Cymbopogon Nardus Oil is a product of natural origin obtained from Citronella, Cymbopogon Nardus an evergreen herb that belongs to the Graminaceae family.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Cymbopogon Nardus" is the scientific name for the plant commonly known as Ceylon citronella.
• "Oil" indicates that the product is an essential oil obtained from the plant.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Cymbopogon nardus grass (Citronella). A perennial grass from tropical regions, traditionally used for its fragrance and insect-repelling properties. The essential oil, also known as citronella oil, is extracted from this grass.
• Solvents. Used in the steam distillation extraction process.

Step-by-step summary of industrial extraction process.

• Harvesting the grass. Aerial parts of the Cymbopogon nardus plant are harvested at their peak oil concentration.
• Steam distillation. The plant parts undergo steam distillation to separate the essential oil from the plant material.
• Condensation and collection. The vapor carrying the essential oil is then cooled and condensed, allowing for the oil's separation and collection.
• Purification. The collected oil undergoes filtration or other methods to remove any impurities.

What it is for and where

Medical

Lemongrass oil has antibacterial activity due to its components including Geraniol, Citral and Neral (1), has antioxidant, antidepressant, sedative, nervine properties (2), bactericidal activity (3) acting against many species of bacteria and antifungal properties (4).

Cosmetics

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product. 

Tonic. This product is used to treat the hair when the scalp is clean or after shampooing. It stimulates hair growth, revitalises the scalp for healthy hair growth and reduces hair loss. It provides a feeling of well-being on skin and hair.

CAS   8000-29-1   89998-15-2

EC number   289-753-6   289-753-6

Commercial Applications

Insect Repellent. Cymbopogon Nardus Oil is known for its mosquito and insect-repelling properties and is frequently used in citronella candles, lotions, and sprays.

Perfumery. Due to its fresh and slightly sweet aroma, citronella oil is employed in perfumes and fragranced products.

Cleaning Products. The oil is occasionally used in cleaning agents because of its fragrance and antibacterial properties.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Teuscher E. Medicinal Spices-A Handbook of Culinary Herbs, Spices, Spice Mixtures and Their Essential Oils. Stuttgart, Germany: Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 2006.

(2) Gardner ZE, McGuffin M. American Herbal Products Association's botanical safety handbook. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, American Herbal Products Association; 2013.

(3) Friedman M, Henika PR, Mandrell RE. Bactericidal activities of plant essential oils and some of their isolated constituents against Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica. J Food Prot. 2002;65(10):1545–1560
Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts. J Appl Microbiol. 1999;86(6):985–990

(4) Li WR, Shi QS, Ouyang YS, Chen YB, Duan SS. Antifungal effects of citronella oil against Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404.  Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012 Oct 19.