Melissa / Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Research

Latin Name: Melissa officinalis

Family: Lamiaceae

This plant of the mint family has been traditionally used to help calm the mind and reduce insomnia.  Multiple human studies have shown it has potential in reducing anxiety and depression and in improving memory and cognition.  Lemon balm is also know to help with an upset stomach, and this could be attributable to its actions against the Helicobacter pylori bacteria often found in the digestive tract.  Scientific studies have shown it to be antimicrobial against a variety of pathogens, and possibly effective in treating the herpes virus based on a few human studies.  It may also help in reducing food spoilage.

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the species, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  Research found is catalogued by therapeutic action.  This categorized compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use.

GENERAL

• Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science: A guide for healthcare professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press.
• Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014).  Essential Oil Safety.  Second Edition.  Churchill, Livingstone, Elsevier.
• Bağdat, R. B., & Coşge, B. (2006). The essential oil of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), its components and using fields. J. Fac. Agric. OMU, 21(1), 116-121.
• Moradkhani, H., Sargsyan, E., Bibak, H., Naseri, B., Sadat-Hosseini, M., Fayazi-Barjin, A., & Meftahizade, H. (2010). Melissa officinalis L., a valuable medicine plant: A review. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(25), 2753-2759.
• Shakeri, A., Sahebkar, A., & Javadi, B. (2016). Melissa officinalis L.–A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 188, 204-228.
• Historically, lemon balm has recorded use since Greek times over 2,000 years ago.  In Medieval times, the herb was used for insomnia, wounds, and digestive upset.  It is popular in Europe for reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, and improving memory.  In 2007, it was recognized as the International Herb Association’s herb of the year.  It is approved by both German and European authorities to use for anxiety, tension, insomnia, and digestive pain, spasm, gas, and colic.  From:  Weil, A., et al. (2010).  National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs.  National Geographic.  Washington D.C.
• A review of scientific research on the therapeutic uses of Melissa officinalis was provided. From: Miraj, S., Azizi, N., & Kiani, S. (2016). A review of chemical components and pharmacological effects of Melissa officinalis L. Der Pharmacia Lettre, 8(6), 229-237.
• A breif review of some neuropharmacology studies on Melissa officinalis is provided. From: Saroya, A. S., & Singh, J. (2018). Neuropharmacology of Melissa officinalis L. In Pharmacotherapeutic Potential of Natural Products in Neurological Disorders (pp. 107-112). Springer, Singapore.

SAFETY

• Since the yield is very small, cost is high, thus this essential oil is often adultered with lemon oil, lemon verbena oil, lemongrass, and citronella (Lis-Balchin, 2006).
• This essential oil may also be adultered with synthetics (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
• Avoid use with pregnancy, lactation, and small children (Lis-Balchin, 2006).
• May interfere with certain medications including diabetic drugs, drugs metabolizing via CYP2B6 (Tisserand & Young, 2014).
• Avoid with hypersensitive and damaged skin (Tisserand & Young, 2014).

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL / ANTIVIRAL

• Melissa officinalis essential oil demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in vitro. From: Alizadeh Behbahani, B., & Shahidi, F. (2019). Melissa officinalis essential oil: Chemical compositions, antioxidant potential, total phenolic content and antimicrobial activity. Nutrition and Food Sciences Research, 6(1), 17-25.
• Melissa officinalis was effective in a double blind controlled study of 66 patients against recurrent herpes simplex labialis symptoms and healing.  From:  Koytchev, R., Alken, R. G., & Dundarov, S. (1999). Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine, 6(4), 225-230.
• This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. Alternative and Complimentary Therapies.
• Lemon balm, marjoram, oregano and thyme essential oils showed antimicrobial activity against food spoilage bacteria.  From:  Gutierrez, J., Barry-Ryan, C., & Bourke, P. (2009). Antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils using food model media: efficacy, synergistic potential and interactions with food components. Food microbiology, 26(2), 142-150.
• The following essential oils and their constituents in order of effectiveness were active against pathogens in apple juice:  against E. coli: carvacrol, oregano oil, geraniol, eugenol, cinnamon leaf oil, citral, clove bud oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon bark oil, and lemon oil, and against S. enterica:  melissa oil, carvacrol, oregano oil, terpeneol, geraniol, lemon oil, citral, lemongrass oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and linalool. From:  Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., Levin, C. E., & Mandrell, R. E. (2004). Antibacterial activities of plant essential oils and their components against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella enterica in apple juice. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(19), 6042-6048
• Melissa, grapefruit mint, peppermint, basil, perilla, prunella, and winter savory showed potent anti-HIV-1 activity. From:  Yamasaki, K., Nakano, M., Kawahata, T., MORI, H., OTAKE, T., UEDA, N., … & MURATA, H. (1998). Anti-HIV-1 activity of herbs in Labiatae. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 21(8), 829-833.
• The most powerful scavenging compounds were neral/geranial, citronellal, isomenthone,menthone and E-caryophyllene. They had very strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The most effective antibacterial activity was against a multiresistant strain of Shigella sonei. A significant rate of antifungal activity was against a Trichophyton species.  From:  Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., & Simin, N. (2004). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L.(Lamiaceae) essential oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(9), 2485-2489.
• Origanum vulgare, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Salvia officinalis, and Hyssopus officinalis were tested and O. vulgare extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, and the highest rosmarinic acid and polyphenolic contents; L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and C. albicans were pathogens affected by all six extracts.  From:  Benedec, D., Hanganu, D., Oniga, I., Tiperciuc, B., Olah, N. K., Raita, O., … & Vlase, L. (2015). Assessment of rosmarinic acid content in six Lamiaceae species extracts and their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci, 28(6), 2297-2303.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), peppermint (Mentha × piperita), and sage (Salvia officinalis) exhibited a high and concentration-dependent activity against the HIV-1 infection.  From:  Geuenich, S., Goffinet, C., Venzke, S., Nolkemper, S., Baumann, I., Plinkert, P., … & Keppler, O. T. (2008). Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density. Retrovirology, 5(1), 1.
• Basil, lemon balm, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity on foodborne pathogens.  From:  Gutierrez, J., Rodriguez, G., Barry-Ryan, C., & Bourke, P. (2008). Efficacy of plant essential oils against foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria associated with ready-to-eat vegetables: antimicrobial and sensory screening. Journal of Food Protection®, 71(9), 1846-1854.
• Lavandula officinalis, Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis showed varying amounts of antimicrobial activity on the microbes tested.  From:  Larrondo, J. V., Agut, M., & Calvo-Torras, M. A. (1994). Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates. Microbios, 82(332), 171-172.
• In two studies involving 231 patients, a dried Melissa leaf extract reduced herpes infection. From: Wölbling, R. H., & Leonhardt, K. (1994). Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine, 1(1), 25-31.
• Lemonbalm essential oil was antimicrobial against common hospital pathogens in vitro. From: Jalal, Z., El Atki, Y., Lyoussi, B., & Abdellaoui, A. (2015). Phytochemistry of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. growing wild in Morocco: preventive approach against nosocomial infections. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(6), 458-461.
• Lemonbalm essential oil showed antiviral activity against avian influenza in vitro. From: Pourghanbari, G., Nili, H., Moattari, A., Mohammadi, A., & Iraji, A. (2016). Antiviral activity of the oseltamivir and Melissa officinalis L. essential oil against avian influenza A virus (H9N2). VirusDisease, 27(2), 170-178.
• Melissa officinalis exhibited very strong radical scavenging capacity, and very strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Antimicrobial activity was tested against 13 bacterial strains and six fungi and the most effective antibacterial activity was against a multiresistant strain of Shigella sonei, and showed strongest antifungal activity on Trichophyton species.  From:  Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., & Simin, N. (2004). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L.(Lamiaceae) essential oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(9), 2485-2489.
• Discussed, was the the high phenolic content along with radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of extracts of M. officinalis originating from Serbia.  From:  Canadanovic-Brunet, J., Cetkovic, G., Djilas, S., Tumbas, V., Bogdanovic, G., Mandic, A., … & Canadanovic, V. (2008). Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of Melissa officinalis L. extracts. Journal of medicinal food, 11(1), 133-143.

HERPES / MOUTH COLD SORES

• Melissa officinalis was effective in a double blind controlled study of 66 patients against recurrent herpes simplex labialis symptoms and healing.  From:  Koytchev, R., Alken, R. G., & Dundarov, S. (1999). Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine, 6(4), 225-230.
• This mega review discussed herbs for treating herpes infection including mints and other plants from the Lamiaceae family, tannins as found in Geranium species, Chinese rhubarb and chinaberry, and other herbs like tea tree, St. John’s wort, algae, echinacea, and astragalus.  From:  Abascal, K. (2005). Herbs for Treating Herpes Simplex Infections. Alternative and Complimentary Therapies.
• Extracts from lemon balm, peppermint, prunella, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed action against Herpes types 1 and 2.  From:  Nolkemper, S., Reichling, J., Stintzing, F. C., Carle, R., & Schnitzler, P. (2006). Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta medica, 72(15), 1378-1382.
• Research was reviewed on the following plants for treating recurrent apthous (mouth) ulcers: Satureja khuzistanica, Aloe vera, Myrrh, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alchemilla vulgaris, Myrtus communis, Melissa officinalis, Rhizophora mangle, Chamomile, Rosa damascena, Nicotiana tabacum, Punica granatum, Ageratina pichinchensis, Norwegian LongoVital, Lavendula angustifolia oil, and Perilla frutescens oil. From: Heydarpour, F., Abasabadi, M., Shahpiri, Z., Vaziri, S., Nazari, H. A., Najafi, F., … & Farzaei, M. H. (2018). Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 27.
• In two studies involving 231 patients, a dried Melissa leaf extract reduced herpes infection. From: Wölbling, R. H., & Leonhardt, K. (1994). Local therapy of herpes simplex with dried extract from Melissa officinalis. Phytomedicine, 1(1), 25-31.

PRESERVATIVE

• Lavandula officinalis, Melissa officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis showed varying amounts of antimicrobial activity on the microbes tested.  From:  Larrondo, J. V., Agut, M., & Calvo-Torras, M. A. (1994). Antimicrobial activity of essences from labiates. Microbios, 82(332), 171-172.
• Lemon balm, marjoram, oregano and thyme essential oils showed antimicrobial activity against food spoilage bacteria.  From:  Gutierrez, J., Barry-Ryan, C., & Bourke, P. (2009). Antimicrobial activity of plant essential oils using food model media: efficacy, synergistic potential and interactions with food components. Food microbiology, 26(2), 142-150.
• The following essential oils and their constituents in order of effectiveness were active against pathogens in apple juice:  against E. coli: carvacrol, oregano oil, geraniol, eugenol, cinnamon leaf oil, citral, clove bud oil, lemongrass oil, cinnamon bark oil, and lemon oil, and against S. enterica:  melissa oil, carvacrol, oregano oil, terpeneol, geraniol, lemon oil, citral, lemongrass oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and linalool. From:  Friedman, M., Henika, P. R., Levin, C. E., & Mandrell, R. E. (2004). Antibacterial activities of plant essential oils and their components against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Salmonella enterica in apple juice. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(19), 6042-6048.
• Basil, lemon balm, marjoram, nutmeg, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity on foodborne pathogens.  From:  Gutierrez, J., Rodriguez, G., Barry-Ryan, C., & Bourke, P. (2008). Efficacy of plant essential oils against foodborne pathogens and spoilage bacteria associated with ready-to-eat vegetables: antimicrobial and sensory screening. Journal of Food Protection®, 71(9), 1846-1854.

ANTISEPTIC

• Lemonbalm essential oil was antimicrobial against common hospital pathogens in vitro. From: Jalal, Z., El Atki, Y., Lyoussi, B., & Abdellaoui, A. (2015). Phytochemistry of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. growing wild in Morocco: preventive approach against nosocomial infections. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 5(6), 458-461.

ANTIOXIDANT

• The most powerful scavenging compounds were neral/geranial, citronellal, isomenthone,menthone and E-caryophyllene. They had very strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The most effective antibacterial activity was against a multiresistant strain of Shigella sonei. A significant rate of antifungal activity was against a Trichophyton species.  From:  Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., & Simin, N. (2004). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L.(Lamiaceae) essential oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(9), 2485-2489.
• Origanum vulgare, Melissa officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Salvia officinalis, and Hyssopus officinalis were tested and O. vulgare extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, and the highest rosmarinic acid and polyphenolic contents; L. monocytogenes, S. aureus and C. albicans were pathogens affected by all six extracts.  From:  Benedec, D., Hanganu, D., Oniga, I., Tiperciuc, B., Olah, N. K., Raita, O., … & Vlase, L. (2015). Assessment of rosmarinic acid content in six Lamiaceae species extracts and their antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci, 28(6), 2297-2303.
• Melissa officinalis exhibited very strong radical scavenging capacity, and very strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Antimicrobial activity was tested against 13 bacterial strains and six fungi and the most effective antibacterial activity was against a multiresistant strain of Shigella sonei, and showed strongest antifungal activity on Trichophyton species.  From:  Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., & Simin, N. (2004). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L.(Lamiaceae) essential oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(9), 2485-2489.
• Melissa officinalis essential oil demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in vitro. From: Alizadeh Behbahani, B., & Shahidi, F. (2019). Melissa officinalis essential oil: Chemical compositions, antioxidant potential, total phenolic content and antimicrobial activity. Nutrition and Food Sciences Research, 6(1), 17-25.
• Strong antioxidant activity was observed in polar extracts of Lycopus europaeus, Melissa officinalis, Origanum vulgare and Lavandula latifolia.  Phlomis lychnitis, Salvia pratensis and Calamintha sylvatica caused the highest fungal inhibition.  From:  López, V., Akerreta, S., Casanova, E., García-Mina, J. M., Cavero, R. Y., & Calvo, M. I. (2007). In vitro antioxidant and anti-rhizopus activities of Lamiaceae herbal extracts. Plant foods for human nutrition, 62(4), 151-155.
• The following dried herbs tested contained high amounts of antioxidant content:  oregano, sage, peppermint, thyme, lemon balm, clove, allspice, cinnamon, and a few additional Chinese medicinal herbs.   From:  Dragland, S., Senoo, H., Wake, K., Holte, K., & Blomhoff, R. (2003). Several culinary and medicinal herbs are important sources of dietary antioxidants. The Journal of nutrition, 133(5), 1286-1290.
• Discussed, was the the high phenolic content along with radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of extracts of M. officinalis originating from Serbia.  From:  Canadanovic-Brunet, J., Cetkovic, G., Djilas, S., Tumbas, V., Bogdanovic, G., Mandic, A., … & Canadanovic, V. (2008). Radical scavenging, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities of Melissa officinalis L. extracts. Journal of medicinal food, 11(1), 133-143.
• Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, and Origanum vulgare demonstrated varying degrees of antioxidant activity depending on fresh or dried, and related to phenolic constituents.  From:  Capecka, E., Mareczek, A., & Leja, M. (2005). Antioxidant activity of fresh and dry herbs of some Lamiaceae species. Food chemistry, 93(2), 223-226.
• Seven Bulgarian medicinal plants were with high phenolics content and antioxidant properties: Pulmonaria officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Agrimonia eupatoria, Origanum vulgare, Melissa officinalis, Rubus sp. Diversa, and Cotinus coggygria.  From:  Ivanova, D., Gerova, D., Chervenkov, T., & Yankova, T. (2005). Polyphenols and antioxidant capacity of Bulgarian medicinal plants. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 96(1), 145-150.

​​ANXIOLITIC / ANTIDEPRESSANT / MOOD

• In a double blind placebo controlled study of 72 patients with dementia, they either received a massage with the placebo lotion or lotion with Melissa twice a day for 4 weeks. The group who received the lotion containing Melissa had significantly reduced agitation. From: Ballard, C. G., O’Brien, J. T., Reichelt, K., & Perry, E. K. (2002). Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: The results of a double-blind. placebo-controlled trial with Melissa. The Journal of clinical psychiatry.
• In this double blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial with 55 volunteers who had benign heart palpitations, a 14 day treatment of 1,000 mg a day of extracts of Melissa officinalis leaf reduced anxiousness and heart palpitations. From: Alijaniha, F., Naseri, M., Afsharypuor, S., Fallahi, F., Noorbala, A., Mosaddegh, M., … & Sadrai, S. (2015). Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 164, 378-384.
• Memory and calmness was increased while alertness was reduced in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced-crossover study investigated of the effect of extract of M. officinalis on 20 participants. From:  Kennedy, D. O., Scholey, A. B., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., & Wesnes, K. A. (2002). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 72(4), 953-964.
• In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double blind study, 72 healthy men reported reduced anxiety who took 4 days of an extract with a combination of valerian, passion flower, lemon balm, and butterbur. From: Meier, S., Haschke, M., Zahner, C., Kruttschnitt, E., Drewe, J., Liakoni, E., … & Gaab, J. (2018). Effects of a fixed herbal drug combination (Ze 185) to an experimental acute stress setting in healthy men–An explorative randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Phytomedicine, 39, 85-92.
• In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study of 20 healthy participants, M. officinalis helped improve cognitive performance and mood.  From: Kennedy, D. O., Wake, G., Savelev, S., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2003). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology, 28(10), 1871.
• Oral intake of a lozenge containing lavender oil, hop extracts, lemon balm and oat had a calming effect in 16 healthy volunteers.  From: Dimpfel, W., Pischel, I., & Lehnfeld, R. (2004). Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain activity of volunteers. European journal of medical research, 9(9), 423-431.
• In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced crossover experiment of 18 healthy adults, M. officinalis at a 600 mg dose improved mood and cognitive testing, and reduced alertness.  From: Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2004). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosomatic medicine, 66(4), 607-613.
• A four month, parallel group, placebo controlled trial of 42 elderly people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease showed that taking an extract of M. officinalis over 4 months reduced agitation and improved cognitive function compared to the placebo.  From: Akhondzadeh, S., Noroozian, M., Mohammadi, M., Ohadinia, S., Jamshidi, A. H., & Khani, M. (2003). Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 74(7), 863-866.
• In this double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial, 80 patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery, 500 mg of Melissa leaf powder taken for 7 days reduced anxiety and improved sleep. From: Soltanpour, A., Alijaniha, F., Naseri, M., Kazemnejad, A., & Heidari, M. R. (2019). Effects of Melissa officinalis on anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 28, 27-32.
• Melissa officinalis reduced depression and anxiety in rats.  From:  Taiwo, A. E., Leite, F. B., Lucena, G. M., Barros, M., Silveira, D., Silva, M. V., & Ferreira, V. M. (2012). Anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract in rats: Influence of administration and gender. Indian journal of pharmacology, 44(2), 189.
• In a review of research, ten herbs offered human trails and demonstrated potential in reducing anxiety by affecting the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory neurotransmitter. These included: kava, valerian, pennywort, hops, chamomile, ginkgo biloba, passionflower, ashwagandha, skullcap, and lemon balm. From: Savage, K., Firth, J., Stough, C., & Sarris, J. (2018). GABA‐modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Phytotherapy research, 32(1), 3-18.
• Lavender and Melissa had neuronal depressant and anti-agitation activities in vitro. From:  Huang, L., Abuhamdah, S., Howes, M. J. R., Dixon, C. L., Elliot, M. S., Ballard, C., … & Lees, G. (2008). Pharmacological profile of essential oils derived from Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis with anti‐agitation properties: focus on ligand‐gated channels. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 60(11), 1515-1522.
• Ingested extracts of Melissa officinalis had an antidepressant effect in vivo. From: Emamghoreishi, M., & Talebianpour, M. S. (2015). Antidepressant effect of Melissa officinalis in the forced swimming test. DARU Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17(1), 42-47.

COGNITION

• Memory and calmness was increased while alertness was reduced in this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced-crossover study investigated of the effect of extract of M. officinalis on 20 participants. From:  Kennedy, D. O., Scholey, A. B., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., & Wesnes, K. A. (2002). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 72(4), 953-964.

• In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced crossover study of 20 healthy participants, M. officinalis helped improve cognitive performance and mood.  From: Kennedy, D. O., Wake, G., Savelev, S., Tildesley, N. T. J., Perry, E. K., Wesnes, K. A., & Scholey, A. B. (2003). Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties. Neuropsychopharmacology, 28(10), 1871.
• In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced crossover experiment of 18 healthy adults, M. officinalis at a 600 mg dose improved mood and cognitive testing, and reduced alertness.  From: Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., & Scholey, A. B. (2004). Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosomatic medicine, 66(4), 607-613.
• A four month, parallel group, placebo controlled trial of 42 elderly people with moderate Alzheimer’s disease showed that taking an extract of M. officinalis over 4 months reduced agitation and improved cognitive function compared to the placebo.  From: Akhondzadeh, S., Noroozian, M., Mohammadi, M., Ohadinia, S., Jamshidi, A. H., & Khani, M. (2003). Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 74(7), 863-866.
• In this double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of 44 adults, a combination of sage, rosemary, and Melissa ethenal extracts taken internally improved verbal memory, especially in the older age group.   From:  Perry, N. S. L., Menzies, R., Hodgson, F., Wedgewood, P., Howes, M. J., Brooker, H. J., … & Perry, E. K. (2017). A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial of a combined extract of sage, rosemary and melissa, traditional herbal medicines, on the enhancement of memory in normal healthy subjects, including influence of age. Phytomedicine.

INSOMNIA

• A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicentre study showed improved sleep with a lemon balm and valerian blend.  From:  Cerny, A., & Schmid, K. (1999). Tolerability and efficacy of valerian/lemon balm in healthy volunteers (a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study). Fitoterapia, 70(3), 221-228.
• Cyracos®, a standardized Melissa officinalis extract, reduced symptoms of stress and insomnia in this pilot trial of participants with mild to moderate symptoms.  From: Cases, J., Ibarra, A., Feuillere, N., Roller, M., & Sukkar, S. G. (2011). Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances. Mediterranean journal of nutrition and metabolism, 4(3), 211-218.
• In this double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial, 80 patients who had coronary artery bypass surgery, 500 mg of Melissa leaf powder taken for 7 days reduced anxiety and improved sleep. From: Soltanpour, A., Alijaniha, F., Naseri, M., Kazemnejad, A., & Heidari, M. R. (2019). Effects of Melissa officinalis on anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 28, 27-32.
• In a triple blind randomized placebo controlled study of patients with insomnia, taking 1000 mg of Melissa officinalis and 400 mg Nepeta menthoides each night for 4 weeks significantly reduced insomnia. From: Ranjbar, M., Salehi, A., Rezaeizadeh, H., Zarshenas, M. M., Sadeghniiat-Haghighi, K., Mirabzadeh, M., & Firoozabadi, A. (2018). Efficacy of a Combination of Melissa officinalis L. and Nepeta menthoides Boiss. & Buhse on Insomnia: A Triple-Blind, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(12), 1197-1203.

INSECTICIDAL

• Against larvae Spodoptera littoralis the following oils showed insecticidal activity: catnip,  white cedar, clary sage, thyme,  marjoram, patchouli, pennyroyal, lemon mint, Melissa, and lavender.  From: Pavela, R. (2005). Insecticidal activity of some essential oils against larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Fitoterapia, 76(7), 691-696.

ANTI-DIABETIC

• Oregano, rosemary, and lemon balm showed in vitro action that might be useful in treating diabetes and hypertension.  From:  Kwon, Y. I. I., Vattem, D. A., & Shetty, K. (2006). Evaluation of clonal herbs of Lamiaceae species for management of diabetes and hypertension. Asia pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 15(1), 107-118.
• In a randomized placebo controlled trial of 62 patients with type 2 diabetes, taking a Melissa officinalis extract of 700 mg twice a day for 12 weeks improved lipid profile and glycemic measurements. From: Asadi, A., Shidfar, F., Safari, M., Hosseini, A. F., Fallah Huseini, H., Heidari, I., & Rajab, A. (2019). Efficacy of Melissa officinalis L.(lemon balm) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial. Phytotherapy research, 33(3), 651-659.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AID

• In a study of 32 patients with irritable bowel syndrome, a blend of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), Mentha spicata (spearmint), and Coriandrum sativum (coriander seed) taken with either loperamide or psyllium reduced pain and bloating over the placebo.  From:  Vejdani, R., Shalmani, H. R. M., Mir-Fattahi, M., Sajed-Nia, F., Abdollahi, M., Zali, M. R., … & Amin, G. (2006). The efficacy of an herbal medicine, Carmint, on the relief of abdominal pain and bloating in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Digestive diseases and sciences, 51(8), 1501-1507.
• Helicobacter pylori causes gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.  Botanical extracts that were most effective against H. pylori included:  Carum carvi, Elettaria cardamomum, Gentiana lutea, Juniper communis, Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis, Mentha piperita, Pimpinella anisum, Matricaria recutita, and Ginkgo biloba.  From:  Mahady, G. B., Pendland, S. L., Stoia, A., Hamill, F. A., Fabricant, D., Dietz, B. M., & Chadwick, L. R. (2005). In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to botanical extracts used traditionally for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Phytotherapy research, 19(11), 988-991.
• Ginger, peppermint, aniseed and fennel, citrus fruits, dandelion and artichoke, melissa and chamomile may have digestive enhancing activities.  From:  Valussi, M. (2012). Functional foods with digestion-enhancing properties. International journal of food sciences and nutrition, 63(sup1), 82-89.

FEMALE HEALTH

• This articles reviews research on herbs for treating menstrual pain. Herbs included: ginger, German chamomile, mint, valerian, cramp bark, black haw, fennel, lemon balm, cumin, and cinnamon. From: Rajabzadeh, F., Fazljou, S. M., Khodaie, L., Abbasalizadeh, S., & Sahebi, L. (2018). Effects of hot temperament herbs on primary Dysmenorrhea: a systematic review. Middle East Journal of Family Medicine, 7(10), 257.
• In a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 100 high school girls, taking capsules of 1200 mg of Melissa officinalis daily during their menstrual cycle significantly reduced PMS symptoms. From: Akbarzadeh, M., Dehghani, M., Moshfeghy, Z., Emamghoreishi, M., Tavakoli, P., & Zare, N. (2015). Effect of Melissa officinalis capsule on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in high school girl students. Nursing and midwifery studies, 4(2).
• In this this double-blind clinical trial of 110 female students, taking Melissa officinalis (330 mg 3 times a day over 3 days during menstruation) reduced dysmenorrhea severity. From: Mirabi, P., Namdari, M., Alamolhoda, S., & Mojab, F. (2017). The Effect of Melissa Officinalis Extract on the Severity of Primary Dysmenorrha. Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research: IJPR, 16(Suppl), 171.

ANTI-ULCER

• Extracts from Iberis amara (candytuft), Melissa officinalis (Melissa), Matricaria recutita (chamomile), Carum carvi (caraway), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Glycyrrhtza glabra (licorice), Angelica archangelica (Angelica), Silybum marianum (milk thistle), and Chelidonium majus (celandines) demonstrated in vivo antiulcer activity alone and as a combined furomulation. From: Khayyal, M. T., El-Ghazaly, M. A., Kenawy, S. A., Seif-El-Nasr, M., Mahran, L. G., Kafafi, Y. A., & Okpanyi, S. N. (2001). Antiulcerogenic effect of some gastrointestinally acting plant extracts and their combination. Arzneimittelforschung, 51(07), 545-553.
• Research was reviewed on the following plants for treating recurrent apthous (mouth) ulcers: Satureja khuzistanica, Aloe vera, Myrrh, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Alchemilla vulgaris, Myrtus communis, Melissa officinalis, Rhizophora mangle, Chamomile, Rosa damascena, Nicotiana tabacum, Punica granatum, Ageratina pichinchensis, Norwegian LongoVital, Lavendula angustifolia oil, and Perilla frutescens oil. From: Heydarpour, F., Abasabadi, M., Shahpiri, Z., Vaziri, S., Nazari, H. A., Najafi, F., … & Farzaei, M. H. (2018). Medicinal plant and their bioactive phytochemicals in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcers: A review of clinical trials. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 12(23), 27.

CHOLESTEROL

• In a study with 58 hyperlipidemic patients, 3000 mg of Melissa leaf powder taken daily for two months significantly reduced LDL cholesterol compared to the placebo group. From: Jandaghi, P., Noroozi, M., Ardalani, H., & Alipour, M. (2016). Lemon balm: A promising herbal therapy for patients with borderline hyperlipidemia—A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Complementary therapies in medicine, 26, 136-140.
• In a randomized placebo controlled trial of 62 patients with type 2 diabetes, taking a Melissa officinalis extract of 700 mg twice a day for 12 weeks improved lipid profile and glycemic measurements. From: Asadi, A., Shidfar, F., Safari, M., Hosseini, A. F., Fallah Huseini, H., Heidari, I., & Rajab, A. (2019). Efficacy of Melissa officinalis L.(lemon balm) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double‐blind, clinical trial. Phytotherapy research, 33(3), 651-659.
• In a randomized double-blinded controlled stud with 37 diabetic patients, 1,000 mg a day for three months of a Melissa officinalis extract significantly reduced serum triglyceride levels. From: Nayebi, N., Esteghamati, A., Meysamie, A., Khalili, N., Kamalinejad, M., Emtiazy, M., & Hashempur, M. H. (2019). The effects of a Melissa officinalis L. based product on metabolic parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine.

REDUCED COLLIC IN BABIES

• The present study shows that colic in breastfed infant improves within 1 week of treatment with an extract with Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare and Melissa officinalis. From:  Savino, F., Cresi, F., Castagno, E., Silvestro, L., & Oggero, R. (2005). A randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial of a standardized extract of Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare and Melissa officinalis (ColiMil®).
• In a multicenter randomized study of 167 babies with colic, a blend of Matricariae chamomilla, Melissa officinalis, and tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus was significantly more effective than simethicone in reducing symptoms. From: Martinelli, M., Ummarino, D., Giugliano, F. P., Sciorio, E., Tortora, C., Bruzzese, D., … & Campanozzi, A. (2017). Efficacy of a standardized extract of Matricariae chamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L. and tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA 122) in infantile colic: An open randomized controlled trial. Neurogastroenterology & Motility, 29(12), e13145.

APHRODISIAC

• In a small study with 89 women having decreased sexual desire, 500 mg of aqueous extract of M. officinalis taken twice a day for 4 weeks.  Measurements included increased desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.  Results showed sexual function was improved compared to the placebo.  From:  Darvish-Mofrad-Kashani, Z., Emaratkar, E., Hashem-Dabaghian, F., Emadi, F., Raisi, F., Aliasl, J., … & Zafarghandi, N. (2018). Effect of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) on sexual dysfunction in women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 17(Suppl), 89.

SKIN / BURNS

• The use of plants to treat skin conditions was reviewed. Plants identified included Calendula officinalis, Chamomilla recutita, Glycyrrhiza, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, and Plantago major.  Conditions included acne, dermatitis, herpes simplex, and psoriasis.  From:  Brown, D. J., & Dattner, A. M. (1998). Phytotherapeutic approaches to common dermatologic conditions. Archives of dermatology, 134(11), 1401-1404.
• In 40 healthy adults, test areas of the back were overexposed to ultraviolet light. A formulation with Aloe vera showed the highest anti-inflammatory effect. Formulations with Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed some anti-inflammatory effect. From: Beikert, F. C., Schönfeld, B. S., Frank, U., & Augustin, M. (2013). Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 64(1), 40-46.

Compiled By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 9/19/19