Flavonoids · Apigenin

Lippia alba non-volatile extract (80% ethanol) shows sedative and myorelaxant effects in mice

The non-volatile fraction of Lippia alba extracted with 80% ethanol (ES(80%)) demonstrated the most significant sedative and myorelaxant effects in Swiss mice, along with the highest total flavonoid content (66 mg/100 g expressed as apigenin). The spray-dried powder SDP(1) (using colloidal silicon dioxide) retained a sedative profile similar to the liquid extract.

1 min readUpdated Jul 7, 20260 RCTsView structured evidence →
Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★
Confidencelow

This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.

Lippia alba non-volatile extract (80% ethanol) 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 non-volatile extract (80% ethanol) 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 mice
  • Flavonoid content (66 mg/100 g apigenin) may mediate CNS activity
  • Result: Sedative and myorelaxant effects observed

Who Might Benefit

Evidence fit by population:

  • Swiss mice

Limitations & Caveats

Important context when interpreting this evidence:

  • Animal study (mice) with limited generalizability to humans
  • No direct measurement of sleep parameters beyond barbiturate-induced sleep test
  • Small sample size not explicitly stated in abstract

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of Lippia alba was used in this study?

The non-volatile fraction from the leaves was used, extracted with ethanol.

Which extract showed the strongest sedative effect?

The liquid extract prepared with 80% ethanol (ES(80%)) showed the most significant sedative and myorelaxant effects.

What was the flavonoid content of the most effective extract?

The ES(80%) extract had the highest total flavonoid content at 66 mg per 100 g, expressed as apigenin.

Did the spray-dried powders retain the sedative effect?

Only SDP(1), which used colloidal silicon dioxide as excipient, showed a sedative profile similar to the liquid extract ES(80%).

References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This article is auto-generated from structured research data for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.