Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Sweet Balm, Lemon Balm, Melissa herb

Rosmarinic Acid

Chemical Name: (2R)-2-[[(2E)-3-(3, 4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-1-oxo-2-propenyl]] oxy]-3 - (3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₁₆O₈

Mol. Wt.: 360.31

Molecular Structure:

Rosmarinic acidis a natural polyphenol antioxidant carboxylic acid found in many Lamiaceae herbs used commonly as culinary herbs such as lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, sage, thyme and peppermint. Chemically, rosmarinic acid is an ester of caffeic acid with 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl lactic acid. It is a red-orange powder that is slightly soluble in water, but well soluble in most organic solvents. Because of its antioxidant activity, it has beneficial effects in humans.

Lemon Balm(Melissa officinalis L.), not to be confused with bee balm, Monarda species, is a perennial herb in the mint family Lamiaceae, native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, especially in mountainous situations. It grows to 70-150 cm tall. The leaves have a gentle lemon scent, related to mint. At the end of the summer, small white flowers full of nectar appear. These attract bees, hence the genus name Melissa (Greek for 'honey bee'). Its flavour comes from the terpenes citronellal, citronellol, citral, and geraniol.

Lemon balm is often used as a flavouring in ice cream and herbal teas, both hot and iced, often in combination with other herbs such as spearmint. It is also frequently paired with fruit dishes or candies.

The crushed leaves, when rubbed on the skin, are used as a repellant for mosquitos.

Lemon Balm is also used medicinally as a herbal tea, or in extract form. It is claimed to have antibacterial, antiviral properties (it is effective against herpes simplex), and it is also used as a mild sedative or calming agent. At least one study has found it to be effective at reducing stress, although the study's authors call for further research. Its antibacterial properties have also been demonstrated scientifically, although they are markedly weaker than those from a number of other plants studied. The extract of Lemon balm was also found to have exceptionally high antioxidant activity.

Lemon balm is mentioned in the scientific journal Endocrinology where it is explained that Melissa officinalis exhibits antithyrotropic activity, inhibiting TSH from attaching to TSH receptors, hence making it of possible use in the treatment of Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism.

Lemon balm essential oil is very popular in aromatherapy. The essential oil is commonly co-distilled with lemon oil, citronella oil, or other oils.

Lemon balm is used in some variations of the Colgate Herbal toothpaste for its soothing and aromatic properties.

Lemon Balm contains Eugenol that kills bacteria and has been shown to calm muscles and numb tissues, Rosmarinic acid, Caffeic acid, and Phenolic acids that contribute to its antioxidant effects; Tannins that contribute to its anti-viral effects, as well as terpenes that add to its soothing effects, and other constitutents, such as Flavonoids, Essential (Violate) oil, Bitters, Resin and etc.

The Lemon balm Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the leaves of Melissa officinalis L.

Benefits

• Anti-oxidant
• Anti-bacterial
• Diaphoretic
• Calmative (Sedative)
• Anti-spasmodic
• Carminative
• Stomachic
• Emmenagogue
• Antipyretic
• Hypotensive
• Nervine
• Antidepressant

•Treat Graves' disease or hyperthyroidism

Mechanism

No detailed information available.

Safety

5-HTP is safe.

Lemon balm should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine) as it is believed that the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine.

Dosage

• Thetypical dose is 500-1000mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Lemon balm Extract Features and Benefits:

Lemon balm is one of GNI's important products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Melissa officinalis L.leaves.

• Produced with pure water only

• High purity: over 5% rosmarinic acid

• NO solvent - residual free

• Pesticide-free

• Natural brown-yellow in appearance

• High solubility in water

• High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

3% and 5% Rosmarinic acid HPLC (with full content of other beneficiary constituents)

It is a very good powder extract, strictly standardized and keeping the natural fine scent of the plant.