Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for various ailments, but recent scientific studies have begun to explore its potential benefits for joint health. Several clinical and preclinical studies suggest that lemon verbena may help reduce symptoms associated with joint discomfort, particularly those related to exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative stress.

The primary bioactive compounds in lemon verbena are polyphenols, notably verbascoside, which exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2011 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Farinazzi-Machado et al., 2011) found that supplementation with a lemon verbena extract reduced markers of muscle damage and improved recovery in volunteers after exhaustive exercise, suggesting a potential benefit for joint and muscle comfort. Another clinical study (Cordero et al., 2019) showed that a combination of lemon verbena and fish oil improved joint pain and stiffness in active adults.

However, while these findings are promising, the overall body of evidence remains limited, with most studies focusing on short-term outcomes and healthy or athletic populations rather than chronic joint conditions like arthritis. Additional research is needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of lemon verbena for joint health in broader populations.