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

• Main Authors: Antonella Angiolillo (Author), Deborah Leccese (Author), Marisa Palazzo (Author), Francesco Vizzarri (Author), Donato Casamassima (Author), Carlo Corino (Author), Alfonso Di Costanzo (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: MDPI AG, 2021-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

<i>Lippia citriodora</i> 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 <i>Lippia citriodora</i> 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 <i>Lippia citriodora</i> extract can improve the lipid profile, enhance blood antioxidant power, and could be a valuable natural compound for the management of human hypercholesterolemia.

Item Description

10.3390/antiox10040521
2076-3921