Bioactive Compounds, Medicinal Benefits, and Contemporary Extraction Methods for Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is widely recognized for its medicinal properties and therapeutic benefits. This review offers a detailed exploration of the botanical features, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological uses of M. officinalis, highlighting key bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids (including rosmarinic and caffeic acids), flavonoids, essential oils (such as citral and citronellal), and triterpenoids (ursolic and oleanolic acids). Advanced extraction techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD), have greatly improved the efficiency of extraction, the preservation of bioactivity, and the sustainability of acquiring these bioactive compounds. Recent investigations have also shown its wide-ranging pharmacological potential, which includes antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiviral, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticancer, cardioprotective, and cognitive-enhancing properties. Furthermore, the traditional medicinal use of M. officinalis in managing neurodegenerative conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia, and paralysis is increasingly supported by contemporary evidence, highlighting its therapeutic relevance in brain-related disorders. However, further studies are necessary to refine extraction methods, standardize levels of bioactive compounds, and validate clinical applications. This review presents a critical synthesis of existing knowledge and future directions for integrating M. officinalis into nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.