Lemon Balm Extract Shows Promise in Reducing Brain Inflammation from High Blood Sugar
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 31, 2025 3 hours, 11 minutes ago
Medical News: Diabetes is a global health issue affecting millions of people, with cases expected to rise significantly in the coming years. While it is commonly associated with complications such as kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart problems, recent research highlights another serious concern - brain inflammation. Chronic high blood sugar levels can trigger inflammation in the brain, leading to conditions like cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists worldwide are looking for natural compounds that can help reduce this harmful process, and a new study suggests that an extract from Melissa officinalis L., commonly known as lemon balm, may be an effective solution.
Lemon Balm Extract Shows Promise in Reducing Brain Inflammation from High Blood Sugar
How High Blood Sugar Affects the Brain
When blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods, they can damage various organs, including the brain. One of the key factors in this damage is neuroinflammation, a condition where immune cells in the brain, known as microglia, become overly active. This excessive activation leads to the release of inflammatory chemicals, which can harm neurons and contribute to brain disorders. Managing neuroinflammation is crucial for protecting brain health, especially in people with diabetes. This
Medical News report discusses a recent breakthrough in this area.
The Role of Lemon Balm and Its Key Compound
Lemon balm has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its calming effects, but recent research indicates that it may also have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The study, conducted by researchers from the Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health at the University of Florence, Italy, focused on a specific extract of lemon balm enriched with rosmarinic acid. Rosmarinic acid is known for its ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, making it a promising candidate for addressing brain inflammation caused by high blood sugar.
The Study and Key Findings
To test the effects of lemon balm extract, the researchers used an in vitro model involving microglial cells exposed to high glucose levels. The goal was to simulate the conditions seen in diabetic patients. The main findings from the study were as follows:
-Microglial Activation Reversed: When exposed to high glucose, microglial cells became overactive and took on a pro-inflammatory form. Treatment with lemon balm extract restored them to their normal, less inflammatory state.
-Reduced Inflammatory Markers: The extract significantly lowered the levels of key inflammation-related proteins, such as NF-κB, iNOS, and IL-6. These proteins play a crucial role in sustaining brain inflammation and neuronal damage.
-Protection Against Nerve Cell Damage: The researchers also studied neuronal cells (SH-SY5Y cells) exposed to inflam
matory conditions. Cells treated with the lemon balm extract showed improved survival rates, indicating a protective effect against neurotoxicity.
-High Antioxidant Activity: Rosmarinic acid from the extract showed strong antioxidant activity, helping to neutralize harmful molecules that contribute to cell damage.
Implications for Diabetes and Brain Health
The results of this study suggest that lemon balm extract, particularly when enriched with rosmarinic acid, has significant potential in protecting the brain from diabetes-related inflammation. By reducing microglial overactivation and limiting the production of harmful inflammatory chemicals, this natural remedy could help slow down cognitive decline and reduce the risk of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, previous research has shown that lemon balm extract may also help regulate blood sugar levels, providing additional benefits for diabetic patients.
Challenges and Future Research
While these findings are promising, further research is needed to confirm the effects of lemon balm extract in human subjects. One of the challenges is ensuring the consistency of rosmarinic acid content in herbal extracts, as it can vary depending on growing conditions. The study tackled this issue by using a standardized extract from in vitro plant cell cultures, which offers a more reliable and reproducible source of the active compound.
Future clinical trials will be necessary to determine the effectiveness and safety of lemon balm extract in real-world applications. If proven effective, this natural remedy could be developed into supplements or pharmaceutical formulations to help people with diabetes manage their brain health more effectively.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of lemon balm extract as a natural solution for reducing neuroinflammation associated with high blood sugar levels. The findings indicate that it can help restore balance to overactive microglial cells, lower inflammation markers, and protect nerve cells from damage. Given its traditional use for relaxation and its emerging benefits for brain health, lemon balm could become an important addition to the strategies used to prevent diabetes-related neurological complications. With further research and development, this plant-based intervention may offer a safe and effective way to support cognitive function in diabetic individuals and beyond.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Antioxidants.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/14/2/161
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