Effects of The Administration of Melissa officinalis on Memory and Anxiety

Abstract

Research has shown that the development of anxiety disorders is linked to a deficiency in GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and an excess of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter. Previous research has been conducted on the herbal supplement, Melissa officinalis, and its ability to improve cognitive functioning while increasing levels of calmness in those who had taken it. This study sought to replicate and expand on these results while incorporating the use of neuropsychological measures in addition to an anxiety measure. It was predicted that those taking Melissa officinalis would show decreased levels of anxiety post drug administration and improvement on various neuropsychological tasks as compared to those given a placebo. No significant difference was found between the placebo and those given Melissa officinalis on any measure. The discrepancy in the results of this study compared to previous literature requires further investigation and improvement upon the current study.