Lemongrass Shows Anti-Cancer Potential Without Harming Healthy Cells, Preclinical Studies Suggest

Lemongrass has long been used in cooking and traditional medicine, and it now shows potential in treating cancer, without harming healthy cells.

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Nicole Flynn has been growing lemongrass in her backyard for years—mostly, she says, because of its wonderful aroma and ability to repel insects. But the same plant she harvests for soups and teas is showing up in oncology research labs, where its active compounds are doing something researchers didn’t expect: slowing, and in some cases stopping, the growth of cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.

Flynn, a nutritional therapy and restorative health practitioner, is one of the home cooks and wellness practitioners who are rediscovering lemongrass.

“As more people explore Southeast Asian and plant-forward cooking, lemongrass is becoming more popular in American kitchens,” she told The Epoch Times. “Its accessibility, fresh flavor, and digestive benefits make it an appealing addition to both back yards and everyday meals.”

Although the research is still in the preclinical stage and has not been conducted in humans, the results are promising.

Lemongrass Kills Multiple Cancer Cell Types

West Indian lemongrass, or Cymbopogon citratus, has a light, uplifting aroma and powerful medicinal properties. Its primary bioactive compound is citral, which is responsible for its intense, lemony scent and many of its therapeutic properties.

Lemongrass also contains neral, geranial, geraniol, and nerol—together forming a chemical profile that has demonstrated antimicrobial, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties in laboratory conditions.

The citral in lemongrass oil’s anticancer properties works via several mechanisms. Citral triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, can halt cancer cell growth at specific phases of the growth cycle, inhibits cancer stem cells, and reduces cancer cell migration and invasion (metastasis).

Numerous preclinical studies have validated lemongrass’s potent anticancer effects.

In a study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies, researchers sought to determine whether lemongrass extract could kill colon cancer cells and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy. Scientists had previously shown that lemongrass extract could kill lymphoma cells.

The researchers tested the lemongrass in three ways: against cancer cells in a petri dish, in mice implanted with human colon cancer tumors, and in mice genetically predisposed to developing intestinal tumors.

In the lab, lemongrass killed cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, and the effect increased with higher doses and longer exposure. Perhaps more importantly, lemongrass did not harm healthy cells, unlike many conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

In mice with colon cancer tumors, lemongrass significantly slowed tumor growth and was well-tolerated. In the genetically predisposed mice, those that were fed lemongrass developed fewer tumors, suggesting that the treatment might have preventive effects.

A separate 2025 study tested lemongrass essential oil against seven cancer cell lines: colon, breast, liver, lung, kidney, oral, and splenic cancers. In each case, the oil slowed or stopped cancer cell growth, and the concentrations required to achieve this were relatively small.

The same study, by testing lemongrass against microbes and several cancer cell lines, confirmed strong antioxidant activity and significant antimicrobial effects, including complete suppression of the fungus Alternaria alternata, and reported measurable antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activity.

Ultimately, the study found that lemongrass essential oil has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties in lab studies. Although the results are promising, more research is needed to determine whether the effects would be the same in humans. The results, however, provide scientists with insights into which plants contain compounds with potential for further study.

Lemongrass has been studied in humans, particularly in oral care and dermatology, for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that lemongrass mouthwash effectively manages gingivitis and reduces oral plaque, that lemongrass tea can help lower blood pressure, and that lemongrass essential oil can help treat skin conditions such as dandruff and pityriasis versicolor, a common fungal infection of the skin. Human studies also show that lemongrass aromatherapy prevents dental anxiety.

A Long History Before the Lab

Lemongrass has long been documented by traditional medicine systems—independently, across centuries, and across continents. In Chinese medicine, lemongrass is called xiang mao, and is considered warm, pungent, and sweet. It appeared in classical materia medica texts and has been used since at least the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618–907). It is traditionally used to calm the spirit, clear heat, move energy (qi), benefit digestion, treat fevers and headaches, and address stress, anxiety, and depression.

In ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, it has been used for millennia for similar purposes: digestive complaints, respiratory congestion, fever, and nervous tension.

Western herbalism employs lemongrass essential oils for pain relief, especially in arthritic conditions, as well as for its antibacterial and fever-reducing properties. It affects the respiratory system to clear congestion, phlegm, and toxins, and regulates movement through the digestive tract, helping relieve bloating and cramps.

How to Take Lemongrass

There are many ways to take lemongrass, either in your diet or medicinally when you need some healing.

“Lemongrass is commonly used in food preparations such as soups and curries, or served as an accompaniment to poultry, fish, beef, or seafood,” Flynn said.

It also makes an effective tea. To prepare an infusion, pour 6 ounces of boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons of lemongrass leaves and infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Beyond the kitchen, lemongrass essential oil can be diffused, added to a bath, or diluted into a massage oil. You can also use it as a poultice for skin issues. Lemongrass is a potent insect repellent, whether it’s growing in your yard or when the oil is applied to clothing or skin; however, dilute lemongrass oil before applying it to skin.

Lemongrass is considered safe, with a few caveats.

“Most people tolerate lemongrass well, but those with grass allergies, very sensitive digestion, or who are pregnant should be cautious with large doses,” Flynn said.

There are two main types of lemongrass: Cymbopogon citratus, or West Indian lemongrass, which is most commonly used for cooking and most medicinal applications. Cymbopogon flexuosus, or East Indian lemongrass, is used primarily in perfumes and beauty products. Lemongrass is often confused with citronella grass, a similar plant in the same genus, so when looking for lemongrass, make sure you have the correct plant.

As always, consult with a trusted herbalist or other health care professional before using lemongrass beyond culinary doses if you have a health condition, are taking medications, are pregnant, or are nursing to ensure you use it safely.

Final Thoughts

The gap between backyard gardens and oncology is immense. However, research suggests that compounds in lemongrass contain biological properties worth looking into. In the meantime, it remains what it has always been: a flavorful, fragrant, and versatile herb with a long record of traditional use and, now, a small but growing scientific file to its name.

Flynn, for her part, isn’t waiting for the clinical trials.

“I grow it in pots in my backyard—not only does it smell lovely, but it helps to keep mosquitoes away.”