Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martini), commonly known as Indian geranium, is a perennial grass native to India and Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its aromatic leaves and essential oil, which is widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy. The plant is valued for its fresh, rose-like fragrance and its various therapeutic properties.

Botanical Classification

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Order: Poales
• Family: Poaceae
• Genus: Cymbopogon
• Species: C. martini

Plant Characteristics

Cymbopogon martini grows up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height and has narrow, elongated leaves that emit a pleasant, rose-like scent. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not typically of ornamental interest. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates and is commonly cultivated for its essential oil.

Chemical Composition and Structure

The essential oil of Cymbopogon martini contains several key compounds, including:

• Geraniol: The primary component, responsible for the rose-like fragrance and known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Citral: Contributes to the plant's citrus-like notes and has antiseptic and antifungal properties.
• Linalool: Adds a floral and spicy scent and has calming and anti-anxiety effects.

Cultivation

Cymbopogon martini prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils and full sun exposure. It is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to thrive. The plant is propagated through division of clumps or by planting seeds. Regular watering and occasional fertilization are recommended to support healthy growth.

Uses and Benefits

• Aromatic: The essential oil is widely used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and as a natural fragrance component in various products.

• Medicinal: Known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil is used in traditional medicine for skin care and as a remedy for digestive issues.

• Cosmetic: Used in skincare products for its moisturizing and skin-healing properties. It is included in lotions, creams, and soaps for its pleasant fragrance and therapeutic benefits.

Applications

• Aromatic: Ingredient in perfumes and air fresheners for its distinctive rose-like scent.

• Medicinal: Essential oil used in traditional and alternative medicine for its therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Cosmetic: Added to skincare formulations for its fragrance and beneficial effects on the skin.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Cymbopogon martini is generally safe for use in its various applications. However, due to its high concentration of essential oils, it should be used with caution in skincare products to avoid potential irritation or allergic reactions. Proper cultivation practices are necessary to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly production.

References__________________________________________________________________________

Prasad CS, Shukla R, Kumar A, Dubey NK. In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of essential oils of Cymbopogon martini and Chenopodium ambrosioides and their synergism against dermatophytes. Mycoses. 2010 Mar 1;53(2):123-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0507.2008.01676.x. Epub 2009 Feb 26. PMID: 19298359.

Abstract. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of essential oils (EO) of Cymbopogon martini, Chenopodium ambrosioides and of their combination against dermatophytes and some filamentous fungi in vitro as well as in vivo using a guinea pig model. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of EOs and of their combination were found between 150 and 500 ppm, while those of known antifungal drugs ranged from 1000 to 5500 ppm. EO ointments were prepared and applied against induced ringworm in guinea pig model and disease removal was observed in 7-21 days, and the hair samples showed negative results for fungal culture in a time-dependent manner after the application of EO ointments. Chemical constituents of EOs were determined by GC-MS. Both the EOs and their combination displayed strong antifungal effects. The results provide a scientific validation for the use of these EOs in the treatment of dermatophyte infections and may be recommended as an alternative to synthetic drug for topical application.

Dangol S, Poudel DK, Ojha PK, Maharjan S, Poudel A, Satyal R, Rokaya A, Timsina S, Dosoky NS, Satyal P, Setzer WN. Essential Oil Composition Analysis of Cymbopogon Species from Eastern Nepal by GC-MS and Chiral GC-MS, and Antimicrobial Activity of Some Major Compounds. Molecules. 2023 Jan 5;28(2):543. doi: 10.3390/molecules28020543. PMID: 36677603; PMCID: PMC9863348.

Abstract. Cymbopogon species essential oil (EO) carries significant importance in pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy, food, etc. The chemical compositions of Cymbopogon spp. Viz. Cymbopogon winterianus (citronella) Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), and Cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) were analyzed by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC-MS), enantiomeric distribution by chiral GC-MS, and antimicrobial activities of some selected pure major compound and root and leaves EOs of citronella. The EO of leaves of Cymbopogon spp. showed comparatively higher yield than roots or other parts. Contrary to citral (neral and geranial) being a predominant compound of Cymbopogon spp., α-elemol (53.1%), α-elemol (29.5%), geraniol (37.1%), and citral (90.4%) were detected as major compounds of the root, root hair with stalk, leaf, and root stalk with shoot of citronella EO, respectively. Palmarosa leaves’ EO contains neral (36.1%) and geranial (53.1) as the major compounds. In the roots of palmarosa EO, the prime components were α-elemol (31.5%), geranial (25.0%), and neral (16.6%). Similarly, lemongrass leaves’ EO contains geraniol (76.6%) and geranyl acetate (15.2%) as major compounds, while the root EO contains a higher amount of geraniol (87.9%) and lower amount of geranyl acetate (4.4%). This study reports for the first time chiral terpenoids from Cymbopogon spp. EOs. Chiral GC-MS gave specific enantiomeric distributions of nine, six, and five chiral terpenoids in the root, root stalk with a shoot, and leaves of citronella EOs, respectively. Likewise, four and three chiral terpenoids in the root and leaves of lemongrass oil followed by two chiral terpenoids in the leaves and root of palmarosa EOs each. Additionally, the root and leaves’ EOs of citronella exhibit noticeable activity on bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes and fungus such as Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. So, geranial-, neral-, geraniol-, and citronellal-rich EOs can be used as an alternative antimicrobial agent.

Janbaz KH, Qayyum A, Saqib F, Imran I, Zia-Ul-Haq M, de Feo V. Bronchodilator, vasodilator and spasmolytic activities of Cymbopogon martinii. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Dec;65(6):859-66. 

Abstract. Cymbopogon martinii (Cm.Cr) is traditionally used in south Asian communities for the management of multiple ailments including gastrointestinal, respiratory and vascular disorders and the present study was undertaken to validate these folkloric uses. The application of a methanol extract of the plant (Cm.Cr) to isolated rabbit jejunum preparation exhibited relaxation through decrease in magnitude and frequency of spontaneous contractions. The Cm.Cr also exerted relaxant effect on high K(+) (80 mM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum preparations. The Cm.Cr and its dichloromethane (Cm.Dcm) and aqueous (Cm.Aq) fractions also caused concentration-dependent relaxation in spontaneous and K(+) (80 mM) induced contractions which are comparables to effects produced by verapamil. Cm.Cr caused shifting of the Ca(2+)-curves toward right, suggesting the presence of a Ca(2+) channel blocking activity. Subsequently, Cm.Cr, Cm.Dcm and Cm.Aq caused relaxation of CCh (1 μM) and K(+) (80 mM) induced contractions in isolated rabbit tracheal preparations, suggesting that the observed relaxant effect can be mediated through antimuscarinic and/or Ca(2+) channel blocking activities. Cm.Cr tested against phenylephrine (PE; 1 μM) and K(+) (80 mM) induced contractions exhibited partial relaxation of isolated rabbit aortic preparations. The above-mentioned studies provided a scientific basis for the folkloric use of Cymbopogon martini in the management of multiple ailments in traditional systems of medicines.

Gemeda N, Tadele A, Lemma H, Girma B, Addis G, Tesfaye B, Abebe A, Gemechu W, Yirsaw K, Teka F, Haile C, Amano A, Woldkidan S, Geleta B, Debella A. Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of Novel Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Topical Formulations from Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) W. Watson Essential Oil. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Sep 10;2018:9812093. doi: 10.1155/2018/9812093. 

Abstract. Background: Skin infections were the most frequently encountered of all infections and the 4th leading cause of nonfatal disease burden. Topical drugs have been used for the management of skin infections. The growing concern of drug resistance to the topical agents has warned the need for continuous development of novel drug. Essential oils are the best candidate for new drug with different mode of action and target as they are rich in chemical constituents. Objective: To evaluate and develop safe and effective topical antimicrobial formulations from essential oil of Cymbopogon martini. Method. Essential oil was extracted using hydrodistillation aerial part C. martini and topical formulations were prepared in five different semisolid bases. In vitro antimicrobial investigations were performed on essential oil and topical formulations. Skin sensitizations of the formulations were evaluated using guinea pig maximization....Conclusion: In conclusion, topical formulations of C. martini essential oil can be alternative topical agents with safe broad-spectrum activity for the treatment of skin disorder. Further studies should focus on shelf life study and clinical study of the product.

Nirmal SA, Girme AS, Bhalke RD. Major constituents and anthelmintic activity of volatile oils from leaves and flowers of Cymbopogon martini Roxb. Nat Prod Res. 2007 Nov;21(13):1217-20. doi: 10.1080/14786410701552152. 

Abstract. The major volatile constituents of leaves and flowers of Cymbopogon martini from the volatile oil obtained by steam distillation were identified by GC/MS. Five constituents were identified from the volatile oil of leaves and flowers, which constituted about 82.49 and 75.63% of the total amount, respectively. A monoterpene, piperitone (6.00%), was identified in the flowers of C. martini; in addition, flowers were found to contain more olefinic terpenes, namely geraniol (69.63%), compared with leaves (53.41%). Leaves contain bicyclic monoterpene, nerol (24.76%) and alpha-pinene (4.32%). Anthelmintic activity of these oils was evaluated on adult Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma and results showed that the volatile oil of C. martini flower required less time to cause paralysis and death of the earthworms.