Thailand medical study unveils Lemongrass oil’s powerful anticancer and antimicrobial properties

Thailand Medical: Lemongrass Essential Oil - A Natural Powerhouse
In a groundbreaking study from Thailand, researchers have uncovered new health benefits of lemongrass essential oil, extracted from Cymbopogon citratus plants grown in the country’s northeast. This Thailand Medical News report delves into the essential oil's antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, revealing its potential as a natural remedy and supplement for various diseases.


Thailand medical study unveils Lemongrass oil’s powerful anticancer and antimicrobial properties

The study was conducted by scientists from Mahasarakham University’s Natural Antioxidant Innovation Research Unit, along with the Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute and the Research Unit of Thai Food Innovation. Their findings highlight the oil’s ability to combat harmful bacteria and target colon cancer cells, among other exciting discoveries.
 
Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity
The chemical composition of the lemongrass essential oil (LEO) was thoroughly examined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Citral, a key component known for its anti-inflammatory properties, dominated the oil, comprising over 79% of its makeup. Other notable compounds included β-myrcene, geraniol, and geranyl acetate, all of which contribute to the oil’s health benefits.
 
The researchers tested the antioxidant properties of LEO using two different assays: DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging. The results showed that lemongrass essential oil has strong antioxidant potential, although it was slightly less effective than the synthetic standard used for comparison. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing harmful free radicals, making LEO a valuable natural resource for protecting the body from oxidative stress.
 
Lemongrass Fights Harmful Bacteria
The antimicrobial capabilities of LEO were tested against four harmful bacteria: Escherichia coli (foodborne pathogen), Cutibacterium acnes (skin pathogen), Streptococcus agalactiae (fish pathogen), and Staphylococcus aureus (skin and food pathogen). The oil proved to be particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, such as S. aureus and C. acnes, which are known to cause infections in humans and animals.
 
At concentrations as low as 8 to 10 µg/mL, LEO inhibited the growth of these pathogens, showcasing its potential as a natural alternative to chemical antimicrobial agents. With rising concerns about antibiotic resistance, the findings suggest that lemongrass oil could serve as an effective remedy in the fight against microbial infections.
 
A Potent Weapon Against Colon Cancer
One of the most promising aspects of this study lies in the oil’s cytotoxic effects on HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Colon cancer is a growing health issue in Thailand and around the world, and conventional treatments often come with harsh side effects. The resea rchers aimed to explore natural alternatives, and their results indicate that lemongrass oil may offer a potential solution.
 
In laboratory tests, the essential oil demonstrated significant anticancer activity. At concentrations of 200-400 µg/mL, cell viability decreased to just 3% after 48 hours, with an IC50 value of 82.46 µg/mL. The IC50 value is a measure of a substance’s effectiveness in inhibiting a specific biological function, and these results show that lemongrass oil has powerful cytotoxic properties.
 
Further testing, such as the clonogenic assay, revealed even more promising results. After 14 days of exposure to the oil, colon cancer cells were almost completely eradicated at concentrations of 100–200 µg/mL, with an even lower IC50 value of 23.11 µg/mL. These findings suggest that lemongrass essential oil could not only inhibit cancer growth but also prevent the recurrence of colon cancer after treatment.
 
Inducing Apoptosis in Cancer Cells
The study didn’t stop at simply demonstrating the oil’s ability to kill cancer cells. The researchers also investigated the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects. Using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis, they examined how lemongrass oil influenced the expression of certain genes and proteins involved in apoptosis, the process of programmed cell death.
 
Their findings showed that LEO induced apoptosis in cancer cells through the intrinsic pathway, a process that involves the activation of specific proteins such as Bax, p21, and Caspase-3. These proteins play key roles in regulating cell death and are often manipulated in cancerous cells to promote survival. By enhancing the expression of these proteins, lemongrass oil effectively “reprogrammed” the cancer cells, causing them to self-destruct.
 
In contrast, the oil suppressed the expression of the Bcl-2 gene, which is known to prevent apoptosis in cancer cells. This dual action - promoting apoptosis while inhibiting survival mechanisms - makes lemongrass oil a potent anticancer agent that could provide significant benefits in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
 
A Safe and Natural Option
In addition to its anticancer and antimicrobial properties, lemongrass oil is widely regarded as safe for human use. Its pleasant scent and versatility have made it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and traditional medicine. However, the results of this study suggest that its health benefits go far beyond simple relaxation or skin care.
 
The oil’s effectiveness against cancer cells and harmful bacteria, combined with its powerful antioxidant properties, position it as a valuable natural remedy with potential applications in both the pharmaceutical and health food industries. Future research may lead to the development of lemongrass-based treatments that are both effective and free of the side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy and antibiotics.
 
Conclusions
The study findings highlight the incredible potential of lemongrass essential oil as a natural therapeutic agent. The oil’s rich phytochemical profile, dominated by citral, contributes to its powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. Its effectiveness against harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus, suggests it could serve as an alternative to traditional antibiotics, especially in the face of rising drug resistance.
 
Moreover, the oil’s cytotoxic effects on colon cancer cells offer hope for a natural treatment option that may be safer and more tolerable than conventional therapies. By inducing apoptosis and preventing cell proliferation, lemongrass oil shows promise as both a treatment and a preventive measure against cancer recurrence.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Foods.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/18/2928
 
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