Cymbopogon martinii

Cymbopogon martinii
Cymbopogon martinii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Cymbopogon
Species: C. martinii
Binomial name
Cymbopogon martinii
(Roxb.) Wats.
Synonyms

Andropogon martinii

Cymbopogon martinii is a species of grass in the lemon grass genus best known by the common name palmarosa. Other common names include Indian geranium and rosha or rosha grass. This perennial grass is native to southeast Asia, especially India , and it is cultivated for its oil. The essential oil of this plant, which contains the active compound geraniol, is valued for its scent and for a number of traditional medicinal and household uses. Palmarosa oil has been shown to be an effective insect repellent when applied to stored grain and beans,[1] an antihelmintic against nematodes,[2] and an antifungal and mosquito repellent.[3]

Palmarosa oil, which has a scent similar to roses, is added to soaps and cosmetics.[3]

References

  1. ^ Kumar, R.; Srivastava, M.; Dubey, N. K. (2007). "Evaluation of Cymbopogon martinii oil extract for control of postharvest insect deterioration in cereals and legumes". Journal of Food Protection 70 (1): 172–78. 
  2. ^ Kumaran, A. M. et al.; D'souza, P; Agarwal, A; Bokkolla, RM; Balasubramaniam, M (2003). "Geraniol, the putative anthelmintic principle of Cymbopogon martinii". Phytotherapy Research 17 (8): 957. doi:10.1002/ptr.1267. PMID 13680833. 
  3. ^ a b Duke, J. A. and J. duCellier. (1993). CRC Handbook of Alternative Cash Crops. Boca Raton: CRC Press. 214.

External links


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