Pilot trial of Melissa officinalis L. leaf extract in the treatment of volunteers suffering from mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances
Key Finding
Lemon balm extract (600mg daily) reduced anxiety by 18% and improved sleep quality over 15 days.
Plain-English Summary
This pilot trial examined lemon balm extract in 20 volunteers with mild-to-moderate anxiety and sleep disturbances. Participants received 600mg of standardized lemon balm extract daily (300mg twice daily) for 15 days.
Results showed significant reductions in anxiety symptoms, with anxiety scores decreasing by 18% and anxiety-associated symptoms by 15%. Sleep quality also improved, with insomnia reduced by 42% by the end of the study period.
Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid and other compounds that appear to modulate GABA receptors and acetylcholine activity in the brain. These mechanisms promote calmness and mental clarity while supporting healthy sleep patterns. The supplement was very well-tolerated with no reported side effects. Lemon balm has been used traditionally for centuries for its calming properties, and this study provides modern clinical validation.