Aztec Sweet Herb (Lippia dulcis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Aztec sweet herb work to relieve coughs?

Aztec sweet herb (Lippia dulcis) contains hernandulcin, a sesquiterpene compound responsible for both its intense sweetness and antitussive (cough-suppressant) properties. The herb also contains volatile oils including caryophyllene, linalool, and thymol, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. These compounds work together to soothe irritated respiratory tissues and reduce airway inflammation. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use).

Does Aztec sweet herb interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented clinical drug interactions for Aztec sweet herb in the scientific literature. However, due to limited human research, caution is warranted when combining it with prescription medications. The herb's compounds may theoretically affect liver enzyme pathways that metabolize certain drugs. If you take medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or have liver conditions, consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Aztec sweet herb tea?

The traditional adult dosage for Aztec sweet herb is 2-4 fresh leaves prepared as a tea, taken 2-3 times daily. Steep fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Dried herb preparations may require different dosing. Do not exceed recommended amounts, as high doses may cause nausea due to the hernandulcin content. Evidence level: C (traditional use). Start with the lowest effective dose and consult a qualified herbalist for personalized guidance.

Is Aztec sweet herb safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Aztec sweet herb is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided in medicinal doses. The herb contains hernandulcin and other compounds that have not been adequately studied for safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Large doses are specifically contraindicated due to potential toxicity concerns. Traditional use does not establish safety for pregnant women. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies. Evidence level: C.

What is Aztec sweet herb used for traditionally?

Aztec sweet herb (Lippia dulcis) has been used traditionally by Aztec and Mayan peoples as both a natural sweetener and medicinal remedy. Primary traditional uses include treating coughs, bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory conditions. It has also been employed for digestive complaints and as an anti-inflammatory agent. The herb's intense sweetness comes from hernandulcin, which is significantly sweeter than sucrose. Evidence level: C (traditional use with supporting preclinical research).

What side effects does Aztec sweet herb cause?

Aztec sweet herb may cause nausea when taken in high doses, primarily due to its hernandulcin content. Excessive consumption can also lead to digestive discomfort. The herb has an intensely sweet taste that some individuals may find overwhelming. Long-term safety data is limited, as most evidence comes from traditional use rather than clinical trials. Evidence level: C. To minimize side effects, adhere to recommended dosages and discontinue use if adverse effects occur.

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 26 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Lippia dulcis is a plant containing the intensely sweet sesquiterpenoid hernandulcin [PMID:3520154, PMID:3880922].

Contexte

Lippia dulcis (Verbenaceae), also known as Aztec sweet herb or Dushi Button, is a species found in regions including Mexico, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador [PMID:3520154, PMID:1431936, PMID:20433082, PMID:38256806].

Usages traditionnels

Historically, it was used as an official drug in the late 19th century for coughs and bronchitis [PMID:3520154]. In Middle America, it is traditionally used for cough, colds, bronchitis, asthma, and colic [PMID:18295421]. Field inquiries in Mexico indicate it is sold in markets for alleged abortifacient activity [PMID:3520154].

Composés actifs

The plant contains hernandulcin (a sesquiterpene ketone), (+)-4 beta-hydroxyhernandulcin, and (-)-epihernandulcin [PMID:1431936, PMID:28655616]. Other constituents include verbascoside (acteoside), isoacteoside, martynoside, and various mono- and sesquiterpenoids such as alpha-copaene, beta-caryophyllene, and delta-cadinene [PMID:36693786, PMID:12132670, PMID:20433082]. It also contains the toxic monoterpene camphor [PMID:3520154, PMID:28655616].

Mécanisme d'action

Ethanol extracts have demonstrated inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and TPA-induced edema [PMID:16169695]. Preparations of L. dulcis, specifically verbascoside, show inhibitory activity against the enzyme alpha-glucosidase [PMID:36693786]. The essential oil exhibits anti-histaminergic and anti-cholinergic activities in porcine bronchial bioassays [PMID:18295421].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DInflammation

Ethanol extract (400 mg/kg) significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema and reduced cotton pellet-induced granuloma weight in animal models [PMID:16169695].

Preuve DBronchospasm

Essential oil showed anti-histaminergic and anti-cholinergic activities at 100 microg/ml in a porcine bronchial bioassay [PMID:18295421].

Preuve DBacterial Infections

Ethanolic extracts demonstrated in vitro activity against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Shigella flexneri [PMID:8479202], as well as inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes [PMID:20433082].

Preuve DDiabetes (Enzymatic)

Crude ethanol extracts and fractions showed inhibitory activity against the alpha-glucosidase enzyme [PMID:36693786].

Preuve DCell Proliferation

Isolated compounds including (+)-anymol, acteoside, and isoacteoside showed antiproliferative activity against murine melanoma (B16F10), human gastric adenocarcinoma (MK-1), and human uterine carcinoma (HeLa) cells [PMID:12132670].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Hernandulcin was found to be nontoxic when administered orally to mice and did not induce bacterial mutation [PMID:3880922]. However, the plant contains camphor, which is described as a toxic compound [PMID:3520154, PMID:28655616].

Grossesse et allaitement

Field inquiries indicate the plant is sold in Mexican markets for alleged abortifacient activity [PMID:3520154].

Synthèse des preuves

The available evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models, and ethnobotanical reports (Level D). There are no human clinical trials or systematic reviews provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 3520154 (1986) — The intensely sweet herb, Lippia dulcis Trev.: historical uses, field inquiries, and constituents. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 16169695 (2005) — Anti-inflammatory activity of Lippia dulcis. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 29534573 (2018) — Key Aroma Compounds in Lippia dulcis (Dushi Button). · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
4.PMID: 28655616 (2017) — Functional identification of a Lippia dulcis bornyl diphosphate synthase that contains a duplicated, inhibitory arginine-rich motif. · Biochemical and biophysical research communications
5.PMID: 24213688 (1991) — Lippia dulcis shoot cultures as a source of the sweet sesquiterpene hernandulcin. · Plant cell reports

Aztec Sweet Herb

Sources et citations

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