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
More about Fungal Infections

Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections

10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Ajoene
Ajuga
Alantolactone
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Ampelopsis
anamu
Ardisia
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Barleria
basil
bee hive
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta-pinene
bisabolene
black nightshade
black walnut
borneol
Brazilian peppertree
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
camphor oil
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caryophyllene
Centipeda
chalcone
chamomile
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
citral
citronella
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
curry leaf
Dianthus
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
gamma-terpinene
garlic
geranial
geraniol
geranium
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl caprylate caprate
glyceryl monolaurate
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
green tea
Hedyotis
henna
Herb Robert
Houttuynia
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kefir
Labdanum
Lactoperoxidase
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Lebbek
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
linalool
Litsea
liverwort
lodhtree
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mangostin
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Menthol oil
Monolaurin
Morinda
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Naphthoquinones
Neem tree
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pau d'arco
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
polyphenols
Propolis
rosemary
rue
sage
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Sophora
Stereospermum
Storax
Sumac
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Terpinolene
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Undecylenic acid
Violet
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Wrightia tinctoria
zanthoxylum
Zingiberene

Other health conditions supported by citral

Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Bronchitis
Cold Sores
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fungal Infections
Infection
Inflammation
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)

Products containing citral

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.