24d (edited) • Essential Oils
Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus
Just recently, I read an article by a well-known Certified Clinical Aromatherapist on Lemongrass.
In this article, she repeatedly mentions how Cymbopogon citratus is also known as Cymbopogon flexuosus throughout her article.
I have also come across this by a few other Aromatherapists, Herbalists, Naturopaths, etc.
I just want to make this clear.
Cymbopogon citratus is NOT also known as Cymbopogon flexuosus; they are NOT the same plant or an old name botanical name for a new botanical name for Lemongrass.
Cymbopogon citratus is West Indian Lemongrass, whereas Cymbopogon flexuosus is East Indian Lemongrass and is also native to Sri Lanka.
When it comes to essential oil yield, Cymbopogon citratus produces approxinately 0.36% to 0.40% essential oil, whereas Cymbopogon flexuosus produces approximately 4.5% to 5.5% essential oil.
Appearance-wise, Cymbopogon flexuosus has bluish-green leaves, whereas Cymbopogon citratus has dark green leaves.
While both Cymbopogon flexuosus (East Indian lemongrass) and Cymbopogon citratus (West Indian lemongrass) are rich sources of the monoterpene aldehyde citral (which is a mixture of the isomers geranial and neral), their minor chemical constituents differ notably, resulting in distinct aromas and physical properties.
The Primary Differences Myrcene Content:
The biggest chemical differentiator is the concentration of βmyrcene. Cymbopogon citratus typically contains a much higher percentage of myrcene (ranging from 8% to almost 20%), whereas Cymbopogon flexuosus contains very little to trace amounts (often under 1%)
Alcohol Solubility:
Due to its differing chemical makeup, Cymbopogon flexuosus boasts high solubility in alcohol, making it the preferred choice for direct use in high-end perfumery. C. citratus exhibits poor solubility in alcohol.
Trace Compounds:
C. flexuosus tends to have slightly higher levels of geraniol and geranyl acetate, while C. Citratus often features slightly higher limonene levels depending on the geographical origin
Sensory & Aroma Differences Cymbopogon flexuosus:
Known for its distinctly sweet, intensely lemony, fresh, and light fragrance. Cymbopogon citratus: Has a slightly sharper, earthier, and sometimes grassy undertone reminiscent of citronella oil
Because of the high concentration of citral in both, they share nearly identical antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, but the varying levels of myrcene are thought to grant C. citratus slightly stronger analgesic (pain-relieving) benefits.
If you are treating physical pain, muscle aches, or insomnia, West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is the clear choice.
- The Myrcene Mechanism: C. citratus contains 8% to nearly 20% beta-myrcene, whereas C. flexuosus contains less than 1%
- Peripheral Analgesia: Pharmacological studies demonstrate that myrcene mimics peripheral pain relief by stimulating the release of endogenous opioids and blocking pain signals at the tissue level, without building up an internal tolerance.
- Sedative Synergy: Myrcene also acts on the central nervous system as a muscle relaxant and mild sedative. Combined with citral, C. citratus is far more effective for easing arthritis, muscle spasms, and nervous tension.
Skincare and Topical Application: Cymbopogon flexuosus is Superior
If you are formulating cosmetics, treating skin conditions, or using the oil topically on sensitive areas, East Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) is safer and more effective.
Lower Dermal Irritation: Myrcene oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air and light, creating byproducts that can trigger skin sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis. Because C. flexuosus contains almost no myrcene, its shelf-life is more stable, making it less likely to irritate the skin barrier over time.
Tissue Toning and Cleansing: C. flexuosus contains slightly higher percentages of geraniol and geranyl acetate. This makes it more proficient at clearing acne, regulating overactive sebaceous glands, and acting as a skin toner.
Antimicrobial and Insecticidal Power: Equal / Comparable
For air purification, surface sanitization, and pest control, both species are equally excellent.
- Biofilm Disruption: Both oils perform spectacularly at destroying stubborn microbial colonies. Studies show that the natural mixture of compounds in both oils effectively compromises bacterial and fungal biofilms (such as Staphylococcus aureus and Candida).
- Mosquito Repellent: Both C. citratus and C. flexuosus offer nearly identical, high-level protection against vector mosquitoes.
Check out the Therapeutic Application Comparison Chart.
There are also some differences to do with Chemotypes.
Cymbopogon flexuosus essential oil has the following identified chemotypes:
- Citral (Standard) Chemotype: The most common variety. It is heavily dominated by the aldehydes neral and geranial (which together make up citral), giving the oil its pungent, lemon-like aroma and strong antimicrobial properties.
- Geraniol Chemotype: Some specific genotypes and variations yield high amounts of geraniol and geranyl acetate, which provide a sweeter, more rose-like fragrance rather than a sharp citrus scent.
- α-Bisabolol Chemotype: Certain rare, selectively bred varieties have been found to contain (+)-α-bisabolol as their major component, and can be entirely devoid of citral.
- Elemenol Chemotype: Analytical studies of different Cymbopogon species also note that oils can skew toward elemol as a primary sesquiterpene constituent.
Cymbopogon citratus essential oil has the following identified chemotypes:
- Citral Chemotype (Most Common): This is the standard, globally recognized commercial lemongrass oil. It is overwhelmingly dominated by citral (a mix of two isomers, geranial and neral). This profile gives the oil its intense, pungent lemon aroma and strong antimicrobial properties.
- Myrcene Chemotype: Frequently found in crops originating from Africa. This variant contains high percentages of myrcene alongside the typical citral compounds.
- Rhodinol (Rose-Scented) Chemotype: A rarer chemotype discovered in specific cultivation regions (such as Uttarakhand, India). It is characterized by high levels of rhodinol, geraniol, and citronellol rather than aldehydes. Because of its monoterpenol content, this oil features a sweet, rose-like scent and is generally gentler on the skin.
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Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus
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