Investigation of antioxidant properties and identification of plant species offered under lemon balm name in perfumeries of Yazd and Shiraz cities

Due to the similarity of many medicinal plants and the perfumers ignorance about the science of botany, many unintended frauds are occurring in the supply of medicinal plants, like the presentation of different types of medicinal plants called lemon balm. This study was aimed at identifying the species offered under the name of lemon balm as well as comparing the antioxidant activity and phenolics content of these species. In this study, the species that are offered as lemon balm in the perfumeries of Yazd and Shiraz cities were collected and then scientifically identified using the valid botanical keys. In this study, the anti-radical activity was evaluated by the DPPH test. In addition, the total phenols content was measured by the Folin Ciocalteu method. Based on the results of species identification, it was proved that three species of Asperugo procumbens L., Hymenocrater elegans Bunge, and Melissa officinalis L. are sold in Yazd city under the name of lemon balm and H. elegans had the highest percentage of supply. Two species, M. officinalis and Stachys inflata Benth., also are sold under the name of lemon balm in Shiraz city, where the largest supply belonged to S. inflata. Also, M. officinalis and A. procumbens had respectively the highest and lowest amounts for the traits including total phenols and antioxidant activity.