Lemon Balm - NutraPedia

Back to Table of Contents

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

1) Conditions Studied

Lemon balm has been studied for a variety of conditions including:

Anxiety and stress
Sleep disorders
Herpes simplex virus (cold sores)
Indigestion and gastrointestinal issues
Cognitive function and Alzheimer’s disease

2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions

Research has shown that lemon balm may be effective in:

Reducing anxiety and stress-related symptoms
Improving sleep quality
Alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort

However, results can vary and more research is needed in some areas to determine its efficacy.

3) Health Benefits

Lemon balm is associated with several health benefits, such as:

Calming effects on the nervous system
Potential improvement in cognitive function
Antiviral properties against certain strains of the herpes virus
Support for digestive health
Antioxidant properties

4) Potential Downsides

While generally considered safe, lemon balm can have downsides, such as:

Possible sedative effects, which may impair motor skills or alertness
Interactions with medications, particularly thyroid and sedative drugs
Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Withdrawal symptoms after long-term use

5) Genetic Variations and Lemon Balm

Research on lemon balm's interaction with specific genetic variations is limited. However:

Individuals with certain genetic profiles may metabolize lemon balm differently, affecting its efficacy and safety.
Genetic variations may influence the risk of allergic reactions.

Consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to consider genetic factors and other health conditions when using herbal supplements like lemon balm.

Research Summary on Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

DNA Isolation and Molecular Techniques

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has been identified as challenging for DNA isolation due to high polyphenol and polysaccharide content. A study compared traditional phenol-chloroform extraction with commercial kits and found a modified CTAB protocol to be most effective for large sample processing, balancing cost, time efficiency, and DNA quality.

Neuroprotective Effects

Research has shown that Melissa officinalis exhibits neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo models of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. The plant reduced cell death markers and oxidative stress, as well as suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting potential as a protective agent against neurological diseases.

Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Content

A study on the extraction of phenolics from medicinal plants, including lemon balm, indicated that longer extraction times and hydrolysis improved phenolic compound yield and antioxidant capacity. Lemon balm extract was notably rich in rosmarinic acid and displayed significant antioxidant properties.

Cognitive Performance and Mood

In a human study, high doses of lemon balm improved memory performance and increased calmness, while lower doses were associated with slower performance in memory and information processing tasks. This suggests that preparations of lemon balm may vary in their cognitive effects based on dosage and processing.

Medicinal Benefits

Research also highlighted the genotoxic and antigenotoxic properties of Melissa officinalis. An ethanolic extract of lemon balm protected against DNA damage in mice, while aqueous extracts did not exhibit the same protective effects.

Phenolic Analysis in Herbal Teas

Chromatographic techniques were used to quantify specific polyphenolic compounds in lemon balm herbal teas, confirming them as a rich source of these bioactive components.

Phenolic Profiles of Lemon Balm Infusions

Comparative analysis of phenolic profiles in different lemon balm samples revealed that commercial tea bags had the highest content of phenolic compounds, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant.

Rosmarinic Acid Content in Tinctures

The study comparing commercial tinctures found that those made from dried lemon balm contained significantly higher levels of rosmarinic acid than those made from fresh lemon balm.

Antioxidant Capacity in Medicinal Plants

Lemon balm was included in a study that assessed the antioxidant properties of medicinal plants, with findings indicating strong antioxidant activity and identification of key phenolic acids and flavonoids.

Conclusions

Overall, research on Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) highlights its potential benefits in DNA protection, neuroprotection, reduction of oxidative stress, enhancement of cognitive performance and mood, and as a source of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.

References:

Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!

Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!