Home / Ingredients / Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Evidence reviewed: 2026-10-02
Promising but heterogeneous human evidence for anxiety and depressive symptoms; preparation differences and a small trial base limit broad mood or sleep claims.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials reported improvements in anxiety and depressive symptom scores, but the authors emphasized high heterogeneity, few trials, and methodological differences. EMA has a herbal monograph for Melissa officinalis leaf in traditional-use areas including mild mental stress and sleep complaints; this is not equivalent to proof for every lemon-balm preparation.
Clinical studies use varied Melissa officinalis preparations, doses, durations, and populations. The review-level evidence does not establish interchangeability between leaf preparations, extracts made from other plant parts, or combination products.
The clinical-trial meta-analysis did not identify serious adverse effects, but the evidence base is small and heterogeneous. The reviewed sources do not establish long-term safety for all extracts or doses.
V-CONTROL lists 'lemon balm fruit extract' without dose or standardization. The reviewed EMA monograph centers on Melissa leaf and the clinical literature uses varied preparations, so direct applicability to the finished product is not established.
The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials; PMID 34449930)
Population/scope: People with acute or chronic anxiety or depressive symptoms across a small number of clinical trials
Evidence scope: Anxiety and depressive symptom scores
Finding: Pooled analyses favored lemon balm for anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Limitations: High between-study heterogeneity, a small number of trials, and differences in preparations and methods limit confidence and generalizability.
Directness: Relevant human evidence ยท verified 2026-10-02
Important: Ingredient-level evidence is not proof that a finished product has the same effect. Dose, form, population, duration, and formulation must match.
For informational purposes only; not individualized medical advice.