Melissa Officinalis P.E.

Botanical Source: Melissa axillaris(Benth.)Bakh.f.

Plant Used Part:Leaf
CAS No.:84082-61-1
Appearance: Yellowish-brown powder
Odour & Taste: Characteristic
Solubility: Soluble in water
Main effective ingredient: Rosmarinic acid
Molecular Formula: C18H16O8
Molecular Weight: 360.33

Description:

Melissa Officinalis is commonly used in Europe as a tea, liquid extract, and topical preparation. Ancient Greeks and Romans used melissa in surgical dressings for wounds and in preparations to treat venomous or infectious bites and stings such as with dogs and scorpions. Today, melissa's primary use involves the treatment of cold sores and teething. It is also commonly used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Function:
In addition to shortening the healing period of cold sores, Melissa Officinalis may aid in the prevention of spreading the infection.
Melissa Officinalis has also seen much use in Europe as supportive therapy for the nervous system, possibly helping to decrease stress and improve sleep.
Laboratory studies have shown that rosmarinic acid, the active ingredient to which Melissa Officinalis is standardized, has been reported to inhibit cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) to an extent comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin. This may indicate the ability to reduce inflammation.
A study suggests that Melissa Officinalis may support normal function of the thyroid gland.