Health Guide

Neral

Neral is a chemical compound found naturally in the essential oils of citrus fruits like lemons and limes. It is closely related to Citral (a mix of Neral and Geranial) and is responsible for the characteristic fresh, lemony scent we associate with these fruits. While often used in perfumery and aromatherapy for its uplifting aroma, it is gaining attention for its potential health benefits, particularly as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Think of it as the aromatic essence of citrus that may offer more than just a pleasant smell.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Neral Concentration in Citrus Sources

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Percentage in Oil (%)

Source →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Antioxidant Protection: Helps combat oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Antimicrobial Properties: May inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Potential Anti-inflammatory Effects: Could help reduce inflammation in the body.
Aromatherapeutic Benefits: Used to uplift mood and reduce stress.

Deep Dive

Neral is a monoterpene aldehyde. Its primary mechanism of action in health is likely due to its ability to neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to aging and disease. By scavenging these radicals, Neral helps protect your cells from oxidative stress. Its antimicrobial activity makes it a candidate for natural food preservation or hygiene products. In aromatherapy, the scent of Neral (and Citral) interacts with the olfactory system, potentially promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, similar to how lemon essential oil works.

Natural Food Sources

Neral is primarily found in the essential oils of citrus peels. While you get it by consuming citrus fruits, the highest concentrations are in the oil.

Food/Source	Amount (in Essential Oil)	Notes
Lemon Peel Oil	High	Neral is a major component (up to 10-15%).
Lime Peel Oil	High	Similar profile to lemon oil.
Lemongrass	Medium	Contains Citral (mix of Neral and Geranial).
Citrus Fruits	Low	Present in the peel/oil, not the flesh.

Supplementation

Neral is not typically sold as a standalone dietary supplement in pill or powder form for human consumption. It is consumed by:

Eating citrus fruits (with the peel/zest, washed thoroughly).
Using food-grade citrus essential oils (diluted properly).
Using products containing Citral (which includes Neral).

Dosage: There is no established Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Neral. Safety depends entirely on the source and concentration. Do not ingest undiluted essential oils.

Top Food Sources

Lemon Zest

Healthy dietary source.

Lime Zest

Healthy dietary source.

Lemon Peel Oil

For aromatherapy/food flavoring only.

Lemongrass

Contains Citral (Neral + Geranial).

Frequently Asked Questions

You cannot eat 'pure' Neral as it is a liquid chemical. However, you consume it naturally when eating citrus fruits like lemons and limes, specifically the peel and zest.

Getting Neral from eating citrus fruit is safe. Taking it via concentrated essential oil daily is **not** recommended without professional guidance due to potency and liver interactions.

There is no direct scientific evidence that Neral alone causes weight loss. However, the citrus foods containing it are low-calorie and healthy.

Citral is a mixture of two isomers: Neral (cis-isomer) and Geranial (trans-isomer). If you use Lemongrass oil (high in Citral), you are getting both.

Safety & Side Effects

General Safety: Neral is GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA when used as a food flavoring agent in very small amounts.

Who Should Avoid It / Caution:

Undiluted Essential Oils: Ingesting or applying pure Neral or citrus essential oils can cause skin irritation, chemical burns, or toxicity.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Avoid using concentrated essential oils. Eating citrus fruit is generally fine.
Photosensitivity: Citrus oils can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to burns.
Drug Interactions: Can inhibit certain liver enzymes (CYP450), potentially affecting the metabolism of medications. Consult a doctor if you take prescription drugs.

Key Takeaway: Treat Neral as a potent compound. Enjoy it via food, but be very careful with concentrated oils.

Scientific References

[1]Bakkali, F., et al. (2008). Biological effects of essential oils: A review. *Food and Chemical Toxicology*.
[2]Roller, S., & Board, R. (2004). Natural antimicrobials for food preservation. *In: Handbook of Food Preservation*.
[3]FDA CFR - Food and Drugs. Title 21, Sec. 182.60 - Citral.