The solenopsis mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is widely distributed globally and is a significant polyphagous pest affecting a variety of plants of agricultural, medicinal, and ornamental value, including certain weeds. In this study, we present, for the first time, the occurrence and damage caused by P. solenopsis on false lemon balm, Lippia alba (Mill.). N.E. Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson (Verbenaceae) in Brazil. Specimens of the solenopsis mealybug were collected and examined on L. alba in a residential area of Floriano city, Piauí state, Brazil, from July to November 2025. The damage caused by the mealybug primarily manifests on the branches of false lemon balm, resulting in yellowing and desiccation, with a comparatively lesser impact on the host’s leaves. Throughout our observations, the solenopsis mealybug population on the host declined by November 2025. This represents the first documented instance of P. solenopsis in Piauí, thereby increasing the total number of Brazilian states reporting occurrences of this pest to 11. Additionally, we noted the mutualistic relationship between P. solenopsis and Dorymyrmex sp. (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). This study also updates information regarding the distribution and host plants of P. solenopsis in Brazil.

Chemical composition and in vitro antifungal activity of essential oils from Lippia alba and Lippia turbinata

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been utilized in the Indian subcontinent to combat viral infections and insect vectors since prehistoric times. This study examines the application of Bangladeshi MAPs for the treatment of Zika virus (ZIKV). It also provides a comprehensive review of prevention and management strategies for diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. A total of sixty-two Bangladeshi MAPs, belonging to 59 genera and 36 families, exhibit potential antiviral properties against ZIKV. Among these, four species, viz., Erythroxylum sp., Chamaecrista sp., Scleromitrion diffusum, and Camellia sinensis, demonstrated activity against chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Additionally, four species, Allium sativum, Tridax procumbens, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Punica granatum, showed effectiveness against dengue virus (DENV). Nine other species, including Andrographis paniculata, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Psidium guajava, Tinospora cordifolia, Vitex negundo, and Zingiber officinale, were found to reduce viral loads of all three viruses, DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Furthermore, at least sixteen species, including Andrographis paniculata, Azadirachta indica, Bixa orellana, Blumea balsamifera, Camellia sinensis, Cannabis sativa, Cinnamomum verum, Curcuma longa, Momordica charantia, Psidium guajava, Rauvolfia serpentina, Tecoma stans, Tridax procumbens, Piper nigrum, Vitex negundo, and Zanthoxylum nitidum, exhibited both antiviral and insecticidal properties against Aedes spp. Also, Allium sativum, Kaempferia galanga, Lippia alba, and Zingiber officinale were effective against both Aedes spp. and Culex quinquefasciatus. At the same time, Punica granatum showed efficacy against A. aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and C. quinquefasciatus. This study underscores the significance of integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific methods to develop innovative plant-based therapeutics and environmentally friendly insecticides. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 23(4): 508–515, 2025

Medicinal plants exhibit rich chemical diversity and therapeutic potential, accounting for their broad applications in traditional medicine and the growing number of studies documented in literature. Among the most used species, Lippia spp. are aromatic plants of notable therapeutic interest, with L. alba and L. origanoides predominantly found in the Cerrado and Caatinga regions of Brazil. Despite their traditional use, studies focusing on the hydroalcoholic fractions of these species remain limited yet are crucial for understanding their full phytochemical profiles. This work aims to present an integrative review of the phytochemistry of the leaves of L. alba and L. origanoides, along with a brief overview of their reported bioactivities. The databases used for the literature survey were ScienceDirect, PubMed, and SciELO. A total of 37 articles about the nonvolatile fraction and 65 about the volatile fraction were selected after screening. For L. alba, verbascoside is the primary marker described, whereas for L. origanoides, naringenin and eriodictyol are predominant. The presence of pinocembrin has also been reported in extracts of L. origanoides. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and cardiovascular-related activities have been documented in the literature for these species extracts and essential oils. Given the relative scarcity of studies on their hydroalcoholic profiles compared to volatile compounds, this review highlights the potential of Lippia spp. to contribute to scientific advancement and the development of new natural products.

Molecular characterization of the effects of essential oils on mRNA gene expression related to proinflammatory and antiviral pathways, virus load, and antibody production in chickens vaccinated against Newcastle disease virus, infectious bursal disease virus, and infectious bronchitis virus

Aspergillus flavus is most often associated with acute or chronic aflatoxicosis due to its ability to produce aflatoxin. These recent years, many studies have been conducted to identify biopesticides able to mitigate the aflatoxinogenic strains in soils and crops. Then, essential oils naturally contain various bioactive molecules whose antifungal properties offer promising prospects for mitigating the dangers posed by aflatoxins. This study aims to determine the chemical composition of Lippia alba essential oil and to assess its effectiveness on 2 strains of A. flavus isolated from peanut seeds in Senegal. Chemical analysis by GC-MS of the essential oil (EO) of Lippia alba revealed more oxygenated monoterpenes (84.3%) than hydrocarbons (8.4%) and oxygenated (2.4%) sesquiterpenes. Neral (34.6%) and geranial (46.6%) were also identified as major and distinctive biochemical components present in the essential oil extracted from Lippia alba plants in Senegal. Furthermore, the biological activity of this EO, at three different doses (100, 500, and 1000 ppm), was more effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the two isolates of Aspergillus flavus (TN and V), compared to Azoxystrobin (Positive control). The inhibition rates recorded with the highest dose (1000 ppm) reached 91.4% on the TN isolate (Peanut Basin isolate) and 84.6% on the V isolate (Casamance isolate). In contrast, after 11 days of incubation, Azoxystrobin at 1000 ppm produced 34.3% and 66.9% inhibition rates, respectively, on the TN and V isolates. Due to their chemical composition, essential oils are positioned as an alternative to synthetic pesticides and in the fight against crop pests and mycotoxins. However, for the practical use of this EO as a fungicide, future research would need to include searching for a suitable carrier appropriate inert material, allowing the development of a biopesticide formula directly applicable to peanut seeds without any negative impact on their physico-chemical, functional, and organoleptic properties.

This study examined the relationship between flavonoid content and the antiviral effects of plant extracts against the dengue virus (DENV). Fourteen extracts from medicinal plants cultivated in Colombia, which were prepared by ultrasonic-assisted solvent extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were included. UHPLC/ESI-Q-Orbitrap-MS analysis identified forty-six flavonoids. Antiviral effect on viral adsorption was evaluated using the DENV-CPE-based assay. UAE extracts of Scutellaria coccinea, Scutellaria incarnata, and Lippia alba contained higher amounts of flavonoid glycosides (from 97.0% to 87.9%) than aglycones, and showed antiviral effect (IC50: 3.0 to 65 µg/mL; SI: 0.4 to 71). In contrast, UAE and SFE extracts from Lippia origanoides had higher content of flavonoid aglycones (41.7% to 93.4%) than glycosides (0.0 to 58.3%) and showed no antiviral effect. Cluster and one-way ANOVA analyses revealed a positive correlation between increased levels of flavone glycosides in the extract and a strong antiviral effect. Docking analyses (AutoDock Vina) revealed that the flavonoid glycosides exhibited a higher binding affinity for the target proteins (E, Gas6-Axl, clathrin, and dynamin) than the aglycones did. This study establishes a scientific basis for using extracts rich in flavonoid glycosides, particularly flavones, as starting points for developing plant-based therapies to treat dengue.

Background and aims – Climate change is driving biodiversity loss globally, including species with medicinal and aromatic properties. In this study, we assessed the potential distributions of three plants, Lippia alba, L. turbinata, and Salimenaea integrifolia, widely consumed in South America. In this study, we aimed i) to predict their current geographic distribution through SDM, ii) to estimate the importance of abiotic factors in their distribution, iii) to evaluate the potential change in future distribution under different scenarios of climate change. Material and methods – Using MaxEnt, we modelled the current and future potential distributions of these three species under three Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs 2.6, 4.5, and 8.5) for the period 2070 (2061–2080). Key results – The distribution of L. alba is primarily influenced by precipitation seasonality and mean annual temperature, whereas L. turbinata and S. integrifolia are shaped by mean annual temperature and annual precipitation. The most favourable areas for L. alba are found in the Chacoan, Espinal, Pampean, Paranaense, Caatinga, Atlantic, and Amazonian biogeographic provinces (2,250,640 km2). Lippia turbinata thrives in the Chacoan, Espinal, Monte, Pampean, and Yungas provinces (671,851 km2), while S. integrifolia is best suited to the Monte, Chacoan, and Puna/Prepuna provinces (197,022 km2). Our results indicate heterogeneous responses to climate change in the future: L. turbinata and S. integrifolia may experience range expansion (15.12 to 19.86% and 1.48 to 3.46%, respectively), while L. alba is projected to face range contraction (-4.60 to -23.23%), particularly in the northern edge of its distribution. Conclusion – These findings emphasize the species-specific responses of medicinal and aromatic plants to climate change. Moreover, they highlight the need to develop tailored conservation strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations and preserve valuable medicinal resources.

The present study aims to document and assess the diverse flora found in and around the Bortir Beel wetland, situated in Barberia village, Amdanga block, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, India. The wetland supports a rich variety of aquatic plants, both submerged and floating, which in turn sustain a wide range of organisms, including numerous local and migratory bird species. This study documents the floristic diversity of the Bortir Beel wetland for the first time, recording a total of 134 species which includes 129 species of angiosperms and 5 species of pteridophytes. The 129 angiosperms are distributed under 106 genera and 50 families. Dicotyledons comprises of 89 species belonging to 73 genera and 39 families. Monocotyledons comprise of 40 species belonging to 33 genera under 11 families. Dicotyledons and Monocotyledons occupy 69% and 31% of the total angiospermic flora respectively. The total 5 species of Pteridophytes are distributed among 4 genera and 3 families. It is also noted that the highly invasive species like Mikania micrantha Kunth, Xanthium strumarium L., Lantana camara L., Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson, Pontederia crassipes Mart. and Pontederia hastata L. are found to be major threats to this wetland.

In vector control, plant extracts are increasingly provided numerous sources of phytochemicals utilized on mosquito control. Essential oils such as Lippia alba have shown their effectiveness against insects. Our present study aims to show the toxicity of L. alba essential oil on Anopheles gambiae larvae and to demonstrate the histological damage. The larvae were exposed to serial concentrations from 200 ppm to 1000 ppm. Mortalities were recorded after 24 hours exposure to determine lethal doses LD50 and LD90. Larvae treated with LD90 were fixed at 6h, 12h, and 24h to show the process of histological degradation. After 24 hours exposure, the results revealed that mortalities were 6.66%, 5%, 61.33%, 91.66%, and 91.66% for respectively 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm doses. Fisher's test revealed that there was no significant difference in mortality between the control and low doses (200 ppm and 400 ppm), (p = 1). On the other hand, mortalities were significant between the control (0 ppm) and doses ≥ 600 ppm (p = 0.0006). The lethal doses LD50 and LD90 determined using the Muller and Tinter formula were 554.4 ppm and 788.2 ppm, respectively. The histological examnition revealed that, the product acts between 6h and 24h through with progressive destruction of the nervous system, muscle tissue, adipose tissue, and digestive tract. It appears that L. alba essential oil constitutes a product with a larvicidal effect and could be evaluated in a natural breeding sites against vector mosquitoes.

Abstract The COVID‐19 pandemic, caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, underscores the need for effective therapeutic agents targeting viral proteases. In this study, we explored natural compounds from flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and steroids derived from plants such as Ginkgo biloba, Lippia alba, Glechoma hederacea, and Quercus mongolica bark. These compounds were screened for their anticoagulant activity against two critical SARS‐CoV‐2 proteases: the main protease (Mpro, PDB ID: 7JN2) and the papain‐like protease (PLpro, PDB ID: 7K40). A library of 110 anticoagulant compounds was subjected to molecular docking to assess their binding modes and affinities. Comparative docking analyses with Nirmatrelvir, a reference drug, identified Genkwanin (M021), Luteolin 7‐O‐(600‐malonylglucoside) (M072), and Astragalin (M080) as potential candidates with notable binding affinities. Among these, M080 stood out for its favorable pharmacokinetic properties, meeting Lipinski's rule of five criteria. Furthermore, a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated the binding stability of these compounds within the protease active sites, providing insights into their potential as inhibitors. Our findings suggest that M080 holds significant promise as a lead compound for developing SARS‐CoV‐2 inhibitors, warranting further investigation in preclinical studies.

High blood pressure is a real public health issue, affecting around 1.13 billion people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that less than 20% of people with high blood pressure are properly managed medically. The most common treatments are based on the use of diuretics, calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and alpha blockers. However, due to the relatively high cost of antihypertensive drugs, the search for new alternatives is becoming a necessity. Lippia alba is known for its antispasmodic, analgesic, sedative, anxiolytic, and antihypertensive properties. These properties and the empirical use of the plant in the form of an infusion make it a potentially interesting herbal drug to develop. This study aimed to formulate capsules from Lippia alba leaves to improve the management of high blood pressure. To do this, the Lippia alba leaves were crushed and then infused in drinking water. The amount of extract needed to manage high blood pressure was determined in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent of total polyphenols per gram of extract. Several formulas were prepared by mixing the aqueous extract of Lippia alba leaves with suitable excipients. The capsules were also tested in accordance with the techniques described in the 11th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia. The extract was dark brown in color, very bitter, and had an aromatic odor; it was obtained with a yield of 18.60%. The polyphenol content was 175 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract. The following excipients were used to formulate the capsules: colloidal anhydrous silica (Aerosol* 300), microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel*PH-102, PH-101), dicalcium phosphate (Fuji Calin*), ready-to-use lactose-polyvinylpyrrolidone K30-crospovidone (Ludi press*) LCE mixture. The chosen unit formula had good flow properties (3 seconds for 100g of powder), a Carr index of 14.80% and a Hausner index of 1.17. The powder was homogeneous and moderately fine (d50 < 300 am). Each size 0 capsule contains 364.5 mg of crude extract corresponding to 63.8 mg gallic acid equivalent of polyphenols, 73 mg of Ludi press* LCE, and 48.5 mg of Fuji Calin*. The daily dose determined for a 60 kg adult was 729 mg of extract, corresponding to 127.6 mg gallic acid equivalent of total polyphenols, which can be divided into 2 capsules for one day. The results of the physicochemical and pharmaceutical tests carried out on the capsules were found to comply with the specifications of the 11th edition of the European Pharmacopoeia. The characteristics of these capsules make them a good candidate for development into an improved traditional medicine (ITM).

This study documents the use of medicinal plants and traditional practices in the Afro-descendant community of La Grande, Chocó, Colombia, where limited access to healthcare and resources complicates disease management, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Household surveys were conducted, and 23 plant species were identified, collected with the support of traditional healers, and classified at the Herbarium of the Universidad Tecnológica del Chocó. Eight percent of households reported COVID-19 cases, treated exclusively with 13 plant species possessing immunomodulatory and antiviral properties, such as Gliricidia sepium, Citrus aurantifolia, Lippia alba, and Zingiber officinale. The research underscores the relevance of integrating traditional knowledge into public health policies, promoting its scientific validation and preservation, particularly in vulnerable regions with limited access to conventional healthcare. It advocates for a participatory and equitable approach to traditional medicine.

The present study was designed to assess the diversity of native flora in Bhutan, focusing on the collection of specimens for long-term conservation and research. The following three exotic (<i>Achimenes longiflora</i>, <i>Ipomoea triloba</i>, and <i>Lippia alba</i>) and 16 native plant species were confirmed as new records in the Flora of Bhutan: <i>Biophytum reinwardtii</i>, <i>Breynia macrantha</i>, <i>Bridelia assamica</i>, <i>Burmannia nepalensis</i>, <i>Ceropegia khasiana</i>, <i>Diospyros lanceifolia</i>, <i>Goniothalamus sesquipedalis</i>, <i>Gymnocladus assamicus</i>, <i>Grewia serrulata</i>, <i>Hypericum podocarpoides</i>, <i>Melastoma malabathricum</i>, <i>Ormosia robusta</i>, <i>Peliosanthes maheswariana</i>, <i>Phlogacanthus curviflorus</i>, <i>Sterculia lanceolata</i> and <i>Vincetoxicum belostemma</i>. These findings will enhance our understanding of plant diversity in Bhutan and contribute to advancing botanical knowledge in the region. Brief descriptions, including information on the type, phenology, and distribution for each species, are provided to facilitate identification and conservation.

Toxicity and gill alterations in Astyanax lacustris exposed to Lippia alba essential oil

Comparative analysis of phenolic extracts obtained from Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown leaves by microwave-assisted extraction using eco-friendly solvents.

Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton and P. Wilson is a native plant of Colombia, widespread throughout Central and South America, used for thousands of years by pre-Columbian populations, who already knew the many beneficial properties of this species (e.g., antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory activities). The essential oil of L. alba is rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant activity that could be very useful both for pharmacology and biotechnology application, such as the protection of horticultural crops sensitive to salinity. To enhance salt tolerance, seed-priming treatment with the essential oil of L. alba was performed. We evaluated the effect of this biostimulant on the response to salt stress in a sensitive bean species, Phaseolus acutifolius L. (cv Blue Tepary), native to Mexico, and used by pre-Columbians as well as nowadays. Bean seeds were primed in a solution of 0.5 mL/L of essential oil of L. alba, germinated and after 2 weeks of acclimation, the seedlings were subjected to salt stress, by watering with 40 mM and 80 mM NaCl solutions. Four weeks later, many biochemical parameters were evaluated in order to test the effects of the treatments on plant fitness. Primed seeds showed an increase in salt tolerance during germination, as well as primed plants revealing a higher water uptake, increased chlorophylls, proline content and salt tolerance index. The treatments also improved the Ca2+ concentration in the shoots of stressed primed plants, more quickly activating enzymatic responses to salinity—in particular superoxide dismutase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase—compared to unprimed stressed plants. In conclusion, L. alba was found to be a strong elicitor of responses against osmotic and oxidative stress, as induced by salinity, suggesting the possibility of its future utilization in agriculture.

Medicinal plants are important for traditional communities as they are widely used in the relief or treatment of low-complexity diseases. Furthermore, popular knowledge about medicinal plants provides a basis for further studies and discovery of new drugs that can be synthesized by the pharmaceutical industry. In this context, the present study aimed to identify the use of medicinal plants and how this knowledge is passed on to future generations in rural communities in the district of União do Norte in Peixoto de Azevedo, northern region of Mato Grosso – Brazil. This study aims to contribute to the conservation of popular traditions and, consequently, highlight the plant species used in local population. This research was carried out through an on-site visit to rural properties, to collect socioeconomic and ethnobotanical data, using the guided tour to conduct interviews with the residents of these properties. Altogether 58 species from 34 botanical families were cited in the study. The most cited plants were mint tea for the relief or cure of various symptoms. Consensus of the informants ranged from 0.66 to 0.81. Consensus of the informants ranged from 0.66 to 0.81. It was shown, in general, that the use of medicinal plants and their preparation for the treatment of low-complexity diseases is a reality in (Mentha piperita L.), boldo (Plectranthus barbatus Andr.), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf)), lemon balm (Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson)), Santa Maria herb (Chenopodium ambrosioides L.), aloe vera (Aloe vera l.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), and rue (Ruta graveolens L.). Also, our study showed that tea was the most common way to use plant species to relieve or cure various symptoms. Regarding the most used parts in the preparations, the leaf was the most cited part for the preparation of the communities studied, as well as, the importance of women in this process since they corresponded to the majority of respondents (75.0%), playing an active role in ensuring that this culture remains alive in the communities and that the knowledge is passed on to future generations.

Lippia alba (Verbenaceae) is popularly known as lemon balm or false melissa and is one of the most widely used plants in traditional medicine in the Amazon region. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, with conventional metrics associated with a critical review based on the neuropharmacological activities, to identify potential medical applications and also gaps in knowledge that require further investigation. Fifty-two articles were included according to the eligibility criteria. In the country analysis, Brazil emerged as the main contributor to research with the highest number of publications and citations. Notably, nine of the ten main research institutions are Brazilian, with the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria standing out with 761 citations. The keywords "anesthesia", "Lippia alba", and "essential oil" were the most frequent, highlighting their importance in this field. Essential oils are the most common type of extraction, which linalool, citral, geraniol, carvone, and limonene were the main constituents identified. According to the type of study, preclinical studies presented the highest frequency, primarily through fish experimental models. The main neuropharmacological activities identified were sedative-anesthetic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, and analgesic, with mechanisms of action via the GABAergic pathway. This bibliometric review provided new evidence reinforcing the potential of L. alba as a promising alternative for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. It also highlighted existing knowledge gaps, mainly related to the comparison of the actions of the different chemotypes of the species and the investigation of the mechanisms underlying their neuropharmacological properties. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge in other emerging areas related to the central nervous system, such as mood and cognitive disorders.

Metabolites profile, DPPH and ABTS scavenging and myoglobin protection ratio of aqueous infusion and methanolic extracts of Mexican Lippia alba