Review of Antimicrobial and Other Health Effects in 5 Essential Oil Producing Grass Species

Abstract

The warm season essential oil producing grass species including lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), palmarosa grass (C. martini), geranium grass (C. schoenanthus), vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), and scented top grass (Capillipedium parviflorum) are used worldwide for their cosmetic and health properties. A discussion providing evidence from literature reviews about the potential uses of these grass species for antimicrobial and other health uses are presented. These species could be used as new therapies for treating microbial infections. The purpose of this study is to discuss in detail, evidence from literature reviews supporting potential health uses and to provide some discussion regarding some agronomic traits for these essential oil producing species.

Keywords:

• antimicrobial
• essential oil
• geranium grass
• lemongrass
• palmarosa grass
• scented top grass
• vetiver grass

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Disclaimers

The views expressed in this paper are my own and not an official position of the article itself.

Sources of support

USDA, ARS, Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit, Griffin, GA, USA

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John Bradley Morris

John Bradley Morris, Ph.D. Affiliated with the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. Interests are plant genetic resources, phytochemical variation from legumes and industrial crops for nutraceutical, functional vegetable, and medicinal uses.