Anxiolytic Effect and Improved Sleep Quality in Individuals Taking Lippia citriodora Extract

The current fast-moving, hectic lifestyle has increased the number of individuals worldwide with difficulties in managing stress, which in turn is also affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess a natural plant-based dietary supplement comprised of lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) extract, purified in phenylpropanoids, in alleviating stress and improving quality of sleep. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week washout period. Both validated questionnaires and functional tests were performed during the study, whereas questionnaires were used after the washout. As a result, the group taking the lemon verbena extract significantly reduced their perception of stress after 8 weeks, which was corroborated by a significant decrease in cortisol levels. After the washout period, the subjects reported to present even lower stress levels, due to the lasting effect of the ingredient. As for sleep quality, the subjects taking the supplement reported feeling better rested, with a stronger effect observed in women. Sleep tracking using a wearable device revealed that the supplement users improved their times in the deeper stages of sleep, specifically their percentage of time in deep sleep and REM. In conclusion, lemon verbena extract purified in phenylpropanoids is revealed as a natural solution to help individuals to improve their stress and sleep quality.

Toxic Effect Induced by Cadmium on Some Reproductive Parameters and the Therapeutic Role of Leaves of Lemon Verbena: الأثر السمّي المستحدث بعنصر الكادميوم على بعض المعايير التكاثرية والدور العلاجي لأوراق نبات المليسة

This study was conducted on 28 male Syrian hamsters, and the aim was to confirm the toxic effects of cadmium on the structure and function of the male reproductive system and to test the effectiveness of the alcoholic extract of the lemon verbena plant in the therapeutic of cadmium toxicity. The results of the study showed the negative effect of cadmium on some reproductive parameters of male Syrian Hamster, where treatment with cadmium (5mg/kg/day) reduced GSI% values ​​for both testis and epididymis, lowered the values ​​of testicular dimensions, testosterone concentration and some physiological parameters of the tail of the epididymis sperm and some histological measurements for testes, numbers of spermatogenesis cells, Sertoli and Leydig, cadmium treatment caused histological disorders in the testicles, compared to the control group. Dosing male hamsters with lemon verbena leaf extract at two concentrations (250,500mg/kg/day) did not lead to a clear improvement compared to the cadmium group.

Adding aromatic herbs in the elaboration of a carbonated drink based on passion fruit

Generally, companies have limited themselves to offering products based on artificial additives, leaving the consumer dissatisfied, who, driven by preferences for healthier products, seeks a drink with better sensory and nutritional characteristics. In this work, a carbonated drink based on passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) was prepared with the addition of the aromatic herbs peppermint (Mentha spicata), lemon verbena (Cymbopogon citratus) and ginger (Zingiber officinale), at three concentrations (1, 3 and 5%). To identify physicochemical and sensory differences in the elaborated beverages, the physicochemical parameters °Brix, acidity, pH and CO2 volume were evaluated, based on the NTE INEN 1101-2017 and were subsequently subjected to an acceptability test by thirty untrained judges. A completely randomized bifactorial AxB design was used, for the comparison of means the Tukey al test was used (p <0.05). For the analysis of results, non-parametric statistics were used using the KRUSCAL WALLIS test and the Mann Whitney U test was used to determine the difference in means. The results of the ANOVA for the physicochemical parameters showed statistical significance (p˂0.05) for the °Brix and pH; and for the variables acidity and volume of CO2, no statistically significant differences were observed (p> 0.05). The drink made with lemon verbena at 3% presented a higher concentration of soluble solids with a value of 14.03 °Brix, and pH of 3.08, showing that these results comply with the parameters established by the standard. Sensorially, the drink made with lemon verbena at 1% obtained a better acceptance with respect to taste by the panelists.

Shelf-Life Extension of Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea) Using Active Coatings Containing Lemon Verbena (Lippa citriodora Kunth.) Essential Oil

Active coating could improve the fish quality and extend the shelf life. This study investigates the effect of locust bean gum (LBG) and sodium alginate (SA) active coatings containing lemon verbena (Lippa citriodora Kunth.) essential oil (LVEO) emulsions on microbiological, physicochemical and organoleptic evaluation of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) samples during refrigerated storage at 4°C. Results showed that LBG-SA coatings incorporated with 0.30 or 0.60% LVEO emulsions significantly inhibited the growth of mesophile bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., H2S-producing bacteria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and psychrophilic bacteria, and reduce the productions of trimethylamine (TMA), total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and ATP-related compounds. Further, the LVEO treatments also retarded the water migration and maintained the organoleptic evaluation results of large yellow croaker during storage at 4°C. In conclusion, the LBG-SA active coatings incorporated with LVEO emulsions maintained the quality and extended the shelf life of large yellow croaker during refrigerated storage.