Lemon balm: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Lemon-scented balm
Scientific name(s)
Melissa officinalis L
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Caffeic acid
Rosmarinic acid
Flavonoids
Ursolic acid
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Anxiety ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking a standardized extract of lemon balm reduces symptoms associated with anxiety in patients suffering from anxiety disorders. nnA randomized, placebo-controlled pharmacoclinical study demonstrated that combining lemon balm with passionflower, valerian, and butterbur reduced anxiety and depression in patients with somatization disorders.nnAnother randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that taking 500 mg of lemon balm twice daily decreases heart palpitations and anxiety. The mean frequency of palpitation episodes was 36.8% lower than baseline in the group treated with M. officinalis extract. This decrease was significant compared with the group given placebo.nnIt has been shown that chronic treatment with a Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract improves mild to moderate anxiety disorders, associated symptoms, and insomnia in humans.nn
Posologie
Oral: leaf
300 - 600 mg
15 days
aqueous extract, standardized extract
Synergies
Leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances.
Heart palpitation relief with Melissa officinalis leaf extract: double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of efficacy and safety
Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking 600 mg of lemon balm extract increases calmness and alertness in healthy adults experiencing psychological stress. Other preliminary clinical research shows that a 300 mg dose reduces anxiety and improves memory and alertness during cognitive testing. nnOther clinical research suggests that lemon balm extract at 6 mg/kg reduces anxious behavior compared with placebo during a dental examination in children aged 6-7 years. Doses below 3 mg/kg would not be effective.nn
Posologie
Oral route: leaf
300 - 600 mg
dry extract
Sleep disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical research shows that taking a lemon balm extract alone or in combination with valerian has been able to reduce insomnia in patients suffering from sleep disorders. Improvements include sleep quality, duration, and latency. One study tested the efficacy of a combination of Melissa officinalis L and Nepeta menthoides Boiss & Buhse in the treatment of insomnia. Subjects received either 1000 mg of M. officinalis plus 400 mg of N. menthoides, or a placebo every night for four weeks. The comparison between the treated group and the placebo group showed a significant decrease in the mean difference of the Insomnia Severity Index. In addition, a significant increase was also observed in the total sleep time of the treatment group. Chronic treatment with a Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract has been shown to improve mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders, associated symptoms, and insomnia in humans.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
240 - 1000 mg
15 days
powder, dry extract
Synergies
Alzheimer's disease ✪✪✪✪✪
Limited evidence suggests that lemon balm may improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease when taken orally; it is not known whether lemon balm can improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease when used in aromatherapy. A small clinical study in elderly patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease shows that daily oral intake of a standardized lemon balm extract for 4 months reduces agitation and improves cognitive function. However, another small clinical study in patients with Alzheimer's disease shows that lemon balm does not improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The validity of these latter results is limited by the notable improvement observed in the study's placebo group, which suggests a significant placebo effect.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
dry extract
Digestive disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
The EMA recognizes the traditional use of lemon balm for the symptomatic treatment of mild gastrointestinal disorders, including bloating and flatulence. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that a lemon balm-based herbal preparation was effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. During the first 4 weeks, the gastrointestinal symptom score significantly decreased in subjects receiving active treatment compared with placebo. After 8 weeks, 43.3% of subjects on active treatment and 3.3% of subjects on placebo reported complete symptom relief.
Posologie
Oral: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
dried extract
Herpes ✪✪✪✪✪
The application of a lip balm containing 1% lemon balm extract appears to shorten healing time and reduce the symptoms of recurrent labial herpes if applied at the early stages of the infection. Lemon balm essential oil is also recognized for its antiviral properties and may help accelerate the healing of herpes.
Posologie
Topical: leaf
essential oil, cream
Dementia ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research in patients with severe dementia and significant agitation shows that applying a lotion containing lemon balm essential oil to the face and hands of patients for 4 weeks reduces agitation scores compared with placebo. nnHowever, other preliminary research conducted in patients with dementia has not been able to demonstrate these benefits. nn
Posologie
Oral: leaf
2.5 mL
4 months
essential oil
Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients withnnmild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind,nnrandomised, placebo controlled trial.
Nervousness ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its sedative actions: neurovegetative dystonia, neurotonic states of adults and children: sleep disorders, cardiovascular erethism, hyperemotivity, nervousness, agitation, irritability, anxiety.nnOne study suggested that lemon balm is effective in reducing agitation in people without dementia.nnnn
Posologie
Oral: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
dry extract
A randomized controlled trial of Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) and Lemon Balm (Melissa Officinalis) essential oils for the treatment of agitated behavior in older people with and without dementia
Emotional balance ✪✪✪✪✪
In clinical studies, consumption of 300 mg of standardized lemon balm extract (7% rosmarinic acid and 15% total hydroxycinnamic acids) improved symptoms of anxiety, emotional instability, fatigue, feelings of guilt, psychosomatic symptoms, and intellectual disturbances.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
dry extract
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.
Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium
Memory ✪✪✪✪✪
The effects of lemon balm on memory are mixed, but improvements in the "quality" of memories have been noted. It is likely that a modulatory effect is associated with lemon balm. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in 20 healthy volunteers. Participants underwent a 4-day treatment, receiving a single dose of placebo or 300, 600, or 900 g of a standardized lemon balm extract. Significant decreases in the quality of working memory and secondary memory were observed 2.5 and 4 hours after the highest doses. Self-rated calmness was significantly increased 1 hour and 2.5 hours after administration of the lowest dose. Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that oral intake of 5 mL of a preparation combining sage, rosemary, and lemon balm, diluted in hot water, twice daily, is more effective than a placebo at supporting verbal episodic memory in healthy subjects under 63 years old.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
ethanolic extract, dry extract
Synergies
A randomized 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
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.
Premenstrual syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its antispasmodic actions.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
essential oil, dry extract
Effect of Melissa officinalis capsule on the mental health of female adolescents with premenstrual syndrome: a clinical trial study.
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
The antioxidant activity is due to the presence of rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. In some clinical studies, consumption of lemon balm leaves as a tea for 30 days helped improve oxidative parameters and reduce DNA damage in people exposed to low-level radiation.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1500 mg
dry extract
Gastritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Related to its protective actions on the gastrointestinal system.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
dry extract
Irritable bowel syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Melissa (lemon balm) is recognized for its benefits in treating various digestive disorders, particularly irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has antispasmodic properties, which means it can help relieve intestinal spasms, a common feature of IBS. By acting on the smooth muscles of the intestine, lemon balm can reduce muscle contractions, thereby reducing pain and discomfort. In addition to IBS, lemon balm is also used to treat functional bowel disorder, a condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, without obvious organic abnormalities. Its beneficial action on the digestive system makes it useful in the treatment of colitis, inflammations of the colon often accompanied by pain and spasms. Its calming and antispasmodic properties help relax the digestive system, providing relief in various painful abdominal conditions.
Posologie
Oral use: leaf
300 - 1650 mg
dry extract
Properties
Antioxidant
The antioxidant activity is due to the presence of rosmarinic acid and flavonoids. In a few clinical studies, lemon balm leaves consumed as a tea for 30 days were shown to affect oxidative parameters and reduce DNA damage in people exposed to low-level radiation.
Usages associés
Sedative
Lemon balm, known for its soothing properties, has been the subject of scientific research demonstrating its sedative effect in in vivo studies (that is, on living organisms). These studies suggest that the sedative action of lemon balm may be related to its ability to interact with the acetylcholine neurotransmission system, a key component in brain function. More specifically, the active compounds of lemon balm appear to have an affinity for nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. These two types of receptors play important roles in regulating neuronal activity. Lemon balm has shown the ability to bind to these receptors in human cerebral cortex cell membrane homogenates, that is, preparations of brain tissue used to study cellular biochemistry. This binding process occurs in a dose-dependent manner. The plant acts by displacing radiolabeled markers, [3H]-(N)-nicotine and [3H]-(N)-scopolamine, from nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. This indicates that it can influence the functioning of these receptors and, consequently, modulate neuronal activity, leading to its calming effect.
Usages associés
Neurological
Lemon balm contains flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds (including rosmarinic acid), as well as monoterpenic glycosides. These substances may contribute to the behavioral effects of lemon balm leaves and essential oil. Clinical research suggests that lemon balm has a calming effect. Cholinergic modulation appears to play a role in lemon balm's effect on memory and alertness. Preliminary clinical studies show that lemon balm may induce anxiolytic effects that can help reduce palpitations.
Usages associés
Anxiolytic
Preliminary clinical research shows that lemon balm may induce anxiolytic effects that can help reduce symptomatic palpitations.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In vivo research shows that rosmarinic acid, a constituent of lemon balm, confers anti-inflammatory properties to it.
Usages associés
Digestive effect
Lemon balm protects against ulcers in vivo by increasing mucus secretion and the release of prostaglandin E2 and by decreasing leukotriene release.
Usages associés
Antiviral
Studies show that rosmarinic acid contributes to the antiviral activity of lemon balm extract. The penetration of the herpes virus into cells is inhibited by lemon balm extract by 80% and 96%, respectively, for acyclovir-sensitive and acyclovir-resistant viruses.
Usages associés
Hypolipidemic
Lemon balm extract has also been identified as having a hypolipidemic effect by reducing total cholesterol and total serum lipid levels, decreasing lipid peroxidation, and increasing hepatic glutathione levels in vivo. A capacity to modulate weight gain, fat mass, and lipid metabolism has also been reported.
Antispasmodic
Citral and the β-caryophyllene in lemon balm inhibit in vitro contractions of tracheal and ileal muscles. Whole lemon balm extract given as a supplement to standard treatments in people with irritable bowel syndrome has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of abdominal pain as well as bloating.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Lemon balm is active in vitro against a large number of bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites (Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei). nnIrritable bowel syndrome has been associated with intestinal dysbiosis and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth; it is thought that the antibacterial effects of lemon balm may contribute to its effects against this condition. nn
Safe dosage
Adults aged 12 years and over: 300 mg - 1650 mg
- Fresh plant: 1.5-4.5 g, 2-3 times per day. - Infusion: 1.5-4.5 g in 150 ml of water. - Fluid extract (1:1) (g/ml): 6-12 ml/day. - Ointment: 700 mg/g of ointment applied 4 times per day in case of herpes simplex infection. The lemon balm extracts used in clinical research are often standardized to contain 6-7% rosmarinic acid.
Interactions
Médicaments
Thyroid hormone medications: minor interaction
In animals, lemon balm extract has been shown to decrease circulating TSH levels and inhibit thyroid secretion
Barbiturates: minor interaction
An animal study found that simultaneous administration of lemon balm extract and pentobarbital resulted in an increased sedative effect.
Precautions
Thyroid disorders: use with caution
Lemon balm can affect thyroid function, reduce thyroid hormone levels, and interfere with hormone therapy.
Glaucoma: use with caution
Lemon balm can cause additive central nervous system depression when combined with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgical procedures.
