Lemon Verbena Extract Research Articles

Preparation of Aloysia citriodora (Lemon verbena) extract loaded lipid-nano capsules for topical antibacterial treatment

Nanocapsules have become a promising drug delivery approach for fighting bacterial infections. Extract from Aloysia citriodora (Lemon verbena), known for its biological activities and culinary applications, was investigated as a potential source for topical antibacterial treatment. The aim was to prepare and optimize lipid nanocapsules loaded with Aloysia citriodora extract, using both water and ethanol as solvents. The production, optimization, and characterization of these nanocapsules were conducted employing a Box-Behnken design to examine the impact of various factors on the polydispersity index, particle size, and entrapment efficiency. Assessments were made on solubility, stability, pH, and homogeneity, along with evaluations of in-vitro drug release, dermatokinetic properties, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial effects. The physical stability and quality of the nanocapsules were demonstrated with an average size of 104.6 nm and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.246. The encapsulation effectiveness was determined to be 87.08 %. In-vitro drug release studies revealed sustained release characteristics by the Korsmeyer Peppas model. Additionally, the formulation displayed significant antioxidant activity and promising antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Stability tests over ninety days showed that the formulation maintained structural integrity, consistent pH values and drug content, and good spreadability. The nanoformulation combined the benefits of Aloysia citriodora extract with the advantages of nanocapsule technology, offering a novel approach to addressing various pharmaceutical and antimicrobial challenges.

The inhibitive action of lemon verbena plant extract as an economical and eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in acidic solutions

The inhibitive effect of lemon verbena (lemon v.) extract as a green corrosion inhibitor (CI) for mild steel (st37) in 0.5 M H2SO4 and 1 M HCl media at room temperature is investigated by employing electrochemical current noise (ECN), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The achievements demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing the extract concentration up to 2000 ppm in 0.5 M H2SO4 and up to 2500 ppm in 1 M HCl solutions and decreases with an increase in temperature. The ECN results show when Lemon V. extract is included to both acidic media, the values of commotion charges (Q) diminished. The least value of the Q is 15 and 60 mCoul in H2SO4 and HCl media, respectively. The EIS measurements depicted that by addition of the inhibitors up to a certain concentration, the charge transfer resistance increases up to 186 Ω cm−2 in H2SO4 and 350 Ω cm−2 in HCl, besides the double layer capacitance (Cdl) decreases. Potentiodynamic polarization assessments indicated that Lemon V. acts as mixed type inhibitor. Certain thermodynamic parameters were determined based on the temperature impact on inhibition and corrosion processes. The extract adsorption on the surface of the alloy follow the Langmuir adsorption pattern. A mixed mode of adsorption was observed, wherein the extract in H2SO4 and HCl predominantly underwent chemisorption. Thermodynamic parameters indicated spontaneous adsorption and exothermic process with increasing entropy in H2SO4 and decreasing entropy in HCl. SEM investigation also validated the adsorption performance of the inhibitor.

Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase onto Montmorillonite/Glucosamine-Chitosan Composite for Electrochemical Biosensing of Polyphenols.

Glucosamine-chitosan synthesized by the Maillard reaction was combined with montmorillonite to obtain a nanohybrid composite to immobilize horseradish peroxidase. The material combines the advantageous properties of clay with those of the chitosan derivative; has improved water solubility and reduced molecular weight and viscosity; involves an eco-friendly synthesis; and exhibits ion exchange capacity, good adhesiveness, and a large specific surface area for enzyme adsorption. The physicochemical characteristics of the composite were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine clay-polycation interactions. The electrochemical response of the different polyphenols to glassy carbon electrodes modified with the composite was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. The sensitivity and detection limit values obtained with the biosensor toward hydroquinone, chlorogenic acid, catechol, and resorcinol are (1.6 ± 0.2) × 102 µA mM-1 and (74 ± 8) nM; (1.2 ± 0.1) × 102 µA mM-1 and (26 ± 3) nM; (16 ± 2) µA mM-1 and (0.74 ± 0.09) μM; and (3.7± 0.3) µA mM-1 and (3.3 ± 0.2) μM, respectively. The biosensor was applied to quantify polyphenols in pennyroyal and lemon verbena extracts.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Ethanolic Extract of Lemon Verbena

Background and Objectives: Chemical preservatives are commonly used to prevent food from quick spoiling and oxidizing. Despite their effect in increasing shelf life of foods, these compounds can have side effects. Residues of chemical compounds in foods increase microbial resistance. This study aims to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora L.) ethanolic extract against some gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Methods: In this experimental study, The soaking method and ethanol solvent was used for extraction. Antioxidant activities of different concentrations of extract were assessed using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity test and compared with butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as a synthetic antioxidant. Antimicrobial effect of extract on Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium was determined by disk diffusion and well diffusion methods and measuring minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Experimental data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 20 using analysis of variance and the mean values were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test. Results: The amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the ethanolic extract of were 96.47±0.35 mg of gallic acid/g of extract and 31.07±0.42 mg of quercetin/g of extract, respectively. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration of lemon verbena extract was 11.79±0.76 μg/mL, while it was 10.16±0.29 μg/mL for BHA. In both disk diffusion and well diffusion methods, with the increase of the concentration of extract, the inhibition zone diameter increased. The ethanolic extract of lemon verbena at the concentration of 12.5 mg/mL had no inhibitory effect on gram-negative bacteria growth. In both methods, the extract had the greatest effect on S. aureus. The MIC of ethanolic extract ranged from 8 to 128 mg/mL, depending on the type of bacteria (gram-positive or gram-negative). Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of lemon verbena has higher antimicrobial effects on gram-positive bacteria. Therefore, it can be used in food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural antimicrobial agent. Considering the increasing resistance of bacteria to chemical antibiotics, more studies on lemon verbena and its antibacterial compounds are needed for treating infections.

Gut microbiome-modulating properties of a polyphenol-enriched dietary supplement comprised of hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts. Monitoring of phenolic metabolites

• Metabolaid® is a dietary supplement comprising hibiscus and lemon verbena extracts. • Metabolaid®, in a dose-dependent manner, modulated the gut bacteriome. • Phenolic compounds in Metabolaid® were rapidly metabolized by the gut microbiota. • Metabolaid® promoted increases in SCFAs production, particularly butyric acid. This paper investigates the impact of a polyphenol-enriched supplement comprised of hibiscus ( Hibiscus sabdariffa ) and lemon verbena ( Lippia Citriodora ) (brand name Metabolaid®) on gut microbiota composition and functionality, by performing fermentations with human faecal microbiota under gut-simulated conditions. Results indicated that Metabolaid®, in a dose-dependent manner, modulated the gut bacteriome to higher relative abundances of some major genera (>3% of relative abundance) such as Bifidobacterium , Blautia and Faecalibacterium and of other minor genera such as Prevotella and Akkermansia . Metabolaid® also promoted increases in short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, particularly butyric acid. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the compounds present in the Metabolaid® supplement (anthocyanins, verbascoside and hibiscus acid) were rapidly metabolized by the gut microbiota. Overall, these results reveal a certain level of gut microbiota-modulating properties of Metabolaid® that could be implicated, at least partially, in the mechanisms behind the potential beneficial effects of this supplement in obesity.

Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract.

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.

Effect of sodium alginate-based edible coating containing lemon verbena (Lippia citrodora) extract on the shelf-life of minced meat in refrigerated condition

Effect of sodium alginate-based edible coating containing lemon verbena (Lippia citrodora) extract on the shelf-life of minced meat in refrigerated condition

The effects of lemon verbena extract and hydrolyzed collagen supplementation, either alone or in combination, on subjects with mild arthritis of the knee joints

Background Extracts of lemon verbena have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties and may represent a safe nutritional alternative to improve joint health and mobility in subjects with osteoarthritis. Previous research has shown that the administration of 10 grams of collagen hydrolysate per day for at least 3 months has a beneficial impact on pain symptoms and joint function. This study examined the impact of administering low-dose hydrolyzed collagen (HC), standardized lemon verbena extract (LV), and a combination of both ingredients (LV+HC) on joint health in individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized human study in volunteers with mild arthritis of the knee joints was performed. Subjects either received 5 g of HC (Fortigel, Gelita AG, Eberbach, Germany, n = 20), 1 g of LV (Lemon verbena extract, standardized to 10% anoxymins, n = 18), 1 g of LV plus 5 g of HC (LV+HC, n = 20) or placebo (PLA, 5 g microcrystalline cellulose, n = 17) for a period of six month. Treatment effects on perceived pain and functionality were evaluated at weeks 0 (pre-test), 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 (post-test) using the Lequesne index, in addition to a weekly assessment by the WOMAC Index. Results The Lequesne score-difference index showed faster significant improvements (p<0.05) in the LV and LV+HC groups (week 6) in comparison to HC (week 9) and PLA (week 18) and higher individual responder rates (defined as score difference ≥3.5 compared to baseline), reaching 70% at the end of study for the LV+HC group, compared to 38% for LV and 64% for HC. The LV+HC group showed greater improvements in mobility and knee-function in comparison to the individual ingredients (LV+HC 37%, LV 26%, HC 28%). The faster onset of beneficial effects in the LV+HC group was confirmed by the WOMAC index. Conclusion: Supplementation of HC, LV or a combination of LV and HC can significantly improve parameters of pain and functionality in subjects with mild arthritis of knee joint. Combining HC with an anti-inflammatory ingredient might increase the responder rate and decrease the time needed for the onset of the beneficial effects.

Effect of the extract of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and immune-related genes in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Herbal extracts are illustrated as functional substances for sustainable aquaculture. The study evaluated the effects of lemon verbena (LV) extracts (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) on the performances of the Siberian sturgeon. Fish fed the test diets for eight weeks, then the growth performance and health condition were tested. The results showed enhanced gain weight and specific growth rate in 5, 10, and 20 g/kg groups (P < 0.05) while feed conversion ratio and blood triglycerides were reduced in 10 and 20 mg/kg groups (P < 0.05). Further, fish fed LV at 10 and 20 mg/kg showed improved amylase activity and WBCs (P < 0.05). The counts of red blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total serum protein, ACH50, total immunoglobulins (Ig), lysozyme (LZM), and respiratory burst activities were increased in fish fed LV at 20 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The skin mucus total protein, total Ig, and LZM were increased in fish fed 20 mg LV/kg (P < 0.05). The relative expression of IL-8, lysozyme, IL-1β, and TNF-α were upregulated in fish fed LV at 20 mg LV/kg diet. The challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila showed enhanced resistance of Siberian sturgeon by including LV extract. These results revealed that the use of LV extract could improve growth performance and increase the immune response of Siberian sturgeon in the challenge with A. hydrophila.

Dietary effect of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) extract on growth performance, some haematological, biochemical, and non-specific immunity and stocking density challenge of rainbow trout juveniles (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

ABSTRACT An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) extract on growth performance, some haematological, biochemical, and non-specific immunity parameters as well as stocking density challenge of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). After adaptation, the fish, with an average weight of 25.52 ± 1.31 g, were fed four different dietary lemon verbena inclusion levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 7 g/kg) for six weeks. In the next step, the number of fish in each tank tripled to expose the fish to density challenges for two weeks. There were differences in the final weight, (SGR), (FCR), (PER), and feed intake between the experimental and control groups (p < 0.05). The results showed that the cortisol content decreased (p < 0.05). The highest levels of FCR, feed intake, plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, (LDL), and (HDL) were observed in the control group. Furthermore, under high stocking density, treatments showed a significant decrease in glucose and cortisol (p < 0.05). A significant increase was also shown in (IgM), (RBA), and (SOD) in all treatments. Finally, using lemon verbena extract, up to 7 g/kg of food can be recommended for rainbow trout diets because it can improve growth performance and non-specific immunity parameters.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Supplementation with Planox® Lemon Verbena Extract in Improving Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Excessive exercise load can cause muscle soreness and fatigue, as well as inflammation and oxidative stress. Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla; Lippia citriodora) is often used as a spice in tea or beverages. Its leaves are rich in polyphenols, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. In the present study, we investigated whether supplementation with Planox® lemon verbena extract (LVE) could improve muscle damage and biochemical indicators after exhaustive exercise challenge. All subjects (30 males and 30 females) underwent a double-blind trial and were randomly divided into a placebo group (0 mg/human/day) and an LVE supplement group (400 mg/human/day), with gender-equal distribution. All subjects started supplementation 10 days before exhaustive exercise and continued it until all tests were completed. Before the intervention, after the exhaustive exercise, and on the following 3 days, the participants underwent 12-minute Cooper running/walking; blood collection; assessments of pain, muscle stiffness, maximum jump heights, and isometric maximum muscle strength. The results showed that supplementation with LVE effectively increased GPx and reduced CK, IL-6, 8-OHdG and muscle pain after the exhaustive exercise, but it had significant effect on strength recovery. In summary, LVE is a safe and edible natural plant extract that can reduce muscle damage and soreness after exercise. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04742244.

Gastroprotective effects of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lemon verbena leaves against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Objective(s):Regarding Lemon verbena gastroprotective effects, we investigated the protective effects of Lemon verbena extracts on reducing gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin.Materials and Methods:Rats received aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lemon verbena (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), zileuton (100 mg/kg), montelukast (10 mg/kg), or 1% Tween 80 in presence or absence of indomethacin (100 mg/kg).Results:Indomethacin produced stomach ulcer and increased neutrophils percentage and MDA level compared with the control group (P<0.001). Co-administration of indomethacin and zileuton, montelukast and ethanolic (200 mg/kg) (P<0.001), aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) (P<0.05) reduced ulcer compared with the indomethacin group (P<0.001). Ethanolic extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (200 mg/kg) reduced the MDA level (P<0.001). Ethanolic (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and aqueous extracts (200 mg/kg) significantly decreased neutrophils percentage compared with the indomethacin group (P<0.001).Conclusion:Aqueous and particularly ethanolic extracts of Lemon verbena have protective effects on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers.

Effect of lemon verbena bio-extract on phytochemical and antioxidant capacity of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch. cv. Sabrina) fruit during cold storage

Due to post-harvest damages such as biochemical loss, fungal pathogens, and softening, which reduces the shelf-life of strawberry fruit. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to apply a non-chemical postharvest treatment for extending its shelf-life. The effect of lemon verbena bio-extract (control, 200, 400, and 600 mg L -1 ) on phytochemical responses and antioxidant capacity of strawberry fruit was studied during storage at 4 °C for 12 days. Strawberry fruits treated with different concentrations of lemon verbena extract significantly reduced titratable acidity (TA), decay rate, and preserved and improved pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenol (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), ascorbic acid content, antioxidant capacity, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and guaiacol-peroxidase (GPX) enzymes activity compared to the untreated fruits. The highest pH value (4.13 at day 4), TSS (5.00 at day 12), TPC (423.8 mg GAE 100 g -1 FW at day 12), TFC (254.3 mg Que 100 g -1 FW at day 12), ascorbic acid (134.2 mg 100 g -1 FW at day 8), antioxidant capacity (32.82 mg AAE g -1 FW at day 12), PAL (0.614 U/mL at day 4) and GPX (0.032 μmol/min/g FW at day 4) enzymes activity were obtained in E600 mg L -1 . The highest amount of TA and most desirable results for decay rate were observed in control and E600 mg L -1 (at day 4), respectively. Therefore, findings of the current study suggested that lemon verbena bio-extract as a non-chemical treatment has efficient effects on prolonging the shelf-life and quality improvement of strawberry fruit during storage. • The effect of lemon verbena bio-extract on phytochemical and antioxidant activity of strawberry fruits was studied. • Decay rate in strawberry fruits during storage was significantly reduced by lemon verbena extract. • The treated fruits with different concentrations of lemon verbena extract kept and improved phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity during storage. • PAL and GPX enzymes activity in strawberry fruits were increased by post-harvest with lemon verbena extract.

Effect of chitosan edible coating enriched with lemon verbena extract and essential oil on the shelf life of vacuum rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

AbstractIn this research, the antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics of the chitosan (CH) coating incorporated with lemon verbena essential oil (LVEO) and extract (LVE) on the quality of the rainbow trout packed by vacuum packaging at 4°C were investigated. Samples evaluated include the following: Control, VP, CH, CH‐LVE 2%, CH‐LVEO 1%, and CH‐LVE 1%‐LVEO 0.5% for 16 days at 3 days intervals. All of the samples significantly reduced Psychrotrophic bacteria, total viable counts, Enterobacteriaceae, and H2S producing bacteria as compared with control during keeping time. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, peroxide value, total volatile basic nitrogen, and pH value were detected lower in all of the samples than control. CH incorporated with LVE and LVEO gave an agreeable effect on sensory characteristics. Samples containing CH‐LVE 1%‐LVEO 0.5% was often in priority by sensory assessors. Generally, LV can be applied as a substitution for chemical preservatives in fish meat.

Relationships Between Chemical Structure and Antioxidant Activity of Isolated Phytocompounds from Lemon Verbena.

Over the last few years, people have been concerned about the narrow relationship between nutrition and health leading to an increasing demand of nutraceutical products and functional food. Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora Kunth) has been traditionally used for respiratory, digestive, and muscular diseases, showing effects that are promoted by the antioxidant activity of its phytoconstituents. The antioxidant power of several lemon verbena extracts has been tested but its isolated compounds activity has not been described. The aim of the present work was to isolate phytochemicals from a commercial lemon verbena extract through a semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography approach for further evaluation of its individual antioxidant activity using three different methods. The structure-antioxidant activity relationships revealed the influence of substitutions in the strong antioxidant power exerted by glycosylated phenylpropanoids, in contrast to the low antioxidant capacity showed by iridoids. Development of enriched extracts in these compounds could lead to greater antioxidant effects and improved functional ingredients to prevent chronic diseases.

Dietary effect of lemon verbena extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative profile in Avelignese horses.

The effect of Lippia citriodora extract on selected blood parameters and on plasma oxidative markers in Avelignese horses was evaluated. Twenty-four horses were divided into three groups, consisting of eight animals each. Results of two experimental groups, 0.5mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw0.75 ) in the low-dose group (LVB) and 1.0mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw0.75 ) in the high-dose group (HVB), were compared to the control group (CON). Groups fed L.citriodora extract (HVB and LVB) showed a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p<.01), bilirubin, and transaminases (p<.05), and an increase in HDL cholesterol (p<.01) compared to the CON group. Oxidative status was improved due to significant decrease in plasma concentration of ROMs and TBARS (p<.01) and increase in levels of vitamin A and vitamin E (p<.01). Based on obtained results, it is assumed that dietary supplementation with L.citriodora extract might find a useful application in horse feeding, with positive impact observed in blood parameters and plasma oxidative markers, with beneficial effects on the physiological welfare of livestock animals.

Metabolaid® Combination of Lemon Verbena and Hibiscus Flower Extract Prevents High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity through AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Activation.

Lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) has been used as a food spice, cosmetic, and in traditional medicine formulations to treat asthma and diabetes in South America and Southern Europe. Hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) is used in traditional Chinese medicine in the form of a tea to treat hypertension and inflammation. In the present study, we examined the synergistic effects of a formula of Metabolaid® (MetA), a combination of lemon verbena and hibiscus-flower extracts, on obesity and its complications in high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. The results showed that MetA decreased body weight, white adipose tissue (WAT), and liver weight. Additionally, serum and hepatic lipid profiles, glucose levels, glucose tolerance, and cold-induced thermogenesis were significantly improved. Appetite-regulating hormones adiponectin and leptin were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, while the inflammatory-related factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 were downregulated by MetA. Adipogenesis-activating gene expression was decreased, while increased thermogenesis-inducing genes were upregulated in the WAT, correlating with increased phosphorylation of AMPK and fatty-acid oxidation in the liver. Taken together, these results suggest that MetA decreased obesity and its complications in HFD mice. Therefore, this formula may be a candidate for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its complications.

Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben\xae) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundExhaustive exercise causes muscle damage accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation leading to muscle fatigue and muscle soreness. Lemon verbena leaves, commonly used as tea and refreshing beverage, demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a proprietary lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise in comparison to a placebo product.MethodsThe study was performed as a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study with parallel design. Forty-four healthy males and females, which were 22–50 years old and active in sports, were randomized to 400 mg lemon verbena extract once daily or placebo. The 15 days intervention was divided into 10 days supplementation prior to the exhaustive exercise day (intensive jump-protocol), one day during the test and four days after. Muscle strength (MVC), muscle damage (CK), oxidative stress (GPx), inflammation (IL6) and volunteer-reported muscle soreness intensity were assessed pre and post exercise.ResultsParticipants in the lemon verbena group benefited from less muscle damage as well as faster and full recovery. Compared to placebo, lemon verbena extract receiving participants had significantly less exercise-related loss of muscle strength (p = 0.0311) over all timepoints, improved glutathione peroxidase activity by trend (p = 0.0681) and less movement induced pain (p = 0.0788) by trend. Creatine kinase and IL-6 didn’t show significant discrimmination between groups.ConclusionLemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated natural sports ingredient, by reducing muscle damage after exhaustive exercise.Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the clinical trials registry (clinical trial.gov NCT02923102). Registered 28 September 2016

Corrosion inhibition of SAE 1018 carbon steel in H2S and HCl solutions by lemon verbena leaves extract

Abstract H2S and HCl can be noted among the most important corrosive factors existing in different parts of the oil industry. This study was performed to investigate the corrosion taking place in those parts of oil industry which simultaneous presence of both HCl and H2S are considered. The corrosion inhibition behavior of lemon verbena leaves extract on carbon steel in H2S and HCl solutions was studied by means of methods such as, Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Tafel polarization plots showed that the lemon verbena extract acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. The adsorption mechanism was found physisorption. Δ G ads 0 and k ads were determined and discussed and Langmuir isotherm was selected as the best fitted adsorption isotherm. According to the obtained results, the maximum value of inhibition efficiency was obtained about 95.61% in the presence of 2.7 g/L, lemon verbena extract.

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.