Ethnopharmacological survey, phytochemical screening and study of antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Melissa officinalis L. from northwestern Tunisia

Currently, herbal medicine has proven its effectiveness and undeniable benefits in our daily lives, confirming that plants can prevent and treat. In this context, we are interested in carrying out an ethno-pharmacological survey on the traditional use of Melissa officinalis in the Tabarka region as well as phytochemical screening and the study of antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The survey conducted in the Tabarka region revealed that lemon balm was used in traditional medicine to treat a whole range of pathologies. Indeed, we have shown that Melissa officinalis is traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases and particularly those of the digestive system pathologies and nervous disorders. The survey also revealed three methods of preparation: decoction, infusion and maceration. The method of administration is highly dependent on the pathology to be treated. In the present work, the phytochemical screening showed that Melissa officinalis leaves aqueous extract (MOAE) presents an important scavenging action against the DPPH radical. Importantly, MOAE presented a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity and Gram +ve were more sensitive than Gram-ve bacteria. Thus, the bioactive components of lemon balm can be used as antioxidant and antibacterial substances.