Lippia javanica

Lippia javanica Spreng. umsutane, fever tree] (Verbenaceae) leaves are used for psychotropic behaviour. The leaf contains alkaloids, polyphenols, saponins and tannins (18) and essential oils (28,65). The root decoction is also nsed for kidney problems (12). Its essential oil is antibacterial and... 

Lippia javanica (Burm. f.) Sprang The essential oil of semi-dried leaves of L. javanica (1.6%) contained on average myrcenone 32%, ciy-ocimenone 32%, traui -ocimenone 16% as its major constituents. C/5-ocimenone changed into a more polar reddish-brown compound unless the oil was stored under freezing temperature conditions (79,80). In Kenya, an iirfusion of the leaves of L. javanica are used for treatment of stuffed nose, fever, malaria, tapeworm and for indigestion (36). The leaves are used to repel termites and other insects (48). 

The essential oils of some plants from Kenya were evaluated for mosquito repellence against Anopheles gambiae on the forearms of human volunteers. The oils of Croton pseudopulchellus, Mkilua fragrans, Endostemon teresticaulis, Ocimum forskolei, Ocimum fischeri, Plectranthus longipes, Conyza newii and Plectranthus marrubioides were all found to be more potent than DEBT, the synthetic repellant. The activity of each of the oils of Lippia javanica, Lippia ukambensis and Tetradenia riparia was similar to that of DEBT, but the oil of Tarchonanthus camphoratus was less potent (87,88). 

Lippia javanica (Burm. f.) Sprang Leaves SD 1.6 myrcenone, cA-ocimenone, trans- 79,80... 

To calm horses, chamomile oil is added to their feed. Pneumonia in young elephants caused by Klebsiella is claimed to be healed by Lippia javanica oil. Rose and yarrow oils bring about emotional release in donkeys by licking them. Wounds in horses are treated with Achillea millefolium oil sweet itch is treated with peppermint oil. Matricaria recutita and A. millefolium oils are used to heal the skin with in ammatory conditions (Ingraham, 2008). 

Lippia species are used extensively in Africa for medicinal purposes and they have all been found to be rich in essential oils. The essential oils from the reported eight known Lippia species in Kenya have been studied extensively. Whereas L. grandifolia is the most common in West Africa, L. ukambensis Vatke and L. javanica Vatke are the most widely distributed in East Africa and particularly in Kenya. The remaining Lippia species are limited in their ecological distribution. Lippia dauensis is rare and is located in the dry areas of Kenya (78). 

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