Iranian Researchers Produce Lemongrass Essential Oil to Control Alzheimer ’s disease

Cymbopogon citratus, also known as lemongrass, is a tropical plant that is widely known for its sedative, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Azadeh Hatami, a member of the Medicinal Herbs Research Center, told reporters that each capsule contains dried lemongrass leaf extract, which is prescribed to control Alzheimer's and reduce the symptoms of irritability.

The drug should be taken on a daily basis together with food, he added.

A clinical trial was conducted by the research team on 42 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's aged between 65 and 80 years old.

Lemongrass extract was prescribed for a number of people and a placebo was given to the other groups.

Forgetfulness indicators, cognitive activities, and side effects were monitored.

After four months of study, the results significantly and meaningfully showed that the mild to moderate Alzheimer's of people who used lemongrass extract was well controlled compared to people who took the placebo.

Moreover, anxiety and irritability have significantly decreased compared to the second group that took the placebo.

The main characteristic of Alzheimer's patients, which causes oxidative stress and nerve cell death, is the accumulation of beta-amyloid peptides in the brain.

Lemongrass extract is effective in the prevention and control of Alzheimer's disease with different mechanisms, including suppression of oxidative stress and inhibition of monoamine oxidase enzymes.

The medicinal herb can also protect the cell from oxidative damage by compensating the cell's antioxidant defense and cleaning the generated reactive oxygen species.

The plant has also a regulatory effect on behavior and is used as a mild sedative and memory enhancer for reducing sleep disorders and weakening the symptoms of nervous disorders that include stress, excitement, and irritability.

Last but not least, lemongrass extract can be effective in relieving heart palpitations caused by stress and mental pressure.

4155/g