Botanical Name - Cymbopogon citratus Category - Aromatic Form - Fresh/Dry Part Used - Leaves General Information - Cymbopogon is a genus of about 55 species, which are indigenous in tropical and semi-tropical areas of Asia and are cultivated in South and Central America, Africa and other tropical countries. These are tufted perennial C4 grasses with numerous stiff stems arising from a short, rhizomatous rootstock as with citrus flavor, and can be dried and powdered or used fresh. The name Cymbopogon is derived from the Greek words kymbe (boat) and ogon (beard), referring to the flower spike arrangement. Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (Lemongrass) is commonly used in teas, soups and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish and seafood. Phytochemicals - Cymbopogon citratus, Stapf (Lemon grass) is a widely used herb in tropical countries, especially in Southeast Asia. The essential oil of the plant is used in aromatherapy. The compounds identified in Cymbopogon citratus are mainly terpenes, alcohols, ketones, aldehyde and esters. Some of the reported phytoconstituents are essential oils that contain Citral , Citral , Nerol Geraniol, Citronellal, Terpinolene, Geranyl acetate, Myrecene and Terpinol Methylheptenone. The plant also contains reported phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which consist of luteolin, isoorientin 2-O-rhamnoside, quercetin, kaempferol and apiginin.