Effects of Lippia citriodora Leaf Extract on Lipid and Oxidative Blood Profile of Volunteers with Hypercholesterolemia: A Preliminary Study

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.

Effects of dietary plant polyphenols and seaweed extract mixture on male-rabbit semen: Quality traits and antioxidant markers

Feed additive consisting of polysaccharides from brown seaweeds plus phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, and flavonoids from plant extracts, was used as rabbit food supplement. Main aim of the study was to determine the effect of natural mix of marine and freshwater seaweed polyphenols on selected reproductive characteristics of male rabbits during the 90-days experiment. Natural mix was incorporated in feed-pellets for rabbits in two different concentrations - 0.3% (T1 group) and 0.6% (T2 group), compared with a control group (C group). In experimental groups a significant increase of concentration of calcium during first 30 days of supplementation was found. An increase of alanine aminotransferase, glutathione peroxidase and ferric reducing ability of plasma and a decrease in aspartate aminotransferase after 90 days were recorded in the same groups. Except for that we noticed decrease of semen distance of curved line and velocity of curved line after 30 days though only while being supplemented with 0.6% proportion of seaweed polyphenols in feed mixture. Based on the results it can be stated that the natural mix in the tested levels do not show adverse effect on male rabbit reproductive parameters, and an improvement of antioxidant status was observed. The feed additives can have a very important effect on growth, health and development of animals in general as it supplies the with the much-needed minerals, nutritional substances and antioxidants, on which we focused in our study.

Dietary Supplementation with Natural Extracts Mixture: Effects on Reproductive Performances, Blood Biochemical and Antioxidant Parameters in Rabbit Does

The present study evaluates the effects of natural extracts on reproductive performance, haematochemical parameters, and antioxidant status of rabbit does. A total of sixty New Zealand White second parity does were divided into three groups: the first group was fed a control diet (CON), the second (T1) and the third groups (T2) were fed the same diet supplemented with prebiotic polysaccharides from brown seaweeds (Laminaria spp.) plus phenolic acid, hydroxycinnamic acids, tannins, and flavonoids from plant extracts (0.3% and 0.6%, respectively). The trial was conducted for two consecutive reproductive cycles (75 days). Reproductive performance was recorded. Blood samples were collected before the first insemination, 10 d after the first kindling, and 10 d after the second one. At the first reproductive cycle, productive parameters were negatively affected (P<0.05) by a high dosage of the dietary supplement (T2 group). At the second reproductive cycle, no differences (P>0.05) between dietary treatments on reproductive and productive performances were observed. Bilirubin was affected by dietary treatment (P<0.001) and decreased in relation to sampling time (P<0.001). The HDL cholesterol decreased by dietary treatment (P<0.01). All the plasma antioxidant markers were positively affected (P<0.001) by dietary supplementation and sampling time. No previous study has reported the effects of brown seaweeds and polyphenols on rabbit does and the present data shows that this natural extract supplement improved the antioxidant status of rabbit does.

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, 0.5 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw^0.75 ) in the low-dose group (LVB) and 1.0 mg of verbascoside per kg of metabolic body weight (bw^0.75 ) 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.

Rabbit metabolic response and selected meat quality traits: Evaluation of dietary PLX® 23 and LycoBeads® feed supplement

Effects of dietary supplementation of verbascoside and lycopene, alone and in combination, on some blood parameters, plasma oxidative status and meat quality traits in intensively reared rabbits were investigated. The test lasted 60 days and was conducted on 200 weaned-rabbits, divided into four groups of 50 animals each (5 animals each cage × 10 repetitions). The control group (CON) received a fattening feed without any feed supplements, whereas the experimental groups received the following: the first, an integration in 22 g of PLX^® 23 (Lippia citriodora extract; VB group) per ton of feed; the second, an integration in 100 g of LycoBeads^® (Solanum lycopersicum extract; LIC group) per ton of feed; and the third, an integration of both feed supplements in combination at the same doses (LIC+VB group). The dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora and Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an improvement of the blood lipid profile, oxidative plasma markers, and hepatic and renal activity of treated growing rabbits. Feed additives also produced meat with a lower content in SFA and an increased PUFA content, and inhibited the lipid oxidation improving the oxidative stability of rabbit meat. The dietary supplementation, even reporting no effects on productive parameters and carcass yield, showed an improvement on several blood parameters, as indicator of animal welfare, and on quality and healthy meat markers.

Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lippia citriodora Kunth), commonly known as "lemon verbena" is a medicinal plant native to South America, North Africa, and South of Europe which is used by native people for several indications such as diarrhea, flatulence, insomnia, and rheumatism.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

Despite the wide biological activities of lemon verbena, there is no current review summarizing medicinal properties of the plant; thus, this paper aims to discuss current state of the art regarding the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and therapeutic applications of A. citrodora considering in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases including PubMed, Scifinder, Cochrane library, Scopus, and Science direct were searched with the scientific name of the plant and its synonyms, as well as the common name. All studies on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical application of the plant until October 2017 were included in this review.

RESULTS

Despite the few number of studies on the ethnopharmacology of the plant, A. citrodora is widely assessed regarding its phytochemistry and biological activities. Neral and geranial are the main ingredients of the essential oil; whereas verbascoside is the most significant component of the extract. Biological activities such as antioxidant, anxiolytic, neuroprotective, anticancer, anesthetic, antimicrobial, and sedative effects are proved in cell cultures, as well as animal studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Several pharmacological activities have been reported for A. citrodora; however, the plant is not fully assessed regarding its safety and efficacy in human. Future well-designed human studies are essential to confirm the therapeutic benefits of this plant in clinical settings.