FLUORESCENCE AND UV-VIS CHARACTERIZATION OF MELISSA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT AND FRESH LEAVES

Melissa officinalis is a medicinal plant that has been studied for its medicinal value since classical times. It has been used to treat various diseases due to its wide range of pharmacological properties. Most traditional healer’s primarily use aqueous extracts from the plant. Therefore, in the research presented, an aqueous extract of lemon balm as well as its green leaves were used. Fluorescence and UV-Vis characteristics were studied based on the time of infusion of the extract. The emission fluorescence spectra were measured by illuminating with an exciting light in the 337 – 400 nm wavelength range. The dependence of the emission spectra on the infusion time of the extract shows that as time increases, a shift occurs in the peak of the spectra. The intensity increases in the first 30 minutes but then begins to decrease. Generally, the peak wavelength of the emission spectrum is between 474 - 486 nm. A comparison of the fluorescence emission spectra recorded on the upper and lower sides of the Melissa leaf shows that the intensity of fluorescence radiation is higher on the upper side of the leaf than on the lower side. The emission fluorescence spectrum of the green leaf homogenate of Melissa at an excitation wavelength of 337- 400 nm shows blue, green and red fluorescence. Therefore, UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis of Melissa officinalis extract can contribute significantly to the further study of its pharmacological properties.