Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis is a member of the mint family with a long history of use for anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. Lemon balm inhibits GABA-transaminase (the enzyme that breaks down GABA), effectively raising GABA levels in the brain. Clinical studies show it improves calmness, alertness, and memory — a rare combination of relaxation without sedation at moderate doses.
Dosage
Standard: 300-600 mg extract daily for anxiety/cognition. For sleep: 300-600 mg 30-60 minutes before bed. Cyracos is the most studied extract (standardized to rosmarinic acid). Tea: 2-4 cups daily. Can be combined with valerian for sleep.
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
3-5 hours (rosmarinic acid)
Administration
Oral (capsules, tea, tincture). Cyracos extract is most studied. Pleasant lemon-mint taste in tea form.
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Mechanism of Action
Lemon balm inhibits GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), the enzyme that converts GABA to succinic semialdehyde in the GABA shunt, increasing GABA availability in synaptic terminals and producing anxiolytic effects via GABA-A (alpha2, alpha3 subunits) and GABA-B receptors. Rosmarinic acid provides antioxidant effects via Nrf2 activation and anti-inflammatory effects through COX-2 and NF-kB inhibition. Lemon balm inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at the catalytic site, mildly increasing acetylcholine in the hippocampus and cortex — explaining cognitive enhancement at moderate doses via muscarinic M1 and nicotinic receptor activation. At higher doses, GABAergic effects dominate, producing sedation useful for sleep. Additional mechanisms may include 5-HT2A antagonism and muscimol-like GABA-A modulation from trace constituents.
Regulatory Status
Dietary supplement worldwide. Traditional European herbal medicine. Approved as a traditional herbal medicinal product in the EU.
Risks & Safety
Common
Very well-tolerated. Mild drowsiness at higher doses.
Serious
May reduce thyroid hormone levels — caution with hypothyroidism.
Rare
Nausea, abdominal pain.
Compare Lemon Balm With
Research Papers
8Published: December 26, 2021
AI Summary
Based on meta-analysis results, lemon balm significantly improved mean anxiety and depression scores compared with the placebo (SMD: -0.98; 95% CI: -1.63 to -0.33; p = 0.003), (SMD: -0.47; 95% CI: -0.73 to -0.21; p = 0.0005) respectively, without serious side effects.
Published: October 17, 2024
AI Summary
One herb that is receiving growing attention is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) which has received considerable interest for its influence on the brain. Pharmacological evidence from animal and cellular work reveals that lemon balm and its components may modulate several brain signalling pathways, including GABAergic, cholinergic, and seroto...
Published: April 3, 2024
AI Summary
Therefore, its use as a cardiovascular remedy may explain the lipid-lowering effects of lemon balm. Dyslipidemia can be considered as a significant preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Published: April 6, 2022
AI Summary
Oral administration of 50-200 mg/kg of M-LB/CS for 84 days significantly inhibited HFD-induced body weight gain, adipocyte hypertrophy, and lipogenic gene induction without affecting food consumption in mice. Biochemical analyses showed that M-LB/CS blocked abnormal lipid accumulation in the blood by escalating fecal lipid excretion.
Published: December 18, 2021
AI Summary
However, oral administration of M-LB/CS significantly alleviated the HFD-mediated weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy without affecting food consumption. Furthermore, M-LB/CS reduced lipid peroxidation by inhibiting the HFD-mediated reduction in glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase.
Published: April 25, 2005
AI Summary
An evidence-based systematic review including written and statistical analysis of scientific analysis of scientific literature, expert opinion, folkloric precedent, history, pharmacology, kinetic/dynamics, interactions, adverse effect, toxicology, and dosing.
Published: August 18, 2020
AI Summary
Medications licensed for the treatment of dementia have limited efficacy against cognitive impairment or against the distressed behaviours (behavioural and psychological symptoms, or behaviour that challenges) which are also often the most distressing aspect of the disorder for caregivers.
Published: December 1, 2020
AI Summary
Recent evidence indicates a beneficial effect of Melissa officinalis (MO) intake on several chronic diseases. Our study suggests that MO is a safe supplement with beneficial effects on TC and SBP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Balm used for?
Melissa officinalis is a member of the mint family with a long history of use for anxiety, sleep, and cognitive function. Lemon balm inhibits GABA-transaminase (the enzyme that breaks down GABA), effectively raising GABA levels in the brain. Clinical studies show it improves calmness, alertness, and memory — a rare combination of relaxation without sedation at moderate doses.
What are the side effects of Lemon Balm?
Common: Very well-tolerated. Mild drowsiness at higher doses. Serious: May reduce thyroid hormone levels — caution with hypothyroidism. Rare: Nausea, abdominal pain.
How is Lemon Balm administered?
Lemon Balm is administered via oral (capsules, tea, tincture). cyracos extract is most studied. pleasant lemon-mint taste in tea form..
What is the half-life of Lemon Balm?
The half-life of Lemon Balm is 3-5 hours (rosmarinic acid).
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