Home > Herbs > Melissa Officinalis Subsp Officinalis

bee herb

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (15 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Bee herb, scientifically known as Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis, is a fragrant perennial herb belonging to the mint family. Renowned for its calming properties, it is widely used in traditional medicine to alleviate anxiety and digestive issues. Its bright leaves and citrus scent make it a staple in herbal teas.

Family
Lamiaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Leaf
Common names
Bee Herb · Common Balm · 4 more
Scientific synonyms
Melissa Officinalis Var. Romana · Melissa Romana · 18 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

French:

  • mélisse officinale

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Ultimately, this specific subspecies is categorized under the genus Melissa.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Lamiales
Family Lamiaceae
Genus Melissa

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions within the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Denmark, Great Britain, and Ireland. Its presence also extends further north into the country of Sweden. Additionally, the species is documented within the borders of Middle Europe. Specifically, it is known to inhabit the landscape of Austria.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia
Middle Europe Germany
Middle Europe Hungary
Middle Europe Netherlands

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Plant Parts

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Plant parts reported in Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Leaf 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Leaf

  1. Fitoterapia

Chemicals

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include rosmarinic acid, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Germacrene D, Luteolin 3'-glucuronide, Luteolin 3'-o-beta-D-glucuronide.

Chemicals reported in Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
rosmarinic acid 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
CHLOROGENIC ACID 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Germacrene D 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Luteolin 3'-glucuronide 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Luteolin 3'-o-beta-D-glucuronide 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
caffeic acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
caftaric acid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

rosmarinic acid

  1. Plant biology (Stuttgart, Germany)
  2. Food & function

CHLOROGENIC ACID

  1. Food & function

Germacrene D

  1. Food & function

Luteolin 3'-glucuronide

  1. Fitoterapia

Luteolin 3'-o-beta-D-glucuronide

  1. Fitoterapia

caffeic acid

  1. Food & function

caftaric acid

  1. Food & function

Activities

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Neuroprotective.

Activities reported in Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antimicrobial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antimicrobial

  1. Food & function

Antioxidant

  1. Food & function

Neuroprotective

  1. Food & function

Preparations

Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include essential oils, hydroalcoholic extract.

Preparations reported for Melissa officinalis subsp. officinalis
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Essential oils 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Hydroalcoholic extract 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Essential oils

  1. Food & function

Hydroalcoholic extract

  1. Food & function