African Journal of
Pharmacy and Pharmacology

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Pharm. Pharmacol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0816
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJPP
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 2284

Full Length Research Paper

Anxiolytic properties of Melissa officinalis and associated mechanisms of action: A review of the literature

Barbara Luisa Fermino
  • Barbara Luisa Fermino
  • Docente do Curso de Farmacia, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil.
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Najeh Maissar Khalil
  • Najeh Maissar Khalil
  • Docente do Curso de Farmacia, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil.
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Juliana Sartori Bonini*
  • Juliana Sartori Bonini*
  • Docente do Curso de Farmacia, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil.
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Romaiana Picada Pereira
  • Romaiana Picada Pereira
  • Departamento de Quimica, Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Quimica Aplicada, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, PR, Brasil.
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Joao Batista Teixeira da Rocha
  • Joao Batista Teixeira da Rocha
  • Departamento de Quimica, Programa de Pos-Graduacao em Bioquimica Toxicologica, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil.
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Weber Claudio Francisco Nunes da Silva
  • Weber Claudio Francisco Nunes da Silva
  • Docente do Curso de Farmacia, Universidade Estadual do Centro-Oeste, UNICENTRO, Guarapuava, PR, Brasil.
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  •  Received: 16 September 2014
  •  Published: 22 January 2015

Abstract

The anxiety disorders prevalence has significantly increased in society. These disorders can be treated with anxiolytics which, despite great efficacy, may result in several adverse side effects. Several studies have reported that anxiolytic effects result from the indirect action on the GABAergic system and mechanisms related to the cholinergic system. Melissa officinalis has been widely utilized for its sedative action and its ability to reduce agitation. Several studies using this plant in different experimental models have demonstrated its low toxicity and lack of side effects. Therefore, this study presents a literature review of the active principles responsible for the anxiolytic effect of M. officinalis and the mechanisms involved in this effect.

Key words: Melissa officinalis, lemon balm, anxiolytic action.

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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