The anxiety disorders prevalence has significantly increased in society. These disorders can be treated with anxiolytics which, despite great efficacy, may result in several adverse side effects. Several studies have reported that anxiolytic effects result from the indirect action on the GABAergic system and mechanisms related to the cholinergic system. Melissa officinalis has been widely utilized for its sedative action and its ability to reduce agitation. Several studies using this plant in different experimental models have demonstrated its low toxicity and lack of side effects. Therefore, this study presents a literature review of the active principles responsible for the anxiolytic effect of M. officinalis and the mechanisms involved in this effect.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.