Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Centaury vs Lemon balm
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Centaury and Lemon balm: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bloating, indigestion, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Centaury | Lemon balm | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Bloating | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Indigestion | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Lemon balm |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The intensely bitter principles that stimulate digestive secretions.
The principal phenolic acid of lemon balm, associated with much of its antioxidant and antiviral activity.
The volatile oil (geranial and neral, together called citral, plus citronellal) gives the characteristic lemon scent and has demonstrated anxiolytic activity.
Minor constituents studied for anti-inflammatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
Aromatic bitter tonic for temporary loss of appetite
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from gastroprotective action
Aromatic bitter tonic for temporary loss of appetite
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
inferred from hepatoprotective action
Digestive aid for mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating (stimulates gastric and bile secretion) - a comprehensive review also documents gastroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activity
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from hepatoprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antiviral action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Because bitters increase stomach-acid secretion, centaury is contraindicated in peptic (stomach or duodenal) ulcer disease and hyperacidity.
Traditional use only; appetite loss or dyspepsia that persists needs medical assessment. Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Generally very safe for adults. Theoretically may interact with thyroid medications and sedatives. Avoid high therapeutic doses during pregnancy. Long-term safety data beyond a few months is limited.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Slender annual or biennial herb with a basal rosette of oval leaves and an erect, wiry, four-angled flowering stem branching near the top. Small, star-shaped, pink flowers with five pointed petals open only in sunshine, borne in dense, flat-topped clusters at the stem tips.[12]
Perennial herb, 30-70 (up to 150) cm tall, with square, branched, hairy stems typical of the mint family. Leaves are opposite, ovate to heart-shaped with a toothed margin, wrinkled and softly hairy, releasing a strong lemon scent when crushed. Small, pale yellow to white, two-lipped flowers are borne in loose whorls in the leaf axils. The fruit splits into four small nutlets.[6]
Habitat
Grows in dry grassland, chalk downland, dunes and open woodland on well-drained, often calcareous soils; native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.[12]
Native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean and western Asia, widely cultivated and naturalised in gardens, hedgebanks and waste ground across temperate regions, favouring sunny to lightly shaded, well-drained soils.[6]
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower, when the intensely bitter secoiridoid content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[12]
Leaves and flowering tops are cut just before or at the start of flowering (summer), when the volatile-oil content is highest, and dried quickly at low temperature away from direct light, since the aromatic oil is heat- and light-sensitive.[6]
Traditional Uses
Centaury is one of the classic European bitter digestive herbs, traditionally used for temporary loss of appetite and mild dyspeptic complaints such as indigestion and bloating, stimulating gastric and bile secretion.[12]
Lemon balm has a long European tradition as a calming, 'cheering' herb for nervous tension, poor sleep and mild anxiety, and as a carminative for indigestion, bloating and cramping; topically it has traditionally been applied to cold sores. Modern clinical trials support anxiolytic and mood-related benefits and antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus, consistent with these traditional uses.[4, 6, 9]
Preparations
Dried herb macerated in cold water for several hours, which extracts the bitter principles while minimising extraction of harsher tannins; a traditional preparation method for bitters.
Dried herb infused briefly in hot water and taken shortly before meals as a bitter digestive tonic.
Tincture of the dried herb; the EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-5 g up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Dried leaf steeped in hot water, the classic way of taking lemon balm for calming and digestive support.
Encapsulated dry extract, the form used in clinical trials studying lemon balm for anxiety and mood; follow product-specific dosing.
Concentrated leaf extract cream applied to cold sores (herpes labialis) at the earliest sign of an outbreak.
Tincture of the dried leaf, 2-6 ml one to three times daily per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-4 g of the comminuted herb in 200 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily, in adults and elderly; a powdered herbal substance at 0.25-2 g up to 3 times daily, liquid extract 2-4 mL up to 3 times daily, and tincture 1.5-5 g up to 3 times daily are also listed. Not recommended under 18 years, and contraindicated in peptic ulcer. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-4.5 g of the comminuted leaf in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, 1-3 times daily, in adolescents over 12, adults and elderly; a liquid extract at 2-4 mL and a tincture at 2-6 mL, both 1-3 times daily, are also listed. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Lemon balm and passionflower are both gentle, GABA-acting calming herbs often blended together in anti-anxiety and sleep formulas; combined use may deepen relaxation but also add to drowsiness.[17, 19]
References & Sources
- Tuluce, Y., Ozkol, H., Koyuncu, I. and Ine, H (2011) 'Gastroprotective effect of small centaury (Centaurium erythraea L) on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats', Toxicology and Industrial Health, 27(8), pp. 760-768. doi:10.1177/0748233710397421 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/0748233710397421 - Chabane, S., Boudjelal, A., Bouaziz-Terrachet, S., Spinozzi, E. et al (2023) 'Analgesic effect of Centaurium erythraea and molecular docking investigation of the major component swertiamarin', Natural Product Research, 38(24), pp. 4511-4517. doi:10.1080/14786419.2023.2278160 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2278160 - Akşit, H., Gözcü, S. and Altay, A (2022) 'Isolation and cytotoxic activities of undescribed iridoid and xanthone glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)', Phytochemistry, 205, pp. 113484. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113484 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2022.113484 - El Menyiy, N., Guaouguaou, F.E., El Baaboua, A., El Omari, N., Taha, D. and others (2021) 'Phytochemical properties, biological activities and medicinal use of Centaurium erythraea Rafn', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2021. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114171 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114171 - Guedes, L., Reis, P.B.P.S., Machuqueiro, M., Ressaissi, A., Pacheco, R. and Serralheiro, M.L (2019) 'Bioactivities of Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) Decoctions: Antioxidant Activity, Enzyme Inhibition and Docking Studies', Molecules, 24(20), pp. 3795. doi:10.3390/molecules24203795 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24203795 - Dordevic, M., Mihailovic, M., Arambasic Jovanovic, J., Grdovic, N., Uskokovic, A., Tolic, A., Sinadinovic, M., Rajic, J., Misic, D., Siler, B., Poznanovic, G., Vidakovic, M. and Dinic, S (2017) 'Centaurium erythraea methanol extract protects red blood cells from oxidative damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 202, pp. 172-183. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.016 - Dordevic, M., Grdovic, N., Mihailovic, M., Arambasic Jovanovic, J., Uskokovic, A., Rajic, J., Sinadinovic, M., Tolic, A., Misic, D., Siler, B., Poznanovic, G., Vidakovic, M. and Dinic, S (2019) 'Centaurium erythraea extract improves survival and functionality of pancreatic beta-cells in diabetes through multiple routes of action', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 242, pp. 112043. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112043 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112043 - Chda, A., El Kabbaoui, M., Fresco, P., Silva, D., Goncalves, J., Oliveira, A.P., Andrade, P.B., Valentao, P., Tazi, A., El Abida, K. and Bencheikh, R (2019) 'Centaurium Erythraea Extracts Exert Vascular Effects through Endothelium- and Fibroblast-dependent Pathways', Planta Medica, 86(2), pp. 121-131. doi:10.1055/a-1023-8918 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1023-8918 - Kumarasamy, Y., Nahar, L., Cox, P.J., Jaspars, M. and Sarker, S.D (2003) 'Bioactivity of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea', Phytomedicine, 10(4), pp. 344-347. doi:10.1078/094471103322004857 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103322004857 - Kachmar, M.R., Oliveira, A.P., Valentao, P., Gil-Izquierdo, A., Dominguez-Perles, R., Ouahbi, A., Badaoui, K.E., Andrade, P.B. and Ferreres, F (2018) 'HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS phenolic profile and in vitro biological potential of Centaurium erythraea Rafn aqueous extract', Food Chemistry, 278, pp. 424-433. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.11.082 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2018.11.082 - Mandova, T., Audo, G., Michel, S. and Grougnet, R (2017) 'Off-line coupling of new generation centrifugal partition chromatography device with preparative high pressure liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry triggering fraction collection applied to the recovery of secoiridoid glycosides from Centaurium erythraea Rafn. (Gentianaceae)', Journal of Chromatography A, 1513, pp. 149-156. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.023 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2017.07.023 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (n.d.) 'Assessment report on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herba (Centaurii herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Centaury (Centaurium erythraea): Benefits, Safety, Uses'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/centaury/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/centaury/ - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Centaurium erythraea Rafn s.l., herba (Centaurii herba)'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/european-union-herbal-monograph-centaurium-erythraea-rafn-sl-herba_en.pdf
- Mathews, I.M., Eastwood, J., Lamport, D.J., Cozannet, R.L. and others (2024) 'Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review', Nutrients, 16(20), pp. 3545. doi:10.3390/nu16203545 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203545 - Ghazizadeh, J., Sadigh-Eteghad, S., Marx, W., Fakhari, A. and others (2021) 'The effects of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) on depression and anxiety in clinical trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Phytotherapy Research, 35(12), pp. 6690-6705. doi:10.1002/ptr.7252 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7252 - Shahsavari, K., Shams Ardekani, M.R., Khanavi, M., Jamialahmadi, T. and others (2024) 'Effects of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) consumption on serum lipid profile: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), pp. 146. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04442-0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04442-0 - Petrisor, G., Motelica, L., Craciun, L.N., Oprea, O.C. and others (2022) 'Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems-A Review', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(7), pp. 3591. doi:10.3390/ijms23073591 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23073591 - Heshmati, J., Morvaridzadeh, M., Sepidarkish, M., Fazelian, S. and others (2020) 'Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on cardio-metabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Phytotherapy Research, 34(12), pp. 3113-3123. doi:10.1002/ptr.6744 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6744 - Shakeri, A., Sahebkar, A. and Javadi, B (2016) 'Melissa officinalis L. - A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 188, pp. 204-228. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.010 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.05.010 - Zam, W., Quispe, C., Sharifi-Rad, J., Lopez, M.D. and others (2022) 'An Updated Review on The Properties of Melissa officinalis L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety', Frontiers in Bioscience (Scholar Edition), 14(2), pp. 16. doi:10.31083/j.fbs1402016 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbs1402016 - Chang, J.Y., Balch, C., Puccio, J. and Oh, H.S (2023) 'A Narrative Review of Alternative Symptomatic Treatments for Herpes Simplex Virus', Viruses, 15(6), pp. 1314. doi:10.3390/v15061314 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/v15061314 - Ulbricht, C., Brendler, T., Gruenwald, J., Kligler, B. and others (2005) 'Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.): an evidence-based systematic review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 5(4), pp. 71-114. doi:10.1080/j157v05n04_08 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v05n04_08 - Stojanovic, N.M., Mladenovic, M.Z., Maslovaric, A., Stojiljkovic, N.I. and others (2021) 'Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) essential oil and citronellal modulate anxiety-related symptoms - In vitro and in vivo studies', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 284, pp. 114788. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114788 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2021.114788 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2013) 'Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-melissa-officinalis-l-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-melissa-officinalis-l-folium_en.pdf - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Kennedy, D.O. et al (2002) 'Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis', 27(2), pp. 256--261. doi:10.1016/s0091-3057(02)00777-3 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0091-3057(02)00777-3 - Petersen, M. and Simmonds, M.S.J (2003) 'Rosmarinic acid', 62(2), pp. 121--125. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rosmarinic%20acid - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Haybar, H., Javid, A.Z., Haghighizadeh, M.H., Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, S.M. and Mohammadzadeh, A (2018) 'The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina', Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 26, pp. 47-52. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 - Keck, M.E., Nicolussi, S., Spura, K., Blohm, C., Zahner, C. and Drewe, J (2020) 'Effect of the fixed combination of valerian, lemon balm, passionflower, and butterbur extracts (Ze 185) on the prescription pattern of benzodiazepines in hospitalized psychiatric patients', Phytotherapy Research, 34(6), pp. 1436-1445. doi:10.1002/ptr.6618 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6618
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.