The Biobrio 11(1 & 2), 2024

Medicinal properties, therapeutic applications and the economic impact of lemongrass cultivation on rural livelihoods in Jharkhand

Prakriti Shahdeo & Shambhu Mishra

ABSTRACT:

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a widely recognised medicinal plant utilised for centuries in traditional medicine systems worldwide. Lemongrass (C. citratus) is a member of the Poaceae family. It is an ideal shed-loving crop for cultivation in rainfed areas, salt-affected areas up to 9 soil pH, wind and water erosion-prone areas, and Land slopes. The prominent cultivation of lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.) relies on the pharmacological incentives of its essential oil. Lemongrass essential oil (LEO) carries a significant amount of numerous bioactive compounds, such as citral (mixture of geranial and neral), mineral, geraniol, geranyl acetate, citronellal, citronellol, germacrene-D, and lemon, in addition to other bioactive compounds. These components confer various pharmacological actions to LEO, including antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of lemongrass's medicinal properties, therapeutic applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and potential health benefits, shedding light on its diverse roles in promoting human well-being. The study of the cost of cultivation and returns from lemongrass, estimated from primary and secondary data collection. Estimation of a regression model indicated a positive and significant influence of expenditure on machine use, lemongrass slips and manures/fertiliser on returns from lemongrass.

Keywords:    

Economic feasibility, C. citratus, Poaceae, phytoconstituents

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