The detrimental effect of gamma radiation on cardiac tissue is an intricate problem in the field of nuclear medicine. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of Melissa officinalis (MO) against irradiation (IR)-induced cardiac toxicity using an integrated approach combining phytochemical profiling (HPLC and GC-MS), network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experimental validation. Phytochemical profiling, Network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses identified ellagic acid as a major bioactive constituent of MO and predicted the NRF2 and MAPK pathways as key targets. For in vivo validation, twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, MO extract (75 mg/kg/day for 3 weeks), irradiated (5 Gy gamma radiation), and irradiated + MO extract. Cardiac injury was assessed by measuring cardiac enzymes (ALT, LDH), oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx), lipid profile, and gene expression of PGC-1α, β3AR, Na+/K+-ATPase, NRF2, MAPK, and JNK. MO extract significantly attenuated radiation-induced elevations in serum LDH and ALT, reduced lipid peroxidation, restored antioxidant defenses, and was associated with improved transcriptional markers of cardiac metabolism. These effects were mediated through upregulation of NRF2 and downregulation of MAPK and JNK signaling pathways, consistent with network pharmacology predictions. Collectively, these results suggest that MO may represent a promising candidate for mitigating acute radiation-induced biochemical alterations associated with cardiac injury by enhancing cardiac function and mitigating impaired oxidative status. The study revealed that MO could reduce cardiac toxicity in irradiated rats through its antioxidant activity, mediated by the NRF2 and MAPK pathways.

Brazilian lemon balm (Lippia alba) is a medicinal species native to South America with high economic potential due to the production of essential oils with different chemical profiles. This study aimed to evaluate agronomic performance, genetic variability, and identify superior accessions of L. alba cultivated in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during two growing seasons (spring/2013 and summer/2014). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications, evaluating morphoagronomic, productive, essential oil content, and essential oil yield traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences (p<0.01) among genotypes for almost all evaluated traits. Broad-sense heritability estimates were high, especially in summer, ranging from 75.47% to 99.43%, indicating strong genetic control and favorable conditions for selection. Summer provided greater expression of genetic variability, with higher CVg/CVe values and better discrimination among accessions. Fresh leaf and organ mass (MFFO) was the trait that most contributed to genetic divergence. Multivariate analyses and the MGIDI index identified accessions UFRRJ_LA5 and UFRRJ_LA3 as the most promising, combining high productivity, biomass production, essential oil yield, and greater stability across growing seasons.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with frankincense (FR) and Melissa officinalis (MO) on growth performance, meat quality, economic efficiency, and the expression of growth-, immunity-, and antioxidant-related genes in two strains of Japanese quail. A total of 300 fourteen-day-old female quails (150 brown, 150 white) were assigned to five treatments per strain: a control, two FR levels (10 and 12 g/L drinking water) and two MO levels (2.5 and 3 mL/L drinking water), in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement for 28 days. Results revealed a significant treatment × strain interaction, indicating a strain-dependent response. In the brown strain, 10 and 12 g/L FR produced the most favorable responses, whereas in the white strain, 10 g/L FR and 3 mL/L MO were the most effective, resulting in improved growth performance and economic returns. At the treatment level, 10 g/L FR and 3 mL/L MO enhanced body weight, feed efficiency, dressing percentage, and economic indicators. These improvements were associated with upregulation of IGF-1, GPX1, and IL-6, along with downregulation of MSTN. At the strain level, the white strain outperformed the brown strain in productive traits and showed higher IGF-1 expression with lower MSTN levels, whereas the brown strain exhibited relatively stronger GPX1 and IL-6 expressions. Therefore, these findings indicate that the effectiveness of phytogenic feed additives is strongly influenced by genetic background, highlighting the importance of optimizing both treatment level and strain selection to maximize productive performance, meat quality, and economic efficiency in Japanese quail. Specifically, FR at 10–12 g/L is recommended for brown quails, whereas 10 g/L FR or 3 mL/L MO is more suitable for white quails.

Plant-mediated synthesis is a well-established green route for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) production, but a significant challenge remains in controlling the properties of the nanoparticles. This study aims to explore whether altering the nutrient composition of the plant growth medium can influence nanoparticle properties. Lemon balm plants were grown in vitro under three concentrations of CaCl₂ (220, 440 (standard MS condition), and 880mg/L) in MS medium. Aqueous extracts from plants were used to synthesize AgNPs, and the nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FESEM, DLS, FTIR, and antibacterial disc diffusion assays. The results showed that the 220mg/L CaCl₂ treatment produced the highest yield of AgNPs, with faster reduction kinetics, smaller particle size (12.48nm), narrower size distribution (PdI = 0.245), and diverse morphologies (spherical, triangular, cubic). The 440mg/L treatment also produced AgNPs but with larger size (34.64nm) and predominantly spherical morphology. In contrast, the 880mg/L treatment largely failed to produce AgNPs; instead, XRD revealed dominant AgCl peaks. FTIR analysis confirmed the participation of plant functional groups in the biosynthesis and capping of the AgNPs. Antibacterial assay showed bactericidal activity of the produced AgNPs against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Results indicate, excess CaCl₂ is detrimental, causing immediate precipitation of AgCl, outcompeting the bio-reduction process. The precise mechanisms underlying the differences between 220 and 440mg/L CaCl₂ treatments are attributed to gene expression changes, secondary metabolites content, residual Cl⁻ content, etc. This study provides a foundation for further investigations into nutrient-mediated control of green nanoparticle synthesis.

Rosmarinic acid activates the Nrf2/HO-1 axis and suppresses NF-κB to protect against gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury.

Due to the complex pathophysiology and serious outcomes of autoimmune myocarditis, we sought to determine whether ethanolic lemon balm extract (LBE) could attenuate disease progression and development of dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM). EAM was induced in Dark Agouti rats by immunization with porcine myosin. Fifty animals were allocated to five groups: healthy controls, untreated EAM, and EAM treated with LBE (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) for six weeks. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored, and echocardiography assessed cardiac structure and function. Inflammatory, oxidative, fibrotic, and apoptotic markers were analyzed. Immunological profiling revealed that LBE significantly decreased proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-17) while restoring anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity was confirmed by reduced levels of O2−, H2O2, and TBARS, accompanied by significant increases in SOD, CAT, and GSH activity (p < 0.05), and upregulation of SOD1 and SOD2 gene expression. Additionally, LBE (200 mg/kg) markedly reversed fibrotic remodeling through suppression of TGF-β expression and collagen deposition, as shown by Sirius Red staining, and mitigated apoptosis by modulating Bax/Bcl-2 balance and reducing TUNEL-positive cells. Collectively, these findings suggest that LBE exerts strong cardioprotective effects in EAM by regulating inflammatory, oxidative, fibrotic, and apoptotic pathways, thereby preventing myocarditis progression toward DCM.

Background: Sleep disorders, particularly insomnia, represent a major public health concern, while currently available hypnotic drugs are often limited by adverse effects and poor long-term tolerability. Methods: In this study, we investigated the sleep-promoting effects of a mixture of Hypericum perforatum L. and Melissa officinalis L. extract (HME) and its underlying mechanisms in male ICR and C57BL/6 mice. In a pentobarbital-induced sleep model in mice, sleep onset latency and total sleep time were measured. Pharmacological studies using various antagonists and agonists were conducted to elucidate receptor-mediated mechanisms. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to assess neuronal activity, and cortical mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative analysis. HPLC analysis was used to identify the major constituents of HME, and their pharmacological profiles were functionally evaluated. Results: HME significantly reduced sleep onset latency and prolonged total sleep time. These hypnotic effects were shown to be mediated through adenosine and melatonin receptor signaling pathways. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses showed that HME suppressed neuronal activity in wake-promoting cholinergic and orexinergic neurons of the basal forebrain and lateral hypothalamus, while enhancing activation of sleep-promoting GABAergic neurons in the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus. At the molecular level, HME increased cortical mRNA expression levels of adenosine A1 receptor, adenosine A2A receptor, melatonin receptor 1, and melatonin receptor 2. From the HPLC analysis, rosmarinic acid and hyperoside were identified as the major constituents of HME. Functional evaluation of these compounds revealed complementary pharmacological profiles, with hyperoside primarily acting through adenosine receptors and rosmarinic acid engaging both adenosine and melatonin receptor pathways. Conclusions: These findings suggest that HME enhances both sleep initiation and maintenance through adenosine and melatonin receptor signaling pathways, thereby supporting its potential as a multitarget therapeutic agent for improving sleep quality.

This study investigates the volatile composition of twelve medicinal plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which are widely recognized for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Despite extensive studies on essential oils, comparative analyses using solvent-free techniques under different microclimatic conditions remain limited. This study investigates the volatile compounds in twelve medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae family using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Lamiaceae plants are recognized for their diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidative, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. A total of 74 volatile compounds were identified, encompassing terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Notably, Lavandula spica L. exhibited the highest number of unique volatiles (28), while Melissa officinalis L. had the fewest (16). Key compounds included Citral (65.48%) in Melissa officinalis L., Menthol (33.37%) and Menthyl acetate (30.53%) in Mentha piperita L., Carvone (45.86%) in Mentha spicata L., and Eucalyptol (54.71%) in Origanum syriacum L. Plants from Adana Botanic Park were rich in terpenes and ketones, whereas those from Osmaniye contained higher levels of alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. The findings emphasize the impact of geographic location on volatile profiles and suggest avenues for further research into medicinal efficacy and optimal dosage. This study supports the sustainable use of plant biodiversity (SDG 15) and highlights the importance of bioactive compounds for human health and well-being (SDG 3).

This study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts obtained from Arnica montana L., Melissa officinalis L., and Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik., as well as their ternary mixtures. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of several phenolic compounds, including luteolin, apigenin, acacetin, and phenolic acids, while rutin and hyperoside were previously reported as dominant constituents in Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. The extracts and their mixtures exhibited significant antioxidant activity in different radical scavenging and reducing power assays, with the highest activity observed for the ACM4 mixture. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, showing inhibitory effects with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from below 100 mg/L for Melissa officinalis L. extracts to above 250 mg/L for Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. extracts. These findings suggest that the phenolic compounds identified in the studied plants contribute to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties and support the potential use of these extracts and their combinations as natural sources of bioactive compounds.

BackgroundDysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, as indicated by altered salivary cortisol secretion, has been linked to poor sleep quality, mood disturbances, and emotional distress. In the principal clinical trial, 3 weeks of Melissa phospholipids’ supplementation was associated with significant improvements in sleep quality and mood outcomes.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate salivary cortisol dynamics in a subpopulation supplemented with Melissa officinalis extract formulated in phospholipids for 3 weeks.DesignThis secondary analysis evaluated a predefined subgroup (n = 12) receiving 400 mg/day of Melissa phospholipids for 3 weeks. Salivary cortisol was collected at 3 timepoints at baseline (T0), week 1 (T1), and week 3 (T2), and quantified by high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Associations between cortisol levels and psychometric outcomes were also assessed.ResultsMean salivary cortisol levels decreased progressively over the 3-week supplementation period, with a significant main effect of time (P < 0.001). Significant correlations (P < 0.05) were also observed between psychometric domains, including PSQI, DASS-21 depression and stress, PANAS, WEMWBS, and WHOQoL-BREF scores, indicating consistent improvements in sleep quality, mood, and perceived well-being.Discussion and conclusionsThis secondary analysis provides preliminary evidence that Melissa phospholipids supplementation, is associated with a significant modulation of HPA axis activity, characterized by a reduction in daily salivary cortisol levels, in adults with poor sleep quality and emotional distress.

The aim of this study was to use lemon balm extract (Melissa officinalis L.), prepared via microwave-assisted extraction, for the development of novel formulations of functional edible films based on chitosan, gum arabic, and gelatine (simple and blended formulations). This study focused on changes in the antioxidant properties of enriched films, in addition to their physicochemical and barrier performance for potential applications. Thickness, colour, transparency, water solubility, gas and water vapour permeability, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. The addition of lemon balm extract resulted in an increased polyphenol content (of about 30%) and enhanced antioxidant properties (approximately three-fold), without influencing hydration-related properties (solubility, moisture content and water absorption). These parameters were significantly influenced by the matrix structure (neat chitosan vs. blends with gelatine and gum arabic). Significant increases in the oxygen (three-fold for neat chitosan and five-fold for blends) and carbon dioxide (21-fold for blends) permeability coefficients were also observed in all films with extracts. However, all values remained below 30 × 10−5 cm3 m−1 d−1 bar−1, indicating that all films retained good gas barrier properties. The results indicate the potential of the developed material for applications in active food packaging as a sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials, which should be further validated through studies on real food systems and shelf-life evaluation.

Melissa officinalis L. protects against reflux esophagitis by attenuating NF-κB- and MAPK-mediated inflammation in rats.

Lemon balm-derived nanovesicles restore mitochondrial function and reduce cytokine production in skin fibroblasts under pro-inflammatory conditions.

Melissa officinalis (balm) is a perennial medicinal. Climate change and high cultivation costs necessitate the breeding of new cultivars with improved stress tolerance and high metabolite content. However, the high costs of phenotyping large collections limit breeding progress. This study characterized the genetic diversity and population structure of 256 genotypes from 215 international accessions using flow cytometry and genotyping by sequencing (GBS). The primary objective was to identify untapped genetic resources and establish core sets to streamline future breeding and research efforts. Morphological characterization and flow cytometry revealed a clear division by ploidy and subspecies. The collection comprised 209 diploid and three polyploid genotypes of ssp. officinalis (2C = 1.79pg) and 44 tetraploid genotypes of ssp. altissima (4C = 3.57pg). GBS generated 29,307 and 9,909 SNPs for the entire collection and a subset of ssp. officinalis genotypes, respectively. We identified significant genetic differentiation between the subspecies, as confirmed by PCA (PC1 = 69.9%), STRUCTURE, and hierarchical clustering. With 21,770 private alleles and HE = 0.38 subspecies altissima exhibited greater genetic divergence than ssp. officinalis (2,953 private alleles, HE = 0.07). Within ssp. officinalis, several clusters of untapped genetic diversity from Armenia, France, Georgia, and Spain were identified. Furthermore, genomic analysis revealed inconsistencies in varietal purity in three out of four investigated traditional cultivars, where genotypes bearing the same name were assigned to different genetic clusters. Based on a clustering approach, two core sets were constructed. The first core set (Core15, 5.7% of the collection) of 9 officinalis and 6 altissima genotypes aimed to comprise the diversity of the entire collection with minimal redundancy for long-term breeding programs. An extended core set of 30 genotypes (Core30, 11.3%) focused on the subspecies officinalis and included more cultivated material. This study provides a genomic characterization of a comprehensive M. officinalis collection. The identification of distinct genetic clusters and the development of optimized core sets significantly reduce the resources required for future evaluations. These core sets serve as a robust foundation for breeding programs aimed at enhancing agronomic traits such as drought tolerance, while increasing pharmaceutical quality.

Aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family are widely recognized as major natural sources of volatile oils (VOs), with broad applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food systems. In contrast, hydrosols (HYDs)—the aqueous co-products of hydrodistillation—have received comparatively less attention, despite growing industrial relevance and the potential to provide distinct, water-compatible aromatic signatures. In the present work, the volatile signatures of VOs and taxon-matched HYDs from seven Lamiaceae species (Lavandula × intermedia, Melissa officinalis, Mentha × piperita, Origanum onites, Salvia rosmarinus, Salvia fruticosa, and Salvia officinalis) were profiled and contrasted using GC/FID–MS for VOs and SPME–GC/FID–MS for HYDs. HYDs were produced in a separate HYD-oriented hydrodistillation run; thus, VO–HYD differences reflect protocol- and matrix-dependent profiles rather than phase partitioning within a single distillation. By profiling both distillation products across seven taxa, this study helps characterize recurring matrix- and protocol-dependent compositional fingerprints of VO and HYD. Because HYDs and VOs were analyzed using different sampling modes and matrices, peak–area percentages are reported as within-matrix distributions and are not treated as directly comparable concentrations. Across taxa, oxygenated terpenes dominated both products, typically driven by oxygenated monoterpenes. VOs were generally characterized by a stronger presence of less polar and highly volatile compounds (e.g., monoterpene hydrocarbons and selected esters/ketones), whereas HYDs showed a more pronounced contribution of polar oxygenated compounds, including alcohols, oxides, and oxygenated sesquiterpenes. Several moderately water-soluble volatiles were consistently prominent in HYDs, highlighting the recurrent representation of several moderately polar oxygenated volatiles in HYDs. Overall, under the applied protocol, HYDs appeared as chemically distinct distillates with a stronger relative representation of polar oxygenated volatiles, supporting their potential use as complementary aromatic resources for aqueous-oriented formulations.Graphical

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease linked to immune dysregulation and oxidative stress. Due to the limitations and side effects of conventional therapies, natural compounds are gaining increasing attention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Melissa officinalis extract in psoriasis. HPLC analysis was used to characterize the extract, while its antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. An in vivo study was conducted on 18 male Wistar albino rats divided into control (CTRL), psoriasis (PSORI), and psoriasis treated with M. officinalis (PSORI+MO) groups. Psoriasis was induced by daily topical application of 5% imiquimod cream on the shaved back skin of rats for seven constitutive days. The PSORI+MO group received M. officinalis extract orally at a dose of 200 mg/kg during seven days. Redox and inflammatory cytokine analysis were performed. Isolated skin was fixed and stained with H/E and immunohistochemical staining. Morphometric and histological analyses revealed reduced inflammation, keratinocyte proliferation, and epidermal thickness. Systemic and tissue redox status showed decreased oxidative stress biomarkers and enhanced antioxidant defense. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A, IL-22, IL-23, IL-1β, and IL-6) were significantly reduced. Our findings suggest that Melissa officinalis extract exerts anti-psoriatic effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative mechanisms.

Background/Objectives: Essential oils (EOs) have multi-target antifungal activity, but their translation is limited by volatility and poor aqueous dispersibility. Randomly methylated β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) inclusion may enhance effective exposure and thereby alter susceptibility, stress responses, and biofilm outcomes in a species-dependent manner. This study quantified species-specific planktonic and biofilm susceptibility to four EOs and their RAMEB complexes across clinically relevant Candida species. Methods: Lavender (L), lemon balm (B), peppermint (P), and thyme (T) oils and their RAMEB complexes (RL, RB, RP, and RT) were tested against C. albicans and non-albicans Candida. Susceptibility thresholds were used to derive phase plasticity metrics. Functional inhibition was assessed via planktonic metabolism/viability and established biofilm metabolism/viability/biomass. Mechanistic signatures were captured by ROS/RNS measurements and a qPCR analysis of antioxidant genes (CAT1, GPX1, and SOD1) was performed. Mixed-effects models and multivariate/unsupervised and interpretable classification approaches (k-means, PCA, and CRT) were used to integrate endpoints and stratify response phenotypes. Results: Susceptibility thresholds were strongly species-structured (lowest MIC90/EC10 for C. albicans; higher thresholds and broader sublethal windows in non-albicans species). RAMEB complexation produced formulation-dependent shifts in efficacy, with RT emerging as the most consistent broad-spectrum inhibitory condition across compartments. Biofilm biomass was comparatively insensitive even when viability was suppressed, indicating a decoupling of structural biomass from biocidal activity. Mechanistic signatures were broadly conserved across species and linked to antioxidant-program engagement, with CAT1-related rules contributing to responder/tolerant classification. Conclusions: Integrating MIC/EC plasticity with functional and mechanistic markers supports the rational selection of EO formulations; RAMEB complexation, particularly RT, prioritizes candidates for further pharmaceutical optimization while highlighting species-specific vulnerabilities.

This study investigated the protective effects of Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) extract against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups: control, Lemon balm, MTX, and MTX + Lemon balm. MTX was administered intraperitoneally at 20 mg/kg on day 23, while Lemon balm was given orally at 100 mg/kg daily. The MTX-treated group showed significant reductions in body and testicular weight, sperm quality, and reproductive hormone levels [testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)]. There was also a marked increase in oxidative stress markers [malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO)] and inflammation markers [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)]. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed strong p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) expression in testicular tissues of the MTX group. Co-treatment with Lemon balm significantly improved sperm parameters and hormone levels while reducing oxidative and inflammatory responses, including marked downregulation of p-p38 MAPK expression. These findings suggest that Lemon balm extract may alleviate MTX-induced testicular toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and p-p38 MAPK pathway modulation.

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is vulnerable to drought stress and pathogenic diseases, including those caused by Fusarium species, which can significantly affect the plant’s growth and yield. This study investigated the potential of Funneliformis mosseae (Fm), Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri), and a combined inoculation (FmRi) to manage drought and Fusarium culmorum infection in lemon balm under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized factorial design with three replications. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation reduced disease severity caused by F. culmorum in leaves by 45.92% in Fm, 15.5% in Ri, and 21.34% in FmRi and in roots by 45.95% in Fm, 10% in Ri, and 12.78% in FmRi. However, higher drought levels, especially 25% pot capacity (25% PC), increased disease incidence (by 45%) compared to diseased plants without drought stress. Despite pathogen and drought stress, mycorrhizal symbiosis increased biomass production and photosynthetic pigment content in lemon balm. It also helped maintain higher relative water content (RWC%) in Fm-inoculated plants under 25% PC and pathogen stress, showing an increase of 13% compared with non-inoculated stressed plants. Furthermore, AMFs colonization declined hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, indicating mitigation of oxidative stress and also, improved antioxidant enzymes activity in lemon balm under combined drought and pathogen stress. Concurrently, antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly enhanced in AMF-treated plants under stress conditions. Notably, Fm inoculation led to a significant increase in rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B accumulation by 1.55-, and 2.53-fold, respectively. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) further confirmed that mycorrhizal colonization effectively mitigated damage caused by drought stress and F. culmorum infection (whether individually or combined) by increasing RWC and chlorophyll levels, detoxifying oxidative stress markers, and promoting the accumulation of rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that mycorrhizal inoculation, particularly Fm, enhances the tolerance of lemon balm plants to drought and F. culmorum. This is achieved through boosting plant yield and RWC, suppression of oxidative damage, improving the antioxidant defense mechanisms, and increasing specific phenolic acids levels, ultimately contributing to improved plant health and productivity.

Extraction and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds from Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Melissa officinalis L.