Chemical Composition and Constituents of Ceylon Citronella Oil

Ceylon citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), also known as Ceylon lemongrass, is a highly valuable essential oil-producing plant widely used across various industries, including perfumery, cosmetics, insect repellent products, traditional medicine, and aromatherapy. The uniqueness of Ceylon citronella oil lies in its rich chemical composition, which plays a crucial role in delivering its distinctive aroma and therapeutic benefits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the chemical composition and constituents of Ceylon citronella oil along with its diverse applications.

Overview and Production Process of Ceylon Citronella Oil

Ceylon citronella oil is extracted through steam distillation of the leaves and stems of the Ceylon citronella plant. This process involves heating the plant material to vaporize the essential oils, which then condense and separate into oil and hydrosol.

The quality of the oil depends on various factors such as plant variety, climatic conditions, harvest age, and distillation techniques. Ceylon citronella oil is characterized by a fresh, citrusy, and slightly herbal aroma that sets it apart from other citronella types like Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus).

Chemical Composition of Ceylon Citronella Oil

Ceylon citronella oil contains a wide array of chemical compounds that contribute to its aroma and therapeutic properties. The key components, along with their roles and typical concentrations in the oil, are as follows:

1. Citronellal (30–40%)

Citronellal is the major and dominant compound in Ceylon citronella oil. It has a strong, fresh citrus scent and is well-known as an effective natural insect repellent. Additionally, citronellal exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it widely used in health and hygiene products.

2. Geraniol (10–20%)

Geraniol is an alcohol compound with a soft, sweet rose-like fragrance. Besides imparting a pleasant aroma, geraniol possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. It is extensively used in perfumery and cosmetics as a natural fragrance ingredient.

3. Citronellol (10–15%)

Citronellol offers a refreshing citrus and floral scent. This compound is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal effects, commonly utilized in skincare products and insect repellents.

4. Limonene (5–10%)

Limonene contributes a bright, fresh citrus aroma. It is recognized for its antioxidant properties and potential anticancer effects according to various studies. Limonene adds complexity to the overall scent profile of Ceylon citronella oil.

5. Nerol (3–7%)

Nerol provides a sweet, floral, and slightly citrus fragrance. It functions as a natural antiseptic and offers calming effects, which makes it popular in aromatherapy.

6. Myrcene, Linalool, and Other Minor Compounds

Besides the main constituents, Ceylon citronella oil contains smaller amounts of other compounds such as myrcene (herbal aroma), linalool (floral aroma), and various minor constituents that influence the oil’s overall character and efficacy.

Essential Oil Content in Ceylon Citronella Plant

The essential oil content in the Ceylon citronella plant typically ranges from 0.5% to 1.5% of the fresh plant’s weight. This content varies depending on genetic factors, plant age, cultivation site, harvesting methods, and processing techniques.

Oil extracted from leaves generally has a higher quality and richer chemical profile compared to oil derived solely from stems, which is why leaves are predominantly used in steam distillation.