Bush Tea
Lippia alba
Lippia alba, also known as white verbena or white lemon verbena, is a plant traditionally found in Central and South America. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, studies have shown potential for its extracts and essential oils. Scientific evidence suggests that Lippia alba may possess antiviral properties, particularly against the dengue virus, though more research is needed to confirm these findings. The plant also displays antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and cardiovascular-related activities, as reported in various phytochemical studies. In chickens, essential oil supplementation modestly influenced gene expression related to antiviral pathways and reduced viral load without consistent changes in antibody titers. Additionally, Lippia alba essential oils collected during the rainy season exhibited slightly higher antioxidant activity and selective antiproliferative effects compared to those from the dry season. No major safety issues or known drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, but further research is recommended to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study reviews phytochemistry and reported bioactivities of L. alba and L. origanoides, highlighting their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and cardiovascular-related activities.
- Lippia alba essential oil supplementation modestly influenced gene expression related to antiviral pathways and reduced viral load in chickens without consistent changes in antibody titers.
- The study found that UAE extracts of Lippia alba containing higher levels of flavone glycosides showed antiviral effects against the dengue virus.
- The study found that Lippia alba essential oils collected during the rainy season exhibited slightly higher antioxidant activity and selective antiproliferative effects compared to those from the dry season.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bush Tea?
Bush Tea (Lippia alba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bush Tea?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bush Tea; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study reviews phytochemistry and reported bioactivities of L. alba and L. origanoides, highlighting their antimicrobial, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and cardiovascular-related activities.
How strong is the evidence for Bush Tea?
The strongest finding for Bush Tea carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bush Tea safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bush Tea in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bush Tea interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bush Tea in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bush Tea?
Bush Tea is also known as: Barbados sage, Thé citronnelle, Brisée.
Is Bush Tea a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Molecular characterization of the effects of essential oils on mRNA gene expression related to proinflammatory and antiviral pathways, virus load, and antibody production in chickens vaccinated against Newcastle disease virus, infectious bu literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical Diversity and Therapeutic Perspectives of Volatile and Nonvolatile Fractions of Lippia alba and Lippia origanoides: Current Advances and Research Gaps. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In Vitro and In Silico Analyses Explore the Role of Flavonoid Classes in the Antiviral Activity of Plant Extracts Against the Dengue Virus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of Dry and Rainy Seasons on the Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Lippia alba Essential Oil. literature abstract metadata