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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.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. CNS activities of liquid and spray-dried extracts from Lippia alba-Verbenaceae (Brazilian false melissa).

observational

Zétola M, De Lima TC, Sonaglio D, González-Ortega G, Limberger RP, Petrovick PR, Bassani VL · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2003)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified (acute study)
Intervention: Oral administration of Lippia alba liquid extracts (40%, 60%, 80% ethanol) and spray-dried powders (SDP1 and SDP2) at a dose of 200 mg dry residue per kg body weight.
Outcome: Sedative effect (barbiturate-induced sleep test) and anticonvulsant effect (pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions), plus myorelaxant effects.
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Swiss mice (animal model).

Result:

PubMed: 12241997DOI: 10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00187-3

Mechanism Graph

Extraction of non-volatile fraction from Lippia alba leaves using ethanol 80%
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Oral administration to Swiss mice
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Evaluation in barbiturate-induced sleep test and PTZ-induced convulsion test
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Observation of sedative and myorelaxant effects

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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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 content is 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.