| Lemon balm Health Benefits [nutritional values] |
The health benefits of lemon balm have been known for many
years in Europe, especially its soothing effects on the
stomach. Lemon balm eases pain and discomfort associated
with digestion, including gas and bloating. It has also been
used traditionally as an herbal medicine for memory-
enhancement, but which is currently more widely used as a
mild sedative and sleep aid.
Lemon balm grows everywhere in the world, though its origin
is Europe. The plant is two feet high with deeply wrinkled dark
green leaves. And, herbal preparations are often made of
these leaves. The leaves contain rosmarinic, caffeic,
protocatechuic acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and
these chemicals may contribute the major portion of the
herb's beneficial effects [9, 12].
STUDIES - LEMON BALM BENEFITS
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES
Oxidative damage is related to the development of chronic
diseases such as age-related neurodegeneration,
carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis. Antioxidants help lower
the risk of these diseases. Blomhoff R from Universitetet i
Oslo, Norway, suggested that lemon balm is a good source of
antioxidants. [1] In a study, lemon balm at a concentration of
1.5 % w/w was found to increase the antioxidant capacity of a
salad portion by 150 %. [2] On the other hand, lemon balm
oil extracts were found to possesse antioxidant activity, as it
reduced 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) in a vitro
testing. [3]
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES
An in-vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT indicated that lemon
balm oil extracts were very effective against a series of human
cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, Caco-2, HL-60, K562) and a
mouse cell line (B16F10). Thus, lemon balm may have benefits
on lowering the risk of certain cancers. [3]
SEDATIVE ACTIVITIES
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is contemporaneously used as
a mild sedative and/or calming agent. [7]
Hyperactivity is a very common disorder in children and it has
three major characteristics- Impulsivity, Distraction, and
Hyperactivity. Researcher at Universitat de Barcelona has
proposed to use lemon balm as an aid in the treatment of this
disorder. [5] In a randomized double blind, placebo controlled
trial, German researchers dosed 16 healthy volunteers with a
lozenge containing 4 different herbal preparations (lavender
oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat) or a matching
placebo without any active ingredients. They observed that
the subjects had a better cope with psychological and
emotional stress after taking this lozenge based on their
electrical brain activities. [6]
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced
crossover experiment, 18 healthy volunteers received two
separate single doses of a standardized M. officinalis extract
(300 mg, 600 mg) and a placebo, on separate days. The
results showed that the 600-mg dose of Melissa ameliorated
the negative mood effects of the Defined Intensity Stressor
Simulation, with significantly increased self-ratings of
calmness and reduced self-ratings of alertness. In addition, a
significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing,
with no reduction in accuracy, was observed after ingestion of
the 300-mg dose. [7]
COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
British researchers found that high dose of encapsulated
dried lemon balm leaf improved memory performance and Â
“calmness” significantly. [11, 13]
DYSPEPSIA
German researchers prepared a special supplement containing
extracts from bitter candytuft, matricaria flower, peppermint
leaves, caraway, licorice root and lemon balm for the
treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia. They dosed
120 patients suffered from functional dyspepsia with this
preparation at 4 different dosage patterns. They found that
patients with functional dyspepsia improved dyspeptic
symptoms significantly better than those taking placebo.
[4,10]
CONTENT VARIATION
The analysis of the oil composition of various cultivations of
lemon balms in Poland using GC/MS indicates the variations of
the oil contents from cultivations to cultivations. [8]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOER IMMEDIATELY.ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 zhion .
years in Europe, especially its soothing effects on the
stomach. Lemon balm eases pain and discomfort associated
with digestion, including gas and bloating. It has also been
used traditionally as an herbal medicine for memory-
enhancement, but which is currently more widely used as a
mild sedative and sleep aid.
Lemon balm grows everywhere in the world, though its origin
is Europe. The plant is two feet high with deeply wrinkled dark
green leaves. And, herbal preparations are often made of
these leaves. The leaves contain rosmarinic, caffeic,
protocatechuic acids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and
these chemicals may contribute the major portion of the
herb's beneficial effects [9, 12].
STUDIES - LEMON BALM BENEFITS
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES
Oxidative damage is related to the development of chronic
diseases such as age-related neurodegeneration,
carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis. Antioxidants help lower
the risk of these diseases. Blomhoff R from Universitetet i
Oslo, Norway, suggested that lemon balm is a good source of
antioxidants. [1] In a study, lemon balm at a concentration of
1.5 % w/w was found to increase the antioxidant capacity of a
salad portion by 150 %. [2] On the other hand, lemon balm
oil extracts were found to possesse antioxidant activity, as it
reduced 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) in a vitro
testing. [3]
ANTI-CANCER ACTIVITIES
An in-vitro cytotoxicity assay using MTT indicated that lemon
balm oil extracts were very effective against a series of human
cancer cell lines (A549, MCF-7, Caco-2, HL-60, K562) and a
mouse cell line (B16F10). Thus, lemon balm may have benefits
on lowering the risk of certain cancers. [3]
SEDATIVE ACTIVITIES
Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is contemporaneously used as
a mild sedative and/or calming agent. [7]
Hyperactivity is a very common disorder in children and it has
three major characteristics- Impulsivity, Distraction, and
Hyperactivity. Researcher at Universitat de Barcelona has
proposed to use lemon balm as an aid in the treatment of this
disorder. [5] In a randomized double blind, placebo controlled
trial, German researchers dosed 16 healthy volunteers with a
lozenge containing 4 different herbal preparations (lavender
oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat) or a matching
placebo without any active ingredients. They observed that
the subjects had a better cope with psychological and
emotional stress after taking this lozenge based on their
electrical brain activities. [6]
In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, balanced
crossover experiment, 18 healthy volunteers received two
separate single doses of a standardized M. officinalis extract
(300 mg, 600 mg) and a placebo, on separate days. The
results showed that the 600-mg dose of Melissa ameliorated
the negative mood effects of the Defined Intensity Stressor
Simulation, with significantly increased self-ratings of
calmness and reduced self-ratings of alertness. In addition, a
significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing,
with no reduction in accuracy, was observed after ingestion of
the 300-mg dose. [7]
COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE
British researchers found that high dose of encapsulated
dried lemon balm leaf improved memory performance and Â
“calmness” significantly. [11, 13]
DYSPEPSIA
German researchers prepared a special supplement containing
extracts from bitter candytuft, matricaria flower, peppermint
leaves, caraway, licorice root and lemon balm for the
treatment of patients with functional dyspepsia. They dosed
120 patients suffered from functional dyspepsia with this
preparation at 4 different dosage patterns. They found that
patients with functional dyspepsia improved dyspeptic
symptoms significantly better than those taking placebo.
[4,10]
CONTENT VARIATION
The analysis of the oil composition of various cultivations of
lemon balms in Poland using GC/MS indicates the variations of
the oil contents from cultivations to cultivations. [8]
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOER IMMEDIATELY.ALL
RIGHTS RESERVED 2008 zhion .
REFERENCES
[1] Blomhoff R Antioxidants and oxidative stress Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2004 Jun 17;124(12):1643-5. [2] Ninfali P
et al, Antioxidant capacity of vegetables, spices and dressings relevant to nutrition. Br J Nutr. 2005
Feb;93(2):257-66. [3] de Sousa AC et al Melissa officinalis L. essential oil: antitumoral and antioxidant activities. J
Pharm Pharmacol. 2004 May;56(5):677-81. [4] Madisch A et al, A plant extract and its modified preparation in
functional dyspepsia. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study Z Gastroenterol. 2001
Jul;39(7):511-7. [5] Berdonces JL, Attention deficit and infantile hyperactivity, Rev Enferm. 2001 Jan;24(1):11-4. [6]
Dimpfel W et al, Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain
activity of volunteers. Eur J Med Res. 2004 Sep 29;9(9):423-31. [7] Kennedy DO, Attenuation of laboratory-induced
stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosom Med. 2004
Jul-Aug;66(4):607-13. [8] Patora J et al, Variability in the content and composition of essential oil from lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis L.) cultivated in Poland. Acta Pol Pharm. 2003 Sep-Oct;60(5):395-400. [9] Ziakova A Matrix
solid-phase dispersion for the liquid chromatographic determination of phenolic acids in Melissa officinalis. J
Chromatogr A. 2003 Jan 3;983(1-2):271-5. [10]. Madisch A Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal
preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Digestion. 2004;69(1):45-52. Epub
2004 Jan 30. [11] Kennedy DO et al, Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration
of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon palm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding
properties. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Oct;28(10):1871-81. [12] Patora J et al, Flavonoids from lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae). Acta Pol Pharm. 2002 Mar-Apr;59(2):139-43. [13] Kennedy DO Modulation of
mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol
Biochem Behav. 2002 Jul;72(4):953-64.
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any
person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise.
[1] Blomhoff R Antioxidants and oxidative stress Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 2004 Jun 17;124(12):1643-5. [2] Ninfali P
et al, Antioxidant capacity of vegetables, spices and dressings relevant to nutrition. Br J Nutr. 2005
Feb;93(2):257-66. [3] de Sousa AC et al Melissa officinalis L. essential oil: antitumoral and antioxidant activities. J
Pharm Pharmacol. 2004 May;56(5):677-81. [4] Madisch A et al, A plant extract and its modified preparation in
functional dyspepsia. Results of a double-blind placebo controlled comparative study Z Gastroenterol. 2001
Jul;39(7):511-7. [5] Berdonces JL, Attention deficit and infantile hyperactivity, Rev Enferm. 2001 Jan;24(1):11-4. [6]
Dimpfel W et al, Effects of lozenge containing lavender oil, extracts from hops, lemon balm and oat on electrical brain
activity of volunteers. Eur J Med Res. 2004 Sep 29;9(9):423-31. [7] Kennedy DO, Attenuation of laboratory-induced
stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). Psychosom Med. 2004
Jul-Aug;66(4):607-13. [8] Patora J et al, Variability in the content and composition of essential oil from lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis L.) cultivated in Poland. Acta Pol Pharm. 2003 Sep-Oct;60(5):395-400. [9] Ziakova A Matrix
solid-phase dispersion for the liquid chromatographic determination of phenolic acids in Melissa officinalis. J
Chromatogr A. 2003 Jan 3;983(1-2):271-5. [10]. Madisch A Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal
preparation. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Digestion. 2004;69(1):45-52. Epub
2004 Jan 30. [11] Kennedy DO et al, Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration
of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon palm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding
properties. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2003 Oct;28(10):1871-81. [12] Patora J et al, Flavonoids from lemon balm
(Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae). Acta Pol Pharm. 2002 Mar-Apr;59(2):139-43. [13] Kennedy DO Modulation of
mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm). Pharmacol
Biochem Behav. 2002 Jul;72(4):953-64.
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any
person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise.
MAJOR NUTRIENT
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Acetyl-L Carnitine
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Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
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Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
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Peppermint
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Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
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Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
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methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
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Soy
Stevia
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Vitex
Walnuts
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DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?v