Melissa (Melissa officinalis) to help create a clear complexion

This herb has a long history of medical use, with wide antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-tumor properties - all of these properties help create and maintain a clear complexion.

Melissa is used in the following of our products Rejuvenating Toner

On this page

• Description of Melissa
• Parts used
• Compounds found in Melissa
• Effect of Melissa on the skin

Description of Melissa

Melissa, also known as lemon balm, balm, bee balm, and sweet balm, is a herbaceous perennial growing to nearly 1 meter, with angular stems and rugosely veined leaves in opposite pairs, with cream to white flowers.

It originated in the eastern Mediterranean regions and Asia Minor, with current commercial cultivation centered in southwestern, central and Eastern Europe.

Parts used

The dried leaves are normally used, but a superior essential oil is also extracted from the fresh plant material.

Compounds found in Melissa

It contains rosmarinic acid, phenolic acids, triterpenes, monoterpene glycosides and flavonoids. The essential oil contains citronellal, citral, germacrene and caryophyllene. Recent studies have shown that it also contains flavonoids containing luteolin, luteolin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, apigenin 7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin 7-O-beta-D- glucuronopyranoside, luteolin 3'-O- beta-D-glucuronopyranoside and luteolin 7- O-beta-D- glucopyranoside- 3'-Obeta-D-glucuronopyranoside. The last three glycosides have only been found in lemon balm recently and luteolin 7-O-beta- D-glucopyranoside-3'-O-beta- D-glucuronopyranoside is a new compound found in the plant. ^{REF 459}

Effect of Melissa on the skin

Clinical studies have conclusively shown that Melissa has exceptional antioxidant properties ^{REF 460 - 463} - which directly influence the health of the skin when applied topically. The antioxidant action prevents free radicals from causing damage to the skin, causing premature aging, and is also active in preventing lipid peroxidation. ^{REF 464}

Apart from these very positive effects on the skin, it shows great activity against tumors ^{REF 465} as well as great anti-microbial ^{REF 466 - 467} and anti-viral activity. ^{REF 468 - 470}

On top of this, it has excellent antibacterial properties. ^{REF 475} This, and all of the above, helps to prevent infection, inflammation and skin imperfections - all contributing to a clear complexion and even colored skin.

Furthermore, it was shown in various clinical studies to be effective against the Herpes virus. ^{REF 471 - 474}

With all the above in mind, it is clear to see why our researchers included the Melissa extract in our Rejuvenating Toner.