HERBAL MONOGRAPHS LEMONGRASS /465EFFECTS
Various lignans have been isolated from the drug that are
also present in Schisandra chinensis; some of the action
mechanisms described there may also apply to Schisandra
sphenapjhera. (See Schisandra chinensis.)
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Chinese Medicine: The plant is used for dyspnea, coughs
caused by disturbance of lung function, dry mouth, thirst,
spontaneous or night sweats, nocturia, insomnia, amnesia
and anxiety states. Efficacy for these indications has not yet
been proven.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Whole drug and preparations for
internal use.
Preparation: To prepare Cuwuweizi powder, the drug is
evaporated in the ratio of 1:5 with vinegar in closed
containers until the surface turns black. The product is then
ground to a powder.
Daily Dosage: The literature has no information.
LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K. Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.
Liu CS, Fang SD, Huang MF, Kao YL, Hsu JS, Studies on the
active principles of Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. The
structures of schisantherin A, B, C, D, E and the related
comfja*m!?LiSci Sin. 21:483-502, 1978 Jul-Aug.Lemongrass
Cymbopogon citratus
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried leaves
and the Lemongrass oil of Cymbopogon citratus and the
citronella oil from Cymbopogon nardus.CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are 30 cm long and have false
spikes with reddish brown sheaths 15 to 25 mm long. The
racemes are 15 to 17 mm long. The sessile spikelet is 6 mm
long and the upper spelts are 0.7 mm wide, lanceolate,
narrowly winged, flattened at the back, slightly concave and
ribless in the lower part. The stemmed spikelet is 4.5 mm
long, and the lower spelt is 0.7 mm wide. Inflorescences are
rarely formed on this variety.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Cymbopogon citratus is a perennial
plant with a smooth and glabrous stalk up to 2 m. The leaf
blade is linear, acuminate, up to 90 cm long and 5 mm wide
and smooth on both sides. The leaf sheaths are round,
glabrous and smooth. The ligule is paper-like and less than 1
mm long.CYMBOPOGON NARDUS
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is very large and
consists of a 1-meter long spike with numerous racemes up
to 20 mm long and arranged in zigzag order. The sessile
spike is 5 mm long. The lower spelt is oblong-lanceolate,
usually flat, narrowly winged with 3 ribs. The awn, if there is
one, is 5 mm long. The petiolar spike is 5 mm long, and the
lower spelt lanceolate has 7 ribs.Leaves, Stem and Root: Cymbopogon nardus is a perennial
plant with a stalk that grows up to 2 to 2.5 m. It is smooth
arid glabrous. The leaf blade is up to 1 m long and 1.5 cm
wide and usually light green. The upper surface is smooth,
the lower surface and the margin are rough. The leaf sheaths
are glabrous and yellowish-green. The basal leaf sheaths are
also glabrous but green to reddish. The ligule is paper-like
and about 1 mm long.Characteristics: Cymbopogon species have essential oils in
tube-like cells with corked walls.Habitat: Citronella grass was originally indigenous to the
tropics and the subtropics of the Old World. Today it is
cultivated in Central and South America and Queensland,
Australia.Production: Lemongrass consists of the above-ground parts
of Cymbopogon citratus. West Indian Lemongrass oil
consists of the es'se'ntial oil from Cymbopogon citratus.
Citronella oil consists of the essential oil from Cymbopogon
winterianus.Other Names: Citronella, FevergrassACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS: LEMONGRASS LEAVES
Volatile oil (0.2-0.4%)COMPOUNDS: LEMONGRASS LEAVES
Citral (65-86%)Myrcene (12-20%)
COMPOUNDS: CITRONELLA OIL
Citronellal (32-45%)Geraniol (12-25%)Geranyl acetate (3-8%)Citronellyl acetate (1-4%)