FlavonoidsApigenin

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.

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 mice
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Flavonoid content (66 mg/100 g apigenin) may mediate CNS activity
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Result: Sedative and myorelaxant effects observed

Limitations

  • ⚠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%).

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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.