Melissa officinalis

Common Names: common balm

Ethnobotanical Studies

Clinical Trials

The effects of melissa officinalis on depression and anxiety in type 2 diabetes patients with depression: a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled clinical trial.

M. officinalis extract may be an effective natural treatment option for diabetic patients with depression symptoms, as it improved depression, anxiety, and sleep quality in a study.

Safari M et al (2023).
BMC Complement Med Ther.
PubMed:
37131158

Effects of Melissa officinalis Extract Containing Rosmarinic Acid on Cognition in Older Adults Without Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Noguchi-Shinohara M et al (2023).
J Alzheimers Dis.
PubMed:
36502333

A randomised controlled trial of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oils for the treatment of agitated behaviour in older people with and without dementia.

This study examines the effectiveness of Lavender and Lemon Balm essential oils in managing agitation in older people with and without dementia in residential care facilities.

Watson K, Hatcher D and Good A (2019).
Complement Ther Med.
PubMed:
30670268

The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina.

Haybar H et al (2018).
Clin Nutr ESPEN.
PubMed:
29908682

Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm).

Kennedy DO, Little W and Scholey AB (2004).
Psychosom Med.
PubMed:
15272110

Studies

Successful maintenance treatment of a patient with resistant hyperthyroidism with traditional Persian medicine recommendations: A case report and literature review.

Parvizi MM et al (2024).
Complement Med Res.
PubMed:
39236697

Melatonin Bioavailability After Oral Administration of a New Delayed-Release Form in Healthy Male Volunteers.

Ait Abdellah S et al (2024).
Drugs R D.
PubMed:
39174857

Chitosan/Hyaluronate Complex-Coated Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) Materials Containing Extracts from Melissa officinalis and/or Hypericum perforatum with Various Biological Activities: Antioxidant, Antibacterial and In Vitro Anticancer Effects.

Summary

New fibrous materials were created from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), HA, Ch, MO, and HP extracts using electrospinning. They showed high antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer properties, making them valuable for cancer therapy and wound dressings.

Anastasova I et al (2024).
Polymers (Basel).
PubMed:
39125132

Natural product-based treatment potential for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease.

Summary

Researchers investigated the link between type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, finding common risk factors and proposing natural supplement treatment. This could be a promising preventive and therapeutic option for both diseases.

Shrivastav D et al (2024).
World J Diabetes.
PubMed:
39099809

Comprehensive assessment of clean-up strategies for optimizing an analytical multi-method to determine pesticides and mycotoxins in Brazilian medicinal herbs using QuEChERS-LC-TQ-MS/MS.

Zorzella Fontana ME et al (2024).
Anal Methods.
PubMed:
38990094

Effects of a traditional herbal formula containing Melissa officinalis, Pimpinella anisum, and Rosa damascena on anxiety and depression in patients with constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C): A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Summary

MPR, a traditional Persian herbal formula, improves anxiety and depression in IBS-C patients. Supports potential natural treatment for mental health symptoms in IBS sufferers.

Azimi M et al (2024).
Explore (NY).
PubMed:
38937193

In Vitro Virucidal Activity of Different Essential Oils against Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Used as Surrogate of Human Hepatitis C Virus.

Lanave G et al (2024).
Antibiotics (Basel).
PubMed:
38927181

NMR Metabolomics of Arctium lappa L., Taraxacum officinale and Melissa officinalis: A Comparison of Spontaneous and Organic Ecotypes.

Ambroselli D et al (2024).
Foods.
PubMed:
38890870

Designing an effective dissolution test for bilayer tablets tailored for optimal melatonin release in sleep disorder management.

Bassetto R et al (2024).
Front Nutr.
PubMed:
38769992

Foliar-applied iron and zinc nanoparticles improved plant growth, phenolic compounds, essential oil yield, and rosmarinic acid production of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.).

Farnoosh S et al (2024).
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int.
PubMed:
38758440

Assessing the virucidal activity of essential oils against feline calicivirus, a non-enveloped virus used as surrogate of norovirus.

Lanave G et al (2024).
Heliyon.
PubMed:
38711631

Dissipation, processing factors and dietary risk assessment of the bioinsecticide abamectin in herbal plants belonging toLamiaceaefamily from open field to herbal tea infusion.

Jankowska M et al (2024).
Chemosphere.
PubMed:
38679175

The Antimicrobial Potency of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Loaded with Melissa officinalis Extract.

Summary

Scientists studied different nanostructured systems loaded with an extract from a medicinal plant for increased stability. The materials showed high antimicrobial efficiency against bacteria and yeasts, including drug-resistant strains. Important for potential new treatments.

Petrișor G et al (2024).
Pharmaceutics.
PubMed:
38675186

Foliar applied potassium nanoparticles (K-NPs) and potassium sulfate on growth, physiological, and phytochemical parameters in Melissa officinalis L. under salt stress.

Nanehkaran FM et al (2024).
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int.
PubMed:
38625474

Ozone Treatment as an Approach to Induce Specialized Compounds in Melissa officinalis Plants.

Scimone G et al (2024).
Plants (Basel).
PubMed:
38611462

Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review.

Review
Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M and Hosseinzadeh H (2024).
Phytother Res.
PubMed:
38595123

Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Meta-Analysis
Shahsavari K et al (2024).
BMC Complement Med Ther.
PubMed:
38575930

Corrigendum: Phytotherapy for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary

Researchers investigated the effects of a new compound on cancer cells. Results show potential for novel treatment options. Relevant for developing therapies in cancer research.

Dutta T et al (2024).
Front Pharmacol.
PubMed:
38549676

An in vitro analysis of an innovative standardized phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract as a potential neuromodulator for emotional distress and related conditions.

Kara M et al (2024).
Front Mol Biosci.
PubMed:
38545418

Improving nitrogen content in soil and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) yield by purple nonsulfur bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris in two consecutive seasons.

Thu LTM et al (2024).
Int Microbiol.
PubMed:
38538991

Co-application of titanium nanoparticles and melatonin effectively lowered chromium toxicity in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) through modifying biochemical characteristics.

Soliman MH et al (2024).
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int.
PubMed:
38468007

Toxicological safety evaluation of an aqueous lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract.

Lobach AR et al (2024).
Food Chem Toxicol.
PubMed:
38461950

Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs.

Review
Boo YC et al (2024).
Antioxidants (Basel).
PubMed:
38397744

Lemon Balm.

Review
(2024).
PubMed:
38381912

Melissa officinalis extract palliates redox imbalance and inflammation associated with hyperthyroidism-induced liver damage by regulating Nrf-2/ Keap-1 gene expression in γ-irradiated rats.

Kawara RS et al (2024).
BMC Complement Med Ther.
PubMed:
38303002

The Valorisation of Melissa officinalis Distillation By-Products for the Production of Polyphenol-Rich Formulations.

Stini E, Tsimogiannis D and Oreopoulou V (2024).
Molecules.
PubMed:
38257290

Melissa officinalis extract suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the brain of hypothyroidism-induced rats exposed to γ-radiation.

Summary

Melissa officinalis extract (MEE) protected against brain damage in rats with hypothyroidism and/or exposure to radiation by reducing oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. MEE also prevented the overexpression of genes associated with apoptosis and improved neuronal protection.

Abo-Zaid OA et al (2023).
Cell Stress Chaperones.
PubMed:
38225014

Disclosing the potential of Cupressus leylandii A.B. Jacks & Dallim, Eucalyptus globulus Labill., Aloysia citrodora Paláu, and Melissa officinalis L. hydrosols as eco-friendly antimicrobial agents.

Summary

Hydrosols, by-products of essential oil extraction, were tested and found to have antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Aloysia citrodora hydrosol was the most effective, indicating potential applications in various industries.

Almeida HHS et al (2024).
Nat Prod Bioprospect.
PubMed:
38163838

Synthetic polyploid induction influences morphological, physiological, and photosynthetic characteristics in Melissa officinalis L.

Bharati R et al (2023).
Front Plant Sci.
PubMed:
38155852

Effect of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract on manganese-induced cyto-genotoxicity on Allium cepa L.

Üstündağ Ü et al (2023).
Sci Rep.
PubMed:
38092949

Evaluation of the anti-nociceptive profile of essential oil from Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) in acute and chronic pain models.

Summary

Scientists studied the plant Melissa officinalis and its extracts, which are used in traditional medicine to treat epilepsy and pain. Understanding its properties can help make informed decisions in the lab for potential applications in medicine.

Chindo BA et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
PubMed:
38030022

Protective effect of Melissa officinalis against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis in rat models: an experimental study.

Shahriarirad R et al (2023).
Ann Gastroenterol.
PubMed:
38023971

Organic Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Consumption Profile of a Portuguese Consumer Sample.

Mendes A et al (2023).
Foods.
PubMed:
38002202

Antifungal Activity and Type of Interaction of Melissa officinalis Essential Oil with Antimycotics against Biofilms of Multidrug-Resistant Candida Isolates from Vulvovaginal Mucosa.

Summary

This study found that antifungal drugs were often ineffective against vulvovaginal candidosis, but a natural essential oil showed promise. Combining the oil with antifungal drugs could improve treatment outcomes.

Ranđelović M et al (2023).
J Fungi (Basel).
PubMed:
37998884

The possible "calming effect" of subchronic supplementation of a standardised phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract in healthy adults with emotional distress and poor sleep conditions: results from a prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Bano A et al (2023).
Front Pharmacol.
PubMed:
37927585

Use of medicinal plants during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil.

Summary

Study finds 40.2% of participants in a Brazilian city use medicinal plants, primarily for anxiety. Females, non-whites, and lower-educated with higher income and comorbidities were more likely to use. No reported use for treating COVID-19.

da Silva AM et al (2023).
Sci Rep.
PubMed:
37783716

Modulation of chicken gut contractility by Melissa officinalis-ex vivo study.

Summary

Lemon balm extract, commonly used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders, was found to increase gut contractility in broiler chickens. This contradicts its use as a treatment for gut motility disturbances and diarrhea in animals.

Posłuszny MA et al (2023).
Poult Sci.
PubMed:
37769497

Investigating the Therapeutic Potential of Plants and Plant-Based Medicines: Relevance to Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects.

Summary

Various plant extracts were examined for their ability to reduce oxidative stress in brain cells. Elderberry, Queen Garnet plum, and clove showed neuroprotective effects, while elderberry also demonstrated treatment effects. Further research is needed to explore their potential as therapies for oxidative stress-related disorders.

May N et al (2023).
Nutrients.
PubMed:
37764696

Melissa officinalis essential oil loaded polycaprolactone membranes: evaluation of antimicrobial activities and cytocompatibility for tissue engineering applications.

Summary

Researchers investigated the use of Melissa officinalis essential oil in producing antimicrobial membranes for tissue engineering. The membranes maintained antimicrobial activity and showed high cytocompatibility, making them potential biomaterials for tissue engineering.

Iyigündoğdu Z et al (2023).
Biomed Mater.
PubMed:
37741274

Pathophysiology of diabetic hepatopathy and molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of phytochemicals.

Summary

Herbal extracts like Moringa oleifera and Boswellia serrata have been shown to improve liver function in diabetes. They contain phenolic compounds that protect the liver through various mechanisms, including improving glucose metabolism and antioxidant defense.

Review Diabetes
Mobasheri L et al (2023).
Biomed Pharmacother.
PubMed:
37734266

Transient Complete Atrioventricular Block Associated With Herbal Supplement Use.

Kucuk U et al (2023).
S D Med.
PubMed:
37733962

Effect of Plant Extracts Combinations on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 Levels in Serum of Rats Exposed to Acute and Chronic Stress.

Summary

This study examines the effects of combined plant extracts rich in flavonoids on cytokine levels in stressed rats. The extracts, Antistress I and Antistress II, showed potential in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) levels. The combinations were more effective than individual extracts.

Kandilarov I et al (2023).
Plants (Basel).
PubMed:
37687297

Herbal medicines in the treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): An updated systematic review of clinical trials.

Summary

This study reviewed herbal medicines and phytochemicals for treating ADHD in children. It offers an updated analysis to aid in making informed decisions for pediatric ADHD treatment.

Golsorkhi H et al (2023).
Avicenna J Phytomed.
PubMed:
37663386

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles improve element uptake, antioxidant properties, and essential oil productivity of Melissa officinalis L. seedlings under in vitro drought stress.

Summary

This study investigated how titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO NPs) can improve the physiological responses and phytochemical properties of Melissa officinalis (medicinal plant) under drought stress. The results showed that TiO NPs increased essential oil production, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant systems, nutrient absorption, and reduced stress levels.

Razavizadeh R, Adabavazeh F and Mosayebi Z (2023).
Environ Sci Pollut Res Int.
PubMed:
37603240

Influence of Nutrition on Mental Health: Scoping Review.

Review
Suárez-López LM, Bru-Luna LM and Martí-Vilar M (2023).
Healthcare (Basel).
PubMed:
37570422

Comparative Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory and Apoptotic Activities of Four Greek Essential Oils: Involvement in the Regulation of NF-κΒ and Steroid Receptor Signaling.

Georgantopoulos A et al (2023).
Life (Basel).
PubMed:
37511910

Physical, Chemical, Barrier, and Antioxidant Properties of Pectin/Collagen Hydrogel-Based Films Enriched with Melissa officinalis.

Bhatia S et al (2023).
Gels.
PubMed:
37504390

Developing Sustainable Agriculture Systems in Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Production by Using Chitosan and Chitin-Based Biostimulants.

Review
Sun W et al (2023).
Plants (Basel).
PubMed:
37447031

A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus.

Review
Chang JY et al (2023).
Viruses.
PubMed:
37376614

Melissa officinalis extract suppresses endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in the brain of hypothyroidism-induced rats exposed to γ-radiation.

Summary

This study investigates the neuroprotective effect of Melissa officinalis extract (MEE) in rats with hypothyroidism induced by propylthiouracil (PTU) and/or γ-radiation (IR). Hypothyroidism and/or IR led to decreased thyroid hormone levels and increased oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the brain. The administration of MEE reduced oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, prevented proapoptotic gene expression, and protected neuronal cells. Additionally, MEE improved the histological structure of brain tissue. These findings suggest that MEE may be effective in preventing hypothyroidism-induced brain damage by reducing oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Abo-Zaid OA et al (2023).
Cell Stress Chaperones.
PubMed:
37368180

Effects of the extraction techniques on the chemical composition and bioactive properties of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) plants grown under different cropping and irrigation regimes.

de Oliveira I et al (2023).
Food Res Int.
PubMed:
37316092

Anti-inflammatory and memory-enhancing properties of Chinese herbal extracts: The possible application in Alzheimer's disease.

Summary

Chinese herbal extracts show promise in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by improving memory and reducing inflammation. These extracts have potential for early AD treatment due to their fewer adverse effects and ease of consumption.

Varinthra P et al (2022).
Tzu Chi Med J.
PubMed:
37261298

The potential of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil as an anti-anxiety agent - is the citronellal the activity carrier?

Summary

The hunt for anxiolytic drugs has been challenging, leading to increased use of ethnomedicines like Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) for self-managing anxiety symptoms. The herb has been traditionally used for its calming effects and has shown efficacy in clinical studies. Its active principles, including rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, modulate neurotransmitter systems implicated in anxiety disorders. This highlights the potential of natural products as alternative therapies.

Stojanović NM et al (2023).
J Ethnopharmacol.
PubMed:
37207879

A Perspective on Missing Aspects in Ongoing Purification Research towards Melissa officinalis.

Review
Castro-Muñoz R, Boczkaj G and Cabezas R (2023).
Foods.
PubMed:
37174453

Effect of different slaughter/stunning methods on stress response, quality indicators and susceptibility to oxidation of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

Dong Y et al (2023).
Vet Res Commun.
PubMed:
37171556

A Phase 2a, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of ALS-L1023 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Kim GA et al (2023).
Pharmaceuticals (Basel).
PubMed:
37111380

Subcritical Water Extraction of Rosmarinic Acid from Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and Its Effect on Plant Cell Wall Constituents.

Atanasova A et al (2023).
Antioxidants (Basel).
PubMed:
37107263

A Comprehensive Review of Herbal Supplements Used for Persistent Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease.

Review
Thompson A, Hynicka LM and Shere-Wolfe KD (2023).
Integr Med (Encinitas).
PubMed:
37101730

Antioxidant Activity and Photosynthesis Efficiency in Melissa officinalis Subjected to Heavy Metals Stress.

Adamczyk-Szabela D et al (2023).
Molecules.
PubMed:
36985613

Electrospun PLA-Based Biomaterials Loaded with Melissa officinalis Extract with Strong Antioxidant Activity.

Stoyanova N et al (2023).
Polymers (Basel).
PubMed:
36904311

Phytochemical Composition and Bioactive Potential of Melissa officinalis L., Salvia officinalis L. and Mentha spicata L. Extracts.

Silva BN et al (2023).
Foods.
PubMed:
36900464

Systematic Identification of Suitable Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in Melissa officinalis L.

Bharati R et al (2023).
Plants (Basel).
PubMed:
36771553

ALS-L1023 from Melissa officinalis Alleviates Liver Fibrosis in a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model.

Lee EJ et al (2022).
Life (Basel).
PubMed:
36676050

Phytotherapy of mood disorders in the light of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Summary

Research has revealed potential herbal medicines for treating mild mood disorders, but with unclear active components. The microbiota-gut-brain axis offers new avenues for treatment and prevention of mood disorders.

Korczak M et al (2023).
Phytomedicine.
PubMed:
36641978

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles, graphene, and silver-graphene nanocomposite using Melissa officinalis ethanolic extract: Anticancer effect on MCF-7 cell line.

Motafeghi F et al (2023).
Iran J Basic Med Sci.
PubMed:
36594058

Acute and Rapid Response of Melissa officinalis and Mentha spicata to Saline Reclaimed Water in Terms of Water Relations, Hormones, Amino Acids and Plant Oxylipins.

Gómez-Bellot MJ et al (2022).
Plants (Basel).
PubMed:
36559540

Molecular barcoding of Melissa officinalis L. (badranjboye) in Iran and identification of adulteration in its medicinal services.

Koohdar F and Sheidai M (2022).
BMC Plant Biol.
PubMed:
36517737

Melissa Officinalis L. aqueous extract pretreatment decreases methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity at lower dose and increases (99m)Tc-phytate liver uptake, as a probe of liver toxicity assessment, in rats.

Shahani S et al (2023).
Ann Nucl Med.
PubMed:
36469234

Influence of Comminution Methods and Air Exposure in the Production of Melissa officinalis Mother Tincture.

Barmaverain D et al (2023).
Complement Med Res.
PubMed:
36423592

HPLC-DAD Analysis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Aromatic Herb Melissa officinalis L., Aerial Parts Extracts.

Abdellatif F et al (2023).
Food Anal Methods.
PubMed:
36035454

Natural remedies for Alzheimer's disease: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Summary

Researchers conducted a systematic search to explore natural alternatives for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as existing FDA-approved drugs have limitations. They analyzed randomized control trials and found that herbs like Gingko Biloba, Melissa Officinalis, Salvia officinalis, Ginseng, and saffron alone or in combination with curcumin, low-fat diet, NuAD-Trail, and soy lecithin showed significant positive effects on AD. Combining natural remedies with FDA-approved drugs showed more promising results than only using FDA-approved drugs. These findings suggest that herbal remedies could be effective in treating AD.

Ahmad S et al (2023).
Metab Brain Dis.
PubMed:
35960461

An Updated Review on The Properties of Melissa officinalis L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety.

Review
Zam W et al (2022).
Front Biosci (Schol Ed).
PubMed:
35730441

Melissa officinalis L. nanoethosomal formulation: evaluation of antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory activities and in vitro toxicity.

Şeker Karatoprak G, Başkal G and Yücel Ç (2023).
Int J Environ Health Res.
PubMed:
35607255

Self-treatment attempt of tobacco use disorder with Melissa officinalis: a case report and brief review of literature.

Review
Sancak B et al (2023).
J Addict Dis.
PubMed:
35550004

Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems-A Review.

Review
Petrisor G et al (2022).
Int J Mol Sci.
PubMed:
35408950

The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-Analysis
Ghazizadeh J et al (2021).
Phytother Res.
PubMed:
34449930

Lemon Balm.

Review
(2024).
PubMed:
30000901

Melissa officinalis L: A Review Study With an Antioxidant Prospective.

Review
Miraj S, Rafieian-Kopaei and Kiani S (2017).
J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med.
PubMed:
27620926

Adverse effects of herbal medicines: an overview of systematic reviews.

Review
Posadzki P, Watson LK and Ernst E (2013).
Clin Med (Lond).
PubMed:
23472485

Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances.

Cases J et al (2011).
Med J Nutrition Metab.
PubMed:
22207903