Lippia Citriodora Research Articles

Fluctuations of phenols and flavonoids in infusion of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) dried leaves during growth stages

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the total phenol content (TP) and total flavonoid content (TF) fluctuations in different infusions of lemon verbena. Dried leaves were harvested in May, July and October and prepared at various soaking times (5-20 min). Design/methodology/approach – The Folin-Ciocalteu method was used to determine TP, while TF was determined by the aluminum chloride method. Findings – According to the results, the July harvest had the highest content of TP and TF, followed by May and October. Temperature and soaking time play a role in the proportion of released phenols and flavonoids (p < 0.05), whereas the content in continuous infusion is higher than infusion (without boiling) .TP and TF in infusion increase until 20 min, while concentration is convergent in continuous infusion after10 minutes, where no significant difference is seen. In the flowering stage, TP is close in comparison with the vegetative stage. Originality/value – Harvest time plays a role in the content, so it is best to prepare infusion from lemon verbena before the flowering period, when people drink it, as the results show. According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work that studied the variation in phenol and flavonoid content during different stages of growth with soaking time in drenched lemon verbena leaves.

Study of the Effect of the Drying Method on Essential Oil from Cultivated Lippia citriodora

The cultivated plant of Citriodora comes from family of Verbenaceae and genus of Lippia. Two samples of the leaf of this plant were gathered from the green house of the University of Sistan and Baluchestan. Its essential oil was extracted using hydro distillation method by means of Clevenger apparatus and then analyzed by GC-MS technique. The first sample with 90 % moisture of the essential oil was extracted by an outcome of 0.26 % (w/w). After analyzing, 57components that constituting 99.23 % of the whole essential oil (dry sample) were recognized. The components having the highest percent are as follow: E-citral (23.03 %), Z-citral (19.30 %), l-limonene (6.40 %). The second sample with moisture of 93 % essential oil was extracted with an outcome of 0.45 % ( w/w). 54 components that contain 90.75 % of the whole essential oil were recognized. The components, having the highest percentage are as follow: E-citral (16.63 %), Z-citral (14.66 %), l-limonene (5.76 %). Comparison of analyzing two essential oil samples revealed that the oxygenated terpeniod a decrease in wet sample and the percentage of total terpeniod in dry sample more than wet sample. In fact the present study considered the effect of the drying method on essential oil content and chemical composition.

Allelopathic Effects of Medicinal Plants of Lemon Balm, Lemon Verbena and Bitter Apple on Seed Germination and Early Seedling Growth Characteristics of Wild Mustard Weed

Allelopathy refers to the chemical inhibition or stimulation of one species by another which could influence on the growth or germination of other plant and used in control of weed in agricultural practices. In this sense in order to study the possibly allelopathic effects of lemon balm, bitter apple and lemon verbena medicinal plants on control of wild mustard weed, a laboratory experiment was arranged based on Completely Randomized Design (CRD) in three replications at laboratory of Mehrgan institute during 2014. In this study, effects of different aqueous extracts and essential oils of mentioned medicinal plants compared with control treatments. Evaluated values were germination rate, germination percentage, radicle length, shoot length, fresh and dry weight of radicle and shoot. Results showed that essential oil of Lemon verbena at 600 mg/L concentration had more meaningful effect on germination percentage and germination rate of wild mustard. Our results also indicated that aqueous extract of these plants had stimulating effect on weed seed development, while some essential oils treatments had an inhibitory effect on this weed seeds development.

First Report of Lemon Verbena Leaf Spot Caused by Ulocladium chartarum in Iran

First Report of Lemon Verbena Leaf Spot Caused by <i>Ulocladium chartarum</i> in Iran

Fusarium Solani causing lemon verbena root rot in Iran

Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) is a medicinal plant whose use and growing surface is increasing in Iran (Malekirad et al., 2011). Leaf chlorosis and necrosis associated with root rot symptoms were observed in the course of surveys in lemon verbena farms of Kerman province (southeast Iran) in November 2012. More than 45% of 140 randomly examined plants were symptomatic. Infected root tissues were surface-sterilized, cultured onto PDA and incubated at 25°C for a week. Cream-colored colonies developed, with thin-walled, hyaline, ovoid, 1-2 celled microconidia (7.1-15.6×2.1-4.7 μm). Macroconidia (30-62×4.1-5.8 μm) were 3-5 septate, thick walled, hyaline and slightly curved. Chlamydospores were rounded, thick-walled, single, double or several in chains. Based on the morphological features, the iso- lated fungi were identified as Fusarium solani (Leslie and Summerell, 2006). Pathogenicity of the isolates was confirmed by inoculation of healthy roots. Amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of a representative isolate using the universal pri- mers ITS1F and ITS4 resulted in a 531 bp product (GenBank accession No. KM229706) which showed 99% similarity with comparable F. solani sequences and clustered with other F. solani isolates in phylogenetic analysis. A preliminary report on the isolation and morpho- logical identification of F. solani from lemon verbena in Fars province (south of Iran) was previously published (Bagheri et al., 2014). This study confirms the presence and pathogenic- ity of F. solani in a wider range in lemon verbena farms in southern Iran and to our knowledge is the first molecularly-supported report of this fungal pathogen on lemon verbena in the world.

1H NMR based metabolic profiling of eleven Algerian aromatic plants and evaluation of their antioxidant and cytotoxic properties

Eleven Algerian medicinal and aromatic plants (Aloysia triphylla, Apium graveolens, Coriandrum sativum, Laurus nobilis, Lavandula officinalis, Marrubium vulgare, Mentha spicata, Inula viscosa, Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis, and Thymus vulgaris) were selected and their hydroalcoholic extracts were screened for their antiradical and antioxidant properties in cell-free systems. In order to identify the main metabolites constituting the extracts, 1H NMR-based metabolic profiling was applied. Data obtained emphasized the antiradical properties of T. vulgaris, M. spicata and L. nobilis extracts (RACI 1.37, 0.97 and 0.93, respectively), whereas parsley was the less active as antioxidant (RACI −1.26). When the cytotoxic effects of low and antioxidant doses of each extract were evaluated towards SK-N-BE(2)C neuronal and HepG2 hepatic cell lines, it was observed that all the extracts weakly affected the metabolic redox activity of the tested cell lines. Overall, data strongly plead in favor of the use of these plants as potential food additives in replacement of synthetic compounds.

The effects of aqueous extracts of Lippia citriodora, Trachyspermum copticum, Dracocepalum polychaetum on repair of ethanol induced gastric ulcer in rats

To evaluate the effects of Lippia citriodora, Trachyspermum copticum, and Dracocepalum polychaetum on healing of gastric ulcer induced by ethanol, 25 male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups (five rats in each group). After 24-h starvation, all animals received oral ethanol (1 mL/200 g body weight). Three groups received 2 mL (100 mg/kg/day) of L. citriodora (LC group), D. polychaetum (DP group), and T. copticum (TC group) aqueous extracts; one group (RA) received ranitidine (200 mg/kg/day); and one group (control) received 2 mL distilled water saline by gastric gavage for four consecutive days. On the fourth day, macroscopic evaluation of gastric mucosa revealed significantly higher healing rate in DP and TC groups than in control group (p = 0.048 and p = 0.044, respectively). The ulcer severity in LC and TC groups was also significantly less than in control group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.005, respectively). The lower gastric ulcer score in DP group in comparison with control group was also marginally significant (p = 0.08). Histopathologic evaluation showed sloughing of gastric mucosa and various sizes of erosions and ulcers besides hyperemia, hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in control group. The highest curative effect was observed in TC group, in which the gastric mucosa obtained almost normal thickness and there were only a few superficial erosions. In LC and DP groups, hyperemia and hemorrhage decreased markedly and only a few gastric ulcers were present in some rats. Administration of ranitidine reduced the gastric damages compared to the control group; however, less effectiveness was evident in comparison with the plant extract treated groups. The aqueous extracts of L. citriodora, D. polychaetum, and T. copticum showed healing activity, and their administration as herbal tea can be recommended as an easy and available method for treatment of gastric ulcers.

Influence of different drying methods on drying period, essential oil content and composition of Lippia citriodora Kunth

The influence of four drying methods (shade drying, freeze drying, oven drying and vacuum drying at 40, 50 and 60°C) on the essential oil content and composition of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora Kunth.) was evaluated. The essential oil content and composition of dried samples were determined by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger apparatus and gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) respectively. Results showed the highest and lowest drying times belonged to shade drying (53h) and vacuum drying at 60°C (3h) respectively. Glandular trichomes were vulnerable to oven whereas vacuum drying and freeze drying preserved them. The maximum essential oil content (1.0ml/100g D.M.) obtained from vacuum-dried (60°C) and oven-dried (40°C) samples. Freeze drying preserved the highest amount of oxygenated monoterpenes, especially citral (64.7%) but the highest amounts of limonene and 1,8-cineole (8.2 and 7.2% respectively) were determined in vacuum-dried (60°C) leaves. Apart from the standard oven drying at 40°C, vacuum drying at 60°C can be considered as an alternative approach to dry lemon verbena in a significantly shorter drying time.

The Influence of Aroma Compounds on Senzorial Traits of Wines From the Apold Depression

AbstractThe present study aims at investigating aroma compounds in three wine varietals (Pinot gris, Traminer roz, Riesling) from Apold, the county of Sibiu, production of 2014, and their importance in realizing the sensorial profile of wines. Thus, it is ascertained that Traminer roz contains the highest amount of esters - 583.846 mg/L, a value that leads to the sensorial identification of floral and fruity notes. Higher alcohols determined through chromatography imprint specific traits to Pinot gris wines: bittersweet, floral notes validated through the determined amount (479.449 mg/L). Another wine trait is the concentration of higher fatty acids which reach an amount of 252.667 mg/L in Riesling wines, conferring distinctive floral notes. The concentration of aldehydes reaches 38 mg/L in Pinot gris wine, 32.996 mg/L in Traminer roz wine; these balanced, low values do not have a negative influence on sensorial traits of these wines. Terpenes compounds are represented by nerol and α-terpineol, whose values confer rose, lemon verbena and fruity notes, especially in the case of Traminer roz.

Gastroprotective effect of aqueous extracts of Lippia citriodora, ajowan (Trachyspermum copticum), and Dracocepalum polychaetum on induced gastric ulcer in rats

In the present study, the gastroprotective effects of Lippia citriodora, Trachyspermum copticum, and Dracocepalum polychaetum on gastric ulcer induced by ethanol were investigated. Twenty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups (five rats in each group). Three groups received 100 mg/kg/day (2 ml) of L. citriodora (LC group), D. polychaetum (DP group), and T. copticum (TC group) aqueous extracts, one group (RA) received ranitidine (200 mg/kg/day), and one group (control) received 2 ml distilled water saline by gastric gavage for four consecutive days. On the 4th day, 1 h after gavage and after 24-h starvation, all animals received oral ethanol (1 ml/200 g body weight). One hour after ethanol administration, macroscopic evaluation of gastric mucosa revealed less gastric ulcer severity in LC, DP, and TC groups than in the control group (p = 0.032, p = 0.008, and p = 0.016, respectively), and the ulcer severity in LC group was also significantly less than in RA group (p = 0.05). Histopathologic evaluation showed sharp and well-defined gastric ulcers in control group, which reached to the submucosal layers in some cases. The stomachs in ranitidine group revealed moderate mucosal damages in comparison to the control group. The gastric mucosa revealed different degrees of erosions and ulceration in plant extract-treated groups, and degeneration and necrosis were observed only in the superficial layers of the epithelium in most cases. LC group had the lowest gastric damages in comparison with other treated groups. Aqueous extracts of L. citriodora, D. polychaetum, and T. copticum have gastroprotective effect and may reduce the occurrence and the severity of gastric ulcers in people at risk of gastric ulcers.

Essential oil ofAloysia triphyllaas feed additive promotes growth of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

This study examined the growth, gut morphology and occurrence of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) fed diets supplemented with essential oil (EO) extracted from Aloysia triphylla (0 – control, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mL EO per kg of diet) for 60 days. The group fed 2.0 mL EO per kg of diet showed better results after 60 days in growth, body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses in the intestine demonstrated that height of folds was significantly higher in the control group and 0.25 mL EO compared to those fed 0.5 mL EO per kg of diet. There was a significant increase in the number of folds in fish fed 1.0 and 2.0 mL EO per kg of diet compared to control group. The enterocyte height was significantly lower in those fed 1.0 mL of EO group compared with 0.25 mL of EO per kg of diet. The number of cells that reacted to cholecystokinin and neuropeptide Y did not differ between groups. The addition of 2.0 mL EO per kg of diet increases silver catfish growth, and consequently, its use is recommended as a feed additive.

Pharmacological and neuroprotective profile of an essential oil derived from leaves of Aloysia citrodora Palau.

The Jordanian 'Melissa', (Aloysia citrodora) has been poorly studied both pharmacologically and in the clinic. Essential oils (EO) derived from leaves of A. citrodora were obtained by hydrodistillation, analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and were investigated for a range of neurobiological and pharmacological properties, as a basis for potential future use in drug discovery. A selection of central nervous system (CNS) receptor-binding profiles was carried out. Antioxidant activity and ferrous iron-chelating assays were adopted, and the neuroprotective properties of A. citrodora EO assessed using hydrogen peroxide-induced and β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity with the CAD (Cath.-a-differentiated) neuroblastoma cell line. The major chemical components detected in the A. citrodora EOs, derived from dried and fresh leaves, included limonene, geranial, neral, 1, 8-cineole, curcumene, spathulenol and caryophyllene oxide, respectively. A. citrodora leaf EO inhibited [(3) H] nicotine binding to well washed rat forebrain membranes, and increased iron-chelation in vitro. A. citrodora EO displays effective antioxidant, radical-scavenging activities and significant protective properties vs both hydrogen peroxide- and β-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. A. citrodora EO displays a range of pharmacological properties worthy of further investigation to isolate the compounds responsible for the observed neuroactivities, to further analyse their mode of action and determine their clinical potential in neurodegenerative diseases.

Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) polyphenols alleviate obesity-related disturbances in hypertrophic adipocytes through AMPK-dependent mechanisms

BackgroundThere is growing evidence that natural products, mostly plant-derived polyphenols, are important in the relationship between nutrients and health in humans. PurposeWe aimed to investigate if verbascoside (VB) and other lemon verbena polyphenols could ameliorate obesity-induced metabolic disturbances, as well as their putative mechanism. Study designWe used an insulin-resistant hypertrophic 3T3-L1-adipocyte model to test the effects of VB or lemon verbena extract on triglyceride accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress and a murine model of diet-induced obesity to assess the in vivo metabolic response. ResultsPolyphenols decreased triglyceride accumulation, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and restored mitochondrial membrane potential in adipocytes. The underlying mechanisms seemed to occur via ROS-mediated downregulation of nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor (NF-κB) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ)-dependent transcriptional upregulation of adiponectin. We also observed a potent activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the mRNA expression upregulation of PPAR-α and the mRNA expression downregulation of fatty acid synthase. Experiments in mice suggested a significant improvement in fat metabolism. ConclusionDecreased lipogenesis, enhanced fatty acid oxidation and the activation of the energy sensor AMPK, probably through activating transcriptional factors, are involved in the observed beneficial effects. VB effects were less potent than those observed with the extract, so a potential synergistic, multi-targeted action is proposed. The polypharmacological effects of plant-derived polyphenols from lemon verbena may have the potential for clinical applications in obesity.

Comparative morphological and anatomical characteristics of the species known as lemongrass (limonotu): Melissa officinalis L., Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. and Aloysia citriodora Palau.

Abstract: Aloysia citriodora (Verbenaceae), Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) and Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae) leaves have a gentle lemon-scented essential oil, contains citral or citronellal and are called the Lemongrass in Turkey. This similarity causes the use of plants for the same purposes despite the presence of different families and different morphological and anatomical structure. Instead of Melissa officinalis, which grows naturally in our country, Aloysia citriodora samples are sold in bazaars and herbal markets. Leaves of all species are used and sold. In this study morphological and anatomical features of leaves of Aloysia citriodora, Melissa officinalis and Cymbopogon citratus are investigated to identification of powder and big parts in herbal tea. Key words: Melissa, Cymbopogon, Aloysia, Lemongrass, Morphology, Anatomy.

Record of Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willing and Phenacoccus madeirensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on new host ornamental plants in Greece

Summary Two invasive mealybug species, Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink and Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), have been recorded on new species of ornamental plants in diff erent regions of Greece. Phenacoccus peruvianus was recorded in Athens on Cestrum nocturnum L. (Solanaceae) in September 2013. Phenacoccus madeirensis was found in Kalamata (Peloponnese) on Aloysia citriodora Palau (Verbenaceae) in May 2014 and on Osteospermum jucundum (Phillips) (Asteraceae) in July 2014. This is the first record of O. jucundum as host plant of P. madeirensis

Assessment of aqueous extract of Lemon verbena on anxiety-like behavior in rats

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effects of the aqueous extract of Lemon verbena on rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, aqueous extract of Lemon verbena leaves was prepared, and then male Wistar rats (200-230 g) were divided randomly into six experimental groups. Each group received a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of saline, aqueous extract of Lemon verbena (10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg)or diazepam, respectively. The level of anxiety was asserted by an elevated plus maze (EPM) 20 min after treatment. Statistical Analysis Used: Results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). The differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference in the number of entrances into the open arms, spent time in the open arms and number of total entrances into the open and closed arms of the EPM between control, diazepam and extract-receiving groups (10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg) and control. The numbers of entrances into the open arms, spent time in the open arms in extract receiving groups were significantly less than control group. Conclusion: These results indicated that acute administration of aqueous extract of Lemon verbena (≥10 mg/kg) increased anxiety-like behavior in rats in the EPM.

Neuropharmacological evaluation of selected Jordanian traditional herbal medicines

Numerous medicinal plants have been described in traditional medicine for treatment of dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, some of these plants were evaluated in three different types of pharmacological bioassays related to AD pathology to explore the possible mechanisms underpinning their traditional use. Six selected plants were extracted with ethanol and screened in vitro for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and cycloxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme inhibitory activities; in addition, a range of anti-oxidant activities were evaluated. Of the tested plant extracts, Aloysia citrodora and Peganum harmala root and seeds showed inhibitory effect on AChE (IC50 68, 100 and 93 μg/ml,) respectively).. Moreover, A. citrodora appeared to interact reversibly with the enzyme, while P. harmala appeared to show irreversible inhibition. Asphodelus microcarpus, Inula viscosa and A. citrodora displayed COX-1 enzyme inhibitory activity (IC50 34.9, 3.4 and 3.2 μg/ml respectively). DPPH radical scavenging activity was demonstrated by all tested plants. Two extracts in particular (Arbutus andrachne and A. microcarpus) exhibited potent nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity (IC50 4.5 and 5.0 ug/ml respectively). Four extracts A. citriodora, P. harmala (Root) and (seed) and A. microcarpus exhibited strong metal chelating ability (IC50 4.5, 6.2, 6.5 and 6.7 μg/ml,) respectively). The modest reversible interaction of A. citrodora with AChE, COX-1inhibitory and antioxidant activity, and strong metal chelating ability make this plant a promising candidate for future development in the treatment of AD, either as a whole extract or as individual bioactive constituents. A. andrachne and A. microcarpus extracts should be further evaluated since they exhibited promising NO scavenging activities. Key words: Anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, metal chelating ability, Jordanian medicinal plants, Alzheimer’s disease.

Effect of Lemon Verbena on Memory of Male Rats

Results: Analysis of data showed that in comparison to controls, treatment with the aqueous extract of lemon verbena (≥ 100 mg/kg) had decreased the step-through latency (STL) (P < 0.001). Moreover, treatment of the rats with the extract doses of ≥ 500 mg/kg had increased the total time spent in the dark compartment (TDC) in comparison to controls (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These results indicated that aqueous extract of lemon verbena (≥ 100 mg/kg) has undesirable effects on memory; however, understanding the underling mechanisms needs further investigation.

Anatomía de hoja y tallo de Verbenaceae medicinales empleadas en México

Actualmente Aloysia triphylla , Lantana camara , Lippia dulcis , Verbena bipinnati?da , V. carolina y V. litoralis , se encuentran en lista de espera para su inclusión en la Farmacopea Herbolaria de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Con la finalidad de contribuir a dicha incorporación y a su identificación, en el presente estudio se compararon caracteres morfo-anatómicos de la hoja, tallo y ramas, de estas seis especies de Verbenaceae empleadas en la medicina tradicional mexicana. Se reconocen dos tipos de tricomas simples y nueve glandulares capitados, estos varían en el número y tamaño de células del pedúnculo y número de células de la cabeza. Caracteres anatómicos foliares distinguen notablemente a A. triphylla de las demás especies. La forma de la hoja, la combinación de tipos de tricomas glandulares y las características anatómicas de la vena media y el pecíolo son las de mayor valor diagnóstico.

Effects of dietary supplementation with lemon verbena extracts on serum inflammatory markers of multiple sclerosis patients.

Inflammation is one of the main contributory factors to the etiopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Dietary interventions with Lipia citriadora (lemon verbena) extracts have been proved to be effective in the prevention of inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of lemon verbena supplementation in pro- and anti- inflammatory serum biomarkers of patients with different clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis. The effect of lemon verbena supplementation (10% w/w verbascoside) was evaluated in a randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled study with 30 participants classified in relapsing-remitting (n=10), primary progressive (n=5) and secondary progressive (n=15) MS presentations. Serum cytokine and C reactive protein levels were assessed in intervention and control groups for each MS clinical subtype after 28 days of dietary supplementation. Serum levels of C reactive protein and 8 cytokines/ inflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-23, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-4 and IL-10) markers were studied. Secondary progressive MS- supplemented patients showed C reactive protein concentrations significantly lower compared to the placebo group (p.