Lemongrass Tea Research Articles

Influence of Pulp, Sugar and Maltodextrin Addiction in the Formulation of Kiwi Jellies With Lemon Grass Tea

The jellies constitute an important alternative for the processing of fruits, adding greater economic and nutritional value. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of pulp, sugar and maltodextrin on the physical-chemical and textural characteristics of kiwifruit jelly with lemon grass tea. Factorial design 23 was used with 3 replicates at the central point, resulting in 11 experiments with variation of sugar percentages (30, 40 and 50%), pulp (50, 60 and 70%) and maltodextrin (5, 10 and 15%). Water content, moisture content, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TTA), ashes, pH, reducing sugars, non-sugars were evaluated for the following physico-chemical parameters: reducers, total sugars, lipids and vitamin C. Regarding the texture profile, the following parameters were evaluated: hardness, cohesiveness, chewing, gummy and adhesiveness. It was found that among the analyzed variables, the ones that were considered as significant and/or predictive according to ANOVA and the F test were: (moisture, total solids, carbohydrates and vitamin C), through the graphs of the surfaces of responses observed that the percentage of pulp and maltodextrin used was proportional to the increase in moisture content, vitamin C, total solids and carbohydrates. The G2 experiment presented the lowest values of moisture and water activity, and higher carbohydrate contents, total solids and cohesiveness, in which it was formulated with the sugar concentration (-1) and pulp and maltodextrin (+1). The development of kiwi jelly with lemon grass tea is an excellent alternative for the use of the raw material, since it is a product with high nutritional value, stability during storage and potential for consumer acceptance.

Genotoxic POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT FRESH SHEETS DO GRASS - LEMON (Cymbopogon citratus (A.D.) Stapf).IN MICE IN MICRONUCLEUS TEST MEANS

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) it is a medicinal herb grown in almost all tropical countries, including Brazil. Your still therapeutic use is homemade, taking into account the ethnobotanical knowledge. Despite the long history with no reports of serious side effects, research has shown that they may have genotoxic potentialities. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the genotoxic effects of aqueous extract of lemongrass, prepared in 2%, 4% and 8% in the animal test system - Mus musculus L. The results showed that the bend the concentration of the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of lemon grass, bent also genotoxic effects on bone marrow Mus musculus L, inducing an increased frequency of micronucleus. This way, the consumption of lemon grass tea should be done with moderations and monitoring of health professionals.

Lemongrass tea consumption and changes in Acid-Base Balance and Electrolyte homeostasis

Lemongrass tea consumption and changes in Acid-Base Balance and Electrolyte homeostasis

Lemon Grass Tea Enhanced Memory Function and Attenuated Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Mice Via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Acetyl-Cholinesterase Activity

ABSTRACTThe aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CYC) was evaluated for memory functions on scopolamine (SCO)-induced amnesia in mice. Male mice received CYC (25, 50, or 100 mg kg−1) or saline (10 mL kg−1) orally for 7 consecutive days. In the interaction studies, the mice were given CYC (25, 50, or 100 mg kg−1, p.o) 30 min before SCO (3 mg kg−1, i.p) for 7 consecutive days. Thirty minutes after the last treatment in each case, memory function was evaluated using Y-maze and object recognition tests. The biomarkers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde and glutathione) and acetyl-cholinesterase activity in the brain of SCO-treated mice were also determined. CYC increased memory performance and attenuated SCO-induced amnesia in mice. The extract also attenuated increased oxidative stress and acetyl-cholinesterase activity induced by SCO. Findings of this study suggested the potential use of the aqueous leaf extract of C. citratus as a phytotherapeutic agent for memory decline.

Effect of Drying on Quality and Sensory Attributes of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Tea

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of drying on quality and sensory attributes of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) tea. Lemongrass (C. citratus) leaves were dried using four different drying methods: sun, solar, oven (40, 50, and 60°C), and microwave (50 W). Teas made from the grass were analyzed for colour, pH and sensory attribute. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS Version 23 one way analysis of variance and means were compared using Duncan multiple comparison test (p ˂ 0.05). Results obtained indicate that after drying the moisture content were significantly reduced. Ash content results showed no significant difference amongst lemongrass samples dried under difference drying methods. However, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the pH of tea made from the lemongrass dried under different drying methods. Results indicate that drying temperature and time are the main factors affecting the colour of dried lemongrass leaves for tea. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the colour profile of the dried leaves. Sensory evaluation results showed that the colour, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability scores of tea from lemongrass dried with oven at 40°C was highest. The study revealed that oven drying at 40°C for 15 hours was found to be most suitable for drying of lemongrass leaves for tea production in order to retain appreciable sensory attributes.

Changes in blood pressure indices in normotensive adults after the consumption of lemongrass tea

Changes in blood pressure indices in normotensive adults after the consumption of lemongrass tea

Utilization of Renewable Energy Sources for Drying Medicinal and Nutritional Plants in Panama

This research study looked at the design, construction, running and evaluation of an artisanal processing plant or factory that included a solar oven to capture the thermal energy for drying medicinal and nutritional plants. The use of renewable resources, especially solar energy plus a minimum of technological equipment and attention to principles of quality, hygiene, and future sustainability, contributed to the success of this engineering project. The factory was located in the rural community of El Cacao, District of Capira, Province of Panama, Republic of Panama, Central America. An indirect solar oven represented the center of the operation of the factory. Tests with locally grown plants including oregano (Origanum vulgare), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), balsamino or bitter melon (Momordica charantia) and lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citrullus), were conducted to measure the heat transfer and conductivity from the oven to the drying room. We also conducted an organoleptic study with community members to assess dried lemongrass as tea vs. a commercial tea . Preliminary tests with medicinal plants showed the efficiency of the factory in drying with significantly lower times than those found in the literature, obtaining the recommended humidity percentages. In addition, the organoleptic features of the lemongrass tea were rated as with more acceptable features as compared with the commercial lemongrass tea. The preliminary findings reported here are promising and, from the reception from community members, it is expected that they will accept the products being developed for them. The goal is for this and similar communities to have better and more permanent access to their traditional nutritional and medicinal plants.

Medicinal and Nutritional Plants in Rural Panama: Artisanal Lemongrass Tea has High Community Acceptability

Objective:To develop, following traditional systems, a nutritional and medicinal herbal tea and test its consumer acceptability by community residents from a rural community in Panama.Methods:Lemongrass leaves were dried with a solar dryer aimed to reach 70% or more of moisture reduction. Dried leaves were packaged into tea bags with net weight of 5g. With the participation of 15 adults (9 men), residents of the community of El Cacao, Capira, Panama, the final product was tested and compared to a commercial lemongrass tea for its organoleptic features and acceptability. We used a standard questionnaire for this evaluation.Results:Fresh leaves were gathered, cleaned and chopped into sections of 10–15cm. Moisture reduction of 75% was achieved in only one day with the solar oven reaching temperatures of 95–122°F. The leaves were cut into shorter sections and manually packaged into tea bags of 5g. Product evaluation is performed by a testing session with recruited volunteers. Based on the assessment of the organoleptic characteristics, the final product retained higher levels of aroma and color as compared to the commercial tea. 14 out of 15 respondents preferred the artisanal tea.ConclusionsUsing solar energy, we achieved the needed moisture reduction in a much shorter time as traditionally done with open sun exposure. The development and acceptability of an artisanal tea based on a plant of high local cultural value is a contribution to the growing interest in Panama to raise awareness on the importance of use of their ethno‐botanical resources and traditions.

Bioactive natural constituents from lemongrass tea and erythropoiesis boosting effects: potential use in prevention and treatment of anemia.

This study assessed the effects of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) tea on hematologic indices in human volunteers. One hundred five subjects (55 men and 50 women), aged 18 to 35 years, were randomly assigned to groups set to orally receive infusion prepared from 2, 4, or 8 g of C. citratus leaves once daily for 30 days. Assessment of hematologic indices (hemoglobin concentration [Hb], packed cell volume [PCV], red blood cell [RBC] count, mean cell Hb [MCH], mean cell volume [MCV], mean cell Hb concentration [MCHC], total white blood cell [WBC-total] and differentials, and platelets) were performed 1 day before (baseline), and at 10 (acute) and 30 days (subchronic phase) after the initiation of treatment. Results obtained on days 10 and 30 were compared with baseline values. Infusions prepared from C. citratus leaf powder, which tested positive for tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, macro- and micronutrients, significantly increased PCV, Hb, and RBC (P<.05) in all subjects, particularly in the subchronic phase of the study. MCH, MCV, and MCHC were not significantly different from baseline values in both the sexes. WBCs and differentials significantly decreased (P<.05) with the exception of neutrophils and lymphocytes, which significantly increased in some or all groups (P<.05), respectively. C. citratus leaf infusion appears to exert an erythropoiesis boosting effect, likely due to some nutritional constituents and its antioxidant and pharmacologic properties.

Effect of Lemongrass Tea Consumption on Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Creatinine Clearance Rate

The existing research findings regarding the effects of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) tea on renal function indices are conflicting and inconclusive. In the present study, we investigated the effects of infusions prepared from C citratus leaves on creatinine clearance rate (CCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in humans. One hundred five subjects (55 men and 50 women) aged 18 to 35years were randomly assigned to groups set to orally receive infusions prepared from 2, 4, or 8g of C citratus leaf powder once daily, for 30days. Serum and urinary levels of urea, creatinine, pH, specific gravity, uric acid, electrolytes, diuretic indices, and eGFR were assessed at days 0, 10, and 30 after the initiation of treatment. Results obtained on days10 and 30 were compared with baseline values. CCr and eGFR decreased significantly at day 30 in both male and female subjects in all the groups and in females treated with infusion prepared from 8g of C citratus leaf powder for 10days. At day 10, CCr and eGFR were unchanged in those treated with infusions prepared from 2 or 4g of the leaf powder, whereas diuretic indices (urine volume, urination frequency, diuretic action, and saliuretic indices) increased above the baseline levels. Serum and urinary creatinine levels significantly increased (P<.05) in both male and female subjects in all the groups. Serum urea significantly increased in the groups treated with infusions prepared from 4 or 8g of the leaf powder (P<.05) for 30days. Serum electrolytes remained unchanged, but their urinary levels increased. We observed dose- and time-dependent adverse effects of C citratus on CCr and eGFR. At a high dose or with prolonged treatment with a low dose, eGFR decrease may be followed by a decline in the other renal function indices.

Ultrasmall Copper Nanoparticles Synthesized with a Plant Tea Reducing Agent

Ultrasmall copper nanoparticles were synthesized using lemongrass tea as a green reducing agent. The one-pot, aqueous, room-temperature reaction produces nanoparticles with diameters of 2.90 ± 0.64...

Consumer Behavior Towards Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Tea in Benguet Province, Northern Philippines

Sensory evaluation was done with 256 respondents who were willing to participate in the study and chosen through quota sampling based on age and sex. The respondents evaluated pure lemongrass tea and lemongrass with pandan ( Pandanus amaryllifolius ) using the research questionnaire given to them. Analysis of variance, factor analysis, and cluster analysis were used to assess a degree of association between diff erent study components. Results show that herbal teas were the most favored drinks among the respondents who strongly believe that these help in digestion and relieve stress. The sensory attributes driving acceptability of lemongrass teas were linked to light and clear green colors, citral aroma, and distinct taste. The high acceptability of lemongrass tea mixed with pandan, a locally appreciated herb, shows future possibilities in the product expansion lines. Keywords: consumer behavior; lemongrass; sensory quality DOI: 10.3860/banwa.v6i2.1960 BANWA Vol 6, No 2 2009 pp. 1-12

Determinação da qualidade microbiológica e físico-química de chás de &lt;em&gt;Cymbopogon citratus&lt;/em&gt; (D.C) Stapf (capim-limão)

Considering the great volume of lemongrass production and commercialization, it is estimated that a potential microbiological contamination of this product could represent an important hazard to public health. This study was performed to evaluate different brands of lemongrass tea, regarding their microbiological and physical-chemical quality, based on the legislation of the Brazilian Health Ministry. No traces of Salmonella sp were found, but in 50% of samples, the presence of coliforms was detected at 35ºC. Three samples presented coliforms at 45ºC, with Escherichia coli found in one of them. 81.25% of samples presented molds and yeasts. Among the fungi present, Aspergillus niger was identified, but aflatoxins were absent. None of the infusions analyzed presented the contamination evidenced in the dry product. The results obtained may be indicative of failure in procedures of postharvest and commercialization. The implementation of a hazard analysis and critical control point system (HACCP) could reduce this contamination substantially.

CAPIM-LIMÃO - Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf: SUBSÍDIOS PARA MELHORIA DE QUALIDADE DO CULTIVO, INDUSTRIALIZAÇÃO E COMERCIALIZAÇÃO NO ESTADO DO PARANÁ

Considerando-se o mercado promissor para produtos naturais e sua crescente demanda, aliados à carência deconhecimentos em várias áreas, especialmente estudos que relacionam a qualidade aos segmentos da cadeia produtiva das espécies,esta tese teve como objetivo realizar estudos a respeito da qualidade de Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf no cultivo, industrialização e comercialização, relacioná-los às suas possíveis causas e propor soluções aos agentes envolvidos na cadeia produtiva da espécie,no Estado do Paraná; visando subsidiar a melhoria do sistema como um todo. Este trabalho envolveu pesquisa de campo, entrevistascom produtores e outros agentes da cadeia de produção, além de diferentes análises laboratoriais de qualidade do produto bruto,beneficiado ou final disponível no mercado consumidor de Curitiba (2000-2003). Os resultados desta pesquisa compõe os 9 capítulosque integram a tese. Nos capítulos 1 e 2, apresenta-se uma vasta revisão de literatura englobando aspectos botânicos, ecológicos,fitoquímicos e farmacológicos do capim-limão, sendo o composto químico principal o aldeído citral, destacando-se as ações analgésica,antimicrobiana, inseticida e antitumoral da planta. No Capítulo 3, apresenta-se o estudo prospectivo da cadeia produtiva do capim-limãono Estado do Paraná, evidenciou como principais componentes desta cadeia: a unidade produtiva, a agroindústria, a indústria (química,alimentícia e farmacêutica), o comércio (atacadista e varejista) e o mercado consumidor (interno e externo). No Capítulo 4, um panoramadetalhado dos procedimentos associados ao cultivo do capim-limão no Estado do Paraná, evidenciou as congruências e divergênciasdos dados de pesquisa de campo com o descrito na literatura como adequado para este tipo de cultura. No capítulo 5, trata-se dasetapas de colheita e pós-colheita (beneficiamento, embalagem e armazenamento) do capim-limão praticados pelos produtoresparanaenses, com vistas a subsidiar a oferta de um produto de boa qualidade. No capítulo 6, apresentam-se informações sobreembalagem e rotulagem das marcas de chá de capim-limão comercializadas pelo segmento supermercado na cidade de Curitiba,detectando-se 19 marcas. No capítulo 7 são apresentados os resultados de pesquisa exploratório-descritiva realizada no setorsupermercadista visando avaliar a qualidade e adequabilidade do acondicionamento (embalagem) e local de armazenagem de chásfrente à legislação vigente. Além disso, elaborou-se um instrumento base para incrementar a inspeção sanitária neste setor decomercialização. A pesquisa apresentada no Capítulo 8 visou avaliar 4 marcas de chá de capim-limão comercializadas na regiãometropolitana de Curitiba. no que concerne à qualidade microbiológica e físico-química, tendo como base a legislação brasileira doMinistério da Saúde para alimentos. Evidenciou-se a presença de bactérias como Escherichia coli, além de bolores e leveduras, compresença de Aspergillus niger em duas amostras. Não foi detectada Salmonella sp., nem aflatoxinas. No capítulo 9, sintetizando os diferentes problemas e gargalos evidenciados nos trabalhos anteriormente citados, é apresentado um conjunto de recomendações epropostas aos agentes econômicos que atuam e processam na cadeia produtiva do capim-limão no Estado do Paraná.

ACONDICIONAMENTO E ROTULAGEM DO CHÁ DE CAPIM-LIMÃO (Cymbo-pogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf) COMERCIALIZADO PELO SEGMENTO SUPERMERCADO NA CIDADE DE CURITIBA1

Apresentam-se informações sobre acondicionamento e rotulagem das marcas de chá de capim- limão (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf), comercializadas pelo segmento supermercado na cidade de Curitiba. Tais informações foram obtidas, no período de agosto a outubro de 2001, por meio de pesquisa de campo, observação participante e documentação legal. No total, foram identificadas e analisadas 19 marcas de chá de capim-limão, sendo 47,36% de procedência paranaense. Constatou-se que 68,4% das marcas estavam acondicionadas em embalagens secundárias ou terciárias e 35,6% apresentavam-se em embalagens primárias, ou seja, a embalagem em contato direto com o alimento. Quanto à rotulagem, a maioria das marcas analisadas apresentava-se adequada à legislação vigente no que concerne à quase totalidade dos parâmetros considerados. A incorreção mais freqüente foi com relação à denominação de venda. Registrou-se ausência de rotulagem nutricional em cerca de dois terços das marcas analisadas, na época da pesquisa. Constatou-se por meio de análise comprobatória posterior, a adequação de cerca de 56% destas marcas, quanto à rotulagem correta da embalagem. Palavras-chave: alimento, qualidade, embalagem.

Effect of Herbal Teas on Conjugation Reactions in a Human Colon Carcinoma Cell Line, Caco-2

We examined the effect of herbal teas (including black and green teas) on conjugation reactions within a human colon carcinoma cell line, Caco-2. After adding herbal tea to the culture medium of Caco-2 cells, accumulation of 1-naphthyl sulfate and glucuronide was determined within the medium by analytical HPLC prior to 24 hr. A reduction in sulfoconjugation (< 50% of the control value) was observed in cells treated with 5% solutions of green tea, jasmine tea or black tea. Mild induction of sulfoconjugation (20‐30%) was detected in cells exposed to 5% solutions of hibiscus or lemongrass tea. In addition, a slight reduction (20‐30%) in glucuronic acid conjugation (glucuronidation) was observed in cells treated with rose red, peppermint, lavender or St. John’s wort. At low concentrations, ranging from 0.1‐1.0%, several herbal teas resulted in weak but significant induction (10‐20%) of both types of conjugation reactions. These results suggest that herbal teas modify conjugation reactions within intestinal epithelial cells, thereby potentially affecting the bioavailability and toxicity of therapeutic drugs and environmental chemicals.

Peri- and postnatal developmental toxicity of β-myrcene in the rat

β-Myrcene (MYR) and essential oils containing this monoterpene have been widely used as scenting agents in cosmetics, detergents, soaps, and as flavouring additives in food and beverages. Recently, MYR was reported to be an analgesic substance and the active principle of lemongrass tea. Despite the importance of human exposure to MYR, its toxicological profile has not been comprehensively studied. The aim of this study was to provide data on the peri- and postnatal developmental toxicity of this terpene. MYR (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg) in corn oil was given by gavage to female Wistar rats from day 15 of pregnancy, parturition and throughout the period of lactation up to weaning (postnatal day 21). The progeny were examined at birth and subsequently to weaning. Mortality, weight gain and physical signs of postnatal development (ear unfolding, incisor eruption, fur development and eye opening) were evaluated. When the exposed offspring reached maturity (120 days) their reproductive capacity was assesed. No adverse effects on the offspring were seen with the lowest dose tested, but 0.5 g/kg and higher doses decreased birth weight, increased perinatal mortality and delayed the day of appearance of landmarks of postnatal development. Moreover, fertility was impaired in female offspring exposed to the two highest doses of MYR. From the data presented in this paper the no-observed-adverse-effect level for peri- and postnatal developmental toxicity could be set at 0.25 g β-myrcene/kg body weight.

Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea

Oral administration of a infusion of lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus) fresh leaves to rats produced a dose-dependent analgesia for the hyperalgesia induced by subplantar injections of either carrageenin or prostaglandin E 2, but did not affect that induced by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. These results indicate a peripheral site of action which was confirmed with the essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves. Silica gel column fractionation of the essential oil allowed the identification of myrcene as the major analgesic component in the oil. Identification of the components was made by thin-layer chromatography and checked by mass spectrometry. The peripheral analgesic effect of myrcene was confirmed by testing a standard commercial preparation on the hyperalgesia induced by prostaglandin in the rat paw test and upon the contortions induced by intraperitoneal injections of iloprost in mice. In contrast to the central analgesic effect of morphine, myrcene did not cause tolerance on repeated injection in rats. This analgesic activity supports the use of lemongrass tea as a “sedative” in folk medicine. Terpenes such as myrcene may constitute a lead for the development of new peripheral analgesics with a profile of action different from that of the aspirin-like drugs.