Lemon Myrtle

Lemon Myrtle is a rainforest tree from subtropical Queensland with the highest natural citral content of any plant — up to 98% of its essential oil. Citral (a monoterpene aldehyde comprising geranial and neral) induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines at remarkably low concentrations, with documented activity against breast, prostate, colon, and skin cancers. A landmark study by Ben-Gurion University (Israel) demonstrated that lemon grass citral induces selective apoptosis in cancer cells while sparing normal cells — the same mechanism applies to lemon myrtle's substantially higher citral content. Citral acts through the retinoic acid receptor pathway, disrupting vitamin A signalling that cancer cells exploit for survival. Aboriginal Australians used lemon myrtle leaves medicinally for skin conditions, headaches, and infection — the powerful antimicrobial properties (stronger than tea tree against some organisms) supported immune health alongside direct anti-tumour mechanisms.