Melissa officinalis L. as a phytotherapeutic alternative in the treatment of anxiety: a bibliographic review

Medicinal plants with natural anxiolytic properties and lower risk of adverse effects have increasingly been investigated as therapeutic alternatives. Among them, Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) stands out for its action on the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and relief of mild to moderate anxiety. This study aimed to review the therapeutic use of M. officinalis in anxiety management. A literature review was conducted covering the past ten years using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, with the descriptors: “anxiety,” “lemon balm,” “medicinal plants and anxiety,” and “anxiolytic potential of medicinal plants.” From 1,575 references, 31 articles were selected for in-depth analysis. The plant demonstrated efficacy in anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep disorders, acting through cholinergic and GABAergic systems. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to citral and monoterpenes present in its essential oil. In vivo, in vitro, and clinical studies support its anxiolytic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as benefits on sleep, cognition, hypertension, and irritable bowel syndrome. M. officinalis may be used as tea, aromatherapy, or supplementation, being well tolerated and safe; however, further studies are needed for extract standardization, dosage definition, and elucidation of its mechanisms of action.