Lemongrass essential oil protects the liver from acetaminophen-induced injury

A study published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that the essential oil extracted from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) can protect the liver from damage caused by acetaminophen intake. The study explored the liver-protective effects of lemongrass essential oil.

• Researchers at the State University of Maringa in Brazil examined the effects of lemongrass essential oil using an animal model of acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen.
• They pretreated mice with 125, 250, or 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of lemongrass essential oil or 200 mg/kg of a standard drug per day for seven days.
• Then, they induced liver toxicity by administering 250 mg/kg dose of acetaminophen.
• The researchers determined the liver disease markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase to assess the liver-protective effects of lemongrass essential oil.
• The researchers found that pretreatment with lemongrass essential oil significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP.
• Inflammation in the liver was also reduced by lemongrass essential oil.
• Liver lesions in mice were also improved after pretreatment with lemongrass essential oil.
• Pretreatment with lemongrass essential oil increased antioxidant activity in the liver.

In conclusion, these findings suggest that lemongrass essential oil has protective activity against liver toxicity induced by acetaminophen.

To read more studies on essential oils that protect the liver, go to LiverDamage.news.

Journal Reference:

Uchida NS, Silva-Filho SE, Aguiar RP, Wiirzler LAM, Cardia GFE, Cavalcante HAO, Silva-Comar FMDS, Becker TCA, Silva EL, Bersani-Amado CA, et al. PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS ESSENTIAL OIL IN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF ACETAMINOPHEN-INDUCED LIVER INJURY. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 31 March 2017; 45(3): 515-532. DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X17500318