Abstract
Lippia citriodora is a plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic effects, as well as for additional biological activities proven in cell culture, animal studies and a small number of human clinical trials. The plant has also shown a marked improvement in blood lipid profile in some animal species. In the present preliminary study, we investigated the effect of a leaf extract on lipid and oxidative blood profile of hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Twelve adults received Lippia citriodora extract caps, containing 23% phenylpropanoids, (100 mg, once a day) for 16 weeks. Selected blood lipids and plasma oxidative markers were measured at baseline and after 4, 8 and 16 weeks of treatment. Compared with baseline, total cholesterol levels significantly decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides showed only a downward trend. Oxidative status was improved due to a decrease in the concentration of total oxidant status, reactive oxygen metabolites and malondialdehyde, and a significant increase in ferric reducing ability of plasma, vitamin A and vitamin E. These preliminary results suggest that dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora extract can improve the lipid profile, enhance blood antioxidant power, and could be a valuable natural compound for the management of human hypercholesterolemia.
Highlights
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a pathological process that affects the arterial system as a whole and determines the progressive narrowing of the arteries, up to their complete obstruction
In the present study we investigated the effect of a Lippia citriodora leaf extract on lipid and oxidative blood profile of hypercholesterolemic adult volunteers, to identify its therapeutic benefits in human dyslipidemia
To highlight possible adverse events concerning the intake of the extract, some analytes were measured to check for potential organ damage (AST, ALT), as well as the serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) to evaluate problems affecting skeletal muscle tissue
Summary
Antonella Angiolillo 1, * , Deborah Leccese 1 , Marisa Palazzo 2, *, Francesco Vizzarri 3 , Donato Casamassima 2 , Carlo Corino 4 and Alfonso Di Costanzo 1. Effects of Lippia citriodora Leaf Extract on Lipid and Oxidative Blood Profile of Volunteers with Hypercholesterolemia: A
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