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.

Antioxidants-rich ice cream containing herbal extracts and fructooligossaccharides: manufacture, functional and sensory properties.

This work aimed to optimize an aqueous extract rich in phenolic compounds and potential functional properties made of Ilex paraguariensis, Melissa officinalis, and Cymbopogon citratus. The lyophilized extract was used for the development of an ice cream. Total phenolics, FRAP, DPPH, Folin-Ciocalteu's reducing capacity, and total reducing capacity of different combinations of herbal extracts were tested and modeled using response surface methodology. Simultaneous optimisation was employed to maximize the bioactive compounds in the extract and the lyophilized optimum combination was added to ice cream. The lyophilized extract contained quercetin-3-rutinoside, hesperidin, isoquercetin, caffeic acid, and 5,7-dihydroxyflavone. The optimised extract, which showed antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activity using in vitro protocols, increased total phenolics and antioxidant activity in comparison to the control ice cream. The ice cream presented a sensory acceptance index of 83%. After 72 days of storage (-18 °C), total phenolics and antioxidant activity significantly decreased.

Bioactive compounds in aqueous extracts of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) cultivated in Mexico

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a plant in the family of Lamiaceae. In Mexican traditional medicine it is used to alleviate gastrointestinal and hepatic problems. Studies carried out mainly in ethanolic and methanolic extracts, have revealed the presence of diverse compounds to which those medicinal properties are attributed. The objective of this research work was to extract in aqueous solution the antioxidants present in lemon balm and identify them through HPLC-MS. A Box-Behnken design was applied to determine the physical conditions of antioxidant extraction, where the analyzed variables were time, temperature and sample quantity. The antioxidant activity was determined through methodologies of DPPH*, FRAP and total phenolics. The aqueous solution with the highest antioxidant activity was analyzed through HPLC-MS. The results showed that the interaction temperature-time has a positive influence on the liberation of antioxidants. The best condition for a conventional extraction of antioxidants was 90°C, 15 min and 2 g of sample. Higher correlations were observed at r2>0.6 between determined antioxidant activity by DPPH* (or FRAP) vs Total phenolics; this would indicate that such activity could be attributed to phenolic compounds whose presence was confirmed through an analysis by HPLC-MS(AU)

El toronjil (Melissa officinalis) es una planta de la familia Lamiaceae. En la medicina tradicional mexicana es utilizado para aliviar problemas gastrointestinales y hepáticos. Algunos estudios realizados con extractos etanólicos y metanólicos de dicha planta, han revelado la presencia de diversos compuestos a los que se les atribuye sus propiedades medicinales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue extraer en solución acuosa los antioxidantes presentes en el toronjil e identificarlos a través de HPLC-MS. Para ello, se aplicó un diseño de experimentos Box-Behnken a fin de determinar las condiciones físicas de extracción de antioxidantes; las variables analizadas fueron tiempo, temperatura y cantidad de muestra. La actividad antioxidante fue determinada a través de las metodologías de DPPH*, FRAP y fenoles totales. El extracto acuoso con la mayor actividad antioxidante fue analizado mediante HPLCMS. Los resultados mostraron que la interacción tiempotemperatura tuvo una influencia positiva en la liberación de antioxidantes. La mejor condición para la extracción de antioxidantes presentes en el toronjil fue 90°C, 15 min y 2 g de muestra. Correlaciones superiores a r2>0.6 fueron determinadas entre la actividad antioxidante medida por DPPH* (o FRAP) vs Fenoles totales; esto podría indicar que la actividad antioxidante encontrada podría atribuirse a compuestos de tipo fenólico cuya presencia fue confirmada por el análisis en HPLC-MS(AU)

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)

Avaliação da atividade antibacteriana dos extratos metanólico e hexânico do caule folhado de Melissa Officinalis / Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Methanolic and Hexanic Extracts of Puff Pastry Stem, Melissa Officinalis / Evaluación de la actividad antibacterial de extractos metanol y hexano, el tallo rodadura Melissa Officinalis

Introdução: Melissa officinalis, da família Lamiaceae, é uma erva comumente utilizada na medicina popular. É conhecida no Brasil como Melissa, erva cidreira, cidrilha e melitéia. Tendo em vista que M.officinalis L é largamente utilizada na medicina popular, dentre elas para uso antibacteriano, este trabalho teve como principal objetivo avaliar a atividade antibacteriana e modulatória de extratos metanólico e hexânico do caule folhado de M. officinalis frente a cepas de bactérias padrões e multirresistentes. Materiais e métodos: Os extratosmetanólico e hexânico do caule folhado de M. officinalis L foram analisados para a atividade antibacteriana por meio de teste de microdiluição para determinação de concentração inibitória mínima (CIM) e modulação de aminoglicosídeos (gentamicina e amicacina). Resultados: Na avaliação DACIM foram obtidos resultados ≥1024 μg/mLcontra as bactérias (Escherichia coli e Staphylococcus aureus) em ambos extratos. O extrato metanólico mostrou resultados relevantes em associação com gentamicina potencializando o efeito contra E. coli e S. aureus quando associado à amicacina, nesta bactéria houve antagonismo. Já o extrato hexânico, resultou em uma redução da CIM de amicacina e gentamicina frente a linhagens de E. coli, mostrando efeito antagonista com a amicacina conta cepas de S. aureus. Conclusão: Conclui-se que o material vegetal influencia no comportamento dos antimicrobianos, tornando este trabalho importante como parâmetro para estudos mais aprofundados que possam combater a crescente resistência de bactérias patogênicas.

Introduction: Melissa officinalis, of the Lamiaceae family, is a herb commonly used on folk medicine. In Brazil it is known as Melissa, erva cidreira, cidrilha and meliteia. Considering that the M. Officinalis L is widely used in folk medicine, as for antibacterial use, among others, the main objective of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial and modulating activity of methanolic and hexanic extracts of M. officinalis L against pattern and multidrug resistant bacterial strains. Material and methods: The methanolic and hexanic extracts of the stem of puff pastry of M. officinalis L were analized to determine antibacterial activity by using the microdiluition for establishing the minimal inibitory concentration (MIC) and aminoglycosides (gentamicin and amikacin) modulation. Results: In the MIC evaluation, the results obtained were ≥1024 μg/mL against bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus) in both extracts. The methanolic extract showed important results when associated with gentamicin, since it potentiates its effect against E. coli and S. aureus when associated with amikacin, where antagonism was found. As to the hexanic extract, it showed a MIC reduction of amikacin and gentamicin against S. aureus strains. Conclusion: It was concluded that the plant material influences the antimicrobial behavior, a fact that makes this study an important parameter to deeper studies to combat the increase of pathogenic multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Introducción: Melissa Officinalis, de la familia Lamiaceae, es una hierba utilizada en la medicina popular. Es conocido en Brasil como erva cidreira, melisa, y melitéia cidrilha. Teniendo en cuenta que M. Officinalis L. se utiliza ampliamente en la medicina popular, entre ellos para uso antibacteriano, este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la actividad antibacteriana y modulador de extracto de metanol y hexano rodar el tallo de M. officinalis L. frente a las cepas de bacterias normas y las bacterias multirresistentes. Materiales y métodos: se analizó el extracto de metanol y hexano del tallo rodadura M. Officinalis L. para la actividad antibacteriana por una prueba de microdilución para la determinación de la Concentración Mínima Inhibitoria (MIC) y la modulación de aminoglucósidos (gentamicina y amikacina). Resultados: en la evaluación de la MIC los resultados obtenidos fueron ≥1024 μg/ml con contra las bacterias (Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus) en ambos extractos. El extracto de metanol mostró resultados significativos en combinación con efecto potenciador gentamicina contra E. coli y s. Aureus cuando se combina con amikacina, esta bacteria era antagonismo. Ya extracto de hexano dio lugar a una reducción de la MIC de amikacina y gentamicina contra cepas de E. coli, que muestra el efecto antagónico con cepas de la cuenta de amikacina de S. Aureus. Conclusión: se concluye que el material vegetal influye en el comportamiento de los antimicrobianos, lo que hace este trabajo importante como parámetro para futuros estudios que puedan combatir la creciente resistencia de las bacterias.

Evaluation of electromyographic signals in children with bruxism before and after therapy with Melissa Officinalis L-a randomized controlled clinical trial.

[Purpose] Bruxism is a repetitive muscle activity involving the clenching or grinding of one's teeth during sleep or waking hours. Melissa officinalis L. may be employed as a natural therapy due to the sedative, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasm properties of the chemical constituents of the essential oil obtained from its leaves. The aim of the present study was to evaluate electromyographic signals in the temporal muscle using the BiteStrip(®) test on children with sleep bruxism before and after therapy with Melissa officinalis L. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were randomly allocated to two groups. Group 1 (n = 12) ingested a tincture containing Melissa officinalis L. for 30 days. Group 2 (n = 12) received a placebo solution with the same dose and frequency as Group 1. The Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were employed for statistical analysis. [Results] The sample was made up of 24 children aged 6 to 10 years. No statistically significant differences were found between initial and final muscle activity in either group or in an intergroup comparison. [Conclusion] Use of the Melissa officinalis L. tincture at the dose employed did not lead to a reduction in muscle activity in children with bruxism.

Use of Medicinal Plants with Teratogenic and Abortive Effects by PregnantWomen in a City in Northeastern Brazil / Uso de Plantas Medicinais com Efeitos Teratogênicos e Abortivos por Gestantes em uma Cidade no Nordeste do Brasil

Purpose The purpose of this study is to verify the use ofmedicinal plants by pregnant women treated at four Basic Health Units and at a public maternity facility in Brazil s northeast. Methods This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study, performed between February and April 2014. The subjects were 178 pregnant women, aged 18 to 42 years. To collect data, a structured questionnaire with dichotomous and multiple choice questions was used. To verify the correlation between the variables, Pearson s chi-square test was used. Results The study showed that 30.9% of the pregnant women used medicinal plants, and boldo was the most cited (35.4%). All the plants utilized, except lemongrass, have toxic effects in pregnancy, according to Resolution SES/RJ N° 1757. There was no statistically significant correlation between social class and use of medicinal plants. Conclusion The health of the study participants and their unborn children is at risk due to the inappropriate use of medicinal plants.

Objetivo Verificar o perfil de uso de plantas medicinais por gestantes atendidas em quatro Unidades Básicas de Saúde da Família e em uma maternidade pública da cidade de Campina Grande - PB, na região Nordeste do Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal, quantitativo, desenvolvido no período de Fevereiro a Abril de 2014. Foi incluída uma amostra com 178 gestantes com idade entre 18 e 42 anos. O instrumento de coleta foi um questionário estruturado com perguntas dicotômicas e de múltipla escolha. Para verificar a associação entre as variáveis estudadas, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Resultados Foi constatado que 30,9% das gestantes utilizavam plantas medicinais, sendo o boldo a mais citada (35,4%). Entre as plantas utilizadas com alta frequência pelas gestantes, todas, com exceção apenas da Erva-Cidreira (Melissa officinalis), apresentavam possíveis efeitos tóxicos para a gestação, segundo a Resolução SES/RJ N° 1757. Ao comparar a classe social e o uso de plantas medicinais, não observou-se relação significante. Conclusões A saúde das grávidas que fazem uso de plantas consideradas medicinais, assim como a de seus filhos, sofrem riscos devido ao uso inadequado destas plantas.

Estudio Comparativo entre Terapia con Melissa officinalis vs. Tratamiento Convencional con Aciclovir Tópico al 5% para Lesiones Herpéticas Tipo 1 / Comparative Study of Therapy with Melissa Officinalis vs. Conventional Topical Treatment with 5% Acyclovir in Type 1 Herpes Lesions

El herpes simple tipo I es una patología infecciosa e inflamatoria de tipo vírico que se caracteriza por la aparición de lesiones ulcerativas extra orales, de duración aproximada de 14 días y que provocan gran picazón e incomodidad a las personas que lo padecen. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el uso la Melissa officinalis (toronjil) como terapia alternativa sobre el tiempo de remisión y el número de las lesiones extraorales en pacientes con herpes simple del comparado con el Aciclovir tópico al 5% como terapia convencional. Se realizó un ensayo clínico, aleatorizado y enmascarado simple, controlado. Se evaluó a 34 pacientes con lesiones herpéticas extra orales activas en la etapa primaria vesiculosa, sin patologías asociadas a alteraciones del sistema inmunológico como diabetes mellitus, alergias e hipertensión arterial. Se les administró el tratamiento tópico y se les evalúo diariamente las lesiones herpéticas. La Melissa officinalis posee un efecto antiviral sobre lesiones herpéticas tipo 1 al igual que el Aciclovir tópico al 5%, pero la Melissa officinalis es más efectivo en la disminución de días con lesiones herpéticas (valor p=0,05). La Melissa officinalis tiene un efecto antiviral positivo sobre lesiones herpéticas tipo 1, disminuyendo el número total de días con las lesiones herpéticas en comparación con el Aciclovir tópico al 5%.

Herpes simplex type I is an infectious viral and inflammatory disease type which is characterized by the appearance of extra- oral ulcerative lesions of approximately 14 days that cause severe itching and discomfort for those who have the lesions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) as an alternative therapy on remission time and the number of extra oral lesions in patients with herpes simplex compared with topical 5% acyclovir and conventional therapy. A clinical, randomized and single-blind, controlled trial study was carried out. Thirty-four patients were evaluated with active extra- oral herpetic vesicular lesions in primary stage, without pathologies associated with immune system disorders such as diabetes mellitus, allergies and hypertension. They were given topical treatment and herpetic lesions were evaluated daily. Melissa officinalis has an antiviral effect on type 1 herpes lesions as 5% topical acyclovir, Melissa officinalis but is more effective in the reduction of days with herpetic lesions (p value <0.05). In conclusion, Melissa officinalis has a positive antiviral effect on type 1 herpes lesions, reducing the total number of days with herpetic lesions compared with topical 5% acyclovir.

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

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.

Melissa officinalis and Passiflora caerulea infusion as physiological stress decreaser.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a Melissa officinalis and Passiflora caerulea infusion on the severity of physiological chronic stress induced by movement restriction in CF-1 mice. 40 CF-1 male mice, six weeks of age, were divided into 4 groups (n = 10 for each group): (1) Group RS/MP received two treatments, induced stress through movement restriction and a infusion of Melissa officinalis and Passiflora caerulea in a dose of 200 mg/kg, (2) RS group with induced stress using movement restriction, (3) MP group, which received only a infusion, and (4) a CONTROL group that received no treatment. The severity of the stress was obtained by analysis of the physical parameters of body weight, thymus and spleen, and associated biomarkers with stress, corticosterone, and glucose. Animals that consumed Melissa officinalis and Passiflora caerulea infusion had lower plasma corticosterone levels (Student's t test, Welch, p = 0.05), which is the most important biomarker associated with physiological stress, demonstrating a phytotherapy effect.

Nephroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis L. on acetaminophen-induced and pleurisy-induced lesions in rats

This study assessed the bioactive properties of an aqueous extract of M. officinalis for its anti-inflammatory activity and its protection against hepatic and renal lesions induced by acetaminophen (APAP). Animals pre-treated with the crude extract in pleurisy induced by carrageenan showed a reduction in the amounts of exudate, in the numbers of leukocytes and polymorphonuclear cells. Intragastric administration of the extract for seven days prior to the APAP-induced lesion showed no protective effect on the liver. The treatment with the extract induced an increase of serum aspartate aminotransferase, indicating a rise of toxicity. Contrarily, the same treatment reduced the APAP induced lesion in kidney, with respect to ν-glutamyltransferase. The results suggested that the extract was not hepatoprotective and could lead to an increase in the lesions induced by the APAP. On the other hand, the extract was nephroprotective against the lesions induced by the APAP and showed an anti-inflammatory effect on pleurisy carrageenan-induced.

Efecto del extracto de Anethum graveolens, Melissa officinalis y Calendula officinalis sobre espermatozoides humanos / Effect of extracts from Anethum graveolens, Melissa officinalis y Calendula officinalis on the human spermatozoa

Introducción: aunque existe una amplia disponibilidad de métodos anticonceptivos, la tasa de embarazos no deseados parece no disminuir. Uno de los métodos contraconceptivos empleados son los espermicidas. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del extracto de tres plantas: Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) y Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) sobre la movilidad y la viabilidad de los espermatozoides humanos. Métodos: las muestras de semen de voluntarios sanos se incubaron con el extracto de cada planta a diferentes concentraciones, posteriormente se evaluó su efecto sobre la movilidad y la viabilidad espermática. Resultados: el extracto de Anethum graveolens redujo la movilidad y la viabilidad en 65,3 % y 16 % (p< 0,05, 5 min vs. control), respectivamente; el extracto de Melissa officinalis generó un descenso en la movilidad de 78,2 % y 22,3 % en la viabilidad (p< 0,05, 5 min vs. control). Por último, el extracto de Calendula officinalis redujo la movilidad y la viabilidad en 55,3 y 48,4 % (p< 0,05, 5 min vs. control), respectivamente. Conclusión: ninguno de los extractos de las plantas a las concentraciones empleadas en este ensayo tiene efecto espermicida sobre los espermatozoides humanos.

Introduction: there is wide availability of contraceptives; however unwanted pregnancy rate is not decreasing. One of the contraceptive methods employed are spermicides. Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of extracts from three plants extract: Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae), and Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) on the motility and viability of the human spermatozoon. Methods: semen samples from healthy volunteers were incubated with each plant extract at different concentrations, and the effects on spermatozoon motility and viability were evaluated. Results: Anethum graveolens extract reduced motility and viability by 65.3 and 16 % (p< 0.05, 5 min vs. control), respectively; Melissa officinalis extract decreased motility by 78.2 % and viability by 22.3 % (p< 0.05, 5 min vs. control). Finally, Calendula officinalis extract reduced motility and viability by 55.3 and 48.4 %, respectively (p< 0.05, 5 min vs. control). Conclusions: none of the plant extracts at concentrations used in this assay has spermicidal effect on human sperm.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) extract in rats: Influence of administration and gender.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the behavioral effects of Melissa officinalis extract in rats following acute or subacute treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The behavioral effects of an acute or subacute (10-day course) orally administered M. officinalis (MO; 0, 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg) ethanol extract were evaluated in male and female Wistar rats in elevated plus-maze (EPM), forced swimming (FS) and open field (OF) tests. The effects of diazepam (DZP; 1 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (FXT; 10 mg/kg) were also assessed. RESULTS: In the EPM test, the percentage of open arm entries and open arm times of both males and females given the subacute M. officinalis ethanol extract were significantly higher than those of the vehicle-treated animals but were at levels similar to those observed in the DZP group, regardless of the treatment length. In the FS test, immobility duration was significantly lower in both males and females treated with the plant extract when compared to vehicle-treated counterparts. A 10-day treatment with FXT induced the same antidepressant response, regardless of gender, and was more effective than the M. officinalis extract. Male and female rats demonstrated distinct gender profiles, and treatment × gender interactions were observed. Locomotion in the EPM and OF tests was not significantly altered by treatments. CONCLUSION: The potential psychoactive properties of M. officinalis may provide a unique pharmacological alternative for certain psychiatric disorders; however, the efficacy appears to be dependent on both gender and administration length.

Organic and mineral fertilization and chemical composition of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) essential oil

Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae, is an herb with great growth prospects in the cosmetic industry due to its essential oil. In order to improve its production, it is necessary to study related agricultural practices. This study evaluated the effect of organic and mineral fertilization on the chemical composition of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil. The assay was conducted at the "Fazenda Experimental do Glória" of the Federal University of Uberlândia, and essential oil extraction and GC/MS analyses were completed by the Centre for Research and Development on Plant Genetic Resources of the Campinas Agronomic Institute. The assay was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The tested treatments were six types of fertilization (0, 1, 2, 4, 8 kg.m-2 of cattle manure and mineral fertilizing with 60 g.m-2 of NPK 4-14-8 + 4 g.m-2 of boric acid) with four replications. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation in a modified Clevenger apparatus. The chemical composition was analyzed by GC/MS. The essential oil presented the same compounds for all treatments; however, the relative proportion of some chemical constituents was altered according to the treatment. Neral, geranial, and citronellal were the major constituents.

Efecto terapéutico en el tratamiento del Acné Vulgar usando principios activos de MELISSA OFFICINALIS L. y PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA / Therapeutic effect in the treatment of Acne Vulgaris using active principies MELISSA OFFICINALIS L. and PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA

El acné es una inflamación crónica de la unidad pilosebácea que compromete regiones del cuerpo como el rostro, cuello, hombros y parte del tronco superior y es una causa de consulta que afecta comúnmente a personas entre los 15 a 25 años de edad. El siguiente estudio pretende medir los efectos terapéuticos que existen en el tratamiento del acné vulgar usando los principios activos de las plantas MEUSSA OFFICINALIS L y PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA. Es un ensayo clínico a doble ciego controlado paralelo con una muestra de 20 pacientes voluntarios, el tipo de muestreo fue por conveniencia. Los escenarios del estudio fueron: el laboratorio de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Mayor de San Simón donde se realizó el procedimiento de extracción de los principios activos y hogares de los participantes donde se les entregó el tratamiento y se realizaron los controles. Fueron 20 pacientes voluntarios de los cuales 4 abandonaron el tratamiento y se continuó con 11 pacientes mujeres y 5 varones. Los resultados muestran que el grupo tratado con principios activos tuvo un promedio de 5 a 8 días siendo más breve en comparación del grupo control, ningún paciente presentó reacciones adversas al tratamiento y el sexo que tuvo mejores resultados con el tratamiento fue el masculino. Podemos concluir que el uso de los principios activos de plantas naturales para tratar el acné vulgar presenta diferentes grados de eficacia, siendo relevante el tiempo y las concentraciones de los principios activos.

Acne is a chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous unit that engages regions of the body like the face, neck, shoulders and upper trunk and is a cause of consultation that commonly affects people between 15 to 25 years old. The next study aims to measure the therapeutic effects that exist in the treatment of acne vulgaris using the active ingredients of plants MELISSA OFFICINAUS L y PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA It's a clinical trial double blind parallel controlled with a sample of 20 patient volunteers, the type of sampling was convenience.The stages of the study were: the laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine of the Universidad Mayor of San Simón where took place the procedure for extraction of active principies and homes of participants where they were handed treatment and carried out the checks.They were 20 volunteer patients, of whom 4 abandoned treatment and continued with 5 men and 11 women patients. The results show that the group treated with active ingredients had an average of 5 to 8 days still shorter compared to the control group, no patient presented adverse reactions to treatment and sex that had better results with treatment was the male.We can conclude that the use of the active principies of natural plants to treat acné vulgaris has different degrees of effectiveness, still relevant time and the concentrations of the active ingredients.

Evaluation of macro and microminerals in crude drugs and infusions of five herbs widely used as sedatives

It has been determined the concentration of fourteen micro and macrominerals (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se, and Zn) in both crude drugs and infusions of Melissa officinalis L., Lamiaceae, Nepeta cataria L., Lamiaceae, Passiflora caerulea L., Passifloraceae, Tilia x moltkei Späth ex C.K. Schneid., Tiliaceae, and Valeriana officinalis L., Caprifoliaceae. These herbs are widely consumed by its sedative properties, either alone or in herb mixtures. All measurements were performed using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The products were obtained from regional markets, mainly in San Luis province (Argentina). The estimated daily intake was compared with current recommendations. All products and its infusions were included within the upper tolerable limits for minerals, in trace elements such as toxic elements present at low levels.

Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of Melissa officinalis in mice.

Melissa officinalis (L.) (Lamiaceae), a plant known as the lemon balm, is native to the east Mediterranean region and west Asia. Also found in tropical countries, such as Brazil, where it is popularly known as "erva-cidreira" or "melissa", it is widely used in aqueous- or alcoholic-extract form in the treatment of various disorders. The aim was to investigate in vivo its antigenotoxicity and antimutagenicity, as well as its genotoxic/mutagenic potential through comet and micronucleus assaying. CF-1 male mice were treated with ethanolic (Mo-EE) (250 or 500 mg/kg) or aqueous (Mo-AE) (100 mg/kg) solutions of an M. officinalis extract for 2 weeks, prior to treatment with saline or Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) doses by intraperitoneal injection. Irrespective of the doses, no genotoxic or mutagenic effects were observed in blood and bone-marrow samples. Although Mo-EE exerted an antigenotoxic effect on the blood cells of mice treated with the alkylating agent (MMS) in all the doses, this was not so with Mo-AE. Micronucleus testing revealed the protector effect of Mo-EE, but only when administered at the highest dose. The implication that an ethanolic extract of M. officinalis has antigenotoxic/antimutagenic properties is an indication of its medicinal relevance.

Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of Melissa officinalis in mice

Melissa officinalis (L.) (Lamiaceae), a plant known as the lemon balm, is native to the east Mediterranean region and west Asia. Also found in tropical countries, such as Brazil, where it is popularly known as "erva-cidreira" or "melissa", it is widely used in aqueous- or alcoholic-extract form in the treatment of various disorders. The aim was to investigate in vivo its antigenotoxicity and antimutagenicity, as well as its genotoxic/mutagenic potential through comet and micronucleus assaying. CF-1 male mice were treated with ethanolic (Mo-EE) (250 or 500 mg/kg) or aqueous (Mo-AE) (100 mg/kg) solutions of an M. officinalis extract for 2 weeks, prior to treatment with saline or Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) doses by intraperitoneal injection. Irrespective of the doses, no genotoxic or mutagenic effects were observed in blood and bone-marrow samples. Although Mo-EE exerted an antigenotoxic effect on the blood cells of mice treated with the alkylating agent (MMS) in all the doses, this was not so with Mo-AE. Micronucleus testing revealed the protector effect of Mo-EE, but only when administered at the highest dose. The implication that an ethanolic extract of M. officinalis has antigenotoxic/antimutagenic properties is an indication of its medicinal relevance.