Pharmacopoeia Researches on Melissa officinalis L. Samples Sold on the Market

Objective: This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of Melissa officinalis samples through comprehensive quality control assessments.Methods: The samples were examined in accordance with the Melissae folium monograph analysis in European Pharmacopoeia 11th Edition. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations, loss on drying, and total ash determination were performed. Essential oil was extracted from the samples and analyzed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC).Results: According to the pharmacopoeia analysis; Out of the 9 analyzed samples, 5 samples (2 from online platforms and 3 from herbalists) were identified as Melissa officinalis. The remaining 4 samples, were identified as Aloysia citrodora (Verbenaceae)Conclusion: In this study, four herbalists located in the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul were found to be selling samples labeled as “Melisa,” which, upon morphological, microscopical, and chromatographic analyses, were determined not to be Melissa officinalis. Instead, these samples were identified as Aloysia citrodora, a plant commonly referred to as “Melisa” within the local community and often mistakenly regarded as Melissa officinalis. These findings underscore the critical importance of product authentication, active ingredient verification, and adherence to pharmacopoeia standards.