Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on cardio‐metabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Recent evidence indicates a beneficial effect of Melissa officinalis (MO) intake on several chronic diseases. However, the effects of MO intake have not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of MO intake and focused on several cardiometabolic outcomes. MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for MO-RCTs evaluating cardiometabolic outcomes. Random-effects meta-analyses estimated the pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) between intervention and control groups. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in RCTs. Seven RCTs were finally deemed eligible. MO intake was associated with a reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: −0.26; 95% CI: −0.52, −0.01; I 2 = 13.7%; k = 6) and a reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD: −0.56; 95% CI: −0.85, −0.27; I 2 = 00.0%; k = 3). MO intake was not associated with statistically significant changes in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure, high sensitivity c-reactive protein levels, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin or high-density lipoprotein levels. No serious adverse events were reported. The risk of bias was high in a considerable amount of studies. Our study suggests that MO is a safe supplement with beneficial effects on TC and SBP. However, the findings of our study must be seen in the light of major limitations such as a low number of included studies and a serious risk of bias. High-quality RCTs are needed for firm conclusions concerning the effects of MO on cardiometabolic outcomes.

Hematological parameters and protein metabolism in the blood of pregnant rats under the effect of vanadium citrate

“…The review by Swiader et al (2019) analyzed the literature data on the chemical composition of M. officinalis and the possibilities of using it in medicine and food. Heshmati et al (2020) indicated the relationship between consumption of M. officinalis and decreased total cholesterol and reduced systolic blood pressure. Intake of M. officinalis was not observed to be related to statistically significant changes in triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure, high sensitivity c-reactive protein levels, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin or high-density lipoprotein levels.…”

“…No serious side effects were reported. According to the study by Heshmati et al (2020), M. officinalis is safe beneficial supplement. In our experiment, addition of lemon balm to high-fat diet of rats reduced the intensity of increase in the level of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol compared with the control, and at the same time the indicator of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, did not change significantly.…”

Melissa officinalis tea favourably affects the frequency of premature ventricular beats and cardiometabolic profile among patients with premature ventricular contraction: A randomised open‐label controlled trial

“…Using herbal medicinal agents, especially the agents with antiinflammatory properties, for conditions that lack highly effective medical treatments with lowest side effects is on the rise and has become popular among patients with chronic disorders including CVDs. [20][21][22] Although a number of antiarrhythmic medications have been identified in clinic for decades, sometimes their adverse effects particularly in long term use limit their application to some extent. 23,24 Therefore, some natural medicinal products, which might have fewer side effects, are now being utilised in arrhythmias treatment.…”

“…18,19 Traditionally, it has been argued that M officinalis is beneficial in alleviating various conditions, for example, heart palpitation, hypertension, gastrointestinal and digestion complaints, diabetes, joint inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis, neurological disorders, memory defects, headaches and pain, asthma, menstrual problems and bacterial, fungal or viral infections. 18,19,22,[26][27][28] Besides, M officinalis effects have been an interesting area of research in modern medicine in the last two decades. Several clinical evidences revealed improvements in depression, anxiety, sleep problems, cognition and Alzheimer's disease-associated agitation, in addition Conclusion: Together, these results seem to support the higher cardioprotective effects of MO as a medicinal plant than lifestyle modifications alone.…”

“…to enhancement of coronary artery disease progression and dyslipidaemia and diabetes complications following M officinalis consumption. 22,[29][30][31][32][33][34][35] M officinalis is mainly composed of phytochemicals with beneficial features such as triterpenes, essential oils, flavonols and phenolic compounds. 18,22,26 Interestingly, in more recent years, considerable literature has grown up around its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could be valuable when exploring the beneficial effects of this herbal product on inflammatory and metabolic conditions.…”