Lemon balm is high in flavonoids, which can have an antioxidant effect (28 in 10). Other phytochemicals in lemon balm which may provide antioxidant activity include phenolic acids, terpenes, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acids (83 in 10). Lemon balm also contains tannins, which are astringent and contribute to lemon balm’s antiviral effects, and eugenol acetate, which is believed to be one of the phytochemicals responsible for lemon balm’s reported antispasmodic effect (66). (See the Medicinal Uses section for additional information.) http://www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/Lemon%20Balm%20Guide.pdf
