Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla can Protect the Development of Cancer: an in Vivo Study Using Mouse Painting Assay.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the protective properties of Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla against the development of skin cancer. METHOD: The skin cancer balb/c mouse model was utilized in the study. Plant extracts were administered to animals using oral gavage. In addition, skin cancer was induced using 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA). RESULTS: The study found that A. triphylla extract reduced both tumor incidence (P<0.01) and papilloma frequency (P<0.001) and delayed the onset of tumor development (P<0.001). The A. triphylla extract did not affect tumor size in animals. C. sativum leaf extract reduced the number of tumors per animal, the incidence of tumors, and the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05). In addition, it delayed (P<0.01) the onset of tumors. Treatment of animals with C. sativum seed extract reduced the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05) and delayed the onset of tumors (P<0.05). However, the examined plant extracts did not impact the size of tumors induced by DMBA (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study revealed that C. sativum and A. triphylla could protect against cancer development as indicated using the animal model of skin painting assay.

Effects of the aroma of lemone verbena (Aloysia citriodora Paláu) essential oil on anxiety and the hemodynamic profile before cesarean section: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Aromatherapy is a noninvasive method used for alleviating anxiety. Lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora Paláu, LV) has been frequently used in traditional medicine as an anxiolytic agent due to its pharmacological ingredients. Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of inhaling essential oil of LV on the level of anxiety and subsequent hemodynamic changes before cesarean section. Methods: The recent study was a randomized single-blind trial. Participants (n = 84) were randomly divided into two groups: LV essential oil (group A) and placebo (group B). The intervention group underwent aromatherapy using three drops of LV essential oil at a distance of 10 cm for 30 min. The placebo group received aromatherapy in a similar fashion. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory of Spielberger questionnaire was administered before and 5 min after aroma inhalation. Vital signs were recorded before and after aromatherapy. Likewise, pain severity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale and vital signs were recorded. Data were analyzed using t-test, χ 2, and the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test through SPSS21 software. Results: Anxiety level was significantly attenuated in group A after aromatherapy. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure decreased after inhalation; but no significant variation of pain scores was observed after inhalation in both groups. Conclusion: We concluded that LV decreased preoperative anxiety in this recent study, therefore, aromatherapy with LV essential oil as a preemptive adjuvant to relieve anxiety before cesarean section is recommended by us; although more studies are required to endorse the results.

In Vivo Antidepressant-Like Effect Assessment of Two Aloysia Species in Mice and LCMS Chemical Characterization of Ethanol Extract.

Medicinal plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Depression is one of the largest contributors to the global health burden of all countries. Plants from the Aloysia genus are traditionally used for affective disorders, and some of them have proven anxiolytic and antidepressant activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antidepressant effect of the ethanolic extract of Aloysia gratissima var. gratissima (Agg) and Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp) in mice. A tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were conducted after three doses in a period of 24 h and after 7 days of treatment. Imipramine was used as an antidepressant drug. The main results demonstrated that Agg extract reduced the immobility time in mice treated orally for 7 consecutive days when compared to the control group (reduced by about 77%, imipramine 70%). Animals treated with three doses of Avp in a 24-h period had reduced immobility time in the FST (60%), and after 7 days of treatment the reduction was greater (Avp 50, 100, and 200 about 85%; Avp 400, 96.5%; p < 0.0001, imipramine, 77%). LCMS analysis showed the presence of verbascoside, hoffmaniaketone, and hoffmaniaketone acetate in both, A. virgata var. platyphylla and A. gratissima var gratissima. The flavonoids nepetin and 6-hydroxyluteolin were also found in Agg. Both tested extracts demonstrated promising antidepressant-like activity in mice.

Anxiolytic-like activity of Aloysia virgatavar. platyphylla leaves extract in mice / Actividad ansiolítica del extracto de hojas de Aloysia virgatavar. platyphylla en ratones

Background: Medicinal plants are part of traditional medicine and should be considered a therapeutic alternative for mental diseases. Several plants belonging to the Verbenaceae family have proved useful in treating general anxiety disorders, the most prevalent psychiatric disorders. Objective: This research aimed to verify the extract's safety, the effect on general behavior, and the effect on sleeping time, as well as to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of the methanol extract of Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla (Avp), in mice. Methodology: The toxicity test was done according to the OECD guide (mice groups n=5), and general behavior was observed during the assay. Sleeping time was assessed using the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis method (n=8). Male Swiss albino mice (n=6) were treated with 50 to 400 mg/kg of Avp extract and diazepam as a control. The anxiolytic-like effect was tested through the hole board and elevated plus-maze test. Results: The Avp extract has no side effects in tested doses, and no central nervous system depressant activity was noted. A. virgatavar. platyphyllaincreased exploration (number and time) in the hole board. In the elevated plus-maze, increased number and time into open arms were evidenced compared to the control group. Conclusion: With all these results, we concluded that the Avp extract is safe and has a potential anxiolytic-like activity in the animal model used

Antecedentes: Las plantas medicinales forman parte de la medicina tradicional y deben ser consideradas una alternativa terapéutica para las enfermedades mentales. Varias plantas pertenecientes a la familia Verbenaceae han demostrado su utilidad en el tratamiento de los trastornos de ansiedad, uno de los trastornos psiquiátricos más prevalentes. Objetivo: Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo verificar la seguridad del extracto, el efecto sobre el comportamiento general y el efecto sobre el tiempo de sueño, así como evaluar el efecto tipo ansiolítico del extracto metanólico de Aloysia virgata var. platyphylla(Avp), en ratones. Metodología: La prueba de toxicidad se realizó de acuerdo con la guía de la OCDE (grupos de ratones n=5), y se observó el comportamiento general durante el ensayo. El tiempo de sueño se evaluó mediante el método de hipnosis inducida por pentobarbital (n=8). Se trataron ratones albinos suizos macho (n=6) con 50 a 400 mg/kg de extracto de Avp y diazepam como control. El efecto ansiolítico se probó a través de la placa perforada y prueba del laberinto en cruz elevado. Resultados: El extracto de Avp no tiene efectos secundarios en las dosis probadas y no se observó actividad depresora del sistema nervioso central. A. virgata var. platyphylla aumentó la exploración (número y tiempo) en el tablero de agujeros. En el laberinto en cruz elevado, se evidenció un mayor número y tiempo en los brazos abiertos en comparación con el grupo de control. Conclusión: Con todos estos resultados, concluimos que el extracto de Avp es seguro y tiene una potencial actividad ansiolítica en el modelo animal utilizado

An overview of the genus Aloysia Paláu (Verbenaceae): Essential oil composition, ethnobotany and biological activities.

Aloysia Paláu is an important herbal genus from the Verbenaceae family and possesses numerous remedial properties in the folk medicine of Asian, European, and, in particular, South American countries. Only a few reports have discussed some phytochemical characteristics associated with Aloysia species. Right the lack of an exhaustive report prompted us to organize this review article. Accordingly, besides the ethnobotanical knowledge of Aloysia species, their essential oil profiles, phytochemistry of the polar isolated fractions, and the relevant biological activities are discussed in detail.[Formula: see text].

Diversity in principal constituents of plants with a lemony scent and the predominance of citral.

In this study, we extracted essential oils from four species of plants with lemony scents (Melissa officinalis L., Aloysia citriodora Palau (= Lippia citriodora (Palau) Kunth), Thymus × citriodorus, Perilla citriodora (Makino) Nakai). We then examined the components of extracts using gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A comparison of components indicated that the largest proportions of essential oils were caryophyllene (25%) in M. officinalis, geraniol (50%) in T. citriodorus, and citral (61 and 82%) in A. citriodora and P. citriodora. Moreover, we used a sensory evaluation method using dilute aqueous solutions of extract components, citral, linalool, d-limonene, and geraniol, to select the mixture with a flavor that mostly resembled lemon. The participants in the study felt that an aqueous citral solution flavored more like lemon than aqueous d-limonene. Furthermore, an open field study of sedative effects of citral and d-limonene, when inhaled, on mice demonstrated that citral exhibited a sedative effect at a lower concentration than that of d-limonene.

Aloysia Citrodora Essential Oil Inhibits Melanoma Cell Growth and Migration by Targeting HB-EGF-EGFR Signaling.

Patients diagnosed with melanoma have a poor prognosis due to regional invasion and metastases. The receptor tyrosine kinase epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in a subtype of melanoma with a poor prognosis and contributes to drug resistance. Aloysia citrodora essential oil (ALOC-EO) possesses an antitumor effect. Understanding signaling pathways that contribute to the antitumor of ALOC-EO is important to identify novel tumor types that can be targeted by ALOC-EO. Here, we investigated the effects of ALOC-EO on melanoma growth and tumor cell migration. ALOC-EO blocked melanoma growth in vitro and impaired primary tumor cell growth in vivo. Mechanistically, ALOC-EO blocked heparin-binding-epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF)-induced EGFR signaling and suppressed ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Myelosuppressive drugs upregulated HB-EGF and EGFR expression in melanoma cells. Cotreatment of myelosuppressive drugs with ALOC-EO improved the antitumor activity and inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 and -9 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein9. In summary, our study demonstrates that ALOC-EO blocks EGFR and ERK1/2 signaling, with preclinical efficacy as a monotherapy or in combination with myelosuppressive drugs in melanoma.

Effect of Aloysia citrodora Essential Oil on Biochemicals, Antioxidant Characteristics, and Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruit during Storage.

Strawberry fruits are highly susceptible to cold burning, resulting in low storage periods at low temperatures. Plant extracts or essential oils (EOs) can potentially be used as preservatives in fruits throughout the refrigerated period. In the present study, the biochemicals, antioxidant characteristics, and shelf life of treated strawberries with Aloysia citrodora essential oil (ACEOs) were evaluated during keeping time. The treatments were produced as follows: T1, control; T2, 250 ppm ACEOs; T3, 500 ppm ACEOs; and T4, 750 ppm ACEOs. Total soluble solids (TSS), weight loss, titratable acidity (TA), antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid and anthocyanin contents (TFC), and enzymes activity (peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase) were evaluated during the refrigerated period (5 °C with relative humidity of 85-90% for 20 days). The results revealed that weight loss and TA were reduced in all treatments during storage, being that the rates were lower in samples treated with ACEOs. TPC, TFC, TSS, antioxidant, and enzymes activity were higher in treated fruits than control.

Antinociceptive effect and mechanism of supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Aloysia gratissima leaves in mice.

BACKGROUND: A. gratissima is a shrub used in folk medicine as analgesic and sedative. However, studies on its antinociceptive activity are scarce. This research aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) extract of A. gratissima leaves (EAG) in mice. METHODS: A. gratissima leaves were subjected to extraction with supercritical CO2 (60 °C, 200 bar). The chemical composition of EAG was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antinociceptive profile of the extract (1, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) was established using acetic acid-induced abdominal contraction tests and formalin-induced paw-licking tests. The open field and rota-rod tests were used to evaluate a possible interference of EAG on mice motor performance. The contribution of the opioid system and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sensitive K+ channels in the mechanism(s) of EAG action was evaluated by specific receptor blockers. EAG's acute toxicity was investigated using OECD 423 guideline. RESULTS: The GC-MS revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes (guaiol and pinocamphone) in the EAG. Doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhes and paw licking time in mice in the formalin test. The EAG did not affect the locomotor activity and motor coordination of the mice. The antinociceptive effect of the EAG was prevented by glibenclamide in the mice formalin test, unlike naloxone pre-treatment. The acute administration of EAG caused no mortality. CONCLUSION: A. gratissima leaves possess antinociceptive effect, mediated by K+ channels sensitive to ATP.

Antioxidant and Anti-Proliferative Activity of Essential Oil and Main Components from Leaves of Aloysia polystachya Harvested in Central Chile.

The aim of this study was to determine, first, the chemical composition of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb) Moldenke essential oil, from leaves harvested in central Chile; and second, its antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Eight compounds were identified via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses, with the most representative being R-carvone (91.03%), R-limonene (4.10%), and dihydrocarvone (1.07%). For Aloysia polystachya essential oil, antioxidant assays (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), H2O2, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP)) showed good antioxidant activity compared to commercial antioxidant controls; and anti-proliferative assays against three human cancer cell lines (colon, HT-29; prostate, PC-3; and breast, MCF-7) determined an IC50 of 5.85, 6.74, and 9.53 µg/mL, and selectivity indices of 4.75, 4.12, and 2.92 for HT-29, PC-3, and MCF-7, respectively. We also report on assays with CCD 841 CoN (colon epithelial). Overall, results from this study may represent, in the near future, developments for natural-based cancer treatments.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Effects of the Hydroethanolic Extract from the Leaves of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb.) Moldenke: A Study on Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Medicinal plants such as Aloysia polystachya are often used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases, including anxiety- and depression-related humor disturbances. In folk medicine, A. polystachya is used to treat digestive and respiratory tract disturbances, as a sedative and antidepressant agent, and as a tonic for the nerves. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant and anxiolytic effect from the hydroethanolic extract from the leaves of Aloysia polystachya (HELAp) in zebrafish. The extract was analyzed through ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (UPLC-MS) and the main compound detected was acteoside. HELAp was administered orally (10 mg/kg) and through immersion (mg/L). The anxiolytic activity was evaluated through the scototaxis (light-dark) test using caffeine as an anxiogenic agent and buspirone as a positive control. The parameters assessed were: period spent in the white compartment (s), latency (s), alternations (n), erratic swims (n), period of freezing (s), thigmotaxis (s), and risk evaluation (n). The antidepressant effect was evaluated through the novel tank diving test using 1% ethanol, unpredictable chronic stress, and social isolation as depressors; fluoxetine was used as a positive control. The parameters assessed were: period spent at the top of the tank, latency, quadrants crossed, erratic swim, period of freezing, and distance of swam. The main chemical compound of HELAp was acteoside. The administration of the extract on zebrafish managed to revert the anxiogenic effect of caffeine without impairing their locomotion. Additionally, the treatment exerted antidepressant activity similarly to fluoxetine. Overall, the results suggest a significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity to the extract, which is probably due to the presence of the major compound, acteoside.

Identification and determination of bioactive phenylpropanoid glycosides of Aloysia polystachya (Griseb. et Moldenke) by HPLC-MS.

Aloysia polystachya (Griseb. et Moldenke) has not been deeply investigated in past years and currently data about its chemical composition are limited. Phenolic compounds characterization can be very difficult in vegetable matrices, owing to bonds to sugar moieties or conjugation, giving rise to complex structures. In this work, methanolic extracts of Aloysia polystachya leaves were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS, the favourite technique for the separation and quantification of their polyphenols. To assess the complete characterization and quantification of the phenylpropanoid fraction, three different MS techniques have been coupled to HPLC: ion trap mass spectrometry (Ion Trap LC/MS), quadrupole-time of flight high resolution mass spectrometry (Q-TOF HRMS) and triple-quadrupole (TQ LC/MS) for the quantification. Eleven phenylpropanoid glycosides were identified and quantified and, among them, the compounds forsythoside A, plantainoside C, purpureaside D, martynoside and its two isomers were detected for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The results presented here could be helpful to assess the quality of this plant and could further contribute to the chemotaxonomy of the genus.

Aloysia citriodora Palau (lemon verbena) for insomnia patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of efficacy and safety.

Aloysia citriodora (A. citriodora) has a long history of traditional use for sedation and treatment of insomnia in different societies. This study was carried out to assess the efficacy of A. citriodora in patients with insomnia. One hundred patients were randomly divided into two groups of A. citriodora (total essential oil 1.66 mg/10 ml and total amount of flavonoid in terms of quercetin 3.22 mg/10 ml of the syrup) and placebo. They were advised to use 10 cc of the syrups; an hour before the bedtime for a period of 4 weeks. Participants were assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) questionnaires at the baseline and then 2 and 4 weeks after the enrollment. Mean scores of global PSQI and its four components including sleep latency, habitual sleep efficiency, daytime dysfunction, and subjective sleep quality and also ISI score in the A. citriodora group improved significantly after 4 weeks of treatment when compared with the placebo group (p < 0.001, for all of them). Also, improvement of global score of PSQI and ISI was observed in the intervention group as compared with the placebo group, 2 weeks after the enrollment (p < 0.001). The results of this study showed that oral intake of A. citriodora can be suggested as a complementary treatment for patients with insomnia.

A Novel HPLC Method for Direct Detection of Nitric Oxide Scavengers from Complex Plant Matrices and Its Application to Aloysia triphylla Leaves.

The present study aimed at developing an original pre-column HPLC assay allowing rapid characterization of nitric oxide (NO) scavengers from complex plant extracts. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was employed as a NO donor and spiked with an aqueous extract from Aloysia triphylla leaves prior to HPLC analysis. Relying on the ability of radical scavenging constituents to be oxidized upon reaction with radicals, this assay successfully allowed direct identification of three potential NO scavengers, including verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and luteolin-7-O-diglucuronide. These three phenolics were also individually assessed for their NO scavenging activities by using a Griess colorimetric assay. With respective IC50 values of 56 ± 4, 51 ± 3, and 69 ± 5 µg/mL, verbascoside, isoverbascoside, and luteolin-7-O-diglucuronide were all reported as potent NO scavenging compounds, confirming the efficiency of the SNP spiking HPLC assay. The present method can, thus, be considered as a valuable and effective approach for speeding up the discovery of NO scavenging constituents.

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.

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

BACKGROUND: Exhaustive 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. METHODS: The 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. RESULTS: Participants 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. CONCLUSION: Lemon verbena extract (Recoverben®) has been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated natural sports ingredient, by reducing muscle damage after exhaustive exercise. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in the clinical trials registry (clinical trial.gov NCT02923102). Registered 28 September 2016.

The in vitro antileishmanial activity of essential oil from Aloysia gratissima and guaiol, its major sesquiterpene against Leishmania amazonensis.

Leishmaniases is a tropical disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania for which the current treatment is expensive, besides increasing reports of parasite resistance. This study investigated the anti-Leishmania amazonensis activity of the essential oil from Aloysia gratissima (AgEO) and guaiol, the major sesquiterpene constituent in the oil. Our results showed that AgEO killed promastigotes and intracellular amastigotes at an IC50 of 25 and 0·16 µg mL-1, respectively, while guaiol killed amastigotes at an IC50 of 0·01 µg mL-1. Both AgEO and guaiol were safe for macrophages up to 100 µg mL-1, as evaluated by the dehydrogenase activity, membrane integrity and phagocytic capacity. AgEO and guaiol did not induce nitrite oxide (NO) in resting macrophages and inhibited the production of NO in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. The ultrastructural analysis suggested that AgEO and guaiol act directly on parasites, affecting promastigotes kinetoplast, mitochondrial matrix and plasma membrane. Together, these results pointed out that AgEO and guaiol could be promising candidates to develop anti-Leishmania drugs.

Plantas silvestres consumidas como tés recreativos por grupos de rancheros en Baja California Sur, México / Wild plants consumed as recreational teas by groups of ranchers in Baja California Sur, Mexico

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Los tés recreativos son bebidas preparadas, por infusión/ebullición, de diferentes partes de plantas que se consumen en un entorno social/alimenticio. Se consideran generalmente saludables y con usos medicinales, aunque ese no es su único propósito de consumo. En México, los tés recreativos prácticamente no se mencionan en los estudios etnobotánicos. Este estudio describe la etnobotánica, contenido de fenólicos y actividad antioxidante de plantas silvestres empleadas como tés recreativos en dos rancherías de las zonas montañosas de la región de Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, México: Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra La Laguna y comunidad San Blas-Cacachilas. Métodos: La información etnobotánica se obtuvo mediante encuestas semi-estructuradas y estancias con los rancheros de ambas comunidades. Se calculó el porcentaje de citas, preferencia y valor cultural de cada especie registrada, además de describir sus usos medicinales adicionales. El contenido de fenólicos y actividad antioxidante se determinó por métodos colorimétricos y fueron correlacionados con parámetros etnobotánicos. Resultados clave: Se registraron 12 taxa de plantas silvestres para elaborar tés recreativos, 11 en Sierra La Laguna y seis en San Blas-Las Cacachilas. La damiana (Turnera diffusa) obtuvo el mayor valor cultural (71.2%), seguido de margarita (Aloysia barbata) (41.1%) y anís silvestre (Tagetes filifolia/T. micrantha) (21.5%). Los tés recreativos tuvieron sus principales usos medicinales como antigripales/antitusivos y relajantes generales. El contenido de antioxidantes presentó correlación negativa con el porcentaje de citas y la preferencia. Los usos etnofarmacológicos de A. barbata y el helecho peyote (Pellaea ternifolia) son descritos por primera vez, y se documentaron nuevos usos para la damiana y el cerezo (Prunus serotina). Conclusiones: Los rancheros de Baja California Sur tienen gran afinidad por el consumo de tés recreativos de plantas silvestres, y aquellos usados para tratar padecimientos comunes como gripe/tos o estrés son los preferidos. El presente es el primer estudio etnobotánico específico para tés recreativos en México.

Teratogenic Effect of Verbascoside, Main Constituent of Lippia citriodora Leaves, in Mice.

Verbascoside (acteoside), a phenyl propanoid glycoside, comprises 0.5 to 3.5 % dry weight of Lippia citriodora leaves. A wide range of biological activities are attributed to verbascoside including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, photoprotective as well as chelating effects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of verbascoside on pregnancy outcome in mice. Timed-pregnant mice received doses of 1g/kg/day verbascoside or the vehicle control during organogenesis, intraperitoneally. Maternal body weights were measured throughout pregnancy. The litters were examined for external malformations and skeletal abnormalities. Then they were stained with Alizarin red S and Alcian blue. Maternal exposure to verbascoside throughout pregnancy did not influence the mean of maternal weight gain. Statistically significant difference was not found in mean number of implantation sites, live and resorbed fetuses between control and experiment groups. Our data demonstrate that the main component of L. citriodora, verbascoside using during organogenesis possesses no risk to fetuses. However, more research projects are needed to confirm these findings and determine the exact effects of verbascoside on human embryo development.

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

OBJECTIVES: 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. METHODS: 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 ß-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity with the CAD (Cath.-a-differentiated) neuroblastoma cell line. KEY FINDINGS: 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 ß-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: 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.