Lemon Balm – Melissa Dry Extract

Short summary description:

• Categories/Mainstream: Dry plant extracts
• IUPAC Name: Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
• Botanical Source: Melissa Officinalis
• CAS number: 84082-61-1
• Country of origin: Bulgaria

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The origin of raw material

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family. It is cultivated in Southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, and the Crimean Peninsula. It is characterized by its fresh lemon scent. Bulgaria is a major producer of the raw material, which is harvested twice a year, at the beginning and end of summer, in June and August-September. The main source of the key active substances in the plant is its leaves.

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Technological process

Dry or fresh raw material is subjected to extraction using a water-alcohol solution, and a percolation process is carried out. The resulting liquid extract is concentrated and filtered twice. It is then subjected to a spray-drying process. The batch of the product is milled and homogenized. The final product is placed in a double polyethylene bag suitable for food contact and in a fibber barrel.

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Certification and characterisation:

• Produced according to ISO 9001:2015 and GMP of cosmetic regulations.
• Produced according to FSSC 22000 – food ingredient.

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Properties

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial herb from the lamiaceae family, has long been used in traditional medicine for its calming properties. Recent scientific research has increasingly focused on understanding its health benefits, particularly in relation to anxiety, insomnia, cognitive function, and digestive health. This review consolidates current findings from various studies and scientific publications to provide a comprehensive overview of lemon balm extract’s potential health benefits.

Cholinesterase inhibitor

The study conducted by Akhondzadeh and colleagues in 2003 explored the potential of lemon balm extract (Melissa officinalis) in enhancing cognitive functions and alleviating behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 42 patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's, who were observed over a period of 16 weeks across three medical centers in Tehran. Half of the participants received lemon balm extract, while the other half were given a placebo.

The results showed significant cognitive improvements in those taking the lemon balm extract, as measured by the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-cog). Their cognitive scores were notably better compared to the placebo group, suggesting the beneficial effect of the herb on the patients' cognitive abilities.

In addition to cognitive benefits, the study observed a reduction in agitation and anxiety, common behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's. Patients on the lemon balm extract demonstrated marked improvements in emotional well-being and social behavior, assessed through the Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR-SB). This indicates that lemon balm might have calming and anxiolytic properties, easing both cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the disease.

The key takeaway from this study is that lemon balm could be a valuable treatment option for Alzheimer's patients, offering a holistic approach to managing the disease. The extract not only showed effectiveness in improving cognitive function but also helped alleviate emotional and behavioral symptoms, significantly enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

 

Anxiety Reduction

Lemon balm extract is widely recognized for its anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. A notable study by Kennedy et al. (2004) involved a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the effects of lemon balm on mood and anxiety. Participants receiving a standardized lemon balm extract showed significant reductions in anxiety and improvements in mood compared to those receiving a placebo. This study concluded that lemon balm might modulate GABAergic neurotransmission, which plays a critical role in the regulation of anxiety.

Similarly, Miroddi et al. (2013) conducted a review of multiple clinical trials and observed that lemon balm's anxiolytic effects were consistent across studies. This review highlighted lemon balm's potential as a useful intervention for managing mild to moderate anxiety, often used in combination with other herbs or supplements to enhance its efficacy.

 

Insomnia and Sleep Quality

The impact of lemon balm extract on sleep disorders has also been a focus of research. A study by Cases et al. (2010) evaluated the effectiveness of lemon balm extract in treating insomnia and anxiety. Participants who received lemon balm showed a significant improvement, with 85% of them experiencing complete remission of insomnia and 70% experiencing a reduction in anxiety. This finding supports the use of lemon balm as a natural remedy for improving sleep quality.

In another study, Akhondzadeh et al. (2003) explored the effects of lemon balm, both alone and in combination with valerian, on insomnia. Their findings suggested that lemon balm could be effective in treating sleep disturbances, with its sedative properties contributing to better sleep outcomes.

 

Cognitive Function

 

Research into lemon balm extract’s effects on cognitive function has yielded promising results. Kennedy et al. (2002) investigated the acute effects of lemon balm extract on cognitive performance and mood. The study found that participants who consumed lemon balm exhibited enhanced cognitive function and improved mood, which may be attributed to the extract's impact on acetylcholine levels in the brain—an essential neurotransmitter for memory and cognitive processes.

Additionally, a study by Eddouks et al. (2012) evaluated the cognitive-enhancing properties of lemon balm in animal models. The results indicated that lemon balm could improve memory and learning abilities, supporting its potential benefits for cognitive health.

 

Digestive Health

Lemon balm has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive issues such as indigestion and bloating. A review by Schütz et al. (2008) summarized the herb's carminative effects, which help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort. Lemon balm's ability to relax the digestive tract and reduce symptoms like bloating and gas has been well-documented, making it a valuable remedy for digestive health.

 

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of lemon balm extract have also been explored. Tullio et al. (2009) demonstrated that lemon balm possesses significant antioxidant activity, which helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This action contributes to overall health and may play a role in the prevention of chronic diseases .

 

A study by Zhang et al. (2014) further supported these findings by showing that lemon balm extract could reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in various experimental models. This underscores the potential of lemon balm as an adjunct in managing inflammatory conditions.

Lemon balm extract has demonstrated considerable potential in several health areas, including anxiety reduction, sleep quality improvement, cognitive support, digestive health, and antioxidant protection. Although existing research is promising, further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms and optimize its use. Nonetheless, current evidence supports the efficacy of lemon balm extract as a beneficial, natural remedy for various health conditions.

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Physicochemical characteristics