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

Lippia citriodora is a plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic effects, as well as for additional biological activities proven in cell culture, studies and a small number of human clinical trials. The plant has also shown a marked effect of a leaf extract on lipid and oxidative blood profile of hypercholesterolemic adults received Lippia citriodora extract caps, containing 23% phenylpropanoids, (100 mg, for 16 weeks. Selected blood lipids and plasma oxidative markers were measured at 4, 8 and 16 weeks of treatment. Compared with baseline, total cholesterol levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased, while low-density lipoprotein triglycerides showed only a downward trend. Oxidative status was improved due to a the concentration of total oxidant status, reactive oxygen metabolites and significant increase in ferric reducing ability of plasma, vitamin A and vitamin E. These results suggest that dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora extract can improve the enhance blood antioxidant power, and could be a valuable natural compound for the human hypercholesterolemia.