Aloysia Citriodora (Aloysia citrodora): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does lemon verbena work in the body?

Aloysia citrodora exerts its effects through several bioactive compounds. Citral and limonene, volatile oils responsible for the characteristic lemon scent, have demonstrated calming and anxiolytic properties via modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission. Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin provide antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals. Verbenalin and hastatoside, iridoid glycosides, support digestive function by influencing gastrointestinal motility and reducing smooth muscle spasms. Evidence Level: C.

Does lemon verbena interact with any medications?

Limited clinical data exists on drug interactions with Aloysia citrodora. Theoretically, its calming properties may potentiate central nervous system depressants including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and alcohol, causing enhanced sedation. The herb's flavonoid content may modestly affect cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, potentially altering drug metabolism. Patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications should exercise caution, as antioxidant compounds might influence bleeding parameters. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications. Evidence Level: D (theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for lemon verbena tea?

The standard adult dosage for Aloysia citrodora is 5 grams of dried leaves prepared as an infusion, taken two to three times daily. Steep the herb in 150-200ml of boiling water for 5-10 minutes before straining. For digestive complaints, consume after meals. For sleep or anxiety, take 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Do not exceed recommended amounts, as excessive consumption may cause kidney irritation. Evidence Level: C.

Is lemon verbena safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Aloysia citrodora is generally considered safe at culinary and standard therapeutic doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Traditional use over centuries suggests no significant adverse effects. However, high medicinal doses should be avoided due to limited safety data. Some sources recommend caution in the first trimester. Women with a history of pregnancy complications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Evidence Level: D (traditional use).

What is lemon verbena used for in herbal medicine?

Aloysia citrodora is traditionally used for digestive disorders including bloating, indigestion, and flatulence, owing to its antispasmodic properties. It is also employed for anxiety, mild insomnia, and nervous tension due to its gentle sedative effects. The herb has been used to reduce fever and support immune function. Modern research highlights its significant antioxidant capacity, which may contribute to anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence Level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Aloysia citrodora, commonly known as lemon verbena, is a medicinal plant native to South America, North Africa, and Southern Europe used for various therapeutic indications [PMID:29698776].

Contexte

Aloysia citrodora (also known as Lippia citriodora Kunth) is a medicinal plant characterized by a lemony scent [PMID:29698776, PMID:34338951].

Usages traditionnels

It is used by native people for indications including diarrhea, flatulence, insomnia, rheumatism [PMID:29698776], as well as bronchitis, anxiety, and heart problems [PMID:35336667].

Composés actifs

Major constituents include citral (composed of geranial and neral) [PMID:34338951, PMID:37299006, PMID:40565163], limonene, 1,8-cineole, curcumene, spathulenol, and caryophyllene oxide [PMID:25877296]. Phenolic compounds identified include acteoside (representing about 80% of methanolic fractions in some regions) [PMID:34945462], luteolin-7-diglucuronide [PMID:37446789], trans-Ferulic acid, and Hesperidin [PMID:34136175].

Mécanisme d'action

The essential oil blocks melanoma growth by targeting HB-EGF-EGFR signaling and suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation [PMID:34360915]. Polyphenols from aqueous extracts inhibit Aflatoxin B1 synthesis in Aspergillus flavus [PMID:37446789]. The essential oil destroys the integrity of Pseudosciaena D4 cells by preventing and destroying biomembrane formation [PMID:37049865].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BInsomnia

A syrup containing essential oil and flavonoids significantly improved global PSQI and ISI scores over 4 weeks [PMID:30450627].

Preuve BSleep Quality (Healthy Subjects)

Dietary supplementation for 90 days improved sleep quality (VAS), sleep latency, and sleep efficiency (PSQI and actigraphy), and significantly increased plasma nocturnal melatonin levels [PMID:38794761].

Preuve BSub-clinical ADHD-type behaviours in children

Daily supplementation (15 mg/kg bw/d) for 56 days decreased subjective energy and parental reports of hyperactivity [PMID:40251851].

Preuve BPre-cesarean section anxiety

Inhalation of essential oil (aromatherapy) was assessed for effects on anxiety levels and hemodynamic profiles [PMID:37216059].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro, in vivo animal models, and a few randomized controlled trials focusing on sleep and behavioral improvements. Clinical evidence for insomnia and sleep quality is supported by RCTs (Level B).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 29698776 (2018) — Aloysia citrodora Paláu (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 35336667 (2022) — Antioxidant and Antiproliferation Activities of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): An In Vitro and In Vivo Study. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 37446789 (2023) — Role of Polyphenols from the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis in Aspergillus flavus. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 38794761 (2024) — Dietary Supplementation with an Extract of Aloysia citrodora (Lemon verbena) Improves Sleep Quality in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study. · Nutrients
5.PMID: 30450627 (2019) — Aloysia citriodora Palau (lemon verbena) for insomnia patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of efficacy and safety.

Aloysia Citriodora

Sources et citations

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