molecular and translational pharmacology of melissa officinalis: targeting nrf2/are, nf-κb/mapk, and purinergic receptors

Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) (mo) is a medicinal herb traditionally used for neurological, metabolic, and infectious disorders. this review synthesizes evidence on its bioactive compounds and molecular mechanisms, with emphasis on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, metabolic, and neuroprotective effects. a structured literature search was conducted in pubmed, scopus, and web of science (2010–2025) using terms related to mo, phytochemicals, oxidative stress, nf-κb/mapk, nrf2/are, and purinergic receptors. eligible studies included in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials. bioactive compounds, particularly rosmarinic acid, consistently enhanced nrf2–are–driven antioxidant defense, suppressed nf-κb/mapk-mediated inflammation, and modulated immune responses via p2x7 inhibition and a2a activation. flavonoids and essential oils contributed to anxiolytic, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects. clinical studies confirmed efficacy in anxiety, insomnia, and mild cognitive impairment, although variability of extracts and poor bioavailability remain limitations. mo exhibits multi-target pharmacological potential through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and purinergic signaling. standardized preparations, bioavailability-enhancing formulations, and biomarker-guided clinical trials are needed to establish its therapeutic utility in neuropsychiatric, inflammatory, and metabolic disorders.