It is recognized that essential oils contain various compounds and that the synergistic or additive effect of multiple constituents as assessed by toxicological tests remains unknown. Therefore, the present study provides new information on the use of the complete oil. In a review of the literature, some authors have presented ef- fects of the two main compounds of the C. citratus EO. According to Carnesecchi et al. (2004) geraniol inhibits colon cancer-cell pro- liferation by inducing membrane depolarization and interfering with ionic canals and signaling pathways. Furthermore, the group demonstrated that geraniol inhibits DNA synthesis and reduces the volume of colon tumors. While evaluating the major compound citral (500–4000 ppm), by in vitro and in vivo tests for genotoxicity in a two-year feed study of F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice, the group found no evidence of toxicological or carcinogenic activity (National Toxicology Program, USA, 2003).
The present evaluation of toxicological biomarkers and geno- toxicity shows that C. citratus EO presents low toxicity and can
 
 
be considered relatively safe in a long-term treatment at doses up to 100 mg/kg. Accordingly, we did not detect any deleterious effect on the liver or kidney functions which remained normal through- out the experiment at all doses tested. Moreover, we showed that the 21-day acute toxicity treatment with lemongrass EO reduces cholesterol levels. These results corroborate its long-term medici- nal use by different traditional populations over the years. How- ever, other pharmacological studies are required to elucidate the action mechanism by which this EO reduces serum cholesterol and body weight.