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Septoria melissae Desm., the most important pathogen of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) occurs each year on plantations. The fungus may cause serious yield losses in the absence of proper plant protection. Breeding resistant or tolerant cultivars could play an important role in plant protection of medicinal plants. However, only a few descriptions of tolerant varieties of lemon balm are available. The goal of this work was to evaluate the susceptibility of three accessions of M. officinalis against the pathogen of Septoria leaf spot under field conditions at Budapest-Soroksár (Hungary) in 2017–2018. Differences in susceptibility of the accessions were observed in both years. The accession of M. officinalis subsp. altissima proved to be the least susceptible to Septoria infection. The frequency of the infected leaves was only 5.1 and 28.1% in 2017 and 2018, respectively. However, the cultivar M. officinalis subsp. officinalis ‘Lorelei’ turned out to be the most susceptible to the pathogen with an average infection level of 26.1 and 66.6%, 1.3–6.1 times higher than that of the other accessions in each year, respectively. Development of disease tolerant M. officinalis cultivars may be an effective tool in the plant protection of lemon balm.

Melissa officinalis L(MO) is also known as bee balm, lemon balm, honey balm, and is a perennial herb. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family Which is often referred to as (the mint family). The influence of diet containing fortified bread with(5, 7.5 , 10%)Meliss powder(MP) on rats suffering from oxidative stress has been studied. Fortified bread with (5 , 7.5 , 10%) MP were prepared and were subjected to sensory evaluation.The best level of fortified bread after sensory evaluation was 5% but the best level of fortified bread after the biological study was 10%.The chemical composition of bread was estimated at 5% due to its acceptance in sensory evaluation. Twenty five male albino rats(170-190g) were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups,of5 rats each. Group 1 was fed on the basal diet containing unfortified pan bread and kept as a negative control group. The other 4 groups (n=20 rats), were injected with a single intraperitoneal dose of 125mg/kgbw of potassium bromate (KBro3) for oxidative stress induction group 2 was fed on the basal diet, which includes unfortified pan bread as positive control rats, groups 3 , 4 and 5 were fed on diet containing fortified pan bread with (5 , 7.5 & 10%)MP respectively. The obtained results revealed that the injected groups with levels 10% of diet containing fortified bread with MP had significant decrease in serum levels of lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides , LDL , VLDL), kidney,liver function and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and significant increased in serum levels of HDL, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX),superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes.Moreover,there was a significant reduced in MDA and increase in GSH levels and the activity of antioxidant enzymes(GPX, SOD and CAT)in liver tissues as well as partially improvements in liver structures compared to positive intoxicated “control group”, but non significant increase in(BWG%) , FI and FER which nearly returned toward the negative control group.The best improvements among all the biochemical parameters and histological structures of liver which were tended toward normal results were observed in group treated with bread fortified 10%MP.In conclusion,the present findings suggested that regular intake from 10% fortified bread with MP may be useful in improving liver and kidney functions and may protect against potassium bromate (KBro3) which induced oxidative stress in rats. تعرف نبات المليسيا أيضا باسم بلسم النحل ، بلسم الليمون ، بلسم العسل ، وهو عشب معمر. وهو عضو في عائلة (النباتات المزهرة) التي غالبا ما يشار إليها باسم (عائلة النعناع)، أجريت هذه الدراسة لمعرفة تأثير النظام الغذائي المحتوي على الخبز المدعم بنسبة (5 ، 7.5 ، 10٪) من مسحوق المليسيا (MP) على الفئران التي تعاني من الإجهاد التأکسدي ، تم أستخدام مستويات مختلفة من النظام الغذائي المحتوي على الخبز المدعم بنسبة (5 ، 7.5 ، 10٪) تم استخدام مسحوق المليسيا في تحضير الخبز المختبرة التي خضعت للتقييم الحسي ، وکان أفضل مستوى للخبز المدعم بعد التقييم الحسي 5٪ ولکن أفضل مستوى للخبز المدعم بعد الاختبارات البيولوجية کان 10٪ ، وتم تقدير الترکيب الکميائى لنسبة 5٪ بسبب حصوله على احسن قبول في التقييم الحسي ، أستخدمت هذه الدراسة خمسه وعشرون جرذآ من ذکور الألبينو تم تقسيمهم بشکل عشوائى الى خمس مجموعات تحتوى کل منها على خمس فئران.المجموعة الأولى تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائى الأساسى کمجموعة ضابطة سالبة وتم حقن باقى الفئران الأخرى 20فأر بواسطة برومات البوتاسيوم تم حقنها داخل الغشاء البريتونى بجرعة واحدة(125ملجم / کجم من وزن الجسم) لأحداث الإجهاد التأکسدي ، بعد ذلک تم تقسيم المجموعات التى تم حقنها إلى 4 مجموعات فرعية على النحو التالي ، المجموعة الفرعية 2 التي تم تغذيتها على النظام الغذائي الأساسي تحتوي على خبز غير مدعم کمجموعة کنترول موجبة ، المجموعات الفرعية 3 و 4 و 5تم التغذية على حمية تحتوي على خبز مدعم بمسحوق المليسيا بنسبة (5 ، 7.5 ، 10٪) على التوالي ، وأظهرت النتائج المتحصل عليها أن المجموعه التى تغذت بمستوى 10٪ من الخبز المدعم بمسحوق المليسيا قد أحدثت انخفاض معنوي بشکل ملحوظ في مستويات مصل الدم من الکوليسترول الکلي ، الدهون الثلاثية ، الليبوبروتينات منخفضة الکثافة LDL-c ، الليبوبروتينات متوسطة الکثافة VLDL-c ، اليوريا ، حمض البوليک ، الکرياتينين ، ووظائف الکبد(AST ،ALT،ALP) و MDA وزيادة ملحوظة في مستويات المصل من الليبوبروتينات عالية الکثافة HDL-c ، والقدرة الإجمالية لمضادات الأکسدة (TAC) ، والجلوتاثيون (GSH) ، ونشاط أنزيمات الجلوتاثيون بيروکسيديز (GPX) ، (SOD) والإنزيمات (CAT). کما أظهرت النتائج حدوث أنخفاض في MDA وزيادة في محتوى GSH ونشاط إنزيمات مضادات الأکسدة (GPX و SOD و CAT) في أنسجة الکبد بالإضافة إلى التحسينات الجزئية في أنسجة الکبد مقارنة بتلک المجموعة الضابطة الموجبة ، وعدم وجود فروق معنوية تذکر بالنسبة للطعام المأخوذ والنسبة المئوية للزيادة فى وزن الجسم ومدى الاستفادة من الغذاء المتناول والتى کانت تميل نحو نتائج المجموعة الضابطة السليمه ، وکانت أفضل النتائج لجميع المؤشرات البيوکيميائية والهستوباثولوجية لانسجة الکبد والتى کانت قريبة من النتائج الطبيعية کانت للمجموعة التى تغذت على الخبز المدعم ب 10% من مسحوق المليسيا فى النهاية تشير النتائج الحالية الى أن الأستخدام المنتظم من الخبز المدعم ب 10% من مسحوق المليسيا له تأثير مفيد فى تحسن وظائف الکبد والکلى ويعد عامل وقائى ضد الأجهاد التأکسدى المحدث ببرومات البوتاسيوم فى الفئران. الکلمات المفتاحية:أنزيمات مضادات الأکسدة , وظائف الکبد , وظائف الکلى , دهون الدم, مليسيا , الأجهاد التأکسدى , الفئران.

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriocin of Enterococcus italicusONU 547 and essential oils individually and in combination against indicatorstrains of opportunistic pathogens. Methods. The antagonistic activity of essential oils and bacteriocin was determined by the optical density of the bacterial suspension of test strains (Salmonella enterica NCTC 6017, Escherichia coli АТСС 25922, Pseudomonas aeruginosa АТСС 27853, Pseudomonas putida KT 2440, Enterococcus faecalis АТСС 29212, Klebsiella pneumoniae АТСС 10031,Staphylococcus aureus АТСС 25923). The index of fractional inhibitory activity(FIC) was calculated by adding the FIC values of bacteriocin E. italicus ONU 547and the studied essential oils. The results. The maximum antimicrobial effect was caused by the essential oils of Anisum officinalis and Melissa officinalis, which suppressed the growth of test strains more than 50.0%. When using bacteriocin of E. italicus ONU 547 suppression of viability of indicator strains did not exceed 30.0%. Experimental combinations of essential oils and bacteriocin caused 4 types of consequences: synergy effect; additive effect; antagonistic effect; interactiveeffect (no interaction effect). In most cases, the combined action of bacteriocinand essential oils caused an additive effect. Conclusions. This study demonstrated the potential of using different combinations of natural antimicrobial compounds. The obtained results provide grounds for further development and optimization ofcombinations of essential oils and probiotic strains of microorganisms for use in food and pharmaceutical biotechnology.

The growing public awareness of the dangers regarding chemicals used in traditional agriculture has led to consumers seeking valuable and contaminant-free products. Ecological agriculture has become synonymous with high health value and product safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and the total polyphenolic content of infusions of herbal tea bags and loose teas from traditional crops, as well as infusions of loose teas from ecological crops. Raw material comprised dried flowers of Matricaria chamomilla and Tilia cordata, as well as dried leaves of Urtica dioica, Melissa officinalis and Mentha piperita. Herbal infusions were prepared using three brewing times: 5, 10 and 20 min. The analysis of antioxidant potential was performed using in vitro methods such as DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity of the studied tea infusion depended on the method by which the plants were cultivated and the brewing time. The ecological agriculture conditions seem not to stimulate the synthesis of antioxidants. However, the possibility to obtain other beneficial properties of the studied plants is an indication to carry out ecological cultivation.

Water-deficit stress is one of the major global challenges in plant production. Biostimulants can help to reduce the harmful impacts of water deficit and improve the growth of the medicinal and aromatic plant species. This study is aimed to examine the role of pluramin metabolic activator and Pseudomonas fluorescens PF-135 on the performance, physiological properties and secondary metabolites of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) under water-deficit stress condition. For this purpose, plants were subjected to water-deficit stress, followed by foliar application of pluramin and P. fluorescens PF-135 inoculation as biostimulants. The induced stress resulted in a remarkable reduction in a number of plant characteristics including total dry matter, chlorophyll content, and relative water content (RWC). After foliar application of pluramin and inoculation with P. fluorescens PF-135, a significant improvement in these characteristics was observed. Foliar application of pluramin and P. fluorescens PF-135 inoculation resulted in higher tolerance to the water-deficit stress condition due to the increase in RWC, antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduction in malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents. Furthermore, water-deficit stress resulted in higher caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, essential oil content, proline, and total sugar contents, and the use of pluramin and P. fluorescens PF-135 inoculation showed a reduction in these compounds contents. After the continuous application of pluramin and P. fluorescens PF-135, plants initiated defense strategies against water-deficit stress condition in most of lemon balm samples, which indicted the interaction of pluramin and P. fluorescens PF-135 under water-deficit stress.

Nanoparticles are receiving many interests due to their broad efficiency in mitigating environmental stresses. The purpose of this research was to study the potential of selenium-nanoparticles (Se-NPs) to mitigate the adverse effects of salt stress on growth, physiology, and gene expression of Melissa officinalis. The pot experiment was conducted in a factorial based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three Se-NPs concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg L−1) and four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl). The foliar spray of Se-NPs improved the growth of M. officinalis plants at different salinity concentrations, from which the most effective was 50 mg L−1. Plant growth decreased by progressing salinity concentration so that the minimum growth was observed at 150 mM NaCl. The Se-NPs improved salt tolerance in M. officinalis by decreasing lipid peroxidation through increased activity of antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POX). Furthermore, exposure to Se-NPs enhanced the transcript levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and rosmarinic acid (RA) synthase genes in lemon balm plants under salt conditions. Plants treated with 100 mg L−1 Se-NPs at non-saline conditions revealed the highest RA accumulation. According to the findings, we suggest both 100 mg L−1 Se-NPs to alleviate the adverse effects of salinity on in the M. officinalis, as well as the biosynthesis pathway of RA as a valuable secondary metabolite.

Background: The recent outbreak of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), which has rapidly spread around the world in about three months with tens of thousands of deaths recorded so far is a global concern. An urgent need for potential therapeutic intervention is of necessity. Mpro is an attractive druggable target for the development of anti-COVID-19 drug development. Methods: Compounds previously characterized by Melissa officinalis were queried against the main protease of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 using a computational approach. Results: Melitric acid A and salvanolic acid A had higher affinity than lopinavir and ivermectin using both AutodockVina and XP docking algorithms. The computational approach was employed in the generation of the QSAR model using automated QSAR, and in the docking of ligands from Melissa officinalis with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro inhibitors. The best model obtained was KPLS_Radial_ 28 (R2 = 0.8548 and Q2=0.6474, which was used in predicting the bioactivity of the lead compounds. Molecular mechanics based MM-GBSA confirmed salvanolic acid A as the compound with the highest free energy and predicted bioactivity of 4.777; it interacted with His-41 of the catalytic dyad (Cys145-His41) of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), as this may hinder the cutting of inactive viral protein into active ones capable of replication. Conclusion: Salvanolic acid A can be further evaluated as a potential Mpro inhibitor.

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures, and its effective management continues to be a therapeutic challenge. Oxidative stress and local inflammatory response accompany the status epilepticus (SE). This study evaluated the effect of Melissa officinalis extract (MOE) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of pilocarpine (PILO)-administered rats, pointing to the involvement of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Rats received PILO via intraperitoneal administration and were treated with MOE for 2 weeks. MOE prevented neuronal loss; decreased lipid peroxidation, Cox-2, PGE2, and BDNF; and downregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of PILO-treated rats. In addition, MOE enhanced GSH and antioxidant enzymes, upregulated Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA abundance, and increased the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the hippocampus of epileptic rats. Na+/K+-ATPase activity and GABA were increased, and glutamate and acetylcholine were decreased in the hippocampus of epileptic rats treated with MOE. In conclusion, MOE attenuated neuronal loss, oxidative stress, and inflammation; activated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling; and modulated neurotransmitters, GFAP, and Na+/K+-ATPase in the hippocampus of epileptic rats. These findings suggest that M. officinalis can mitigate epileptogenesis, pending further studies to explore the exact underlying mechanisms.

The aim of the current study was to analyze the stability of rosmarinic acid in ethanolic tinctures of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD) was employed to monitor the concentration of the marker compound over a six month period. Furthermore, the tinctures were also evaluated for caffeic acid, total phenolic content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. We observed that the concentration of rosmarinic acid in tincture stored in closed amber glasses at ambient temperature decreased significantly during 6-month storage. Furthermore, our study squarely confirms the fact that a part of rosmarinic acid is converted to caffeic acid. The tested tinctures can be listed in the following order according to the greatest stability of the marker compound: rosemary > peppermint > oregano > lemon balm > thyme > sage. The results of the study indicated a linear relationship between DPPH values and total phenolic (R2 = 0.92) or rosmarinic acid (R2 = 0.85) contents.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o uso de plantas medicinais por usuários da Atenção Primária à Saúde em Mossoró, RN, Brasil. Foi feito um levantamento através de entrevistas com questionário semiestruturado a 100 participantes, dos quais 84% afirmaram utilizar plantas medicinais, principalmente para afecções do sistema digestivo, respiratório e para transtornos mentais e comportamentais. Foram mencionadas 54 espécies vegetais, destacando-se boldo (Plectranthus barbatus e Peumus boldus), hortelã (Mentha spp.), erva cidreira (Lippia alba e Melissa officinalis), capim santo (Cymbopogon citratus), camomila (Matricaria chamomilla) e malvarisco (Plectranthus amboinicus). A espécie com maior valor de uso foi Cymbopogon citratus e transtornos mentais e comportamentais a categoria de maior consenso entre os informantes. A parte da planta mais utilizada foi a folha, e a principal forma de uso, o chá. A maioria das espécies medicinais relatadas estão descritas em compêndios oficiais, como o Formulário de Fitoterápicos e Memento Fitoterápico da Farmacopeia Brasileira. O conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais validadas é útil para os profissionais prescritores na orientação do uso racional e correto desses remédios, principalmente porque a maioria dos participantes utiliza preparação caseira.

Objectives to provide scientific evidence for rational use of herbal medicines in otorhinolaryngological practice. Material and methods. The study included the following plants: Eucalyptus viminalis leaves, Monarda fistulosa herbs, Melissa officinalis herbs, Echinacea purpurea herbs, Calendula officinalis flowers, rhizomes of Rhodiola rosea, rhizomes of Eleutherococcus senticosus, Glycyrrhiza glabra roots, Macleaya microcarpa herbs, Macleaya cordata herbs, Plantago major leaves, Origanum vulgare herbs, Thymus serpyllum herbs. Phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, euglobals, monoterpene phenols, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids of essential oils, saponins and alkaloids were isolated from the medicinal plants and studied with thin-layer chromatography, spectrophotometry, NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and various chemical transformations. Results. It was scientifically proved that medicinal plants containing such biologically active compounds as phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, euglobals, terpenoid and phenolic components of essential oils, saponins, carotenoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides are useful for otorhinolaryngology. The active substances of the mentioned chemical groups in combination can provide antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, regenerating, antihistamine, adaptogenic and immunomodulatory effects. Conclusion. The expediency of using medicinal herbal preparations containing euglobals, monoterpene phenols, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, terpenoids of essential oils, saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides in otorhinolaryngological practice was scientifically justified.

Medicinal plants contain biologically active substances that have a physiological effect on the human body. In the territory of Ukraine, 15 of the most important medicinal plants grow from a medical point of view, among which are Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Micronutrients are necessary for the body in small quantities, not being a source of energy, they take part in their assimilation, as well as in the regulation of various functions and the implementation of the processes of growth and development of the human body. The study aims to establish the micronutrient profile of extracts and infusions from medicinal raw materials – Сalendula officinalis and Melissa officinalis. The established micronutrient profile includes data on the content of such macro- and microelements as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper in extracts and infusions from Melissa officinalis L officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Sodium predominates from certain macronutrients, the superiority of which is manifested in Сalendula officinalis when infused. A large amount of calcium also passes into the aqueous-alcoholic infusion from Сalendula officinalis. Copper and zinc prevail among the determined microelements in water extracts of Сalendula officinalis. Comparing the results obtained, we can say in the affirmative about the micro- and macro elements that have passed into extracts that Сalendula officinalis is richer in these substances. Because infusions and extracts are recommended to be added as an additional ingredient to vegetable and fruit juices, their positive infusion on the human body will increase the recommended daily requirement of potassium and sodium. Based on the results of this study, extracts and infusions of Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis can be considered as an essential source of micronutrients for enriching fruit and vegetable juices in canned food for health purposes

This study was carried out to determine yield and quality characteristics of Lemon balm (M. officinalis L.) in in 7 districts (7 locations) under Kayseri ecological conditions for 3 years in 2015-2017. In this research, herbage yield, essential oil content, essential oil yield and components were determined. Dry herbage yields varied between 5250-6100 kg ha-1, essential oil contents varied between 0.07-0.24%, and essential oil yields as 4.2 lt ha-1. The main essential oil components were gereniol (1.90-20.77%), nerylacetate (1.13-34.63%), linalool (4.04-25.34%), neral (5.10-12.96%), caryophylleneoxide (0.78-15.17%), geranial (1.20-14.19%), β–caryophyllene (8.50-12.93%). In terms of herbage yield and essential oil quality, Yahyalı and Kocasinan districts, had favorable environmental conditions for lemon balm cultivation.

From ancient times, plants have been regarded as therapeutic agents, in addition to their usage as food. Plants are rich sources of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis are medicinal herbs rich in antioxidant compounds. The aim of this study was to compare the antioxidant and anticancer properties of Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis extracts using aqueous, ethanol and methanol solvents, to select the best extraction methods and solvents and to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the extracts on HeLa, OVCAR-3 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. Methanol, aqueous and ethanol extracts were obtained from the dried leaves of the plants and the antioxidant activities of each extract were measured by DPPH and FRAP methods. Finally, the anticancer effects of the extracts on HeLa, OVCAR-3 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines were evaluated by MTT assay in order to identify the most efficient extract. Comparing the results of total antioxidant assay showed that the highest amount belonged to the ethanol extract of Melissa officinalis and Lavandula angustifolia methanol extracts using lyophilization method. The IC50 value of ethanol extract of Melissa officinalis was equal to 0.028 mg/ml on OVCAR-3 cells, which was the best result obtained in comparison with other solvents, and the ethanol extract of Lavandula angustifolia with IC50 = 2.07 mg/ml on MCF-7 cells was the most effective extract among the others. In HeLa cell-line, methanol extract of Lavandula angustifolia with IC50 = 7.36 mg/ml showed the highest cytotoxicity. In this study, for the first time, the effects of different extracts of Lavandula angustifolia and Melissa officinalis on MCF-7, OVCAR-3 and HeLa cancer cells were evaluated and the results showed that ethanol and methanol extracts of these plants had better toxic effect on cancer cells.

Background Oral and cutaneous warts are the most frequent manifestation of papillomavirus disease in dogs. These warts typically have a cauliflower-like structure forming around the mouth, eyes, or other mucosal membranes. Treatments are limited, but when left untreated, these warts will commonly resolve within 3–12 months. Case presentation This case series demonstrates the successful use of a topical botanical formulation leading to resolution of canine papilloma virus (CPV) warts in approximately 9 days. The four botanicals utilized included Sarracenia purpurea, Melissa officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, and Glycyrrhiza glabra. Conclusions These botanicals may offer a less invasive, effective, and safe alternative in the treatment of CPV.

Plant food additives are becoming more and more popular and broadly applied products, though the information on risks they poses to the organism is limited and contradictive. Obesity and overeating are some of the commonest health issues around the world, and people are increasingly consuming workability-enhancing preparations as a simple and fast method of weight control. The plant-based preparations are considered less harmful than the synthetic chemical ones. Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L. and Vitex angus-castus L. are broadly used as food additives and medicinal plants, despite the fact that their complex physiological assessment on model animals in the conditions of obesity has not yet been performed. We carried out a 30-day experiment on white male rats. All the animals were given high-fat diet, and the experimental animals, in addition to this diet, received 5% crumbled dry herbs of L. angustifolia, M. officinalis or V. angus-castus. Taking into account the overall amount of consumed food, the mean daily gain in body weight; at the end of the experiment, we determined the index of the weight of the internal organs, biochemical and morphological blood parameters. At the beginning and the end of the experiment, the rats were examined for motor and orienting activities, and emotional status. Rats on high-fat diet gained up to 112% body weight by the end of the experiment, while rats that had received V. angus-castus gained up to 119%, M. officinalis – 135%, L. angustifolia – 139%, compared with the initial body weight. Addition of medicinal plants to the diet led to increase in average daily weight increment, significantly and reliably after consuming lavender and lemon balm, less significantly and unreliably after eating Vitex. L. angustifolia and M. officinalis reduced the relative brain weight, and ingestion of L. angustifolia and M. officinalis caused notable decrease in the relative mass of the thymus (down to 58% and 47% of the relative weight of thymus in animals of the control group respectively). Also, these plants decreased the motor and orienting activities of the rats by the end of the experiment. As for the biochemical parameters of blood, the activity of alkaline phosphatase significantly increased to 406% following consumption of Melissa, to 350% after consuming lavender, and to 406% after Vitex, compared to the control group. Furthermore, all the groups were observed to have increased AST and ALT activities. Intake of lavender led to increases in cholesterol (to 125%) and LDL cholesterol (to 228%), whereas the groups that consumed lemon balm were observed to have decreases in urea nitrogen (to 79%), totalbilirubin (to 63%) and triglycerides (to 63%). Addition of Vitex led to increase in the index of aterogenecity against the background of notable fall in HDL cholesterol (to 52% of the control group). The medicinal plants also contributed to the normalization of the glucose level. Morphological analysis of blood revealed no significant changes, except heightened content of monocytes in blood, which is characteristic of all groups, including the control. Effects of L. angustifolia, M. officinalis and V. angus-castus on the organism of rats on excessive-fat diet require additional histological, histochemical and immunological surveys.

Melissa officinalis (Lamiaceae) was used to treat multiple human afflictions. Literary works demonstrated that it has many biological activities. Today’s research aims to recognise Melissa officinalis phyto-derived anti-viral compounds against main protease and spike protein of COVID-19, to gain insight into the molecular interactions. In the current study, 12 molecules taken from Melissa officinalis were analysed through docking, which is derived from the PubMed database. Docking experiments were conducted with Autodock tool. AdmetSAR and Data warrior servers were eventually used for drug-like prediction. Our research shows that three phytoconstituents from Melissa officinalis, namely, Luteolin-7-glucoside-3′-glucuronide, Melitric acid-A and Quadranoside-III have exhibited better binding affinity and stability with the targets of COVID-19 main protease and spike protein. The identified substances can be further extended for in vitro and in vivo studies to assess their effectiveness against COVID-19., GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

The aim of the present studies were to evaluate the effects of treatments with essential oil emulsion on the sanitary and physiological quality of creole corn seeds. In the studies were evaluated the essential oils of neem (Azadirachta indica), citronella (Cymbopogon nardus), lemon balm (Cymbopogon citratus), melissa (Melissa officinalis L.), and the combinations neem-citronella, neem-lemon balm, neem-melissa, citronella-lemon balm, citronella-melissa and lemon balm-melissa. The tests carried out were germination, length of seedlings (aerial part and root), dry mass and pathology for Fusarium sp and Aspergillus sp, in seeds of creole corn produced without the use of synthetic pesticides. The studies were carried out in vitro and consisted of the preparation of water emulsion, 5,000 ppm of essential oil and 1% of triton X100 and direct application on the seeds of creole corn, following the protocol of Rules of Seed Analysis (RSA). The results showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of fungi Fusarium sp and Aspergillus sp with treatment with essential oils of citronella, lemon balm and melissa, while the oil of neither reduced the occurrence of Fusarium sp, but increased the occurrence of Aspergillus sp in almost four times. All binary combinations of essential oils reduced the occurrence of both fungi. On the other hand, the physiological quality was strongly affected by the death of creole corn seeds, except for the treatment with lemon balm essential oil. Therefore, these studies allow to affirm that essential oils can be efficient in the control of pathogens, however they can kill the seeds of creole corn.

Morphological features of melissa officinalis, flowering dynamics, attitude to environmental factors have been studied in the conditions of Termez city of the surkhandarya region. Melissa officinalis in the conditions of introduction was recommended for cultivation in the conditions of introduction, taking into account the ability to multiply from seed, its resistance to high and low temperatures, its non-harmfulness with diseases and pests.

Leaf spot on lemon balm is frequently observed in Korea, causing considerable damage to crops. In 2014 and 2015, the occurrence of leaf spot was observed in several production greenhouses at Suwon, Gongju, and Namwon in Korea. Symptoms on lower leaves initially developed as small, distinct, discolored lesions, which enlarged progressively turning into dark brown, angular spots surrounded by purplish-brown margins. Based on the morphological characteristics and sequence analysis of actin (ACT), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 28S nrDNA (LSU), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), the fungus associated with the lemon balm leaf spot was determined as Septoria melissae. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of lemon balm leaf spot caused by S. melissae in Asia as well as in Korea.

The induction of polyploidy using mutagenic chemicals is one of the plant breeding methods to enhance the production of secondary metabolites. In the current research, to induce polyploidy in lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) plants, seeds were treated with different concentrations of colchicine for various exposure times. A factorial experiment was performed using a randomized complete block design with two factors: colchicine concentrations with four levels (control, 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2%) and exposure times with three levels (24, 48, and 72 h) and three replicates. The physiological and phytochemical traits of plants were measured at a 4–6 leave stage. The results indicated that different concentrations of colchicine had a significant effect on the chlorophyll a (Chl.a), chlorophyll b (Chl.b), carotenoid, phenol, flavonoid, and rosmarinic acid contents. The exposure times of colchicine also caused significant changes in Chl.a, Chl.b, carotenoid, phenol, flavonoid, and rosmarinic acid amounts (P # 0.01). Increasing the colchicine concentration significantly increased the physiological and phytochemical traits at 0.05% and 0.1% concentration in comparison to the control (P # 0.01). In contrast, the interaction of colchicine concentration and exposure time had a significant effect on Chl.a, Chl.b, carotenoid, and rosmarinic acid amounts. The findings of this study indicate that one of the effective methods in primary screening of polyploidy plants in the polyploidization breeding program is the estimation of the physiological changes, the contents of chlorophyll a and b, and the total amount of chlorophyll and secondary metabolites. Flow cytometry is recommended to be used for the accurate identification of the ploidy level in M. officinalis.

Melissa officinalis (MO) is a perennial herb and it is a member of Lamiaceae family. MO is native to Europe and the leaves of the plants are used in traditional medicine for its effects on the central nervous system functions such as sedation, anxiolytic and memory enhancement. Furthermore, MO has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Convincing evidence shows that molecular changes such as oxidative stress and inflammation are associated with a decline in cognitive abilities, including learning and memory. MO and its main ingredient, rosmarinic acid, possess robust anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Besides, animal model studies have shown that MO and rosmarinic acid can improve memory loss in Alzheimer's disease. In this review beneficial implications of MO have been discussed.

The aim of this study was to further our understanding of the chemical composition of Algerian Melissa officinalis plant and to evaluate the insecticidal action of the extract against heterogeneous...

Relevance.The degree of variability of the linear parameters of the morphological elements of the seeds of the anise (variety Vityaz) and cumin (variety Peresvet).Materials and methods.1) Plants:Monarda fistulosaL. (the breeding sample №5 U.P.),MonardacitriodoraCerv. ex Lag. (Simka variety),MelissaofficinalisL. (Zhemchuzhina variety). 2) secondary metabolites: flavonoid glycoside linarozid and steroid glycoside moldstim.Methods.The studies were carried out in VNIIO – a branch of the FSBSI Federal Scientific Vegetable Center. The measurement of the length of the seed and endosperm was carried out using a caliper (GOST 166-89). The embryo length was determined using a Levenhuk 670T microscope and a DCM 300 MD video eyepiece at Ч 40 magnification using Scope Photo (Image Software V. 3.1.386). The lengths of each seed, endosperm (longitudinal section) and embryo (after isolation) were sequentially analyzed. The indicesIE/C, IZ/E, IZ/Cwere calculated as the corresponding ratios of the length of the seed, endosperm and embryo.Results.The maximum length of the seed (4.76±0.10 mm) and of the endosperm (4.08 ± 0.08 mm) and the length of the embryo (1.40±0.02 mm) were noted in cumin seeds. The average values of the coefficient of variation (V), on the contrary, were minimal for cumin seeds, varying from 7.8% for the length of the embryo to 11.5% for the length of the seed. The average values of the coefficient of variation (V) for anise varied from 9.3% for the length of the embryo to 14.7% for the length of the seed. The maximum level of variability in both cultures was noted for seed size. Correlation analysis showed that a close relationship was observed in anise (r=0.912) and cumin seeds (r=0.876) only between the length of the seed and the length of the endosperm. The value of the correlation coefficient (r) between the linear sizes of the seed and the embryo was 0.195 for anise and 0.229 for cumin seeds, and between the length of the endosperm and the length of the embryo, 0.237 and 0.214, respectively. The correlation coefficient (r) between the indexIZ/Eand the linear sizes of the seed, endosperm and embryo had low negative values from -0.221 to - 0.345.

This study consists in highlighting the antibacterial activity of three essential oils extracted from aromatic plants used in traditional medicine in Algeria which are:Salvia officinalisL, Melissa officinalisLandOriganum vulgareL, in order to demonstrate the therapeutic value, we evaluated their antibacterial activity using the antibiogram method. We previously extracted the essential oil from the flowering stems and dried leaves. This is done using a standard device. To mount the antibiogram, we used pathogenic germs resistant to many antibiotics:Enterococcus faecalisATCC 29212, Staphylococcus aureusATCC 43300,Escherichia coliATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniaecarbapénemase positif (KPC+),Klebsiella pneumoniaecarbapénemase négatif (KPC-),Enterobacter cloacea, Serratiamarcescens,Acinétobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosaATCC 27853, Citrobacter freundi.The results that we have obtained indicate that the three raw and diluted essential oils exhibit significant antibacterial activity on pathogenic strains which are all very sensitive to raw and diluted essential oils. The three essential oils studied are precious natural bioactive substances that can be used to fight against infectious diseases.

The TLC essential oils profiles were being used conventionally for identification of herbal raw materials (HRM) of Lamiaceae family. Despite this, in recent years the European Pharmacopoeia to call in question the appropriateness of TLC on essential oils determination of Thyme and Wild Thyme, as well as Peppermint and Peppermint dry extract; these methods were replaced by HPTLC using flavonoid profile. This work aimed to establish the possibility of conducting HPTLC identification of methanolic extracts of 13 members of the Lamiaceae family in harmonized chromatographic conditions using chromatographic profiles on essential oils. The objects were methanolic extracts of HRM of Ukraine flora – Salvia officinalis, Salvia aethiopis, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum tenuiflorum (foreign origin), Mentha × piperita, Melissa officinalis, Orthosiphon stamineus, Agastache foeniculum, Leonurus cardiaca, Hyssopus officinalis, Marrubium vulgare, prepared from HRM that were purchased in Ukraine. The study wоas done by standardized HPTLC procedure using automatic HPTLC herbal system of CAMAG, Switzerland, at the base of CAMAG laboratory, Muttenz, Switzerland, and laboratory of ESTCCTI ESIPP, NUPh, Ukraine. Chromatography conditions: stationary phase – HPTLC plates Si 60 F254; mobile phase – toluene-ethylacetate (95:5); reference standards – borneol, bornyl acetate, cineole; derivatization – anisaldehyde reagent; detection: WRT, 254, 366 nm – before derivatization; WRT, 366 nm – after derivatization; sample preparation – methanolic extracts (100 mg/ml), extracted by shaking technique. In unified chromatographic conditions the HPTLC chromatographic fingerprints of essential oils of 13 Lamiaceae family species were established and evaluated. The most specific, intensive and reproducible HPTLC fingerprints were for Sage and Rosemary extracts. Moreover, fingerprints of Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Origanum, Ocimum and Peppermint shown specific zones useful for differentiation of different genera of Lamiaceae family. For setting relative acceptance criteria for each of the species the validation for specific zones that were detected should be done.

Introduction: The most important compliant of post-operative orthopedic patients is severe and intolerable pain. This pain has negative impacts on patient’s satisfaction with pain management and bone healing after surgery. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects of Melissa officinalis (Melissa) tea and Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) tea on pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management in patients after lower limb orthopedic surgery. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted on 96 patients after lower limb orthopedic surgery in Ayatollah Kashani hospital of Shahrekord city, Iran. Patients were randomized to M. officinalis, Chamomile and control groups with blocking randomization method. For M. officinalis group, 1 g of Melissa tea, for Chamomile group 1 g chamomile tea and for control group black tea was prescribed 3 times a day. Study variables were evaluated before and 30 min after each stage of intervention and then the mean changes of pain intensity and satisfaction before interventions and after each step of intervention were compared between groups. Significance level was considered as PResults: Before intervention, the mean scores of pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management had no significance difference between groups. The mean changes of pain intensity and satisfaction with pain management (after first 3 steps of intervention) in M. officinalis and M. chamomilla groups were significantly greater than the ones in control group (PConclusion: Prescription of M. officinalis tea or Chamomile tea might be used as effective remedy for reducing pain and increasing satisfaction with pain management after orthopedic surgery.

Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Two independent experiments were performed to improve the productivity of the plant regeneration. Firstly, the most efficient in vitro culture system of M. officinalis was determined using 7 different explant types (leaf, petiole, stem, root, axillary buds, shoot buds and cotyledon buds) on medium containing Murashige and Skoog minimal organics (MSMO) medium with different concentrations and combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs). Micropropagation was obtained only with explants containing meristematic cells (axillary buds, shoot tip buds and cotyledon buds). Lemon balm had a very low regeneration capacity and in the second part of the experiment, enhancement of regeneration was aimed with the applications of different magnetic fields (MFs). Two different MFs (50 and 100 mT) were generated using neodymium block magnets. There was no MF exposure with control treatment. Three different explants (axillary, shoot tip and cotyledon buds) were cultured on media including BA in combination with indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) with the application of two different MFs at 1 hour duration. As a result, it was determined that MF applications enhanced the regeneration capacity of M. officinalis and the best shoot formation was observed with axillary bud explant cultured in 1.5 mg/L BA at 100 mT MF application for 1 hour duration.

This study aimed to assess diagnosis of Unique Health System (SUS) users profile with regard to herbal medicine. This is a cross-sectional study with observational data collection conducted in the city of Marechal Deodoro, through a semi-structured questionnaire with questions related to socioeconomic data, use, and knowledge of medicinal plants and herbal medicines and satisfaction with the use of medicinal herbs (MH) and interactions of phytotherapeutic drugs (PD). Among the topics, 86.89% of users used herbal medicines often, especially lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.). It was also observed that the plants are generally used as a sedative (21.74%) and as tea (87.84%). 82.32% of respondents claim to have acquired the knowledge of herbal medicine through a family member and 85.36% make use of medicinal plants without having received any information on the use of MH and PD. 61% of the plants described that coincided with the form of use and therapeutic properties found in the literature. With regard to satisfaction by treatment with MH and PD, it was found that 56.67% are satisfied. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to this aspect of usage, in order to avoid possible drug interactions or adverse reactions resulting from the incorrect use. Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer perfil diagnóstico de usuários do SUS com relação à fitoterapia. Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal, com coleta de dados realizada no Município de Marechal Deodoro, por meio de um questionário semi-estruturado com perguntas relativas a dados socioeconômicos, utilização e conhecimentos sobre plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos e satisfação com o uso de plantas medicinais (PM) e medicamentos fitoterápicos (MF). Entre os usuários abordados, 87,08% utilizam plantas medicinais frequentemente, principalmente a erva cidreira (Melissa officinalis L.). Também foi observado que as plantas são geralmente usadas como calmante (16,05%) e na forma de chá (68,35%). 82,51% dos entrevistados afirmam ter adquirido o conhecimento sobre fitoterapia através de algum familiar e 85,56% fazem uso das PM e MF sem ter recebido algum tipo de informativo sobre o seu uso. 61% das plantas descritas pelos usuários teve seu uso e terapêutica coincidente com o citado em literatura específica. Com relação a satisfação através do tratamento com PM e MF observou-se que 56,80% estão satisfeitos. O uso de plantas medicinais por parte dos usuários é bastante frequente, principalmente pelo conhecimento acumulado ao longo de gerações. Portanto, se faz necessária maior atenção a esse aspecto de utilização, visando evitar possíveis reações adversas advindas do uso incorreto.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of supplementing drinking water with an extract of mixed herbs or housing with outdoor access on carcass traits, levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and selected quality parameters of meat from broiler chickens. One-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were allocated to three groups: group I (control), in which birds were kept in compartments on litter and had no outdoor access; group II, in which birds were kept in compartments on litter without outdoor access and were supplemented with an extract of mixed herbs (50% Melissa officinalis L. and 50% Urtica dioica L.) at 2 ml/l of drinking water; and group III, in which birds were raised in compartments on litter and had outdoor access from day 1 of rearing. Throughout the rearing period, the broilers had free access to feed and water. On day 42, 20 birds were selected from each group, slaughtered and subjected to simplified slaughter analysis. Their breast and leg muscles were measured for pH, colour, water holding capacity (WHC) and drip loss, and analysed for the content of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and fatty acids. The outdoor access reduced dressing percentage, both with (P≤0.01) and without giblets (P≤0.05). The supplementation of drinking water with the mixed herb extract (2 ml/l) improved the muscle antioxidant status (higher SOD, CAT and GSH content) and reduced lipid peroxidation in the leg muscles of the broilers (lower MDA level). In general, the supplementation of the diet with the mixture of herbs in the applied form and concentration, as well as the outdoor access had no effect on the other examined quality parameters of broiler meat.

Herbal plants can be used to treat and prevent life-threatening diseases, such as prostate cancer, infections and other diseases. The findings from traditional medicine and the use of medicinal plants can help control and treat most problems due to prostate diseases. The aim of this study was to identify and report the most important medicinal plants that affect prostate disorders. Based on the results of the review of numerous articles indexed in the databases ISI, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, etc., a number of plants have been reported to be used in the treatment and prevention of diseases, inflammation, infection, and cancer of the prostate gland. The plants include Panax ginseng, Arum palaestinum, Melissa officinalis, Syzygium paniculatum, Coptis chinensis, Embelia ribes, Scutellaria baicalensis, Tripterygium wilfordii, Salvia triloba, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Psidium guajava, Ganoderma lucidum, Litchi chinensis, Saussurea costus, Andrographis paniculata, Magnolia officinalis and Prunus africana. Phytochemical investigations have examined the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants effective on prostate cancer and their possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects as well as the use of active flavonoids in production of herbal drugs. Due to the active ingredients and important flavonoids of these plants, they can be used in production of herbal drugs that prevent and treat infections, inflammation and cancer of the prostate gland, and reduce the metastasis of prostate cancer cells, reducing the patients’ suffering and pain.

In July 2020, a blight disease on lemon balm plants was observed with an incidence of up to 10% in three fields in Sanliurfa province, Turkey. The causal agent was identified as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum based on macro- and micro-morphological features of the colonies and sequencing of the translation elongation factor 1-α gene and the internal transcribed spacer region of rDNA. Re-isolation of N. dimidiatum from lemon balm plants showing blight symptoms was successfully established. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. dimidiatum causing blight on lemon balm in Turkey and worldwide.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among adults who have tested HIV-positive or those living in poverty. One of the major reasons for the need of extended chemotherapeutic regimens and widespread epidemicity of tuberculosis is that the causative agent, M. tuberculosis, has the ability to be in a dormant state. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new lead compounds that are effective against M. tuberculosis in both its active and dormant states. In this study, we investigated the anti-mycobacterial activity of the total ethanol extract and fractions of Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm) under both actively growing and dormancy inducing conditions. As a result, the total extract of M. officinalis exhibited antimicrobial activity against both active and dormant states of Mycobacterium smegmatis and Mycobacterium bovis BCG with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 12.5 µg/mL to 50 µg/mL. Among the fractions, the n-hexane fraction showed the most ideal activity against active and dormant states of M. smegmatis (MIC = 6.25 µg/mL). In addition, the n-hexane fraction also exhibited antimicrobial activity against actively growing M. bovis BCG (MIC = 12.5 µg/mL), while moderate activity (MIC = 50 µg/mL) was observed against the dormant state of M. bovis BCG.

In this study, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oils (EOs) were encapsulated into collagen hydrolysates extracted from bovine tendons and rabbit skins, both mixed with chitosan (CS) by using the coaxial electrospinning technique for potential wound dressing applications. The morphology and chemical composition of the electrospun nanofibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The antimicrobial activity of the dill EO and lemon EO, as well as the electrospun samples loaded with essential oils was determined by disk diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 bacterial strains, Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Candida glabrata ATCC 90028 yeast strains, and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 9642 fungal strain. In vivo biocompatibility testing of the collagen hydrolysate-chitosan/essential oil electrospun nanofibers was based on the determination of the hematological, biochemical, and immunological profile and the evaluation of the influence produced on the oxidative stress in white Swiss mice. The synergetic effect of dill and lemon balm EOs can improve the antimicrobial activity of collagen hydrolysate-chitosan nanofibers against the most important bacterial strains. The in vivo test results suggested a good biocompatibility of electrospun samples based on collagen hydrolysate extracted from bovine tendons or rabbit skin mixed with chitosan and containing dill and/or lemon balm essential oils as encapsulated bioactive compounds.

Essential oils (EOs) and their compounds have attracted particular attention for their reported beneficial properties, especially their antiviral potential. However, data regarding their anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential are scarce in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to identify the most promising EO compounds against SARS-CoV-2 based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties. A systematic literature search retrieved 1669 articles; 40 met the eligibility criteria, and 35 were eligible for analysis. These studies resulted in 465 EO compounds evaluated against 11 human and/or SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Ninety-four EO compounds and seven reference drugs were clustered by the highest predicted binding affinity. Furthermore, 41 EO compounds showed suitable drug-likeness and bioactivity score indices (≥0.67). Among these EO compounds, 15 were considered the most promising against SARS-CoV-2 with the ADME/T index ranging from 0.86 to 0.81. Some plant species were identified as EO potential sources with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, such as Melissa officinalis Arcang, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Eugenia brasiliensis Cambess, Zingiber zerumbet Triboun & K.Larsen, Cedrus libani A.Rich, and Vetiveria zizanoides Nash. Our work can help fill the gap in the literature and guide further in vitro and in vivo studies, intending to optimize the finding of effective EOs against COVID-19.

This study was designed to evaluate the genoprotective, antigenotoxic, as well as antitumor potential of methanolic, ethanolic, and aqueous extracts of Melissa officinalis, Mentha × piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Satureja montana (Lamiaceae), in different model systems. The polyphenols in these extracts were quantified both spectrophotometrically and using HPLC-DAD technique, while DPPH assay was used to assess the antioxidant activity. The genoprotective potential was tested on pUC19 Escherichia coli XL1-blue, and the antigenotoxicity on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and human lung fibroblasts, while the antitumor activity was assessed on colorectal cancer cells. Rosmarinic acid, quercetin, rutin, and luteolin-7-O-glucoside were among the identified compounds. Methanolic extracts had the best DPPH-scavenging and SOS-inducing activities, while ethanolic extracts exhibited the highest antigenotoxicity. Additionally, all extracts exhibited genoprotective potential on plasmid DNA. The antitumor effect was mediated by modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO) production, and exhibition of genotoxic effects on tumor cells, especially with O. basilicum ethanolic extract. Generally, the investigated extracts were able to provide antioxidant protection for the acellular, prokaryotic, and normal human DNA, while also modulating the production of ROS and NO in tumor cells, leading to genotoxicity toward these cells and their decrease in proliferation.

The manipulation of light intensity by shade nets can lead to exchanges in the phytochemical quality and antioxidants ofsome herbs. This study aimed to determine whether shading by pearl nets (50% shade index) could improve the bioactive compounds in several medicinal herbs such as thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), and their correspondingherbal extracts during a four-week maceration process in ethanol. Oregano and thyme provided the highest yield of total extractive substances (TES) from both shaded and non-shaded plants. Among all studied herbs, the highest level of antioxidants, expressed as total phenolic content (TPC) was found in extracts from shaded plants of lemon balm. Herbal extracts produced from non-shaded thyme and marjoram had higher flavonoid contents compared to herbal extracts from shaded plants. Accumulation of the investigated secondary metabolites depends more on the specificity of a plant species rather than light intensity. This study was an initial step in the production of medicinal plants with an increased quantity of antioxidant and other bioactive compounds during the maceration process in extracts, aimed to be used as natural alcoholic productwith added value.

The potential of herbal extracts containing bioactive compounds to strengthen immunity could contribute to reducing antimicrobial use in poultry. This study aimed at developing a reliable and robust methodological pipeline to assess the ability of herbal extracts to strengthen chicken innate defenses, especially concerning inflammation and oxidative stress. This methodology was applied to Melissa officinalis L. (MEL) extract, recognized for its biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Different methods were used to (1). guarantee the quality of MEL extract and its capacity to stimulate the innate immune system; (2). evaluate the relevance of an ex vivo model to mimic inflammatory and oxidative stress challenges to replace LPS injection in chickens; (3). analyse the effects of feed supplemented with MEL extract on inflammation and oxidative stress induced ex vivo; (4). assess the effects of MEL extract on the redox balance, health, welfare and performance in broilers exposed to suboptimal starting conditions through a large-scale approach. The quality of MEL extract preparations, through phytochemical quantification of rosmarinic acid (RA), revealed varying concentrations of RA in the different MEL extracts. RA concentrations remained stable for at least 9 months and in feed three months after incorporating MEL extract. When incubated with chicken cell lines MEL extract showed potential metabolic activation and ability to stimulate immune functions but induced cytotoxicity at high concentrations. The original ex vivo model of inflammation developed on chicken blood cells enabled inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers to be expressed and revealed antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of blood cells from chickens fed MEL extract. The experimental model of chicken suboptimal starting conditions validated beneficial effects of MEL extract on the redox balance and also evidenced improved performance during the growth phase, a tendency for fewer muscle defects but a higher severity of pododermatitis lesions without affecting other welfare indicators. This study grouped methods and tools that could be combined according to the plant extract, the needs of professionals working in poultry production systems and staff responsible for animal health, welfare and feeding.

State boundaries limit human contacts in a homogenous context of a landscape and its natural features, including plants. After nine centuries of separation, finally the two territories in Slovenia share the same political history. In this paper we tried to answer the question to which extent the past political borders, geographical and cultural drivers affect today’s traditional knowledge on wild plants use of Slovenians, living unified in the same political entity. Data were collected using 60 in-depth semi-structured interviews, from March to August 2019, in two municipalities: Komen at Karst and Izola in Istria concerning food, medicinal, economic use, and local customs. The results indicate a quite large divergence in ethnobotanical and ecological knowledge between the two studied areas. In the Komen area, many people still use wild plants daily for various purposes (Taraxacum officinale, Melissa officinalis, Urtica dioica, Cornus mas, and Sambucus nigra). In contrast, this is limited to fewer people in the Izola area and mainly to seasonal use of specific plants (Asparagus acutifolius, Rosa canina, Salvia officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare and Rubus caesius). Unusual for the Mediterranean is the use of young shoots of Clematis vitalba, in the Izola area prepared as omelettes. We can assume that these differences are partly due to minor differences in climatic conditions and partly due to the influence of different cultures and cuisines. In the first place, the impact of Austro-Hungarian eating habits and cuisine can be seen on the area around Komen. Moreover, temporal “layers of knowledge” across the time scale are additionally mixed by the immigration of people from other parts of Slovenia or abroad, or with the influence of local herbal specialists. At last, we conclude Komen area knowledge is alive and homogeneous, and more connected to their local identity.

This study sheds light on various drugs of plant origin which have shown action on thyroid and its functioning as well as on the various factors associated with thyroid dysfunction. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the activity of the aqueous extracts of Fucus vesiculosus, Coleus forskohlii, Curcuma longa L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Camellia sinensis L. and Melissa officinalis L. in regulation of thyroid hormones in serum taken from rats. Fifty-seven female albino rats were divided into 19 groups, each group with 3 rats, and treated orally with an aqueous plant extract in three different doses, except the control group which was treated with normal saline only. Also, a histological study was conducted on the thyroid gland after short-term treatment with different doses of these extracts. The results demonstrated that 5mg/kg of Curcuma longa was the most powerful extract which increased T3 level in a rats serum by 25% compared with the control treatment. Also, the most effective dose which increased T4 level was 1000mg/kg of Coleus forskohlii, which increased the hormone level by 7% compared with the control. Meanwhile, 1000mg/kg of Coleus forskohlii was the effective extract which reduced TSH level by 61% compared with the control. While, the extract of Rosmarinus officinalis 220mg/kg reduced T3 and T4 levels in the serum of rats by 56% and 17% respectively. However, oral administration with Camellia sinensis 1.25mg/kg increased TSH level by 10% compared with the control. The obtained data demonstrated that Curcuma longa and Coleus forskohlii, at low doses, can be very effective for completely treating hypothyroidism in rats.The findings of this study propose that the extracts may have the property to regulate thyroid levels in rats.

More than 20.000 plant species are used in various traditional medicines around the world, and are considered as potential reservoirs for discovery of new drugs. One of these plants is Melissa officinalis L., commonly known as lemon balm, belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. For more than 2000 years, fragrant leaves of this plant have been widely used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. Moreover, lemon balm has also been used for the treatment of various mental diseases [1], migraines, digestion and cardiovascular problems [2], and sleeping aid [3]. Medicinal properties of Melissa officinalis L. Were first introduced by Dioscorides, the father of pharmacology, in De Materia Medica. Since them, medicinal properties of this plant were mentioned in many other medical books including Canon of Medicine by Avicenna. Melissa officinalis L. is listed in several pharmacopeias including European Pharmacopeia, British Herbal Pharmacopeia and Iranian Herbal Pharmacopeia. Modern studies demonstrated that Melissa officinalis L. has several biological properties including hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anticancer, antidepressant, antimicrobial, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and spasmolytic properties. Melissa officinalis L. owes its biological properties to the chemical composition. The main active constituents of lemon balm are volatile compounds, terpenes, phenolic acids and flavonoids, while hydrocxycinnamic acids, commonly expressed as rosmarinic acid, are biomarkers of quality control according to World Health Organization (WHO) monographs on medicinal plants. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a summary on the botanical characterization, traditional use, chemical composition and pharmacological properties of Melissa officinalis L. Modern pharmacological studies have validated many traditional uses of lemon balm. The data showed in this study reviewed that Melissa officinalis L. is a potential source for the treatment of a wild range of civilization diseases.

Strong evidence showed that many medicinal plants have the potential to reduce hyperlipidemia disease. The aim of this study was to determine the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extracts of Fucus vesiculosus, Coleus forskohlii, Curcuma longa L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Camellia sinensis L. and Melissa officinalis L. on lipid profile in serum taken from the blood of rats. Fifty-seven female albino rats were divided into 19 groups, each with three rats, that were treated orally with an aqueous plant extract in three different doses, except the control group which was treated with normal saline only. The chemical compositions of these extracts were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).The results showed that the dose of 5 mg/kg ofCurcuma longa was the powerful extract which reduced levels of cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in serum rats' blood by 31 and 55%, respectively, compared with the control treatment. While, the effective extract to reduce triglycerides (TG) level was that ofFucus vesiculosus(50mg/kg) which reduced TG by 38% compared with the control. Also, Melissa officinalis(50 mg/kg ) extract reduced 30% of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) level as compared to the control treatment. In addition, Coleus forskohlii(100 mg/kg) extract increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level by 115% after being orally given to rats for four weeks. The results of the study indicated significant differences among the concentrationsof the secondary compoundswithin their extracts, which maybe responsible for the observed variations of hypolipidemic activity for each extract. Based on these results, further investigation should target understanding the mechanismsby which these plants can be used as food additives and as dietary supplement.

Due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries, medicinal and aromatic plants have gained importance with an increasing number of studies being conducted concerning the yield and quality characteristics of these plants. In breeding studies, selection is successful when there a correlation is established between the essential oil content, composition, and morphological and agronomic characteristics. The aim of this study was to address the correlation between the yield and quality of medicinal and aromatic plants to present a different perspective for breeding studies. Therefore, in this study, the relationship among the characteristics and the essential oil content of Izmir oregano (Origanum onites L.) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) plants were investigated, and correlation and path analyses were performed. There was a significant negative correlation between the essential oil content and fresh herb (-0.279*), dry herb (-0.281*), and dry stem yield (-0.283*) of Izmir oregano. However, no significant correlation was found between the essential oil content and these agronomic characteristics in lemon balm. Fresh herb yield had a significant positive correlation with dry herb (0.661**), dry leaf (0.690**), and dry stem yield (0.610**). Dry herb yield was significantly and positively correlated with dry leaf (0.510*) and dry stem (0.461*) yields. A significant positive correlation was also observed between dry leaf and dry stem (0.688**) yields. According to the results of the path analysis, while the maximum negative effect on the essential oil content of Izmir oregano was provided by dry herb (-48.05%) yield, the highest direct positive effect belonged to dry leaf (21.69%) and dry stem (15.13%) yields. Dry leaf yield (-51.61%) and plant height (-45.71%) were the parameters that had the highest direct negative effect on the essential oil content of lemon balm while fresh herb (33.50%) and dry herb (30.27%) yields were the source of the highest direct positive effect.

Background, Sedatives are usually prescribed for people who are anxious and worried, and have developed depression. The use of these drugs in the short term can have benefits, but their use in the long term may develop drug addiction. Therefore, research attempts are being made to identify a natural and effective drug source to discover and ultimately produce effective sedative drugs. The aim, The aim of this study was to report plant species in Shahrekord, Iran, that are used as sedatives by collecting local people’s information about their properties and methods of use. Methods, This study was conducted in 2017 using face-to-face interviews and a questionnaire distributed among 29 traditional therapists in the region under purpose. The data drawn from the questionnaires were meticulously and appropriately tabulated, and finally analyzed by the Excel software. Results, According to the ethnobotanical knowledge in the studied region, medicinal plants Melissa officinalis,Hypericum scabrum L,Dracocephalum multicaule,Anchusa italyca Retz,Valeriana officinalis,Origanum vulgare L,Kelussia odoratissima,Tanacetum polycephal,Hyssopus augustifolia,Alcea spp,Dianthum capillus-veneris,Lavandula angustifolia are used as herbal sedatives. Conclusion, These plants might be used as alternative or complementary remedies and might be used for preparation of new drugs.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) aqueous methanolic extract on growth performance, blood parameters, digestive and antioxidant enzyme activities, and non-specific immune responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish with an average weight of 23.03 ± 0.07 g were fed a diet supplemented with an aqueous methanolic extract of lemon balm at a dose of 0 (control), 0.1 (LB0.1), 0.5 (LB0.5), and 1 g kg−1 (LB1) for 75 days. The final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate were observed to be significantly increased in LB0.5 and LB1 groups compared with that of the control. No differences were observed in feed conversion ratio values. WBC increased at the 45th day of the study in LB0.1 group. No differences were determined in RBC (P > 0.05). At the end of the study, lipase increased significantly in all experimental groups compared with the control. Pepsin was also elevated in LB0.5 and LB1 groups compared with the control. Increased trypsin was determined in LB1 group (P

The influence of mineral fertilizers on morphometric parameters of Melissa officinalis (Melissa officinalis L.) was studied. It is shown that the morphometric indicators changed depending on the meteorological conditions and the types of mineral fertilizers. The most active shoot formation was observed on the variant with the use of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. The maximum value of the leaf surface index (leaf area index – LAI) of Melissa officinalis plants was recorded in 2017 on the variant with the use of nitrogen-potassium mineral fertilizers.

Dracocephalum moldavica L. is an aromatic plant emitting intense lemon scent. The aboveground parts of the plants constitute raw material for medicine and food industry. In contrast to the comprehensively investigated trichomes, there are only few studies of the histochemical characteristics of the leaves of essential oil-bearing plants from the family Lamiaceae. The present study shows the micromorphology, anatomy, and histochemistry of the leaves of the analysed species. The research aimed to determine the location of essential oil and other specialised metabolites in leaf tissues. The investigations of fresh and fixed material were carried out with the use of light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the content and composition of essential oil in the leaves were determined with the GC/MS method. The leaf epidermis had non-glandular unbranched trichomes and three types of glandular trichomes: peltate as well as long and short capitate trichomes. The results of the histochemical assays showed positive reactions to lipids and to some secondary compounds such as essential oil, terpenes, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids in all types of the glandular and non-glandular trichomes. The same compounds were found in the epidermis cells of the leaves. The results of the present study indicate that the intense smell of the leaves is associated with emission of essential oil not only by the glandular and non-glandular trichomes but also by the leaf epidermis cells. The main components in the essential oil (0.10%) include geranial, neral, geraniol, nerol, and trans-myrtanol acetate. Since D. moldavica has been used as an adulterant of Melissa officinalis L., the anatomical traits of leaves and the essential oil composition in both species were compared in the study.

Background Chitosan is a polycationic polysaccharide derived from chitin that has been recognized as an effective elicitor in the production of secondary metabolites of many medicinal plants. In this study, the effect of abiotic elicitor (chitosan) at various concentrations on rosmarinic acid (RA) and total phenolic accumulation in shoot cultures of lemon balm was investigated. Results Treatment of shoots by chitosan led to a noticeable induction of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. Besides, the expression of PAL1, TAT and RAS genes and accumulation of RA and phenolic compound increased in chitosan-treated lemon balm shoots. Chitosan treatment also increased H2O2 accumulation and the expression of RBOH, an essential gene implicated in ROS production. Also, the up-regulation of the OPR gene by exogenous chitosan was associated with the induction of endogenous JA determined by GC-MASS. Conclusion The present study showed that the induced production of rosmarinic acid by chitosan involves the trigger of defense-related enzymes, up-regulated expression of TAT and RAS genes, and stimulation of JA biosynthesis.