Lemon Verbena Materia Medica

Lemon verbena, a member of the Verbenaceae family is indigenous to much of South America, including Argentina, Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru.

Research has found that lemon verbena exerts antioxidant activity (extracts contain high levels of verbascoside, a biochemical shown to have strong antioxidant capacity) which can protect neutrophils (A type of white blood cell, which is filled with microscopic granules containing enzymes that digest microorganisms.) from oxidative damage and decrease muscle injuries in runners without inhibiting cellular adaptation to exercise. These antioxidant properties can also play an important role in modulating enzyme activity within both red and white blood cells and protect plasma from oxidative damage initiated by intense exercise.

Download this chapter to learn more about LEMON VERBENA—Aloysia citrodora; Lippia citriodora.