Lemon Balm Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Melissa officinalis, Lemon balm, Balm, Balm mint
Overview
Lemon balm (*Melissa officinalis*) is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia, characterized by its lemon-scented leaves. It has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, primarily for its calming and mood-enhancing properties. The herb contains compounds like citronellal, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Lemon balm is available in various forms, including herbal teas, liquid extracts, capsules, and topical creams. It is often used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Research suggests that lemon balm may interact with the central nervous system, influencing neurotransmitter activity and promoting relaxation. While promising, the quality of available evidence varies, and more rigorous studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy and establish optimal usage guidelines. It is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately.
Benefits
Lemon balm has demonstrated potential benefits in reducing anxiety and depression. A meta-analysis indicated significant improvements in anxiety (SMD -0.98) and depression (SMD -0.47) scores compared to placebo. These effect sizes suggest moderate to large improvements in anxiety and smaller, but still significant, improvements in depression. Some evidence suggests it may also improve sleep quality and blood lipid profiles, though further research is needed to confirm these effects. The benefits are generally observed within a few weeks of consistent use. Lemon balm is generally beneficial for adults experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depression. However, the quality of studies varies, and more high-quality research is needed to fully establish its efficacy.
How it works
Lemon balm's mechanism of action is believed to involve interactions with the central nervous system, potentially affecting neurotransmitter activity. While specific molecular targets are not well-defined, it is thought to influence mood regulation and sleep-wake cycles. The herb's compounds may modulate the activity of neurotransmitters such as GABA, which has calming effects. However, the exact biological pathways and the extent of absorption and bioavailability of its active compounds require further investigation to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.
Side effects
Lemon balm is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. Common side effects are rare but may include mild gastrointestinal issues. Uncommon and rare side effects are not well-documented. Potential drug interactions exist, particularly with sedatives or thyroid medications, due to its effects on the central nervous system. Caution is advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Use with caution in children and individuals with severe medical conditions. It is important to start with low doses and monitor for any adverse reactions. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult with a healthcare provider before using lemon balm to avoid potential interactions. While generally safe, it is essential to be aware of potential risks and exercise caution, especially in vulnerable populations.
Dosage
The optimal dosage of lemon balm varies depending on the form and intended use. For herbal tea, a typical dosage is 1.5–4.5 g of herb in 150 mL of boiling water, taken 1–3 times daily. For liquid extracts, a common dosage is 2–4 mL, 1–3 times daily. There is no well-defined maximum safe dose, but high doses are generally not recommended. For sleep benefits, it is best taken before bedtime. Bioavailability may vary based on the preparation method. It is advisable to start with low doses and gradually increase as needed, while monitoring for any adverse effects. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosage recommendations.
FAQs
How long does it take to see the effects of lemon balm?
Improvements in anxiety and sleep may be noticeable within a few weeks of consistent use. It's important to take it regularly to assess its benefits.
Is lemon balm safe to take with other medications?
Potential interactions exist, especially with sedatives or thyroid medications. Consult a healthcare provider before combining lemon balm with other medications.
Can lemon balm be used as a substitute for medical treatment?
No, lemon balm is not a substitute for medical treatment. Consult a healthcare provider for severe conditions and do not rely solely on lemon balm.
Are there any specific precautions for using lemon balm?
Caution is advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Use with caution in children and individuals with severe medical conditions. Start with low doses.
What are the common forms of lemon balm?
Lemon balm is commonly available as herbal tea, liquid extracts, capsules, and topical creams. The choice of form depends on personal preference and intended use.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34449930/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis found that lemon balm significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores compared to a placebo. The standardized mean differences were -0.98 for anxiety and -0.47 for depression, indicating a notable improvement. However, the authors noted high heterogeneity between the included studies, suggesting caution in interpreting the overall effect size.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK600583/ – This resource provides general information about herbal supplements, including lemon balm. It offers an overview of the herb's traditional uses and potential benefits, but does not provide specific research findings or clinical trial data. It serves as a general reference point for understanding the context of lemon balm within herbal medicine.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.6744 – This systematic review on the cardio-metabolic effects of *Melissa officinalis* highlights the need for more high-quality trials. The review suggests that while lemon balm may have potential benefits for improving blood lipid profiles, further research is required to establish its efficacy beyond its well-known effects on anxiety and depression. The authors emphasize the importance of rigorous study designs and larger sample sizes to confirm these findings.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9976/18/1/15 – This is an open access journal that may contain research related to lemon balm. Further review of the specific articles within this journal would be needed to determine its relevance and contribution to the understanding of lemon balm's effects.
- https://examine.com/supplements/lemon-balm/ – Examine.com reports that lemon balm may improve blood lipids and sleep. However, these effects require further verification with primary sources. This website provides summaries of research findings but is not a primary research source itself.
Supplements Containing Lemon Balm Aerial Parts Extract
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