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Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.)
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Lemon Balm/Drug Interactions:- AlcoholAlcohol: In theory, alcohol use with lemon balm may augment the sedative effects of alcohol (27; 20). However, no additive effects of alcohol were shown when combined with a Valeriana officinalis-Humulus lupulus-lemon balm combination product (69).
- BarbituratesBarbiturates: Lemon balm has been reported to increase the hypnotic effects of barbiturates in animal studies (13; 27).
- Sedative agentsSedative agents: Based on preclinical studies (70) and initial human research (20), combination use of lemon balm with sedatives may result in additive effects.
- Glaucoma medicationsGlaucoma medications: Based on anecdotal accounts, lemon balm may increase intraocular pressure, thereby diminishing effects of glaucoma medications.
- Thyroid agentsThyroid agents: In euthyroid rats, the administration of freeze-dried extracts of lemon balm was reported to reduce pituitary and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations (33; 31; 32). One study suggested that constituents of lemon balm may block the binding of TSH to its receptor by acting on both the hormone and the receptor itself (67). Lemon balm may interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy (theoretical).
- Nicotine and scopolamineNicotine and scopolamine: Lemon balm may displace drugs bound to nicotinic and muscarinic receptors, as demonstrated in clinical trials with the displacement of nicotine and scopolamine from these receptors (2; 20; 14).
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): As demonstrated in in vitro studies, lemon balm may inhibit concentrations of serotonin and therefore may interact with drugs which affect concentrations of serotonin in vivo (15).
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Lemon Balm/Herb/Supplement Interactions:- Sedative herbs and supplementsSedative herbs and supplements: A study examining efficacy and safety of herbal sedatives suggested that combination use of sedative herbs with lemon balm may result in additive effects (70). Such herbs include ashwaganda root, calamus, calendula, California poppy, capsicum, catnip, celery, cough grass, elecampane, Siberian ginseng, German chamomile, goldenseal, gotu kola, hops (Humulus lupulus), Jamaican dogwood, kava, sage, St. John's wort, sassafras, skullcap, shepherd's purse, stinging nettle, valerian (Valeriana officinalis), wild carrot, wild lettuce, and yerba mansa.
- Herbs and supplements used for glaucomaHerbs and supplements used for glaucoma: Anecdotal accounts suggest that lemon balm may increase intraocular pressure, thereby diminishing effects of glaucoma treatments.
- Herbs that affect thyroid hormoneHerbs that affect thyroid hormone: In euthyroid rats, the administration of freeze-dried extracts of lemon balm was reported to reduce pituitary and serum TSH concentrations (33; 31; 32). One study suggested that constituents of lemon balm may block the binding of TSH to its receptor by acting both on the hormone and the receptor itself (67).
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Lemon Balm/Lab Interactions:- Thyroid Stimulating HormoneThyroid Stimulating Hormone: In euthyroid rats, the administration of freeze-dried extracts of lemon balm was reported to reduce pituitary and serum TSH concentrations (33; 31; 32). One study reported that constituents of lemon balm may block the binding of TSH to its receptor by acting on both the hormone and the receptor itself (67).
- ProlactinProlactin: In rats, prolactin serum levels and hypophyseal stores were reduced by 40mg/100g of a freeze-dried extract of lemon balm (33).
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Copyright © 2011 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com)
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The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.
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