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Lemon Balm Glycerite Liquid Extract

Also known as: Lemon balm, balm mint, Melissa officinalis

Overview

Lemon balm (*Melissa officinalis* L.) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, indigenous to Europe and the Mediterranean region. As a supplement, it is commonly available as a glycerite liquid extract, which utilizes glycerin as a solvent, making it an alcohol-free formulation suitable for individuals sensitive to alcohol. Historically, lemon balm has been employed for its anxiolytic, sedative, and digestive properties, as well as for managing viral infections, particularly cold sores. Current research indicates a moderate level of maturity, with several clinical trials and a recent systematic review and meta-analysis supporting its efficacy in improving anxiety and depression symptoms. While its safety profile is well-established, evidence for its antiviral and digestive benefits remains preliminary, requiring further human clinical validation. The glycerite extract form is favored for its ability to efficiently extract key active compounds like rosmarinic acid while offering an alternative to alcohol-based tinctures.

Benefits

Lemon balm offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for mental well-being. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that lemon balm significantly improved anxiety symptoms (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, with no serious adverse effects. This suggests strong evidence for its use in individuals experiencing anxiety and mild depression. Preliminary in vitro studies indicate that lemon balm extracts may inhibit the replication of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), including acyclovir-resistant strains, suggesting potential antiviral properties, though human clinical data are currently lacking. Animal studies have shown gastroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects that could protect against alcohol-induced ulcers, but human trials are needed to confirm these digestive benefits. Additionally, there is limited preliminary evidence suggesting potential cardiovascular benefits, such as improved lipid profiles and reduced heart palpitations, but these findings require further human validation.

How it works

Lemon balm's therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its active compounds, notably rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols, which are efficiently extracted by glycerite or hydro-alcoholic methods. Rosmarinic acid is a key component exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Crucially, it also demonstrates GABAergic activity, which is believed to underpin the herb's anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects by modulating neurotransmitter systems, including GABA and acetylcholine. This modulation contributes to its calming and cognitive benefits. The glycerite extract specifically preserves water-soluble constituents, ensuring the bioavailability of these active compounds. The mechanism involves interaction with the central nervous system to promote relaxation and improve mood.

Side effects

Lemon balm is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA and classified as a "class 1" safe herb by the American Herbal Products Association, indicating a high safety profile. Side effects are rare, mild, and typically transient. These may include dizziness, nausea, abdominal discomfort, headache, and, with topical application, skin irritation. Due to its potential sedative effects, caution is advised when combining lemon balm with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, as it may enhance drowsiness and reduce alertness. While allergic reactions are uncommon, they are possible. No significant drug interactions have been extensively documented, but prudence is recommended when used concurrently with thyroid medications or other sedatives, given its potential impact on thyroid function and its inherent sedative properties. Overall, lemon balm is well-tolerated, with serious adverse events being exceptionally rare in clinical trials.

Dosage

For anxiety and mood disorders, clinical trials have utilized variable doses, with typical oral doses of standardized lemon balm extract ranging from 300 mg to 600 mg daily. For glycerite liquid extracts, the specific dosage depends on the concentration of the extract, but common recommendations are 1-2 mL taken 2-3 times daily. There is no established maximum dose, and adverse effects are uncommon at typical therapeutic doses. Lemon balm is often taken before bedtime to aid sleep or during periods of acute stress to promote relaxation. The absorption and efficacy of the extract are enhanced by standardized extraction methods that ensure an adequate content of rosmarinic acid, ideally greater than 2% according to European pharmacopoeia standards. It is important to follow product-specific dosing instructions for glycerite extracts due to variations in concentration.

FAQs

Is lemon balm glycerite extract effective for anxiety?

Yes, meta-analytic evidence supports its efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms acutely, making it a viable option for anxiety relief.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Generally, yes. Clinical trials and historical use indicate that lemon balm is well-tolerated with minimal side effects, even with prolonged use.

Can it cause drowsiness?

Yes, mild sedative effects are possible, especially at higher doses or when combined with other sedatives. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

Is glycerite extract as effective as alcohol tincture?

Glycerite extracts preserve water-soluble active compounds and are suitable for those avoiding alcohol. While direct comparative studies are limited, their efficacy appears comparable for many applications.

Does it help with cold sores?

In vitro evidence suggests promising antiviral activity against HSV-1, but human clinical confirmation for cold sore treatment is currently lacking.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34449930/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that lemon balm significantly improved anxiety and depression scores compared to placebo. The study concluded that lemon balm is an effective and safe intervention for these conditions, with no serious adverse events reported across the included trials.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10135751/ – This research focused on the efficient extraction of rosmarinic acid from lemon balm using various methods, including subcritical water and hydro-alcoholic extraction. The findings support the importance of standardized extraction techniques to ensure the quality and therapeutic efficacy of lemon balm supplements, particularly regarding their rosmarinic acid content.
https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/sleep/lemon-balm-side-effects – This source summarizes the safety profile of lemon balm, highlighting its excellent tolerability and the rarity of serious adverse events. It confirms that side effects are typically mild and transient, consistent with its long history of traditional use and classification as a safe herb.
https://www.healthline.com/health/lemon-balm-uses – This article provides an overview of various traditional and emerging uses of lemon balm, including its potential antiviral effects against HSV-1 and its role in digestive health. It notes that while some benefits are supported by preliminary research, further human clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.