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

The ethanol 80% extract of Lippia alba showed the most significant sedative and myorelaxant effects in Swiss mice, as assessed by the barbiturate-induced sleep test and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion test. This extract also had the highest total flavonoid content (66 mg/100 g expressed in apigenin).

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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Observation of increased sleep duration and reduced convulsions
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Conclusion: Sedative and myorelaxant effects attributed to flavonoid content

Limitations

  • ⚠Animal study (mice), not directly generalizable to humans
  • ⚠Only acute effects tested; no chronic or long-term safety data reported

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of Lippia alba was used in this study?▼

The non-volatile fraction from the leaves was used.

What dose of Lippia alba extract was given to the mice?▼

The dose was 200 mg of dry residue per kilogram of body weight, administered orally.

Which ethanol concentration produced the strongest sedative effect?▼

The ethanol 80% extract showed the most significant sedative and myorelaxant effects.

What was the main active compound measured in the extract?▼

Total flavonoid content was measured, expressed as apigenin, with the highest level (66 mg/100 g) in the ethanol 80% extract.

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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.