Balm
Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a traditional herbal plant with origins in Europe and Asia. Traditionally, it has been used for various purposes such as calming anxiety and promoting sleep, though specific traditions vary widely and detailed historical uses are not extensively documented. Scientific evidence suggests that Melissa officinalis may have some beneficial effects. A study indicated that 3 weeks of supplement use was associated with reduced salivary cortisol levels and improved psychometric outcomes in adults, suggesting potential stress-relieving properties. Additionally, the plant has shown significant antioxidant activity and varying antimicrobial effects, though these findings are not consistently replicated across all studies. Edible films containing lemon balm extract have also been found to increase polyphenol content and enhance antioxidant properties without affecting other food-related properties. Safety profiles for Melissa officinalis appear favorable with no major issues recorded. There are currently no reported drug interactions, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential effects and interactions in different contexts.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that the effectiveness of dietary supplementation with frankincense and Melissa officinalis on Japanese quail varied by strain.
- This study found that 3 weeks of Melissa officinalis supplement use was associated with reduced salivary cortisol levels and improved psychometric outcomes in adults.
- The study found significant antioxidant activity in extracts from Melissa officinalis, with varying antimicrobial effects.
- The addition of lemon balm extract increased polyphenol content and antioxidant properties without significantly affecting hydration-related properties or gas barrier performance in the developed edible films.
- Melissa officinalis extract reduced radiation-induced cardiac enzyme elevations and oxidative stress in rats, potentially via NRF2 and MAPK pathway modulation.
- HME significantly reduced sleep onset latency and prolonged total sleep time in mice, suggesting effects mediated through adenosine and melatonin receptor signaling.
- Lemon balm extract showed potential cardioprotective effects by modulating inflammatory, oxidative, fibrotic, and apoptotic markers in a rat model of autoimmune myocarditis.
- A significant improvement in IBS-D symptoms and emotional wellbeing was observed with GABA treatment compared to placebo, though gut microbiota changes were minimal.
Frequently asked questions
What is Balm?
Balm (Melissa officinalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Balm?
8 sourced findings are recorded for Balm; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found that the effectiveness of dietary supplementation with frankincense and Melissa officinalis on Japanese quail varied by strain.
How strong is the evidence for Balm?
The strongest finding for Balm carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Balm safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Balm in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Balm interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Balm in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Balm?
Balm is also known as: Мелисса лекарственная, Mélisse.
Is Balm a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Supplementation on Symptoms, Quality of Life, Intestinal Permeability, Systemic Inflammation and Gut Microbiota in Patients with IBS-D: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot St literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Development and Characterization of Biobased Film Formulations Made of Chitosan, Gelatine, and Gum Arabic with the Addition of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) Extract as a Novel Food Packaging. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative Phytochemical Profiling and In Vitro Investigation of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Arnica montana L., Melissa officinalis L. and Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. Extracts and Their Synergistic Combinations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Salivary cortisol dynamics and their relationship with sleep and mental well-being in adults receiving a phospholipid-based Melissa officinalis supplement: a secondary analysis in a subpopulation. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Evaluation of the performance and gene expression of two strains of Japanese quail following supplementation with frankincense and Melissa officinalis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Targeting Autoimmune Myocarditis with Lemon Balm Extract: In Vivo Molecular Approach. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Hypnotic Effects of Hypericum perforatum L. and Melissa officinalis L. Through Adenosine and Melatonin Receptors. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Melissa officinalis extract attenuates gamma radiation-induced cardiac injury in rats: An integrated bioinformatics and experimental study. literature abstract metadata