Effects of a Melissa officinalis special extract on mood and cognitive function

In the present study a Melissa officinalis special extract was investigated for its mood modulating effects. Literature data have shown that selected Melissa officinalis breeding lines support new applications on cognitive performance based on cholinergic receptor binding properties [1].

In our in vitro study the Melissa officinalis special extract was tested at 200 µg/mL for its ability to inhibit MAO-B and PDE4 enzyme activities which are relevant enzymes for memory and mood modulation. The extract showed an MAO-B inhibition of 60% compared to the positive control pargyline (100% inhibition; 0.159 ng/mL). The extract showed a PDE4 inhibition of 30% compared to the positive control rolipram (63% inhibition; 2.753 µg/mL).

Furthermore, positive effects on cognition and mood were confirmed in 3 independent double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, balanced-crossover, monocentric studies involving 25 healthy people each. Effects were evaluated using the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) core battery, a computerized cognitive assessment system, 1 and 3 hours after intake. Our study results demonstrated significant improvements in cognition and mood by intake of 300 mg lemon balm extract after 1 and 3 hours compared to base-line and placebo. The present data are results from the first human study carried out for the Melissa officinalis special extract in a functional beverage formulation [2].

In conclusion our data demonstrate that a Melissa officinalis special extract has beneficial cognitive and mood modulating effects.

References:

[1] Wake G, Court J, Pickering A, Lewis R, Wilkins R, Perry E. CNS Acetylcholine Receptor Activity in European Medicinal Plants Traditionally Used to Improve Failing Memory. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000; 69: 105 – 14

[2] Scholey A, Gibbs A, Neale C, Perry N, Ossoukhova A, Bilog V, Kras M, Scholz C, Sass M, Buchwald-Werner S. Anti-Stress Effects of Lemon Balm-Containing Foods. Nutrients. 2014; 30; 6: 4805 – 21