Proximate Analysis of Lemongrass Powder (Cymbopogon citratus)

Abstract

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), a widely utilized aromatic herb, holds significant potential as a nutritional and functional food ingredient. This study evaluates the proximate composition of lemongrass powder to determine its key nutritional components, including moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and carbohydrates. The results reveal a low moisture content (6.5 ± 0.2%), indicative of prolonged shelf life, and moderate ash content (4.3 ± 0.1%), suggesting a rich mineral profile. The crude protein (8.2 ± 0.3%) and fat (3.1 ± 0.2%) contents highlight its modest contribution to dietary protein and low-fat applications. Notably, the high crude fibre (16.7 ± 0.4%) and carbohydrate (61.2 ± 0.5%) levels underline its suitability as a dietary fibre source and energy provider. These findings support lemongrass powder's utility in food formulations and nutraceuticals, emphasizing its potential health benefits and multifunctionality. Further research on its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties is recommended to expand its applications.