Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant assay of <i>Melissa officinalis</i> L. (lemon balm)

Melissa officinalis L. called in popular language lemon balm is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The contains variety of bioactive compounds among which volatile oils, flavonoids and phenolic acids. These are responsible for lot beneficial effects disease relief. Lemon has antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, spasmolytic other effects. Important its antioxidant activity acids well known their ability scavenge free radicals. Due this effect, protects against development degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular cancer dermatological disorders. In study we extracted determined content oil from investigated an extract obtained dried aerial parts balm. results showed that was low (0.17 mL/100 g vegetal material). total flavonoid 0.965 rutoside/100 product 90.40 %. From study, concluded potential source with benefits human health.