Investigating the Therapeutic Effects of <i>Melissa Officinalis</i> on Clinical and Electro Diagnostic Findings of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Neurological complications and glycemic control are critical to managing type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a specific intervention with lemon balm capsules on fasting blood glucose (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and nerve conduction parameters in patients with T2D. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 64 patients with T2D were enrolled and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=32) or a control group (n=32). After exclusion, 30 participants in each group completed the study. Baseline characteristics, FBS, HbA1c, and various nerve conduction parameters were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: The experimental group demonstrated a significant reduction in FBS levels post-intervention compared to the control group (P=0.02). No significant difference was observed in HbA1c levels (P=0.08). Neurologically, the experimental group had a significant increase in tibial motor nerve action potential amplitude (P=0.001) and higher tibial motor nerve conduction velocity (P=0.03) post-intervention. Significant intra-group changes were also noted in peroneal motor nerve action potential amplitude (P=0.002) and sural sensory nerve potential amplitude (P=0.009). Finally, no significant differences were found in ulnar and median nerve parameters or F-wave latency. Conclusion: The intervention with lemon balm led to significant improvements in FBS levels and certain nerve conduction parameters in patients with T2D, indicating potential benefits for metabolic control and nerve function.