Evidence supporting the use of: Citral
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Citral is a naturally occurring compound found in the essential oils of several plants, most notably lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus). Its use against fungal infections is primarily supported by in vitro (laboratory) studies rather than by strong clinical or traditional evidence. Citral has demonstrated antifungal activity against a range of pathogenic fungi, including Candida species and dermatophytes, in laboratory settings. These effects are believed to be due to its ability to disrupt fungal cell membranes and inhibit spore germination.

However, the majority of evidence for citral's antifungal effects comes from cell culture studies and animal models, not from well-designed human clinical trials. Some studies have shown that citral-containing essential oils possess antifungal properties when applied topically, but data on its safety and efficacy in humans are lacking. There is little documentation of citral being used in traditional medicine specifically for fungal infections, although lemongrass oil has been used in folk remedies for various skin conditions.

In summary, while there is some scientific validation for citral’s antifungal effects in laboratory studies, the evidence is limited and does not extend to robust clinical usage. The current rating reflects the preliminary but promising nature of the research, which still requires further investigation to confirm efficacy and safety in humans.

More about Citral
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Products containing Citral

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