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Herbs & Supplements

Melissa officinalis
Scientific Name: Lemon Balm
Other Names: Balm Mint, Melissa, Sweet Balm

References

Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, Ohadinia S, Jamshidi AH, Khani M. 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, and Psychiatry. 2003;74(7):863-866.

Anon: Lemon balm. In: DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA, eds. Facts and Comparisons: The Review of Natural Products. St. Louis, MO, Facts and Comparisons. February 1999.

Awad R, Levac D, Cybulska P, Merali Z, Trudeau VL, Arnason JT. Effects of traditionally used anxiolytic botanicals on enzymes of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2007;85(9):933-942.

Ballard CG, O'Brien JT, Reichelt K, Perry EK. 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. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2002;63(7):553-558.

Blumenthal M, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Rister RS, eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs. Austin, Texas: American Botanical Council; 1998.

Davis JM. Lemon balm. Department of Horticultural Science, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, North Carolina State University. Revises May 1997. Available at: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/hil-126.html . Accessed November 21, 2003.

Douglas M. Lemon balm. Melissa officinalis. New Zealand Institute for Crop & Food Research Limited. Updated June 1993. Available at: http://www.crop.cri.nz/psp/broadshe/lemon.htm. Accessed November 21, 2003.

Dragland S, Senoo H, Wake K, Holte K, Blomhoff R. Several culinary and medicinal herbs are important sources of dietary antioxidants. Journal of Nutrition. 2003;133(5):1286-1290.

Gardiner P. Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis). The Longwood Herbal Task Force. Revised May 10, 2000. Available at: http://www.mcp.edu/herbal/lemonbalm/lemonbalm.pdf Accessed: November 21, 2003.

Geuenich S, Goffinet C, Venzke S, et al. Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density. Retrovirology. 2008;5:27.

Herbs2000. Lemon balm. Melissa officinalis. No date given. Available at: http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_lemon_balm.htm. Accessed November 4, 2003.

Jellin JM, Gregory P, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al, eds. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 3rd Edition. Stockton CA: Therapeutic Research Facility, 2000.

Kennedy DO, Little W, Haskell CF, Scholey AB. Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress. Phytotherapy Research. 2006;20(2):96-102.

Kennedy DO, Scholey AB. The psychopharmacology of European herbs with cognition-enhancing properties. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2006;12(35):4613-4623.

Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, Perry EK, Wesnes KA. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior. 2002;72(4):953-964.

Koytchev R, Alken RG, Dundarov S. Balm mint extract (Lo-701) for topical treatment of recurring herpes labialis. Phytomedicine. 1999;6(4):225-230.

Kucera LS, Cohen RA, Herrmann EC Jr. Antiviral activities of extracts of the lemon balm plant. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1965;130(1):474-482.

Kwon YI, Vattem DA, Shetty K. Evaluation of clonal herbs of Lamiaceae species for management of diabetes and hypertension. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2006;15(1):107-118.

Muller SF, Klement S. The combination of valerian and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in children. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(6):383-387.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Online Edition. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. Stockton CA: Therapeutic Research Facility, 2006. Available at: http://www.pharmacistsletter.com/(S(ulqz3s45omt3ag55um4kj345))/home.aspx?li=1&st=1&cs=&s=ND.

Nolkemper S, Reichling J, Stintzing FC, Carle R, Schnitzler P. Antiviral effect of aqueous extracts from species of the Lamiaceae family against Herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 in vitro. Planta Medica. 2006;72(15):1378-1382.

Schempp H, Weiser D, Kelber O, Elstner EF. Radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties of STW 5 (Iberogast((R))) and its components. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(Suppl 5):36-544.

Last Revised April 15, 2008

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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.

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References