Because lemongrass has been known to control overactive oil glands, it can also be used as a toning astringent to cleanse oily skin and tighten pores. In some countries, it is used to reduce acne, pimples and blackheads. Lemongrass is also used as a treatment for lice and dandruff[5]. One of the most important applications of lemongrass is in the field of cancer research. Studies conducted on animals show that lemongrass oil may prevent colon cancer, as well as other types of cancer. Lemongrass (C. citratus) caused apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells. Through in vitro studies, the
researchers examined the effect of citral, a molecule found
in lemongrass, on both normal and cancerous cells. Citral,
which is also found in lemon peels, is the substance that
gives lemongrass its distinctive aroma and flavor. Compared
to all other plants, lemongrass contains the highest amount
of citral[6].