Organic Lemon Balm Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Lemon balm, balm mint, Melissa officinalis
Overview
Organic lemon balm aerial parts extract is derived from the leaves and stems of *Melissa officinalis*, a perennial herb belonging to the mint family. This botanical supplement is typically prepared as hydroalcoholic or aqueous extracts. Traditionally, it has been valued for its calming, anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing), antidepressant, and mild sedative properties, as well as its potential to enhance cognitive function. Recent research also explores its metabolic effects, including the modulation of blood glucose and lipid profiles. The herb's bioactivity is attributed to its rich composition of phenolic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, along with flavonoids, essential oils, and triterpenes. While several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews support its use, particularly for mood and anxiety, the heterogeneity in study designs and extract standardization necessitates further research for definitive conclusions across all potential benefits. The evidence quality is good for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, with other benefits showing preliminary but less robust support.
Benefits
Lemon balm aerial parts extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for mental well-being and emerging metabolic support. A significant benefit is its anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that lemon balm significantly reduced anxiety (SMD: -0.98) and depression scores (SMD: -0.47) compared to placebo, without serious side effects. This effect is particularly relevant for adults experiencing mild to moderate anxiety or depressive symptoms, with the anxiety reduction showing a moderate to large effect size and depression a small to moderate but statistically significant effect. Beyond mood, some clinical trials suggest improvements in cognitive function and sleep quality, likely stemming from its calming and anxiolytic properties. Furthermore, preliminary research, including animal studies and limited human trials, indicates potential metabolic benefits such as blood glucose lowering and modest improvements in lipid profiles, including a reduction in LDL cholesterol by approximately 14 mg/dL in individuals with borderline hyperlipidemia. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to beneficial gut microbiota modulation, though human data in this area are still preliminary. The benefits on mood can be observed acutely and over short-term use (weeks to months), while metabolic effects may require longer-term supplementation.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of lemon balm aerial parts extract are primarily mediated through its active phytochemicals, including rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, and essential oils. Its anxiolytic and sedative properties are thought to involve the modulation of GABAergic neurotransmission, enhancing the inhibitory signaling in the brain, which leads to a calming effect. For cognitive benefits, it is believed to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory. Additionally, lemon balm exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which contribute to its overall health benefits and may play a role in its metabolic effects. These compounds interact with various biological pathways, including GABA receptors and inflammatory mediators, influencing the central nervous system for mood and cognitive improvements, and potentially peripheral systems for metabolic regulation. The bioavailability of active compounds like rosmarinic acid is moderate, and extract standardization is crucial for consistent efficacy.
Side effects
Organic lemon balm aerial parts extract is generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials. Common side effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being occasionally reported, though without a consistent pattern. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of individuals, may include mild sedation or dizziness. No significant rare adverse events (less than 1%) have been documented. Regarding drug interactions, caution is advised when combining lemon balm with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, such as sedatives or anxiolytics, due to potential additive effects. Contraindications are not well-established due to limited data; however, caution is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in individuals with severe psychiatric disorders, as comprehensive safety data for these populations are lacking. The safety profile in children and the elderly is also not well-established, indicating a need for more research in these specific groups. Overall, while considered safe for most adults, individuals should consult a healthcare professional, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
For mood and anxiety effects, clinical trials have typically utilized doses ranging from 300 mg to 600 mg of standardized lemon balm extract daily. An optimal dosage for broader effects, including metabolic and CNS benefits, is approximately 500 mg three times daily of leaf powder or an equivalent hydroalcoholic extract. The maximum safe dose is not definitively established, but doses up to 1800 mg/day have been used in trials without serious adverse effects. Dosing can be flexible; some studies use single daily dosing, while others divide the total daily dose throughout the day, which may optimize sustained effects. The form of the extract is important, with hydroalcoholic extracts standardized to rosmarinic acid or total phenolics being preferred to ensure consistent active compound levels and efficacy. While specific cofactors are not identified as necessary for its action, co-administration with food may influence absorption. Standardization of phytochemical content is critical for consistent therapeutic outcomes.
FAQs
Is organic lemon balm aerial parts extract safe?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for most adults, with minimal and mild side effects reported in clinical trials.
How soon do effects appear?
Mood and anxiety benefits can often be noticed within days to a few weeks of consistent use, while metabolic effects may require longer-term supplementation.
Can it be combined with other supplements?
Generally, yes, but caution is advised when combining it with other central nervous system depressants due to potential additive effects.
Does it cause sedation?
Mild sedation is possible in some individuals, but it is typically not pronounced and is often considered a beneficial calming effect.
Is standardization important?
Yes, standardization of the extract to specific active compounds like rosmarinic acid is crucial for ensuring consistent potency and therapeutic efficacy.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34449930/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found that lemon balm significantly reduced anxiety and depression scores compared to placebo, with no serious side effects. The study highlighted high heterogeneity among trials but provided strong evidence for its mood-modulating properties.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11510126/ – This review of clinical trials suggests that lemon balm exhibits anxiolytic, antidepressant, cognitive, and sleep quality improvements. It also touches upon its potential role in gut microbiota modulation, though it notes inconsistencies in dosing and phytochemical reporting across studies.
- https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/JNFS/article/download/16888/15808/ – This animal RCT demonstrated that hydroalcoholic lemon balm extract reduced serum glucose and improved beta-cell function in diabetic rats. While promising, the study's findings are from an animal model, limiting direct translation to human efficacy.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/lemon-balm.html – This source provides general information on lemon balm, including its traditional uses, chemical constituents, and some reported pharmacological activities. It serves as a comprehensive overview of the herb's properties and applications.
- https://www.performancelab.com/blogs/sleep/lemon-balm-and-anxiety – This article discusses the relationship between lemon balm, sleep, and anxiety, highlighting its calming effects and potential mechanisms of action. It provides a practical perspective on how lemon balm can be used to support mental well-being.
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