What Gives Lemon Balm Its Power?

Lemon balm contains two quite different groups of natural compounds, depending on whether we look at an extract or at its essential oil.

Alcoholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Melissa officinalis are particularly rich in polyphenols. The most important is rosmarinic acid, accompanied by caffeic and chlorogenic acids and smaller amounts of flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin derivatives. These compounds are studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.

Lemon balm essential oil is chemically very different. It is characterized mainly by citral, which consists primarily of two compounds called geranial and neral. Citronellal and geraniol are also important constituents. Together, these volatile compounds give lemon balm its characteristic fresh, lemon-like scent and are associated with its antimicrobial, antiviral and calming properties.

As with many herbs, the exact composition varies according to where and how the plant was grown, when it was harvested and which part of the plant was used.