The Medical use of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) and Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) as Natural Sedatives: Insight into their Interactions with GABA Transmission

Abstract

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis) have been consumed by humans since Antiquity, usually as herbal tea and brewing, for their sedative and relaxing capacities. These properties are associated with empirical observations of the effects of these plants on the body. But since the advent of phytotherapy as alternative medicine, it appeared on the market alcoholic extracts or essential oils, for which the same indications are claimed. It is therefore necessary to clarify or define the mechanisms of action of their various constituents to explain their effectiveness. We review here the current knowledge about the pharmacological properties -particularly the molecular targets -of the bioactive compounds of lemon balm and valerian. In this way, the activities of lemon balm and valerian, empirically observed throughout the body, can be explained and objectified at the molecular and cellular levels thanks to the mode of action of their molecular contents (terpenoids and phenolic derivatives). Our interest is to scientifically explain the pharmacological effects of these two plants in traditional medicine.

"Valeriana officinalis" – a review

“…So if there is not enough GABA in the body or if the binding process does not take place correctly, patients often suffer from diseases like epilepsy, anxiety, movement disorders and insomnia. 17,18,20 Table 3. Classification of chemicals found in V. Officinalis…”

Comparison the effect of valerian and gabapentin on RLS and sleep quality in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial

“…According to the statistics of the World Health Organization (WHO), in most industrialized countries, 70%-95% of the society uses traditional medicine, including herbal medicine [20,21]. Valeriana officinalis belongs to the Valerianaceae family, which has been widely used in different countries, including Iran, due to its sedative effects to treat insomnia and anxiety.…”

Modulation of chicken gut contractility by Melissa officinalis—ex vivo study

“…Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) has a long history of being used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal ( GI ) tract disorders in human thanks to its spasmolytic ( Aubert et al, 2019 ; Sharifi-Rad et al, 2021 ) and stress reducing effects ( Nasri and Rafieian-Kopaei, 2013 ; Pineau et al, 2016 ; Frag et al, 2023 ). Additionally, in the combination with valerian, lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in children ( Müller and Klement, 2006 ).…”