Lemon balm

Mechanism

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) contains rosmarinic acid, other hydroxycinnamic acids and essential oils (incl. citral, citronellal). In human and rodent models, anxiolytic and mildly sedative effects are described; one discussed mechanism is inhibition of GABA transaminase (raising GABA levels) (ESCOP/EMA-HMPC). Horse-specific controlled studies are limited, so transfer to the horse should be assessed cautiously. Lemon balm is traditionally used outside competition in calming mixtures. Because of the centrally depressant direction of effect, the FEI status should be checked before competition.