Lippia: traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology: a review

The chemical composition, pharmacological activity and traditional uses of 52 species attributed to the genus Lippia (Verbenaceae) as used in the Sout h and Central America, and Tropical Africa, were revised and compared. A su rvey of the available literature shows that these species are used mostly f or the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders and as seaso ning. Additionally, some of these Lippia species showed antimalarial, spasm olitic, sedative, hypotensive and, anti-inflammatory activities. Generally, the essential oil or the phenolic compounds (flavonoids) from these plant extracts are. assumed to be the active principles. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scienc e Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.