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Balm Leaf Extract

Also known as: Lemon balm, Balm leaf, Balm Leaf Extract, Melissa officinalis L.

Overview

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm or balm leaf, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is widely recognized for its calming and medicinal properties, traditionally used in various cultures. The primary source of this supplement is the leaves of the plant, which are processed into extracts, teas, and dietary supplements. Lemon balm is primarily utilized for its potential benefits in managing anxiety, depression, and improving cognitive function. Emerging research also suggests its role in cardiometabolic health. The scientific evidence supporting its use is growing, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, particularly in the areas of mood disorders and cardiovascular parameters. However, some studies are limited by heterogeneity and smaller sample sizes, indicating a need for further robust research.

Benefits

Lemon balm extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits: - **Anxiety and Depression:** A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that lemon balm extract significantly reduced anxiety scores (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.33; p=0.003) and depression scores (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.21; p=0.0005) compared to placebo. This suggests a moderate effect size, particularly in acute settings, with no serious side effects reported. The evidence quality is moderate, based on multiple RCTs. - **Cardiometabolic Outcomes:** A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2020 reported beneficial effects on total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure. While these findings suggest that lemon balm may improve certain cardiovascular risk factors, the authors noted that the results require cautious interpretation due to methodological limitations and variability among the included studies. The strength of evidence for this benefit is considered preliminary. - **Cognitive and Mood Enhancement:** Ongoing randomized controlled trials are investigating the acute effects of lemon balm supplementation (e.g., 300 mg) on improving calmness, mood, and cognitive performance in stressed adults. Preliminary indications suggest potential for acute psychotropic effects, but conclusive evidence awaits the completion and publication of these studies.

How it works

Lemon balm's therapeutic effects are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, various flavonoids, and essential oils. These compounds are believed to exert their anxiolytic and antidepressant properties primarily through the modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system. By enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission, lemon balm can help calm the nervous system. Additionally, its constituents possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to mood stabilization and cognitive benefits. The extract is absorbed orally, with its bioavailability potentially influenced by the specific formulation and dosage.

Side effects

Lemon balm extract is generally considered safe for consumption, with clinical trials reporting no serious adverse effects. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare and infrequent side effect that some individuals may experience. There are no firmly established significant drug interactions or contraindications for lemon balm. However, caution is advised when combining lemon balm with sedative medications, as it may potentiate their effects due to its calming properties. Similarly, individuals taking thyroid medications should exercise caution, as some historical data suggest potential interactions, though robust clinical evidence is lacking. For special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, there is insufficient safety data available, and therefore, its use is not recommended without medical supervision. Overall, lemon balm has a favorable safety profile for short to medium-term use within recommended dosages.

Dosage

Effective dosages of lemon balm extract for mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, typically range from 300 mg to 600 mg daily in clinical trials. For acute effects on mood and cognition, single doses around 300 mg have been used in studies. The optimal dosage may vary depending on the specific extract's standardization, particularly its rosmarinic acid content, which is considered a key active compound. Lemon balm can be taken flexibly throughout the day; however, timing may be adjusted based on the desired effect. For instance, it might be taken in the morning for cognitive enhancement or in the evening for its calming properties to aid sleep. There are no clearly defined upper limits or safety thresholds beyond which adverse effects are guaranteed, but adherence to studied dosages is recommended.

FAQs

Is lemon balm safe for long-term use?

Current evidence supports the safety of lemon balm for short to medium-term use. However, comprehensive data on its long-term safety are limited, and consultation with a healthcare professional is advised for extended use.

How quickly does lemon balm work?

Acute effects on anxiety and mood can be experienced within hours of a single dose. For more chronic effects, consistent supplementation over several weeks may be necessary to observe significant benefits.

Can lemon balm replace prescription anxiolytics?

Lemon balm may serve as a complementary therapy for anxiety and mood support. However, it should not replace prescribed medications without explicit medical advice and supervision from a healthcare professional.

Are there any withdrawal effects?

There is no current evidence or reported cases of withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of lemon balm supplementation, indicating a low risk of dependence.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34449930/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Sadigh-Eteghad et al. (2021) evaluated the efficacy of Melissa officinalis in anxiety and depression. It found significant reductions in both anxiety (SMD -0.98) and depression (SMD -0.47) scores compared to placebo, based on multiple RCTs. The study noted heterogeneity and small sample sizes as limitations but concluded moderate quality evidence for its benefits.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.7252 – This is likely a duplicate or related publication to the first source, as it refers to the same meta-analysis by Sadigh-Eteghad et al. (2021). It reiterates the findings of significant improvements in anxiety and depression scores with lemon balm supplementation, highlighting its potential as a natural intervention for these conditions despite some methodological limitations in the included studies.
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06183372 – This entry describes an ongoing double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (NCT06183372) involving approximately 130 adults. The study aims to assess the acute effects of lemon balm on mood and cognitive performance. While results are pending, the robust design with adequate sample size and controls suggests it will provide valuable insights into lemon balm's acute psychotropic effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32614129/ – Heshmati et al. (2020) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the cardiometabolic effects of Melissa officinalis. The review reported reductions in total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular risk factors. However, the authors emphasized that these findings should be interpreted cautiously due to varying sample sizes and methodological limitations across the included studies.