Basal and Spasmolytic Effects of a Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract of <i>Melissa officinalis</i> L. on Intestinal Motility: An <i>Ex Vivo</i> Study

Abstract

<i>Melissa officinalis</i> L. (lemon balm) has been used for decades with symptomatic benefits in patients with digestive disorders. However, very little is known on the effects of <i>M. officinalis</i> on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this study, the basal and spasmolytic properties of a hydroethanolic leaf extract (HLE) of <i>M. officinalis</i> were assessed <i>ex vivo</i> on different segments of the GI tract of mice after phytochemical characterization of the extract. <i>M. officinalis</i> HLE had site- and dose-dependent effects on the contractile activity of the GI tract, the motility response being impacted in the jejunum and ileum but not in the antrum and colon. The observed effects could be caused by the phenolic compounds (mainly rosmarinic acid) detected in the extract.