Research

Lemon Balm

79 peer-reviewed studies curated from PubMed and Semantic Scholar.

4
Meta-analyses
1
Systematic reviews
32
RCTs
42
Other studies
Meta-analyses (5%)
Systematic reviews (1%)
RCTs (41%)

Studies

Sorted by quality and recency

2024·BMC complementary medicine and therapies·Kasra Shahsavari, Mohammad Reza Shams Ardekani, Mahnaz Khanavi, et al

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

Meta-analysisn = 302Heart Health

Meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials with 302 patients assessing the effects of lemon balm on serum lipid profile. Lemon balm consumption significantly decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels, but had no significant effect on HDL levels.

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2023·Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries·Luis F Andrade, Parsa Abdi, Amritpal Kooner, et al

Treatment of post-burn pruritus - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysisn = 323

Systematic review and meta-analysis of nine studies with 323 patients assessing interventions for post-burn pruritus. Interventions included naltrexone, coverings, topical ozonated oil, lasers, current stimulation, and lemon balm tea. Lemon balm tea showed a standardized mean effect size of 0.54, indicating a statistically significant reduction in pruritus.

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2023·Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD·Moeko Noguchi-Shinohara, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi, Kenji Sakai, et al

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

RCTn = 323Brain Health

RCT assessing the effects of Melissa officinalis extract containing 500mg of rosmarinic acid on cognition in 323 older adults without dementia over 96 weeks. No significant differences in cognitive measures were found between the placebo and M. officinalis groups, except in participants without hypertension where a significant difference in Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes scores was observed.

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2021·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Javid Ghazizadeh, Saeed Sadigh-Eteghad, Wolfgang Marx, et al

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

Meta-analysisMood Stress

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials examining lemon balm's effects on anxiety and depression. Lemon balm significantly improved anxiety and depression scores compared to placebo, with no serious side effects. Results should be interpreted with caution due to high heterogeneity and limited number of trials.

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2020·Phytotherapy Research·Javad Heshmati, Mojgan Morvaridzadeh, M. Sepidarkish, et al

Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on cardio‐metabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Meta-analysisHeart Health

Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating the effects of Melissa officinalis on cardiometabolic outcomes. MO intake was associated with reduced total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, but not with significant changes in other cardiometabolic markers. The study highlights the need for high-quality RCTs due to limitations such as a low number of studies and high risk of bias.

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2025·Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses·Fatemeh Hasanzadeh Sablouei, Ebrahim Nasiri Formi, Hooshang Akbari, et al

Comparison of the Effects of a Melissa officinalis L. and Valerian Combination With Clonidine on Anxiety, Hemodynamic Changes, and Shivering in Knee Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 96Stress Physical Performance

RCT comparing the effects of a valerian and Melissa officinalis combination (Norogol) with clonidine and placebo on anxiety, hemodynamic changes, and shivering in knee replacement surgery. Norogol was as effective as clonidine in reducing shivering, and both intervention groups showed a decrease in anxiety, though not statistically significant.

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2025·BMC complementary medicine and therapies·Nilofar Pasyar, Mansoureh Aghababaei, Masoume Rambod, et al

The effectiveness of Melissa officinalis L. essential oil inhalation on anxiety and symptom burden of hemodialysis patients: a randomized trial study.

RCTn = 68Stress Inflammation

RCT of 68 hemodialysis patients comparing Melissa officinalis L. essential oil inhalation to sweet almond oil. The intervention group showed reduced anxiety and symptom burden, including improvements in state and trait anxiety, and symptoms like constipation, nausea, and muscle cramps.

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2024·Biomedical Research Bulletin·N. Dolatkhah, Morteza Rajabi, Mohammad Rahbar, et al

Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of Melissa Officinalis on Clinical and Electro Diagnostic Findings of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

RCTn = 60Nutrition Brain Health

RCT evaluating lemon balm capsules in 60 patients with type 2 diabetes. The experimental group showed significant reductions in fasting blood glucose levels and improvements in certain nerve conduction parameters, suggesting benefits for metabolic control and nerve function.

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2024·The Open Public Health Journal·Masoume Sinaei, Roshank Salari, Reza Mohseni Birjandi, et al

The Effect of Inhalation Aromatherapy with Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Essential Oil on Sleep Quality in Mothers of Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (A Randomized Clinical Trial Study)

RCTn = 50Sleep

This RCT investigated the effect of inhalation aromatherapy with lemon balm essential oil on sleep quality in mothers of preterm infants in the NICU. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group over one and two-week intervals.

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2023·Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products·Lida Bakhtyari, L. Shirbeigi, M. Tabarrai, et al

Efficacy of a Polyherbal Syrup Containing Lemon Balm, Damask Rose, and Fennel to Treat Melasma: A Randomized, Triple - Blind, Controlled Clinical Trial

RCTn = 110Skin Hair Health

Randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of a multi-herbal syrup containing lemon balm, damask rose, and fennel in 110 patients with melasma. The intervention group showed significant improvements in melanin, lightness, pigmentation, MASI, and MELASQOL scores compared to placebo.

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2023·Frontiers in Pharmacology·Aasiya Bano, P. Hepsomali, F. Rabbani, et al

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

RCTn = 100Mood Stress Sleep Mental Clarity

A 3-week prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial in 100 healthy adults with emotional distress and poor sleep conditions. Supplementation of 400 mg/day of phospholipid-based Melissa officinalis extract significantly improved depressive mood, anxiety, stress, emotional feelings, mental wellbeing, and quality-of-life scores.

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2021·Complementary therapies in clinical practice·Atefeh Veiskaramian, Mohammad Gholami, Sajad Yarahmadi, et al

Effect of aromatherapy with Melissa essential oil on stress and hemodynamic parameters in acute coronary syndrome patients: A clinical trial in the emergency department.

RCTn = 72Stress Heart Health

Double-blind clinical trial with 72 ACS patients comparing inhalation of Melissa essential oil to placebo. The Melissa group showed significant decreases in stress and heart rate at specific time points, and a decrease in mean arterial pressure compared to placebo.

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2021·Revista brasileira de ginecologia e obstetricia : revista da Federacao Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetricia·Mahboobeh Shirazi, Mohamad Naser Jalalian, Masoumeh Abed, et al

The Effectiveness of Melissa Officinalis L. versus Citalopram on Quality of Life of Menopausal Women with Sleep Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

RCTn = 60Sleep Womens Health

Randomized, double-blind clinical trial comparing the effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) with fennel fruit extract, citalopram, and placebo on the quality of life in 60 postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. The lemon balm group showed significant improvements in all MENQOL domain scores compared to citalopram and placebo.

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2005·Journal of herbal pharmacotherapy·Catherine Ulbricht, Thomas Brendler, Joerg Gruenwald, et al

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration.

Systematic review

An evidence-based systematic review of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) covering scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetics/dynamics, interactions, adverse effects, toxicology, and dosing.

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2025·Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine·Hiroyasu Iwahashi, Yoshihito Kawashima, Hitoshi Masaki, et al

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Leaf Extract Promotes Endo180 Production in Dermal Fibroblasts and has Antiwrinkle Effect on Human Skin.

RCTn = 20Skin Hair Health

The study investigated the effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) leaf extract (MOLE) on Endo180 production in dermal fibroblasts and its antiwrinkle effect on human skin. MOLE increased Endo180 and type I collagen production in vitro and reduced eye-corner wrinkles in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study with 20 women over 8 weeks.

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2021·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Zahra Shekarriz, Seyed Afshin Shorofi, Maryam Nabati, et al

Effect of Melissa officinalis on systolic and diastolic blood pressures in essential hypertension: A double-blind crossover clinical trial.

RCTn = 49

A double-blind, randomized crossover clinical trial on 49 hypertensive patients evaluated the effects of Melissa officinalis on blood pressure. Patients received either M. officinalis or placebo for 4 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout and crossover. M. officinalis significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to placebo, with no significant side effects observed.

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2020·Scientific reports·Moeko Noguchi-Shinohara, Kenjiro Ono, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi, et al

Safety and efficacy of Melissa officinalis extract containing rosmarinic acid in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease progression.

RCTn = 23Brain Health

RCT of 23 patients with mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease comparing Melissa officinalis extract containing rosmarinic acid to placebo over 24 weeks. No significant differences in cognitive measures or biomarkers were found, but the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire score improved in the M. officinalis group, suggesting potential benefits for neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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2019·European Journal of Integrative Medicine·A. Soltanpour, F. Alijaniha, M. Naseri, et al

Effects of Melissa officinalis on anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A double-blind randomized placebo controlled trial

RCTn = 80Sleep

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with 80 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) was administered to evaluate its effects on anxiety and sleep quality. The herbal group showed significant improvements in anxiety and sleep quality compared to placebo.

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2019·Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology·Cláudia Tavares-Silva, Carla Holandino, Fortune Homsani, et al

Homeopathic medicine of Melissa officinalis combined or not with Phytolacca decandra in the treatment of possible sleep bruxism in children: A crossover randomized triple-blinded controlled clinical trial.

RCTn = 52Sleep

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of homeopathic Melissa officinalis (MO), Phytolacca decandra (PD), and their combination in treating possible sleep bruxism in children. MO showed a significant reduction in bruxism compared to placebo and PD, with no side effects observed.

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2018·Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research : IJPR·P. Mirabi, S. Alamolhoda, Mansooreh Yazdkhasti, et al

The Effects of Lemon balm on Menstrual Bleeding and the Systemic Manifestation of Dysmenorrhea

RCTn = 90Womens Health

Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating the impact of Lemon balm on menstrual bleeding and systemic manifestations of dysmenorrhea in 90 students. The study found that Lemon balm decreased the severity of systemic symptoms associated with menstruation without increasing bleeding severity or duration.

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2018·Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition·Ahmad Zare Javid, Habib Haybar, Parvin Dehghan, et al

The effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) in chronic stable angina on serum biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid profile.

RCTn = 80Heart Health Inflammation

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 80 patients with chronic stable angina investigated the effects of oral Melissa officinalis (3 g/d) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile. The intervention group showed lower serum concentrations of triglycerides, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and hs-CRP, and higher levels of paraxonase 1 and HDL-c compared to placebo.

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2018·Complementary therapies in medicine·Akbar Asadi, Farzad Shidfar, Mostafa Safari, et al

Safety and efficacy of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) on ApoA-I, Apo B, lipid ratio and ICAM-1 in type 2 diabetes patients: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.

RCTn = 70Heart Health

RCT of 70 type 2 diabetic patients comparing hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis to placebo for 12 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in serum Apo A-I, TC/HDL-c, and LDL-c/HDL-c ratios in the Melissa officinalis group, indicating potential cardiovascular benefits.

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2018·Phytotherapy research : PTR·Akbar Asadi, Farzad Shidfar, Mostafa Safari, et al

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.

RCTn = 62Heart Health Inflammation Nutrition

Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 62 type 2 diabetic patients receiving either Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract or placebo for 12 weeks. Significant improvements were observed in serum FBS, HbA, β-cell activity, TG, HDL-c, hs-CRP, and systolic blood pressure in the lemon balm group. No adverse effects were reported.

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2017·Archives of gerontology and geriatrics·Mohsen Taghizadeh, Farzaneh Maghaminejad, Mohammad Aghajani, et al

The effect of tablet containing Boswellia serrata and Melisa officinalis extract on older adults' memory: A randomized controlled trial.

RCTn = 70Mental Clarity

RCT investigating the effect of a tablet containing Boswellia serrata and Melissa officinalis extract on memory in older adults. The study found significant improvements in memory scores, including auditory immediate, immediate memory, visual immediate, and working memory, after consumption of the tablets.

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2016·Complementary therapies in medicine·Parisa Jandaghi, Mostafa Noroozi, Hamidreza Ardalani, et al

Lemon balm: A promising herbal therapy for patients with borderline hyperlipidemia-A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

RCTn = 58Heart Health

RCT of 58 hyperlipidemic patients comparing 1000mg M. officinalis leaf powder to placebo for 2 months. The MO group showed a significant decrease in LDL and AST levels compared to the placebo group.

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2015·Journal of ethnopharmacology·Fatemeh Alijaniha, Mohsen Naseri, Suleiman Afsharypuor, et al

Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety.

RCTn = 55Heart Health Stress

Double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of 500 mg twice daily lyophilized aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis leaves on adults with benign palpitations. The treatment reduced the frequency of palpitation episodes and the number of anxious patients compared to placebo, with no serious side effects.

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2014·Nutrients·Andrew Scholey, Amy Gibbs, Chris Neale, et al

Anti-stress effects of lemon balm-containing foods.

RCTMood Mental Clarity

Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies evaluated the mood and cognitive effects of a standardised lemon balm preparation in beverage and yoghurt forms. Improvements in mood and cognitive performance were generally observed, though some behavioral costs were noted at other doses, depending on the delivery matrix.

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2011·Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition·V Petrovic, S Marcincak, P Popelka, et al

The effect of supplementation of clove and agrimony or clove and lemon balm on growth performance, antioxidant status and selected indices of lipid profile of broiler chickens.

RCTn = 120Nutrition

RCT investigating the effects of clove flower buds powder combined with lemon balm or agrimony extract on broiler chickens. The supplementation increased antioxidant status but did not affect growth performance or selected lipid metabolism indices at 42 days of age.

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2010·Toxicology and industrial health·Akbar Zeraatpishe, Shahrbano Oryan, Mohammad Hadi Bagheri, et al

Effects of Melissa officinalis L. on oxidative status and DNA damage in subjects exposed to long-term low-dose ionizing radiation.

RCTn = 55Inflammation Longevity

Before-after clinical trial on 55 radiology staff exposed to low-dose radiation, using Lemon balm infusion twice daily for 30 days. Significant improvements were observed in plasma levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, with reductions in DNA damage, myeloperoxidase, and lipid peroxidation.

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2002·The Journal of clinical psychiatry·Clive G Ballard, John T O'Brien, Katharina Reichelt, et al

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.

RCTn = 72Mood

Double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of aromatherapy with Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) essential oil in 72 patients with severe dementia. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in agitation and improvements in quality of life indices compared to placebo.

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2024·Chemia Naissensis·Denis Mitov, Katarina Milenković, Stefan Petrović, et al

The content of heavy metal(oid)s, total phenols, total flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and antioxidant activity of lemon balm leaves (Melissa officinalis L.) 2024Chemia NaissensisVolume 7Часописи

Study

The study analyzed the total polyphenols, flavonoid contents, antioxidant activities, rosmarinic acid content, and heavy metal(oid)s levels in pot-grown lemon balm leaves. All heavy metal(oid) concentrations were within WHO recommended limits, and phenolic compound content was compared with literature data for wild-grown samples.

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2022·Molecules·F. Kianersi, D. Amin Azarm, Alireza Pour-Aboughadareh, et al

Change in Secondary Metabolites and Expression Pattern of Key Rosmarinic Acid Related Genes in Iranian Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Ecotypes Using Methyl Jasmonate Treatments

Study

The study investigates the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on rosmarinic acid (RA) content, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) in Iranian lemon balm ecotypes. MeJA treatment significantly increased RA, TPC, and TFC levels, and enhanced expression of biosynthesis-related genes, suggesting gene activation in the phenylpropanoid pathway.

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2021·BIO Web of Conferences·Lidia-Ioana Virchea, F. Gligor, A. Frum, et al

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant assay of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm)

StudyInflammation Brain Health Heart Health Skin Hair Health

The study conducted a phytochemical analysis and antioxidant assay of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm), focusing on its volatile oil and flavonoid content. The results indicated a low volatile oil content and significant antioxidant activity, suggesting lemon balm as a potential source of antioxidant compounds with various health benefits.

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2019·Journal of complementary & integrative medicine·Neda Nayebi, Alireza Esteghamati, Alipasha Meysamie, et al

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.

RCTn = 32Heart Health

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial with 37 dyslipidemic diabetic patients evaluated the effects of a Melissa officinalis based product. The study found significant decreases in serum triglyceride levels and blood pressure in the MO group, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.

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2018·Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research : IJPR·zahra darvish-mofrad-kashani, E. Emaratkar, Fataneh Hashem-Dabaghian, et al

Effect of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) on Sexual Dysfunction in Women: A Double- blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Study

RCTn = 43Sexual Health

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluating the efficacy of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) in improving hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. The study found significant improvements in desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, pain, and FSFI total score in the M. officinalis group compared to placebo.

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2015·PloS one·Moeko Noguchi-Shinohara, Kenjiro Ono, Tsuyoshi Hamaguchi, et al

Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Tolerability of Melissa officinalis Extract which Contained Rosmarinic Acid in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

RCTn = 11

RCT evaluating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of a single dose of Melissa officinalis extract containing rosmarinic acid in 11 healthy individuals. The study found that rosmarinic acid peaked at 1 hour post-administration in the fasted state, with food intake increasing exposure and delaying absorption. No adverse effects were reported.

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2006·Phytotherapy research : PTR·David O Kennedy, Wendy Little, Crystal F Haskell, et al

Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress.

RCTn = 24Stress Mental Clarity

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized cross-over study with 24 healthy volunteers testing anxiolytic effects of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis combination during laboratory-induced stress. The 600 mg dose reduced anxiety, while the 1800 mg dose increased anxiety. All doses impaired cognitive performance on the Stroop task.

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2004·Psychosomatic medicine·David O Kennedy, Wendy Little, Andrew B Scholey

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

RCTn = 18Stress Mental Clarity

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover study with 18 healthy volunteers testing single doses of Melissa officinalis (300 mg, 600 mg) against placebo. The 600-mg dose improved mood by increasing calmness and reducing alertness, while the 300-mg dose increased the speed of mathematical processing without reducing accuracy.

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2003·Neuropsychopharmacology : official publication of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology·D O Kennedy, G Wake, S Savelev, et al

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.

RCTn = 20Mood Mental Clarity

RCT assessing the cognitive and mood effects of single doses of Melissa officinalis in 20 healthy participants. The highest dose (1600 mg) improved memory performance and increased calmness, while lower doses showed decrements in task performance speed. Different preparations may exhibit varying properties.

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2002·Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior·D O Kennedy, Andrew B Scholey, N T J Tildesley, et al

Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm).

RCTn = 20Mood Mental Clarity

Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, balanced-crossover study on the acute effects of Melissa officinalis on cognition and mood in 20 healthy young participants. Results showed sustained improvement in Accuracy of Attention with 600 mg, reductions in Secondary and Working Memory, increased calmness at low doses, and reduced alertness at high doses.

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2024·Frontiers in Marine Science·Amr Fadel, Mohamed M. M. Metwally, H. Hassan, et al

Growth, immunomodulatory, histopathological, and antibacterial effects of phytobiotic-incorporated diets on Oreochromis niloticus in unchanged water

Animal studyImmunity Stress

A 90-day feeding trial on Nile tilapia with herbal extracts (lemon balm, marjoram, chamomile) showed improved growth performance, survival rates, and resistance against pathogenic bacteria E. tarda. The study suggests phytobiotic supplements enhance fish stress tolerance and immune activation under stressful conditions.

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2024·Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences·M. Kara, Sümeyye Şahin, F. Rabbani, et al

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

In vitroStress Brain Health

In vitro study comparing the CNS-calming and antioxidative stress properties of a standardized phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis extract (Relissa™) versus an unformulated dry MO extract. Relissa™ exhibited higher GABA-T and MAO-A inhibitory activity, improved neuroprotective antioxidant effects, and higher BDNF expression levels in SH-SY5Y cells.

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2024·Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association·Alexandra R Lobach, F. Schmidt, Davide Fedrizzi, et al

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

Animal study

Toxicological safety evaluation of an aqueous lemon balm extract was conducted using genotoxicity tests and a 90-day repeated dose oral toxicity study in rats. The extract was found to be non-genotoxic and showed no adverse effects at the highest doses tested, establishing a no-observed-adverse-effect-level for male and female rats.

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2022·Scientia Pharmaceutica·G. Sales, S. Medeiros, Igor Soares, et al

Antifungal and Modulatory Activity of Lemon Balm (Lippia alba (MILL.) N. E. BROWN) Essential Oil

In vitro

The study evaluated the antifungal activity and modulating effect of lemon balm (Lippia alba) essential oil (LaEO) on eight Candida strains. LaEO inhibited the growth of all tested microorganisms and showed potential for biotechnological application, especially in combination with ketoconazole.

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2022·Antioxidants·Jae Young Choi, T.W. Jang, P. Song, et al

Combination Effects of Metformin and a Mixture of Lemon Balm and Dandelion on High-Fat Diet-Induced Metabolic Alterations in Mice

Animal studyInflammation Nutrition

Animal study examining the combination effects of metformin and a mixture of lemon balm and dandelion on high-fat diet-induced metabolic alterations in mice. The combination reduced weight gain, body fat deposition, and improved blood parameters for NAFLD, T2DM, and renal functions more than either monotherapy. It also enhanced hepatic antioxidant activities and improved insulin resistance.

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2022·Toxins·Pascaline Aimee Uwineza, M. Urbaniak, M. Bryła, et al

In Vitro Effects of Lemon Balm Extracts in Reducing the Growth and Mycotoxins Biosynthesis of Fusarium culmorum and F. proliferatum

In vitro

In vitro study evaluating the antifungal activity of lemon balm extracts against Fusarium culmorum and Fusarium proliferatum. The extracts inhibited mycelium growth and reduced mycotoxins biosynthesis, supporting their potential as natural antifungal agents.

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2022·Antioxidants·I. Cho, Joung-Hoon Shin, Beom-Rak Choi, et al

Lemon Balm and Corn Silk Mixture Alleviates Metabolic Disorders Caused by a High-Fat Diet

Animal studyNutrition Inflammation Heart Health Hormone Health Gut Health

Animal study investigating the effects of a 1:1 mixture of lemon balm and corn silk extracts on high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorders. The mixture significantly inhibited body weight gain, adipocyte hypertrophy, and lipogenic gene induction, and improved various metabolic parameters, showing effects comparable to metformin.

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2022·Animals : an Open Access Journal from MDPI·Qi Wang, J. Mei, Jing Xie

The Effects of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Essential Oil on the Stress Response, Anti-Oxidative Ability, and Kidney Metabolism of Sea Bass during Live Transport

Animal studyStress

The study evaluated the effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil on stress response, anti-oxidative ability, and kidney metabolism in sea bass during live transport. Sea bass treated with different concentrations of lemon balm showed lower levels of stress markers and higher antioxidant capacity compared to controls, suggesting lemon balm's potential as a sedative and anesthetic to improve survival rates during transport.

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2021·Applied Sciences·Beom-Rak Choi, I. Cho, Suryun Jung, et al

Lemon Balm and Dandelion Leaf Extracts Synergistically Protect against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Animal studyInflammation

Animal study exploring the protective effects of a 2:1 mixture of lemon balm and dandelion extracts on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice. The mixture prevented CCl4-mediated changes, alleviated hepatocyte degeneration, reduced apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, suggesting potential for preventing acute liver injury.

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2021·Frontiers in Pharmacology·B. Chindo, M. Howes, S. Abuhamdah, et al

New Insights Into the Anticonvulsant Effects of Essential Oil From Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon Balm)

Animal studyBrain Health

The study investigates the anticonvulsant effects of essential oil from Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) using in vitro and in vivo models of epilepsy. The oil showed protective effects against seizures and ameliorated seizure severity, anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuronal cell loss in animal models.

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2021·Antioxidants·I. Cho, Sung-Eon Kim, Beom-Rak Choi, et al

Lemon Balm and Corn Silk Extracts Mitigate High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

Animal studyPhysique Inflammation

The study explored the anti-obesity effects of a mixture of lemon balm and corn silk extracts in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice. The mixture significantly alleviated weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy, reduced serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and mitigated abnormal changes in mRNAs associated with lipogenesis and lipolysis.

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2020·Journal of food biochemistry·Beom-Rak Choi, I. Cho, Su-Jin Jung, et al

Lemon balm and dandelion leaf extract synergistically alleviate ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

In vitroInflammation

The study investigated the effects of a 2:1 mixture of lemon balm and dandelion extracts on ethanol-induced liver injury. The mixture reduced liver weight, decreased serum biomarkers of hepatic injury, and attenuated oxidative stress and inflammation in vitro, suggesting potential for preventing alcohol-mediated liver injury.

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2020·International Journal of Molecular Sciences·Dongju Lee, Y. Shin, Jong Seong Roh, et al

RETRACTED: Lemon Balm Extract ALS-L1023 Regulates Obesity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity via Activation of Hepatic PPARα in High-Fat Diet-Fed Obese C57BL/6J Mice

Animal studyPhysique Hormone Health

The study investigated the effects of lemon balm extract ALS-L1023 on obesity and insulin sensitivity in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice. ALS-L1023 reduced body weight gain, visceral fat mass, and improved insulin sensitivity by activating hepatic PPARα, similar to the effects of the PPARα ligand fenofibrate.

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2020·Nutrients·Myungsuk Kim, Gyhye Yoo, A. Randy, et al

Lemon Balm and Its Constituent, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Liver Damage in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Animal study

The study investigated the effects of lemon balm extract and rosmarinic acid on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in an animal model. Treatments alleviated oxidative stress, modulated lipid metabolism, and inhibited genes involved in hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting potential benefits for liver damage in NASH.

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2020·Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM·Roxana M. Ghiulai, Ș. Avram, D. Stoian, et al

Lemon Balm Extracts Prevent Breast Cancer Progression In Vitro and In Ovo on Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay

In vitroWomens Health

The study investigated the antiangiogenic and chemopreventive bioactivity of lemon balm extracts on breast cancer. MOE96 extract inhibited cancer progression and angiogenesis in the in ovo CAM model and showed high cell inhibitory activity against the MCF7 breast cancer cell line, with no cytotoxic effect on healthy cells.

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2019·Regulatory Mechanisms in Biosystems·I. Salamon, M. Kryvtsova, K. Trush, et al

Agro-ecological cultivation, secondary metabolite characteristics and microbiological tests of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – the variety Citronella

Study

The study characterized the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from Melissa officinalis L. variety Citronella cultivated in the Ukrainian Carpathians. The essential oil showed low antibacterial activity but higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria and an antimitotic effect towards Candida glabrata.

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2018·Archivos Latinoamericanos de Nutrición·J. Jaimez Ordaz, J. M. Martínez Hernández, J. Ramírez-Godínez, et al

Bioactive compounds in aqueous extracts of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cultivated in Mexico

Study

The study focused on extracting antioxidants from lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) using aqueous solutions and identifying them through HPLC-MS. The research determined that temperature and time positively influence antioxidant extraction, with optimal conditions being 90°C, 15 min, and 2 g of sample. Antioxidant activity was attributed to phenolic compounds confirmed by HPLC-MS analysis.

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2009·Hortscience·M. A. Hossain, Sooah Kim, K. Kim, et al

Flavonoid Compounds Are Enriched in Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) Leaves by a High Level of Sucrose and Confer Increased Antioxidant Activity

StudyInflammation

The study investigates the mechanisms that lead to increased levels of flavonoids in lemon balm plants. It finds that sucrose significantly increases flavonoid levels, mediated by phytohormones abscisic acid and ethylene, and identifies delphinidin as the primary anthocyanidin enriched in high-sucrose conditions. The study suggests potential use of lemon balm in preventing diseases caused by free radical damage.

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2025·Food Science & Nutrition·F. H. Awlqadr, A. Altemimi, S. Qadir, et al

Bioactive Compounds, Medicinal Benefits, and Contemporary Extraction Methods for Lemon Balm ( Melissa officinalis )

Review

This review explores the botanical features, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological uses of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), highlighting its bioactive compounds and therapeutic benefits. It discusses advanced extraction techniques and the herb's potential in managing neurodegenerative conditions and other health benefits.

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2024·Nutrients·I. Mathews, J. Eastwood, D. Lamport, et al

Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review

ReviewMood Stress Mental Clarity Sleep

Narrative review of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) highlighting its potential benefits for psychological well-being. The herb may modulate brain signalling pathways and exhibit anxiolytic, anti-depressant, cognitive, and sleep-quality enhancement properties.

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2022·Pharmaceuticals·N. Draginic, Isidora M. Milosavljevic, M. Andjic, et al

Short-Term Administration of Lemon Balm Extract Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury: Focus on Oxidative Stress

Animal studyn = 32Heart Health Inflammation

Animal study investigating the cardioprotective effects of Melissa officinalis L. extract (lemon balm) in a rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. The extract improved cardiodynamic parameters, preserved cardiac architecture, decreased fibrosis, and reduced oxidative stress, particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg.

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2022·World Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences·Muhammad Arshad Ullah, Ali Hassan

Medicinal benefits of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for human health

ReviewInflammation Stress

The paper reviews the medicinal benefits of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm), highlighting its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and stress-relieving properties. The high phenolic content and radical scavenging activities of its extracts are confirmed.

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2022·Veterinary medicine and science·Safia Arbab, Hanif Ullah, Iqra Bano, et al

Evaluation of in vitro antibacterial effect of essential oil and some herbal plant extract used against mastitis pathogens.

In vitro

In vitro study evaluating the antibacterial effect of lemon balm, squaw mint, and catnip extracts against mastitis pathogens S. aureus and E. coli. Lemon balm extract and essential oil showed significant zones of inhibition, suggesting potential as alternative treatments for mastitis.

PubMedRead on PubMed
2021·Pharmaceutical Sciences·Javid Ghazizadeh, R. Mohammadinasab, N. Travica, et al

Historical Course of Neuropsychiatric Effects of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) as a Medicinal Herb

ReviewMood Stress Sleep Brain Health

This narrative review explores the historical use of lemon balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) in treating neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. It highlights the medicinal applications of lemon balm from medieval times to modern clinical trials, emphasizing its potential benefits in mood and brain health.

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2021·Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity·Javad Sharifi‐Rad, Cristina Quispe, Jesús Herrera-Bravo, et al

Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities, and Health-Promoting Effects of the Melissa officinalis

Review

This narrative review discusses the phytochemical constituents, biological activities, and health-promoting effects of Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm herb. It highlights the plant's antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and flatulence inhibiting effects, and considers its potential nutraceutical applications.

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2021·Molecules·M. Palma-Tenango, R. Sánchez-Fernández, M. Soto-Hernández

A Systematic Approach to Agastache mexicana Research: Biology, Agronomy, Phytochemistry, and Bioactivity

ReviewInflammation Stress

This narrative review discusses the biology, agronomy, phytochemistry, and bioactivity of Agastache mexicana, known as toronjil or lemon balm. It highlights the plant's pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and antioxidant effects, and its potential as a source of valuable bioactive compounds.

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2019·Current developments in nutrition·Gyhye Yoo, Myungsuk Kim, A. Randy, et al

Lemon Balm Extract and Its Major Chemical Compound, Rosmarinic Acid, Alleviate Damages of Liver in an Animal Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) (P06-093-19).

Animal study

The study evaluated the effects of lemon balm extract (LBE) and rosmarinic acid (RA) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using in vitro and in vivo models. LBE and RA treatments alleviated oxidative stress and modulated lipid metabolism in MCD diet-fed db/db mice and PA-exposed HepG2 cells, suggesting potential benefits for NASH treatment.

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2019·E. Skotti, Nefeli Sophia Sotiropoulou, I. Lappa, et al

Screening of Lemon Balm Extracts for Anti-Aflatoxigenic, Antioxidant and Other Biological Activities

In vitro

Lemon balm extracts from Melissa officinalis were tested for antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-aflatoxigenic activities against various fungal species. The study demonstrated growth inhibition and total inhibition of aflatoxin production on Pistachia vera seeds, attributed to volatile and water-soluble compounds in the extract.

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2018·M. Abdel-Aziz

STUDY ON THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF MELISSA OFFICINALIS (LEMON BALM) ON MALE WISTAR ALBINO RATS WITH INDUCED-HYPOTHYROIDISM

Animal studyn = 50Hormone Health Inflammation

This study evaluated the effects of Melissa Officinalis Ethanolic Extract (MEE) on propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in male Wistar albino rats. MEE treatment improved thyroid function and oxidative status without adverse effects, suggesting anti-hypothyroidism efficacy and antioxidant properties.

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2017·Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology·Shintaro Yui, S. Fujiwara, Katsuhisa Harada, et al

Beneficial Effects of Lemon Balm Leaf Extract on In Vitro Glycation of Proteins, Arterial Stiffness, and Skin Elasticity in Healthy Adults.

Studyn = 28Skin Hair Health Heart Health

An open-label, parallel-group comparative trial in 28 healthy Japanese subjects assessed the effects of lemon balm leaf extract on glycation-associated tissue damage. The lemon balm group showed significant reductions in arterial stiffness and skin yellowing, with improved skin elasticity in females compared to the control group.

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2016·Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM·M. Ożarowski, P. Mikołajczak, A. Piasecka, et al

Influence of the Melissa officinalis Leaf Extract on Long-Term Memory in Scopolamine Animal Model with Assessment of Mechanism of Action

Animal studyBrain Health

The study assessed the effect of subchronic administration of Melissa officinalis leaf extract on long-term memory in a scopolamine-induced rat model. Melissa officinalis showed improvement in long-term memory and was associated with decreased AChE mRNA levels and significant inhibition of BACE1 mRNA transcription in the brain.

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2016·Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal·M. Jafarpour, A. Talab, A. Fard

In Vitro Study of the Effect of Melissa Officinalis Aqueous Lemon Balm Extract on Aeromonas Hydrophila Causative Hemorrhagic Septicemia Disease in Oncorhychus Mykiss

In vitro

In vitro study of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) aqueous extract's antibacterial effect on Aeromonas hydrophila, which causes hemorrhagic septicemia in Oncorhynchus mykiss. The extract showed positive antibacterial effects with MIC of 2.5 mg/ml and MBC of 5 mg/ml.

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2015·Electronic Physician·Zahra Akhondali, M. Dianat, M. Radan

Negative Chronotropic and Antidysrhythmic Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis L.) on CaCl2-Induced Arrhythmias in Rats

Animal studyHeart Health

Experimental study on the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of lemon balm on CaCl2-induced arrhythmias in rats. The extract significantly reduced heart rates and the incidence of ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular premature beats, indicating a protective effect on the heart.

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2015·Research in Cardiovascular Medicine·S. Joukar, Haleh Asadipour

Evaluation of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) Effects on Heart Electrical System

Animal studyHeart Health

Animal study evaluating the effects of Melissa officinalis aqueous extract on ECG parameters in rats. The extract was associated with prolonged QRS, QTc, JT, and TpTe intervals, indicating significant ECG alterations, but had no significant effect on RR interval, PR interval, ECG wave amplitudes, heart rate, or blood pressure.

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2012·Indian Journal of Pharmacology·A. E. Taiwo, Franco B. Leite, Greice M. Lucena, et al

Anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract in rats: Influence of administration and gender

Animal studyMood Stress

The study evaluated the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of Melissa officinalis extract in male and female Wistar rats using elevated plus-maze, forced swimming, and open field tests. Subacute treatment with the extract increased open arm entries and reduced immobility duration, indicating potential psychoactive properties, with effects influenced by gender and administration length.

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2021·Journal of the Endocrine Society·D. Kaplan, Chrysoula Dosiou

Two Cases of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism Treated With Homeopathic Remedies Containing Herbal Extracts from Lycopus spp. and Melissa officinalis

Case reportn = 2Hormone Health

Case report of two patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism treated with homeopathic remedies containing herbal extracts from Lycopus spp. (bugleweed) and Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Both patients achieved euthyroidism and normalization of TSI titers without the need for conventional anti-thyroid medications.

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2019·Journal of Herbmed Pharmacology·Zahra Dehbani, A. Komaki, Farshid Etaee, et al

Effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on passive avoidance learning and memory

Animal studyn = 40Mental Clarity

Study examined the effect of a hydro-alcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis on passive avoidance learning and memory in male rats. MO administered animals showed improved learning and memory performance compared to control, with decreased acquisition trials and increased step-through latency.

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2015·Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences·A. Zarei, S. Changizi-Ashtiyani, S. Taheri, et al

A Brief Overview of the Effects of Melissa officinalis L. Extract on the Function of Various Body Organs

ReviewMental Clarity Sleep Stress Mood

Narrative review of studies on Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract, highlighting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pain, anti-spasmodic, and anti-cancer properties. The extract is noted for improving behavioral symptoms, cognitive impairment, insomnia, anxiety, and stress.

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2011·Journal of primary health care·Phil Rasmussen

Potion or Poison? Lemon balm

ReviewStress Mental Clarity

The paper reviews evidence supporting mild relaxant and cognitive enhancing actions of lemon balm in healthy individuals and suggests similar effects in Alzheimer's patients. It notes the need for larger studies and discusses variability in product quality affecting dosage, efficacy, and safety.

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