL in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
• In addition, the researchers found that it has anti-inflammatory properties as it inhibited the destruction of red blood cells.

In conclusion, these findings suggest that lemongrass essential oil has powerful antioxidant and cytoprotective properties that can protect against coronary artery diseases like atherosclerosis.