Investigation of the Effect of the Melissa officinalis L. on Fetal Development by Ultrasonography

For many years, natural resources have been used in the treatment of many diseases. With the discovery of new medicinal plants, new areas of use have emerged. However, it is thought that there is confusion about the amount of use of these medicinal plants or the indications for use during pregnancy or adolescence. For this purpose, fetal development parameters after organogenesis were examined ultrasonographically in rats treated with the Melissa officinalis plants during pregnancy. Ultrasonography examination was performed with the device and superficial probe used in breast examination in humans. Gestational sac diameters, biparietal diameters, crown-rump lengths, and fetuses' heart rates were measured in both the lemon balm group and the Control group. On the 15th day of pregnancy, gestational sac diameter and biparietal diameter in the Melissa group, crown-rump length in the Control group were higher, and on the 17th day of pregnancy, gestational sac diameter and crown-rump length were found to be higher in the Melissa group, and biparietal diameter was higher in the Control group. Compared with the Control, on the 20th day, all parameters were higher than in the Melissa group. However, both groups had no statistical significance according to all measurements. As a result, it was seen that M. officinalis extract might not have any effect on the development of rat fetuses in terms of ultrasonographic examination. In addition, it was concluded that the development of the rat fetus could be viewed in detail with the breast ultrasound probe used in humans.