Therapeutic applications of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for obstetrics and gynecological health issues: a systematic review

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Alimoradi, Z., Jafari, E., Abdi, F. and Griffiths, M.D. ORCID: 0000-0001-8880-6524, 2023. Therapeutic applications of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) for obstetrics and gynecological health issues: a systematic review. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 42: 100751. ISSN 2210-8033

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hermed.2023.100751

Abstract

Introduction: Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) is a medicinal herb with several proposed therapeutic uses. The present paper systematically reviewed relevant evidence regarding the applications of M. officinalis for obstetrics and gynecological health issues.

Methods: Utilizing a systematic approach, academic electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched up to September 21, 2022. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Toolkit was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Due to methodological heterogeneity among a small number of retrieved studies, evidence was pooled utilizing a narrative synthesis.

Results: In total, 15 studies were included. M. officinalis appears to be useful in pain reduction (childbirth after pain and primary dysmenorrhea), improving premenstrual symptoms, and postpartum blues. However, no effect was seen on the intensity of menstrual bleeding, and effectiveness was mixed in relation to sexual functioning and menopausal-related symptoms. Due to selection bias in almost all studies, the evidence level of the included studies was considered a high risk of bias. In most studies, no side effects were reported among the intervention groups. When reported they were minor (eg, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, stomach pain, and sleep disturbance).

Discussion/Conclusions: This intervention might have benefits for gynecological conditions but it is not strongly supported by the available evidence. Consequently, further studies are needed with (1) larger sample sizes, (2) more rigorous methodologies using Melissa officinalis alone to avoid synergistic or antagonistic effects, (3) adjustment for potential covariates, (4) toxicity assessment to establish optimal doses, and (5) the most effective forms of preparation.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Journal of Herbal Medicine

Creators:

Alimoradi, Z., Jafari, E., Abdi, F. and Griffiths, M.D.

Publisher:

Elsevier

Date:

December 2023

Volume:

ISSN: