The effectiveness of melissa officinalis l. Versus citalopram on quality of life of menopausal women with sleep disorder: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to assess the effect of Melissa Officinalis L. (a combination of lemon balm with fennel fruit extract) compared with citalopram and placebo on the quality of life of postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. Methods The present study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo clinical trial among 60 postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance who were referred to a university hospital from 2017 to 2019. The participants were randomized to receive M. Officinalis L. (500 mg daily), citalopram (30 mg) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was self-completed by each participant at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention and was compared between groups. Results The mean for all MENQOL domain scores were significantly improved in the M. Officinalis L. group compared with citalopram and placebo (p < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) after 8 weeks in the M. Officinalis L., citalopram and placebo groups was 2.2 ± 0.84 versus 0.56 ± 0.58 versus 0.36 ± 0.55 in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), 1.02 ± 0.6 versus 0.28 ± 0.2 versus 0.17 ± 0.1 in the psychomotor-social (p < 0.001), 0.76 ± 0.4 versus 0.25 ± 0.1 versus 0.11 ± 0.1 in the physical and 2.3 ± 1.0 versus 0.35 ± 0.5 versus 0.41 ± 0.5 in the sexual domain, respectively. Conclusions The results revealed that M. Officinalis L. may be recommended for improving the quality of life of menopausal women with sleep disturbance. Trial registration The present study was registered by the name "Comparison of the efficacy of citalopram and compound of Asperugo procumbens and foeniculum vulgare in treatment of menopausal disorders" with the code IRCT2013072714174N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

In vitro Antiproliferative activity of Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) leaves essential oil / Actividad antiproliferativa in vitro de aceite esencial de hojas de Melissa officinalis L (Lamiaceae)

In the present study, we investigated the antiproliferative activity of essential oil from leaves of Melissa officinalis L. grown in Southern Bosnia and Herzegovina. In vitro evaluation of antiproliferative activity of the M. officinalis essential oil was carried out on three human tumor cell lines: MCF-7, NCI-H460 and MOLT-4 by MTT assay. M. officinalis essential oil was characterized by high percentage of monoterpenes (77,5%), followed by the sesquiterpene fraction (14,5%) and aliphatic compounds (2,2%). The main constituents of the essential oil of M. officinalis are citral (47,2%), caryophyllene oxide (10,2%), citronellal (5,4%), geraniol (6,6%), geranyl acetate (4,1%) and ß- caryophyllene (3,8%). The essential oil showed significant antiproliferative activity against three cancer cell lines, MOLT-4, MCF-7, and NCI-H460 cells, with GI50 values of <5, 6±2 and 31±17 µg/mL, respectively. The results revealed that M. officinalis L. essential oil has a potential as anticancer therapeutic agent.

En el presente estudio, investigamos la actividad antiproliferativa del aceite esencial de las hojas de Melissa officinalis L. cultivadas en el sur de Bosnia y Herzegovina. La evaluación in vitro de la actividad antiproliferativa del aceite esencial de M. officinalis se llevó a cabo en tres líneas celulares de tumores humanos: MCF-7, NCI-H460 y MOLT-4 utilizando el ensayo de MTT. El aceite esencial de M. officinalis se caracterizó por un alto porcentaje de monoterpenos (77,5%), seguido de la fracción sesquiterpénica (14,5%) y compuestos alifáticos (2,2%). Los principales constituyentes del aceite esencial de M. officinalis fueron citral (47,2%), óxido de cariofileno (10,2%), citronelal (5,4%), geraniol (6,6%), acetato de geranilo (4, 1%), y ß-cariofileno (3,8%). El aceite esencial mostró una actividad antiproliferativa significativa contra las líneas celulares de cáncer MOLT-4, MCF-7 y NCI-H460, con valores GI50 de <5, 6±2 y 31±17 µg/mL, respectivamente. Los resultados revelaron que el aceite esencial de M. officinalis L. tiene potencial como agente terapéutico contra el cáncer.

A citotoxicidade e a avaliação da atividade antiprotozoária de Melissa officcinalis L (CIDRO-MELISA) / Actividad citotóxica y evaluación antiparasitaria de Melissa officcinalis L. (CIDRO-MELISA) / The cytotoxicity activity and evaluation of antiprotozoa Melissa officcinalis L (CIDRO-MELISA)

Introdução: as Leishmanioses correspondem a um complexo de doenças tropicais causada por mais de vinte diferentes espécies de protozoários intracelulares pertencentes ao gênero Leishmania. A Doença de Chagas é uma doença que representa um dos principais problemas de saúde pública em vários países, afetando sobretudo a população carente e rural. Melissa officinalis L., é uma erva perene, uma planta exótica, cuja família é Lamiaceae, que tem sido amplamente utilizada na medicina popular com finalidades terapêuticas. O seu óleo essencial tem sido usado como antioxidante, antimicótica, antifúngica, sedativa e antivirótica. Objetivo: avaliar a citotoxicidade, composição química e atividade antiparasitária do óleo essencial da espécie M. officinalis. Métodos: M. officcinalis foi coletada no município do Crato, CE, Brasil, e foi depositada no herbário da Universidade Regional do Cariri URCA. A análise da composição química do óleo essencial de M. officcinalis, foi realizada através de Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada à Espectrometria de Massas. No estudo da atividade leishmanicida in vitro, utilizou-se formas promastigotas de L. braziliensis e epimastigotas de Trypanosoma cruzi. Para a atividade citotóxica utilizou-se a linhagem de fibroblastos de mamífero NCTC clone 929. Resultados: a través da análise do óleo essencial de M. officcinalis feita por CG/EM, foi possível identificar 12 constituintes que totalizavam 99,83 por cento, dentre os quais alguns foram majoritários: Geranial, Z Citral, 1- Limonene e Carvone. Foi verificado baixa toxicidade contra os fibroblastos. M. officcinalis exibiu maior capacidade para impedir a replicação contra a forma promastigota do protozoário, nas concentrações testadas. Conclusão: a espécie pode ser uma fonte importante na busca de agentes novos e seletivos para o tratamento de doenças tropicais causadas por protozoários, cujas propriedades necessitam ser investigadas quanto aso seus mecanismos(AU)

Introducción: Leishmaniasis corresponde a un complejo de enfermedades tropicales causadas por más de veinte especies diferentes de protozoos intracelulares que pertenece al género Leishmania. La enfermedad de Chagas es una enfermedad que es uno de los principales problemas de salud pública en muchos países, que afectan especialmente a la población pobre y rural. Melissa officinalis L., es una hierba perenne, una planta exótica, cuya familia Lamiaceae, ha sido ampliamente utilizado en la medicina popular para fines terapéuticos. Su aceite esencial se ha usado como un antioxidante, antimicótico, antifúngica, antiviral y sedante. Objetivo: evaluar la citotoxicidad, la composición química y la actividad antiparasitaria del aceite esencial de la especie M. officinalis. Métodos: M. officinalis se recogió en el municipio de Crato, CE, Brasil, y fue depositado en el herbario de la Universidad Regional del Cariri URCA. El análisis de la composición química del aceite esencial de M. officcinalis se realizó por espectrometría de masa de cromatografía de gas. En el estudio de la actividad invitro leishmanicida se utilizó promastigotes L. braziliensis y Trypanosoma cruzi. Para la actividad citotóxica se utilizó la cepa de fibroblastos de mamífero NCTC clon 929. Resultados: a través de análisis de aceite esencial de M. officinalis hizo por GC/ EM se identificó un total de 12 constituyentes 99,83 por ciento, entre los cuales algunos eran mayoría: geranial, Z citral, limoneno y carvona 1. Se comprobó una baja toxicidad contra fibroblastos. M. officcinalis exhibió mayor capacidad para evitar la replicación contra la forma promastigote de parásito, a las concentraciones ensayadas. Conclusión: la especie puede ser una fuente importante en la búsqueda de nuevos agentes y selectivos para el tratamiento de enfermedades tropicales causadas por protozoos, cuyas propiedades deben ser investigados con respecto a sus mecanismos(AU)

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a complex of tropical diseases caused by more than twenty different species of intracellular protozoa from the genus Leishmania. Chagas disease is one of the main public health problems in many countries. It mostly affects the poor, rural population. Melissa officinalis L. is a perennial herb, an exotic plant from the family Lamiaceae which has been widely used in folk medicine for therapeutic purposes. Its essential oil has been used as antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral and sedative. Objective: Evaluate the cytotoxicity, chemical composition and antiparasitic activity of essential oil of the species M. officinalis. Methods: M. officinalis specimens were collected from the municipality of Crato, CE, Brazil, and deposited in the herbarium at the Regional University of Cariri (URCA). Analysis of the chemical composition of essential oil of M. officinalis was performed by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. L. braziliensis and Trypanosoma cruzi promastigotes were used for the study of in vitro leishmanicidal activity. Mammalian fibroblast strain NCTC clone 929 was used to evaluate cytotoxic activity. Results: Analysis of essential oil from M. officinalis by GC / MS led to identification of a total 12 constituents 99.83 percent, among which some were a majority: geranial, Z citral, limonene and 1-carvone. Toxicity against fibroblasts was found to be low. M. officinalis displayed greater capacity to avoid replication against the promastigote form of the parasite at the concentrations assayed. Conclusion: The species may be an important source of new agents and selective media for the treatment of tropical diseases caused by protozoa, whose properties should be studied with respect to their mechanisms(AU)

Investigation of Melissa officinalis L. Essential Oil for Antifungal Activity against Cladosporium carrionii.

Cladosporium carrionii is considered the most important pathogenic species of genus because of the numerous cases of disease which causes in the world. Due to its antifungal resistance, these fungal infections are difficult to treat. Given the broad biological activity displayed by natural products, essential oils obtained from plants are often investigated to determine their antimicrobial activity. Aims: Therefore, we identified components of Melissa officinalis L. essential oil, investigating in vitro antifungal activity against strains of C. carrionii. Methodology: Identification of the chemical composition of the oil was performed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The antifungal activity of M. officinalis L. essential oil was investigated against 08 strains of C. carrionii determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC), effects on mycelial growth, and conidial germination. Results: The GC-MS results revealed 4 major components; geranial (52%), citral (38.90%), trans- β-caryophyllene (1.22%), and germacrene D (0.84%). M. officinalis L. essential oil inhibited the growth of all (100%) of the strains of C. carrionii tested. The MIC and MFC were established at 256 μg/ml. Inhibition of radial mycelial growth began at 128 μg/ml (MIC/2), and at both 2 x MIC and 4 x MIC the inhibition was complete. We also observed significant conidial germination inhibition at all concentrations when compared to the control (P<0.05). The inhibition increased with concentration so that at 2 x MIC complete (100%) conidia germination inhibition was observed. Conclusion: Finally, our study results point to M. officinalis L. essential oil as a potential antifungal agent against C. carrionii.

Produção de biomassa e do rendimento do óleo essencial de melissa em cultivo solteiro e consorciado com mil-folhas e alface / Biomass production and essential melissa oil output evaluation in a single and linked crop cultivation to both yarrow and lettuce

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a produção da biomassa e o rendimento de óleo essencial da melissa, quando em cultivo solteiro e consorciada com mil-folhas e alface. Os tratamentos consistiram em melissa em cultivo solteiro, melissa em consórcio com mil-folhas, melissa consorciada com alface, mil-folhas e alface em cultivo solteiro. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições. Foram avaliados o teor e o rendimento do óleo essencial da melissa e a matéria fresca e a matéria seca da parte aérea de todas as espécies. Notou-se, a partir dos valores das médias, que o cultivo consorciado de melissa com alface proporcionou maior rendimento de óleo essencial, matéria fresca e matéria seca. Os menores valores de todas as variáveis foram observados no cultivo solteiro da melissa. Considerando o Uso Eficiente da Terra (UET), o cultivo consorciado da mil-folhas e da alface com a melissa gerou bons rendimentos de biomassa das plantas, pois os valores calculados para as espécies foram superiores a 1,0. O cultivo consorciado das espécies não interferiu significativamente no teor do óleo essencial da melissa.

The research aimed to evaluate melissa's biomass production and its essential oil output, both single cultivation and linked cultivation to yarrow and lettuce. The treatments were consisted in single cultivantion melissa, melissa linked to yarrow, melissa linked to lettuce, yarrow and lettuce in single cultivation. The experimental design used was a totally randomized design with five treatment and six repetitions. Was evaluated the content and the yield of essential oil of melissa, the fresh matter and the dry matter of the aerial part of all species. It was seen from the average valuations that the melissa linked cultivation to the lettuce obtained the greatest output, fresh matter and dry matter. The smaller values of all variables was observed in melissa in single cultivation. To the the Effective Land Use (ELU), the yarrow and lettuce linking cultivated to the melissa generated good species biomass output, because the calculated results to the plants were higher than 1,0. The species linking cultivation did not interfere significantly in melissa's essential oil content.

Efectos de la tintura de Melissa officinalis l. sobre íleon aislado y en modelo de diarreas / Effects of Melissa officinalis L. tincture on isolated ileum and in diarrhea model

Se realizaron 2 estudios, uno in vitro en el íleon aislado de cobayo y otro in vivo en un modelo de diarreas en ratas, con el objetivo de corroborar la acción antiespasmódica de una tintura al 20 % de Melissa officinalis L. En el modelo in vitro se encontró que las dosis de 0,084, 0,169 y 0,338 mg/mL de solución nutricia provocan una disminución significativa (p < 0,05) de la contracción inducida con acetilcolina (10 mg/mL). En el estudio in vivo se determinó que las dosis de 16,9, 33,8 y 67, 6 mg/kg de peso disminuían el tiempo de aparición de la primera diarrea y su frecuencia. En ambos modelos el efecto estuvo en dependencia de las dosis. La tintura tuvo un efecto antiespasmódico en los 2 modelos utilizados y una acción antidiarreica sobre el modelo in vivo.

Two studies were carried out: one in vitro in the guinea pig isolated ileum, and the other in vivo, in a diarrhea model in rats, with the purpose of confirming the antispasmodic action of a 20 % Melissa officinalis L. tincture. In the in vitro model, it was found that the 0,084; 0,169 and 0,338 mg/mL doses of nutritious solution provoke a significant decrease (p < 0,05) of the acetylcholine induced contraction (10 mg/mL). In the in vivo study, it was determined that 16,9; 33,8 and 67,6 mg/kg of weight doses decreased the time of appearance of the first diarrhea, and its frequency. In both models the effect was dependent on the doses. The tincture had an antispasmodic effect in the two models used, and an antidiarrheic action on the in vivo model.