melissa officinalis

Full Material List

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Identifiers

CAS (Single)	N/A
FEMA	N/A
EINECS	N/A
Synonyms	bee balm lemon balm sweet balm balm lemon melissa bicornis xiang feng hua
JECFA Food Flavoring	N/A
JECFA Food Additive	N/A
DG SANTE Food Flavourings	N/A
DG SANTE Food Contact Materials	N/A
FDA UNII
CoE Number	N/A
XlogP3-AA	N/A
Molecular Weight	N/A
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Properties

Food Chemicals Codex Listed	No
Appearance	N/A
Assay	N/A
Specific Gravity	N/A
Lbs/Gal (est)	N/A
Refractive Index	N/A
Melting Point	N/A
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Acid Value	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
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logP (o/w)	N/A
Soluble In	N/A
Occurrence	lemon balm

Organoleptic

Organoleptic Notes	Odor and/or flavor descriptions from others (if found).
Odor	N/A
Flavor	N/A

AInsights BETA

FlavScents AInsights Entry: Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Common Name(s): Lemon Balm, Melissa
IUPAC Name: Not applicable (natural complex material)
CAS Number: Not applicable
FEMA Number: Not applicable
Other Identifiers: Not applicable
Material Type: Natural complex material derived from the leaves of Melissa officinalis
Source: Melissa officinalis is a perennial herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to Europe, Central Asia, and Iran.

Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm, is a natural complex material rather than a single chemical compound. It is primarily used in the form of essential oil, which is extracted from the leaves of the plant. The essential oil is characterized by its fresh, lemon-like aroma, which is attributed to its complex mixture of volatile compounds.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Melissa officinalis essential oil is renowned for its fresh, lemony, and slightly sweet aroma. The sensory profile is dominated by citrus notes, with a subtle herbaceous undertone. The intensity of the aroma is moderate, providing a refreshing and uplifting scent that is often used to impart a sense of cleanliness and vitality.

The oil is typically used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a bright, citrusy top note that enhances the overall sensory experience. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, the oil is known for its ability to blend well with other citrus and herbal notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Melissa officinalis is naturally found in Europe, Central Asia, and Iran, thriving in well-drained, sandy soils. The essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant's leaves, which contain the highest concentration of volatile compounds.

The formation of the oil's characteristic aroma is primarily due to the presence of citral, citronellal, and geraniol, which are produced through the plant's natural biosynthetic pathways. These compounds contribute to the oil's designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" in various regulatory contexts.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Melissa officinalis essential oil is used in a variety of flavor applications, particularly in beverages, confectionery, and herbal teas. It serves as a functional ingredient that imparts a fresh, lemony flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the product.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. These values are considered industry-typical estimates, as precise documentation is limited. The oil is generally stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, Melissa officinalis essential oil is valued for its fresh, citrusy aroma, making it a popular choice in the formulation of perfumes, colognes, and personal care products. It is commonly used in fragrance families such as citrus, herbal, and green.

The oil typically functions as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness that complements other fragrance components. Concentration ranges in formulations vary, but the oil is often used at levels of 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired effect and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Citral: Major component contributing to the lemon-like aroma
Citronellal: Provides a fresh, citrusy scent
Geraniol: Adds a sweet, floral note
Linalool: Contributes to the overall complexity and floral aspect

The composition of Melissa officinalis essential oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method. This variability should be considered during formulation to ensure consistency and quality.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States: Melissa officinalis is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages, although specific FEMA GRAS numbers are not assigned.
European Union: The oil is permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food and beverages, with no specific FL number assigned.
United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards, allowing for similar uses.
Asia: In Japan and China, the oil is used in traditional medicine and food applications, subject to local regulations.
Latin America: Usage is generally permitted, with specific regulations varying by country.

Regulatory treatment of Melissa officinalis essential oil is generally favorable, with explicit approvals for use in flavor and fragrance applications. However, formulators should verify compliance with local regulations, as country-specific variability may exist.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Melissa officinalis essential oil is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with a long history of traditional use. Oral exposure through food and beverages is generally regarded as safe, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. The oil's low toxicity profile supports its use within typical concentration ranges.

Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is also considered safe, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization. The oil's volatility and pleasant aroma make it suitable for inhalation, with no known occupational hazards associated with its use.

While the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, formulators should ensure that the oil is used within recommended concentration ranges to avoid potential adverse effects.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Melissa officinalis essential oil is a valuable ingredient for its fresh, lemony aroma and versatility in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile of products.

Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired freshness. Formulators should carefully balance the oil with other ingredients to achieve the optimal sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on Melissa officinalis essential oil is well-established, with a strong foundation in traditional use and scientific literature. Industry-typical practices are generally well-documented, although specific numeric values for use levels and thresholds are often estimated.

Known data gaps include the lack of specific ADI or MSDI values and limited documentation of precise use levels in various applications. Regulatory ambiguities may exist in certain regions, necessitating careful verification by formulators.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

All required sections 1–9 are present
"Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
Flavor section includes ppm ranges
Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
Includes section 5a for complex natural material

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-02-25 12:47:50 GMT (p2)

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