What is Lemon Balm?
This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a perennial herb from the mint family, Lamiaceae. Known for its lemon-scented leaves, it has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and culinary applications. This article explores the various aspects of lemon balm, including its medicinal properties, chemical composition, and cultivation practices. Other names include: Balm, Balm Mint, Bálsamo de Limón, Common Balm, Cure-All, Dropsy Plant, Honey Plant, Melisa, Melissa, Melissa officinalis, Melissae Folium, Mélisse, Mélisse Citronnelle, Mélisse Officinale, Melissenblatt, Monarde, Sweet Balm, Sweet Mary, Toronjil.
Medicinal Properties of Lemon Balm
Anxiety and Depression
Lemon balm has been extensively studied for its effects on mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that lemon balm significantly improved anxiety and depression scores compared to placebo, without serious side effects2. This makes it a promising natural remedy for mood regulation.
Agitation in Older Adults
Lemon balm essential oil has also been investigated for its effects on agitated behavior in older adults, including those with dementia. A randomized controlled trial found that lemon balm was effective in reducing agitation and physical non-aggressive behavior in residents without dementia, although it was less effective in reducing irritability in those with dementia1.
Cognitive Function and Stress
Lemon balm has been shown to modulate mood and cognitive function. Studies involving the administration of lemon balm in various forms, such as beverages and yogurts, indicated improvements in mood and cognitive performance, although some behavioral costs were noted at different doses3.
Antiviral and Antiglycative Activities
Lemon balm exhibits antiviral properties, with studies showing its effectiveness against several viruses in various test systems6. Additionally, it has anti-glycative properties, inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are associated with aging and chronic diseases9.
Chemical Composition
Lemon balm is rich in phenolic compounds, which contribute to its antioxidant properties. Key compounds include rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid derivatives, and flavonoids such as naringin and hesperidin4 8. These compounds are responsible for the herb’s high antioxidant capacity, which has been demonstrated in various in vitro assays8.
Cultivation Practices
Agronomic Practices
The cultivation of lemon balm is essential for its use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Studies have shown that plant density and harvesting methods significantly affect the yield and quality of lemon balm. Higher plant density and double harvesting methods have been found to be more efficient in terms of both quantity and quality7.
Hydroponic Systems
Lemon balm can also be cultivated using hydroponic systems, which have been shown to produce yields and qualities consistent with traditional soil-based methods. Hydroponic cultivation can increase the content of specific phenolic compounds, such as caffeic acid and methyl rosmarinate, making it a viable option for industrial production10.
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Adverse Effects of Lemon Balm
Mild to Moderate Tissue Damage
Lemon balm hydroalcoholic extract caused mild to severe tissue injuries in the liver and kidneys of mice, indicating potential organ damage at high doses5.
The essential oil of lemon balm induced significant changes in animal behavior and altered biochemical parameters reflecting liver and kidney functions, with pathological changes observed in the stomach, duodenum, liver, and kidneys at doses higher than 1 g/kg3.
Biochemical Changes
Lemon balm extract led to a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase levels, suggesting potential liver damage5.
The essential oil caused depletion in liver/kidney antioxidant capacities and increased lipid peroxidation rates, indicating oxidative stress and potential toxicity3.
Behavioral and Cognitive Effects
While lemon balm generally improved mood and cognitive performance, some behavioral costs were noted at certain doses, depending on the delivery matrix (e.g., beverage or yogurt)4.
General Safety Profile
Clinical trials on lemon balm for anxiety and depression reported no serious side effects, suggesting it is generally safe for short-term use in humans1.
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💫What are the adverse effects of lemon balm?
How has Lemon Balm Improved Patient Outcomes?
Reduction in Anxiety and Depression
Lemon balm significantly improved anxiety and depression scores in clinical trials compared to placebo, with no serious side effects1 9.
Improvement in Agitation and Behavior
Lemon balm was effective in reducing agitation and physical non-aggressive behavior in older adults without dementia2.
Combined with valerian, lemon balm reduced agitation and shortened ICU stays in critically ill patients with delirium5.
Enhancement of Mood and Cognitive Performance
Lemon balm improved mood and cognitive performance in healthy young adults, with dose-specific effects on calmness and memory performance4 6.
Lemon balm-containing foods were associated with mood improvements and cognitive performance, though some behavioral costs were noted at certain doses3.
Sleep Quality Improvement
Lemon balm, often combined with valerian, improved sleep quality in postmenopausal women and children with restlessness and dyssomnia7 8.
Aromatherapy with lemon balm essential oil improved sleep quality in cardiac patients10.
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🧘How has lemon balm improved patient outcomes?
Lemon Balm Mechanisms of Action
Inhibition of GABA Transaminase (GABA-T)
Lemon balm extract, particularly rosmarinic acid, inhibits GABA transaminase, an enzyme involved in the breakdown of GABA, thereby potentially increasing GABA levels in the brain and contributing to its anxiolytic effects1 9.
Activation of PPARα
Lemon balm extract (ALS-L1023) activates hepatic PPARα, which plays a role in reducing lipid accumulation, improving insulin sensitivity, and regulating obesity in high-fat diet-induced obese mice3.
Antiviral Activity
Lemon balm exhibits antiviral properties, particularly against influenza A virus, through mechanisms that are still being investigated but likely involve its ethereal oils and tannins2.
Antiglycative Effects
Lemon balm extract inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are implicated in various chronic diseases, by altering the secondary structure of proteins and reducing their binding to RAGE receptors7.
Antioxidant Properties
The extract of lemon balm contains phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid, which exhibit significant antioxidant activity, reducing oxidative stress through various free-radical scavenging mechanisms8.
Mood and Cognitive Function Modulation
Lemon balm has been shown to improve mood and cognitive performance, likely due to its anxiolytic and sedative properties, which are attributed to its interaction with GABAergic systems5 9.
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🕹️What is lemon balm mechanism of action?
Common Complaints Associated with Lemon Balm Use
General Safety and Side Effects
Lemon balm has been shown to significantly improve anxiety and depression scores without serious side effects1.
In studies involving lemon balm for sleep disorders during menopause, no significant adverse effects were reported2.
Behavioral Costs at Certain Doses
While lemon balm generally improves mood and cognitive performance, some behavioral costs were observed at certain doses, depending on the delivery method (e.g., beverage or yoghurt)3.
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🥺Does lemon balm significantly improve anxiety and depression without serious side effects?
Disclaimer
The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.
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