Abstract
Medicinal plants are being used worldwide for centuries for their beneficial properties. Some of the most popular medicinal plants belong to the Melissa genus, and different health beneficial effects have already been identified for this genus. Among these species, in particular, the Melissa officinalis L. has been reported as having many biological activities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumour, antiviral, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and also flatulence inhibiting effects. The beneficial properties of the Melissa officinalis, also known as "lemon balm herb", can be related to the bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, alcohols, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic antioxidants which are present in the plant. In this updated review, the botanical, geographical, nutritional, phytochemical, and traditional medical aspects of M. officinalis have been considered as well as in vitro and in vivo and clinically proven therapeutic properties have been reviewed with a special focus on health-promoting effects and possible perspective nutraceutical applications. To evidence the relevance of this plant in the research and completely assess the context, a literature quantitative research analysis has been performed indicating the great interest towards this plant for its beneficial properties.
Highlights
Medicinal plants and herbs have been used worldwide in the management of different diseases [1, 2]
An example of popular medicinal plants with recognized beneficial effects on human health belongs to the Melissa genus [7]
One species grows in Europe—the M. officinalis known as lemon balm
Summary
Medicinal plants and herbs have been used worldwide in the management of different diseases [1, 2]. An example of popular medicinal plants with recognized beneficial effects on human health belongs to the Melissa genus [7]. Huang which is recognized worldwide for its relevance [8, 9] These species are found in the area from Central Asia, Western Asia, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa up to the islands of Macaronesia [8]. One species grows in Europe—the M. officinalis known as lemon balm. In nature, these plants grow in bright thickets [10]. These plants grow in bright thickets [10] This most popular and known species, the M. officinalis, is cultivated around the world [11,12,13]. Species like Fusarium sp., Alternaria sp., and Penicillium sp. can produce secondary metabolites (mycotoxins) which may represent a healthy treat as it happens in plants, food, and feed contaminated by these metabolites which represent a challenge for the decontamination due to their presence and their identification (Nazhand et al, 2020; Santini et al 2009; Mikusova et al 2013; Mikusova et al 2010; Santini et al, 2009)
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