Citral as an anti-inflammatory agent: Mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and perspectives

Abstract

Citral, a natural monoterpene aldehyde found in plants like lemongrass and lemon balm, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This review aims to comprehensively analyze citral's pathophysiological roles in inflammatory conditions, highlighting its mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential. Citral has been shown to modulate key inflammatory pathways, including the inhibition of COX-2 and NF-κB, reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). These molecular actions support citral’s ability to alleviate inflammation in various systems, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuroinflammatory, and orofacial conditions. Traditional uses of citral-rich plants in ethnopharmacology, particularly in Asia, Africa, and South America, have long underpinned its application in managing symptoms of inflammation. Modern research further validates these uses, suggesting that citral may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Despite its promising benefits, the full therapeutic potential of citral remains underexplored, with limited clinical studies and a lack of clarity regarding its long-term safety and bioavailability. This review discusses current research gaps, future directions, and the potential integration of citral into clinical practices. By bridging traditional knowledge with contemporary pharmacological research, citral stands as a candidate for the development of novel anti-inflammatory treatments.