Lippia alba ethanol 80% extract shows sedative and myorelaxant effects in mice
The non-volatile fraction of Lippia alba extracted with ethanol 80% (v/v) demonstrated significant sedative and myorelaxant effects in Swiss mice, as assessed by the barbiturate-induced sleep test. This extract also had the highest total flavonoid content (66 mg/100 g expressed in apigenin) among the tested extracts. A spray-dried powder prepared with colloidal silicon dioxide retained a similar sedative profile.
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Lippia alba ethanol 80% extract shows sedative and myorelaxant effects in mice The current body of evidence comprises 1 study. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 24/100 (low).
The Claim
Lippia alba ethanol 80% extract shows sedative and myorelaxant effects in mice
This conclusion is most relevant to: Swiss mice.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸CNS activities of liquid and spray-dried extracts from Lippia alba-Verbenaceae (Brazilian false melissa). (Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2003) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Extraction of non-volatile fraction from Lippia alba leaves using ethanol 80%
- ▸Oral administration to Swiss mice
- ▸Evaluation in barbiturate-induced sleep test and PTZ-induced convulsion test
- ▸Observation of sedative and myorelaxant effects
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Swiss mice
Recommended Dose
200 mg dry residue per kg body weight
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Animal model (mice) limits direct translation to human sleep effects
- ▸Only acute effects were tested; no chronic or long-term data reported
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active compound in Lippia alba responsible for sedation?▼
The study suggests flavonoids may be involved, as the most sedative extract had the highest flavonoid content (66 mg/100 g expressed in apigenin), but specific active compounds were not isolated.
Was the spray-dried extract as effective as the liquid extract?▼
Only the spray-dried powder with colloidal silicon dioxide (SDP1) showed a sedative profile similar to the liquid extract; the one with beta-cyclodextrin did not.
What dose was used in this study?▼
Mice received 200 mg of dry residue per kg body weight orally.
Is Lippia alba safe for human use based on this study?▼
This study only tested acute effects in mice; human safety and efficacy have not been established.
References
- 1.Zétola M, De Lima TC, Sonaglio D, González-Ortega G, Limberger RP, Petrovick PR, Bassani VL. “CNS activities of liquid and spray-dried extracts from Lippia alba-Verbenaceae (Brazilian false melissa)..” Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2003. PMID: 12241997 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00187-3