Botanical Profile
Note: The current botanical assignment is Salvia rosmarinus; Rosmarinus officinalis remains in common use as a historical synonym.
Lemon balm is a classic European aromatic plant of the mint family. Its leaves, described in monographs as Melissae folium, have a characteristic lemon-like aroma profile.
Melissa officinalis L. is an herbaceous plant of the Lamiaceae. The leaves are the central plant part in traditional and pharmacognostic descriptions. Its aromatic profile makes lemon balm a typical European herb and monastic-garden plant.
Phytochemistry
Phytochemically, lemon balm is associated particularly with essential-oil constituents, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, triterpenes and other phenolic compounds. The aromatic profile is shaped especially by citral and related monoterpene contexts.
Traditional Uses
The EMA monograph Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium (EMA/HMPC/196745/2012) describes traditional-use contexts involving nervous tension and mild gastrointestinal complaints. Lemon balm also has a long European herbal and monastic-medicine tradition.
Current Research
Modern research investigates rosmarinic acid, essential-oil profiles, neuropharmacological research fields, antioxidant plant constituents, and stress- and cognition-related contexts. These areas should be understood as scientific classification.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium.
- ESCOP Monographs – Melissae folium.
- Melissa leaf / Melissae folium.
- Shakeri A et al. Melissa officinalis L. — A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2016.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.