Effects of orally administered lavender essential oil on responses to anxiety-provoking film clips

A review on essential oils: A potential tonic for mental wellbeing in the aging population?

Mental wellbeing is crucial to a good quality of life. With progression in life, mental health can deteriorate, leading to multiple disorders, such as depression, anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Essential oils, from various sources, have a long history of use in aromatherapy. Herein, we review the current literature related to the psychological effects of essential oils, emphasizing their impact on mood regulation, stress reduction, sleep disturbances, and cognitive function. Various mechanisms, such as alterations to the neurotransmitter system, endocrine changes, and anti-oxidant activity are reviewed. The non-invasive nature of essential oils suggests they have a promising role as adjuncts to conventional therapies for improving the mental health of the aging population.

Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil in Reducing Stress, Insomnia, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

During pregnancy, women can experience stress, anxiety, and insomnia, which affect their health and wellbeing. Since many conventional medications are contraindicated for pregnant women, there is a need to find alternative therapies for alleviating their discomfort. Lavender essential oil (EO) is recognized for its calming and relaxing properties; therefore, our goal was to review current knowledge of lavender EO use to reduce anxiety and stress as well as to improve sleep quality in pregnant women.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in 11 databases that included clinical trials published between 2000 and 2022.

RESULTS

Of the 251 articles found, only 6, comprising a total of 413 participants that used lavender EO during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. One trial measured sleep quality, one measured anxiety, two measured both anxiety and stress, and two measured only stress. All studies reported significant (at least p < 0.05) improvement in the respective conditions and no adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained suggest that although the use of lavender EO during pregnancy has shown to have certain efficacy, given the small number of participants and lack of strong scientific literature, more studies are needed to provide further evidence on this topic.

The efficacy of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil on menopausal symptoms, serum lipid profile, and cortisol concentration in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on menopausal symptoms, serum cortisol level, and lipid profile in postmenopausal women.

METHODS

This was a triple-blind parallel-armed randomized trial. Seventy-two postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years referring to healthcare centers in Tabriz, Iran with a score of 15-42 on the Green scale were included from May 10, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio and using four and six blocks. One group received LEO soft gel 80 mg per day, and another group received a similar placebo for 60 days. A demographic questionnaire and a Greene menopause symptom scale were used for data collection. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL) and the serum levels of cortisol were measured using biochemical methods. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Independent samples t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Repeated measure ANOVA, and Paired sample t-test were utilized for analyses. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The demographic and personal characteristics of the participants were similar. After two months of intervention, all symptoms in psychological, physical, vasomotor, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction domains were significantly relieved (decreased) among both groups (p < 0.003), except for sexual dysfunction, the reduction of which was not significant in the placebo group (p = 0.317). The mean (SD) total score of menopausal symptoms reduced from 27.4 (6.3) at baseline to 17.7 (4.9) at the end of the study in the LEO group (p < 0.001). It also decreased from 27.4 (7.1) to 17.6 (5.1) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). However, between-group analyses revealed that this reduction was significantly greater in the LEO group compared to the placebo group only in the sexual dysfunction (Mean (SD): 1.3 (0.6) vs. 1.0 (0.5); adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval); p: - 0.35 (-0.67 to -0.02); 0.039). No significant within-group changes or between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05) in terms of studied serum markers.

CONCLUSION

The oral LEO exhibited a significant enhancement in sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used alongside other therapies to improve sexual dysfunction during menopause. LEO did not affect lipid profile and serum cortisol level in this study.

The effect of lavender on mood disorders associated with the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs): a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of contraceptive methods is influenced by their effectiveness, availability, and minimal side effects. OCPs are one of the most effective and widely used methods of pregnancy prevention worldwide. This method not only prevents pregnancy but also helps prevent and treat other diseases. One of the main reasons for discontinuing this method is the emotional disturbances associated with its use. Lavender is an evergreen, fragrant plant that has gained significant attention for its anti-anxiety effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lavender essential oil capsules on mood disorders during the use of COCs.

METHODS

This triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 60 married women (aged 15-49 years old) who were consumers of COCs, referring to 26 health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (consuming one gelatin capsule containing 80 mg LEO daily) or control (consuming one placebo capsule daily) group. The intervention continued for 56 days. Scores for positive and negative were determined using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaire; and for stress, depression, and anxiety were measured using the DASS-21 questionnaire on day's 28th and 56th post-intervention. Data analysis was conducted using the t-test and ANOVA with repeated measures, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed in mood disorders, stress, and depression between women receiving LEO or placebo. The consumption of LEO increased the positive mood on day 28 [MD (95% CI): 4.5 (2.1 to 7.0), p = 0.001] and day 56 [5.9 (3.4 to 8.3), p < 0.001] while decreased the negative mood on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -3.5 (-5.3 to -1.3), p < 0.001] and day 56 [-4.3 (-6.3 to -2.2), p < 0.001], stress on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -4.9 (-7.1 to -2.8), p = 0.001] and day 56 [-5.3 (-7.6 to -3.1), p < 0. 001], and depression on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -3.0 (-4.9 to 1.1), p = 0.003] and day 56 [-3.1 (-5.0 to 1.2), p = 0.002]. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of LEO with COCs improved mood disorders and reduced stress and depression. The use of hormonal contraceptives and mood changes should be considered by providers. Therefore, regarding the possibility of mood changes, it is expected that appropriate counseling and education will be provided to women who consume COC., providing appropriate solutions, including the simultaneous use of LEO.

The Role of Dietary Ingredients in Mental Energy - A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Low mental energy can contribute to decreased productivity, altered life balance, decreased physical performance, and ultimately affect quality of life. As such, there is a great demand for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy. Numerous products claim to alter mental energy making continued review of the scientific evidence critical. The objective of this study was to conduct a scoping review of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of 18 dietary ingredients on mental energy outcomes in adults without severe disease. Methods: A literature search, completed using PubMed, resulted in the identification of 2261 articles, 190 of which met eligibility from initial abstract review. Full-text review was completed on the 190 studies which resulted in 101 articles that fully met eligibility for inclusion in this study. The search strategy for two ingredients did not yield any eligible studies, leaving studies for 16 ingredients that were extracted and summarized by reported significantly improved outcomes for cognition, mood and perceived feelings, and sleep assessments. The preliminary results for several dietary ingredients directionally suggested a mental energy benefit (≥20% of outcomes), including ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, tart cherries, turmeric, and valerian root. The results of this scoping review suggest that of the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 may be promising for further exploration on their potential benefits in supporting mental energy. Given consumer demand and market growth for food and beverage products that positively impact mental energy; continued efforts in assessment method alignment and additional evaluation in well-designed trials is warranted.KEY TEACHING POINTSOf the 16 dietary ingredients reviewed, 11 (ashwagandha, chamomile, dark chocolate, ginseng, green tea, lavender, lion's mane mushroom, maca, melatonin foods, turmeric, and valerian root) may be promising for further exploration on their potential mental energy benefits.Dark chocolate, ginseng, ashwagandha, and lion's mane mushroom were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the cognition domain of the ingredients evaluated.Turmeric, maca, lavendar, and ashwagandha were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the mood and perceived feelings domain of the ingredients evaluated.Ashwagandha, chamomile, green tea, melatonin foods, valerian root were the most promising ingredients for further evaluation in the sleep domain of the ingredients evaluated.Additional, well-designed, consistent, clinical trials and systematic reviews are warranted as the challenge of heterogeneity in mental energy study design remains.

Gold Leaf-Based Microfluidic Platform for Detection of Essential Oils Using Impedance Spectroscopy

Drug delivery systems are engineered platforms for the controlled release of various therapeutic agents. This paper presents a conductive gold leaf-based microfluidic platform fabricated using xurography technique for its potential implication in controlled drug delivery operations. To demonstrate this, peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils (EOs) were selected as target fluids, which are best known for their medicinal properties in the field of dentistry. The work takes advantage of the high conductivity of the gold leaf, and thus, the response characteristics of the microfluidic chip are studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) upon injecting EOs into its micro-channels. The effect of the exposure time of the chip to different concentrations (1% and 5%) of EOs was analyzed, and change in electrical resistance was measured at different time intervals of 0 h (the time of injection), 22 h, and 46 h. It was observed that our fabricated device demonstrated higher values of electrical resistance when exposed to EOs for longer times. Moreover, eucalyptus oil had stronger degradable effects on the chip, which resulted in higher electrical resistance than that of peppermint. 1% and 5% of Eucalyptus oil showed an electrical resistance of 1.79 kΩ and 1.45 kΩ at 10 kHz, while 1% and 5% of peppermint oil showed 1.26 kΩ and 1.07 kΩ of electrical resistance at 10 kHz respectively. The findings obtained in this paper are beneficial for designing suitable microfluidic devices to expand their applications for various biomedical purposes.

Natural Compounds in the Battle against Microorganisms-Linalool

The purpose of this article is to present recent studies on the antimicrobial properties of linalool, the mechanism of action on cells and detoxification processes. The current trend of employing compounds present in essential oils to support antibiotic therapy is becoming increasingly popular. Naturally occurring monoterpene constituents of essential oils are undergoing detailed studies to understand their detailed effects on the human body, both independently and in doses correlated with currently used pharmaceuticals. One such compound is linalool, which is commonly found in many herbs and is used to flavor black tea. This compound is an excellent fragrance additive for cosmetics, enhancing the preservative effect of the formulations used in them or acting as an anti-inflammatory on mild skin lesions. Previous studies have shown that it is extremely important due to its broad spectrum of biological activities, i.e., antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective and antimicrobial. Among opportunistic hospital strains, it is most active against Gram-negative bacteria. The mechanism of action of linalool against microorganisms is still under intensive investigation. One of the key aspects of linalool research is biotransformation, through which its susceptibility to detoxification processes is determined.

Olfactory stimulation for people with dementia: A rapid review

There is a growing interest in using olfactory (smell) stimulation in dementia care. This study aims to extend current knowledge by synthesising the evidence on the efficacy of interventions using olfactory stimulation for people with dementia and to assess the effects of different types of odours and administration methods using a mixed methods approach. The rapid review was conducted based on searches in six electronic databases. A narrative approach was applied to assess 20 studies included in the review. Fourteen studies used a quasi-experimental design, five studies used an experimental design and one was a case study. High heterogeneity was found on odours and methods of application used, with the majority of studies administering lavender oil using a diffuser. Mixed results were reported on the benefits of olfactory stimulation on responsive behaviours and cognitive function. Although the evidence available is limited, encouraging results were found regarding olfactory stimulation and increased sleep duration, food intake and improved balance. It was not possible to draw any overall conclusion in relation to the effect of olfactory stimulation. However, this review shows promising results that support further investigation of olfactory stimulation as a nonpharmacological intervention for people with dementia. The review is limited due to the low to moderate quality of studies included. Furthermore, the broad range of approaches was employed, and comparison between the studies was difficult. Further high-quality mixed method studies using robust and detailed protocols are needed to clarify the effects of olfactory stimuli and any other factors that may influence the responses of people with dementia.

Association of Early Pubertal Onset in Female Rats With Inhalation of Lavender Oil

BACKGROUND

Central precocious puberty (CPP) is caused by early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis but its major cause remains unclear. Studies have indicated an association between chronic environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pubertal onset. Essential oil is widely used in homes worldwide for relief of respiratory symptoms, stress, and/or sleep disturbance.

METHODS

To evaluate this association, we compared the hormone levels and timing of vaginal opening (VO) in female rats exposed to lavender oil (LO) through different routes (study groups: control, LO nasal spray [LS], and indoor exposure to LO [LE]) during the prepubertal period. The body weights of the animals were also compared every 3 days until the day of VO, at which time gonadotropin levels and internal organ weights were assessed.

RESULTS

The LS group showed early VO at 33.8 ± 1.8 days compared with the control (38.4 ± 2.9 days) and LE (36.6 ± 1.5 days) groups. Additionally, luteinizing hormone levels were significantly higher in the LE and LS groups than those in the control group. Body weights did not differ significantly among the groups.

CONCLUSION

Inhalation exposure to an exogenic simulant during the prepubertal period might trigger early pubertal onset in female rats. Further evaluation of exposure to other endocrine-disrupting chemicals capable of inducing CPP through the skin, orally, and/or nasally is warranted.

The effects of aromatherapy on patients undergoing coronary angiography: A systematic review of clinical trials

As a diagnostic and therapeutic technique for coronary artery disease, angiography is usually associated with some disorders and complications such as fear, pain, discomfort, limited mobility, and anxiety. The present study is a systematic review determining the effects of aromatherapy with different plants in patients undergoing angiography. This review was conducted according to the 06-PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Facility (SyRF) database. The English databases were Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect to search articles regarding the effects of aromatherapy with different plants in patients experiencing angiography without a date limitation. The searched keywords in this study were "aromatherapy", "angiography", "coronary artery disease", "anxiety", "stress", and "cardiovascular diseases". Out of 1835 papers, 20 papers up to 2021, met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review with the data extracted. Most studies were intended to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on patients’ anxiety with coronary artery bypass graft surgery (11 papers, 55.0%). The most widely used essential oil belonged to the lavender essential oil (13 papers, 65.0%). The results of the current review confirmed that aromatherapy management with lavender, damask rose, orange, and peppermint is able to significantly decrease anxiety, pain, nausea and vomiting, sleep quality, hemodynamic indices, blood pressure, etc. in patients with coronary angiography. However, more investigation is required to confirm the precise mechanisms and side effects of the alternative treatment.

Traditional Herbal Remedies Used for Managing Anxiety and Insomnia in Italy: An Ethnopharmacological Overview

Anxiety and insomnia are among the most common mental health disorders and are a major cause of disability around the world. Traditional herbal medicines are receiving significant attention in global health debates. Several Italian regions maintain rural traditions and are among the most extensively studied areas of Europe regarding medicinal plant uses. The present overview aims to highlight the use of wild and cultivated plants, specifically as sedatives and for insomnia treatment in Italy, and to collect, analyze, and summarize the available literature about their pharmacological activity as well as clinical and pre-clinical studies concerning the most cited plants. In total, 106 wild taxa are used in Italy for sedative purposes. The plant species belong to 76 genera and 32 families, of which the most cited are Asteraceae (24.2%) and Lamiaceae (21.1%). Leaves (29%) and flowers (27%) are the plant parts mostly used as infusion (70%) and decoction (25%). Out of 106 taxa documented, only the most cited are analyzed in this overview (A. arvensis L., C. nepeta L., C. monogyna Jacq., H. lupulus L., L. nobilis L., L. angustifolia Mill., M. sylvestris L., M. chamomilla L., M. officinalis L., O. basilicum L., P. rhoeas L., P. somniferum L., R. officinalis L., T. platyphyllus Scop., and V. officinalis L.). Among the fifteen species selected, only seven have been studied for their pharmacological activity as hypnotic-sedatives. Future pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to better clarify the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds and confirm the potential of these alternative therapies.

Coping With Stress Through Texting: An Experimental Study

PURPOSE

Texting is used by many adolescents and has the potential to improve well-being, as youth can reach out for support immediately after experiencing a stressful situation. Many studies have examined whether texting is associated with well-being, but few have used experimental designs, preventing causal claims.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 130 adolescents (M_age = 12.41) participated with a same-gender friend whom they texted regularly. Both adolescents completed a task that elicited stress and then engaged in one of the following randomly assigned activities: texting their friend, watching a video on a cellphone (passive-phone condition), or sitting quietly (no activity condition). Participants reported their mood and stress levels after the stress task and again after the activity. Heart rate variability was measured throughout.

RESULTS

Participants who texted their friend reported higher moods (b = -.80, standard error [SE] = .24, p < .001, η_p² = .09) and lower stress at the end of the study than those in the no activity condition (b = .51, SE = .25, p = .046, η_p² = .04) and higher moods than adolescents in the passive-phone condition (b = -.74, SE = .25, p = .004, η_p² = .08). No differences were noted between the passive-phone and no activity conditions. There were no differences in heart rate variability between the three conditions. The effects of texting on mood, self-reported stress, and heart rate variability did not differ by gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Both boys and girls may benefit from texting a friend after experiencing a stressful event.

Effects of Saffron Extract Supplementation on Mood, Well-Being, and Response to a Psychosocial Stressor in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, Clinical Trial

Anxiety, stress, and low mood are closely related and may contribute to depressive symptoms. Among non-pharmacological solutions to improve subclinical mood symptoms and resilience to stress, natural products such as saffron—identified as promising following preliminary beneficial effects in major depressive disorder—represent a relevant strategy. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of 8 weeks' supplementation with 30 mg standardized saffron extract on emotional well-being in healthy adults with subclinical feelings of low mood and anxiety and/or stress and evaluate the acute effect of saffron in response to a lab-based psychosocial stressor. The study adopted a double-blind, randomized, parallel groups design in which 56 healthy male and female individuals (18–54 years) received either a saffron extract or a placebo for 8 weeks. Chronic effects of saffron on subjective anxiety, stress, and depressive feelings were assessed using a questionnaire battery [including Profile of Mood State-2, (POMS)] and acute effects in response to a lab-based psychosocial stressor were measured through psychological and physiological parameters. Urinary crocetin levels were quantified. Participants who received the saffron extract reported reduced depression scores and improved social relationships at the end of the study. Urinary crocetin levels increased significantly with saffron supplementation and were correlated with change in depression scores. The typical stress-induced decrease in heart rate variability (HRV) during exposure to the stressor was attenuated following acute saffron intake. Saffron extract appears to improve subclinical depressive symptoms in healthy individuals and may contribute to increased resilience against the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Clinical trials number: NCT03639831.

The best route of administration of lavender for anxiety: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is preliminary evidence for lavender as an anxiolytic agent through various routes of administration. Our goal is to elucidate the best route of administration for lavender as a treatment for anxiety.

METHODS

Thirteen electronic search engines were systematically scanned for relevant publications. The relevant articles were included after the title and abstract screening followed by the full-text screening. This study included randomized control trials reporting lavender for the treatment of anxiety. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42017076711). Frequentist network meta-analysis and Bayesian meta-regression were conducted to report the best treatment modality and the effect of covariates on the effectiveness as an anxiolytic. Treatment arms were ordered according P-scores, where higher P-score indicates better treatment choice.

RESULTS

Forty studies were eligible for qualitative analysis, and 32 were included in quantitative analysis. Lavender aromatherapy was the best approach for the treatment of anxiety among other lavender modalities at the first week recording [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) = -0.57, 95% CI (-1.14-0.01), P-score = 0.72], in addition to achieve at the first time points [SMD = -0, 95% CI (-0.97 ̶ -0.16), P-score = 0.69], compared to placebo; however, lavender massage along with foot bath were found to be the most efficacious for anxiety treatment at the study endpoint [SMD = -1.10, 95% CI = (-7.41 ̶ 5.21), P-score = 0.65]. Furthermore, network meta-regression revealed that the duration of therapy influenced treatment, suggesting Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg (first rank probability = .116) as the favorable option for anxiety in long-term treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Lavender aromatherapy is, clinically, superior in short-duration, while Silexan (oral lavender) 80 mg is preferable for long-term treatment of anxiety.

A unifying conceptual framework of factors associated to cardiac vagal control

Cardiac vagal control (CVC) reflects the activity of the vagus nerve regulating cardiac functioning. CVC can be inferred via heart rate variability measurement, and it has been positively associated to a broad range of cognitive, emotional, social, and health outcomes. It could then be considered as an indicator for effective self-regulation, and given this role, one should understand the factors increasing and decreasing CVC. The aim of this paper is to review the broad range of factors influencing CVC, and to provide a unifying conceptual framework to integrate comprehensively those factors. The structure of the unifying conceptual framework is based on the theory of ecological rationality, while its functional aspects are based on the neurovisceral integration model. The structure of this framework distinguishes two broad areas of associations: person and environment, as this reflects adequately the role played by CVC regarding adaptation. The added value of this framework lies at different levels: theoretically, it allows integrating findings from a variety of scientific disciplines and refining the predictions of the neurovisceral integration model; methodologically, it helps identifying factors that increase and decrease CVC; and lastly at the applied level, it can play an important role for society regarding health policies and for the individual to empower one's flourishing.

Enhancing cardiac vagal activity: Factors of interest for sport psychology

Self-regulation plays a critical role in sport performance. An objective, psychophysiological marker of self-regulation is cardiac vagal activity, the activity of the vagus nerve regulating cardiac functioning. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of factors influencing cardiac vagal activity, which can be useful for athletes. Specifically, we organize this overview in two main domains: personal factors and environmental factors. Among the personal factors, we discuss the behavioral strategies that can be used by athletes: nutrition, non-ingestive oral habits, water immersion, body temperature reduction, sleeping habits, relaxation methods, cognitive techniques, praying, music, and exercise. Among environmental factors, we discuss those linked to the social (i.e., contact with humans and animals) and physical (i.e., aromas, lights, sounds, temperature, outdoor, altitude) environment. Future research directions are given, as well as practical implications for athletes and coaches.

Lavandula Essential Oils: A Current Review of Applications in Medicinal, Food, and Cosmetic Industries of Lavender

The global essential oil market has been steadily increasing in size over the past few years, and is estimated to reach ca. $7.5 billion USD per annum by 2018. Lavenders ( Lavandula; Lamiaceae) contribute significantly to this market, yielding ca. 1500 tons of essential oils which are primarily used in cosmetics, personal care products, and medicines. Recent literature indicates that these oils may also have applications in food preservation and pest control, among others. The medicinal and pharmaceutical properties of lavenders are chiefly due their essential oils, in particular the major essential oil constituents linalool and linalyl acetate, although certain activities have been attributed to the phenolic compounds. In addition, there is evidence that the major and minor essential oil constituents act synergistically to provide various biological effects. A substantial amount of current research focuses on evaluating the biological activities of lavender essential oils for potential use in traditional and complementary medicine, food systems, cosmetic and fragrance formulations, and insect control products. This review examines recent progress in these areas, and highlights the current and future implications for these economically and medicinally valuable plants.

Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

The use of essential oils (EOs) and their components is known since long in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for the management of various diseases, and is further increased in the recent times. The neuroprotective and anti-aging potentials of EOs and their possible mechanism of actions were evaluated by numerous researchers around the globe. Several clinically important EOs and their components from Nigella sativa, Acorus gramineus, Lavandula angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Jasminum sambac, Piper nigrum and so many other plants are reported for neuroprotective effects. This review article was aimed to summarize the current finding on EOs tested against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia. The effects of EOs on pathological targets of AD and dementia including amyloid deposition (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), cholinergic hypofunction, oxidative stress and glutamatergic abnormalities were focused. Furthermore, effects of EOs on other neurological disorders including anxiety, depression, cognitive hypofunction epilepsy and convulsions were also evaluated in detail. In conclusion, EOs were effective on several pathological targets and have improved cognitive performance in animal models and human subjects. Thus, EOs can be developed as multi-potent agents against neurological disorders with better efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness.

Exploring Pharmacological Mechanisms of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Central Nervous System Targets

Lavender essential oil is traditionally used and approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as herbal medicine to relieve stress and anxiety. Some animal and clinical studies reveal positive results in models of anxiety and depression although very little research has been done on molecular mechanisms. Our work consisted of evaluating the effects of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil on central nervous system well-established targets, such as MAO-A, SERT, GABA_Aand NMDA receptors as well as in vitro models of neurotoxicity. The results showed that lavender essential oil and its main components exert affinity for the glutamate NMDA-receptor in a dose-dependent manner with an IC₅₀ value of 0.04 μl/mL for lavender oil. In addition, lavender and linalool were also able to bind the serotonin transporter (SERT) whereas they did not show affinity for GABA_A-benzodiazepine receptor. In three different models of neurotoxicity, lavender did not enhance the neurotoxic insult and improved viability of SH-SY5Y cells treated with hydrogen peroxide. According to our data, the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects attributed to lavender may be due to an antagonism on the NMDA-receptor and inhibition of SERT. This study suggests that lavender essential oil may exert pharmacological properties via modulating the NMDA receptor, the SERT as well as neurotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Biological Activities of Essential Oils: From Plant Chemoecology to Traditional Healing Systems

Essential oils are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons and their oxygenated derivatives arising from two different isoprenoid pathways. Essential oils are produced by glandular trichomes and other secretory structures, specialized secretory tissues mainly diffused onto the surface of plant organs, particularly flowers and leaves, thus exerting a pivotal ecological role in plant. In addition, essential oils have been used, since ancient times, in many different traditional healing systems all over the world, because of their biological activities. Many preclinical studies have documented antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of essential oils in a number of cell and animal models, also elucidating their mechanism of action and pharmacological targets, though the paucity of in human studies limits the potential of essential oils as effective and safe phytotherapeutic agents. More well-designed clinical trials are needed in order to ascertain the real efficacy and safety of these plant products.

A Pilot Study on the Physiological Effects of Three Essential Oils in Humans

In the present study, the physiological effects on 32 humans exposed to experimental stress provoked by inhalation of the essential oils of East Indian sandalwood ( Santalum album L.), Western Australian sandalwood ( Santalum spicatum R.Br.) and lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia MILL.) were investigated. During individual testing sessions, several saliva samples were collected, blood pressure was regularly measured and parameters of the autonomic nervous system (heart rate, skin conductance response) were continuously monitored. Salivary cortisol, as an endocrine stress indicator, was determined by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay. Statistical analyses evidenced that the tested sandalwood essential oils significantly reduced systolic blood pressure, especially during the recreation phase. This finding corresponds with a distinct reduction of salivary cortisol levels during recreation in the Western Australian sandalwood oil compared with the control. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that essential oils can alleviate the physiological reactions to psychological stress and facilitate recovery after exposition to stress.

Biologically Active Compounds from Hops and Prospects for Their Use

Although female cones of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) are known primarily as raw material supplying characteristic bitterness and aroma to beer, their equally significant health-promoting effects have been known to mankind for several thousand years and hop is a plant traditionally utilized in folk medicine. This paper summarizes the scientific knowledge on the effects of all 3 major groups of secondary metabolites of hops; polyphenols, essential oils, and resins. Because of their chemical diversity, it is no coincidence that these compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacologically important properties. In addition to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer-related properties, particular attention is being paid to prenylflavonoids that occur almost exclusively in hops and are considered to be some of the most active phytoestrogens known. Hop oils and resins are well known for their sedative and other neuropharmacological properties, but in addition, these compounds exhibit antibacterial and antifungal effects. Recently, alpha bitter acids have been shown to block the development of a number of complex lifestyle diseases that are referred to by the collective name "metabolic syndrome." Information presented in this review confirms the significant potential for the use of hops in the pharmaceutical industry and provides an understanding of beer as a natural drink that, although moderately consumed, may become a source of many health-promoting compounds.

Essential oils, their therapeutic properties, and implication in dentistry: A review

Background:

Antibacterial treatments currently used for treatment cause several side effects, and bacterial resistance to the antibiotics is also increasing. Therefore, there is need to find better alternatives. Essential oils (EOs) have been used for treatment of various ailments since ancient times and have gained popularity over the years. Safety and efficacy of EOs have been proved by several clinical trials. This review gives an overview on the EOs, their uses, and adverse effects.

Materials and Methods:

A literature search was performed in the PubMed for clinical trial studies and review articles on EOs published up to February 2015. The search was performed during March 2015. The following keywords were used: “Lavender essential oil,” “cinnamon oil,” “clove oil,” “eucalyptus oil,” “peppermint oil,” “lemon EOs,” and “tea tree oil.”

Results:

Total 70 relevant articles were found in PubMed database. After screening of abstracts, 52 articles were selected to be included in the present review.

Conclusion:

On the basis of the available information, it can be concluded that EOs have the potential to be developed as preventive or therapeutic agents for various oral diseases, but further clinical trials are required to establish their safety and efficacy.

Association between use of self-prescribed complementary and alternative medicine and menopause-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between self-prescribed complementary and alternative medicine use and menopause-related symptoms, stratified by menopausal status.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of 10,011 menopausal women from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, conducted in 2010. Multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify if the use of selected self-prescribed complementary and alternative medicine was significantly associated with a range of menopause-related symptoms.

RESULTS

Vitamins/minerals were more likely to be used by natural menopausal women experiencing anxiety (adjusted OR=1.20) and/or stiff/painful joints (adjusted OR=1.16). Yoga/meditation was more likely to be used by women with hysterectomy (adjusted OR=1.76) or natural menopausal women (adjusted OR=1.38) experiencing anxiety. Herbal medicines were more likely to be used by natural menopausal women experiencing anxiety (adjusted OR=1.22), tiredness (adjusted OR=1.20), and/or stiff/painful joints (adjusted OR=1.17), and by women with oophorectomy experiencing tiredness (adjusted OR=1.45). Aromatherapy oils were more likely to be used by natural menopausal women experiencing night sweats (adjusted OR=1.25) and by women with hysterectomy experiencing anxiety (adjusted OR=2.02). Chinese medicines were more likely to be used by women with oophorectomy experiencing stiff/painful joints (adjusted OR=4.06) and/or palpitations (adjusted OR=3.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study will help improve the patient-provider communication regarding complementary and alternative medicine use for menopause, and we conclude that menopausal status should be taken into account by providers for menopause care. The women's experience and motivations of such use warrant further research.

Anxiolytic-like Effect of Inhalation of Essential Oil from Lavandula officinalis: Investigation of Changes in 5-HT Turnover and Involvement of Olfactory Stimulation

Essential oil extracted from Lavandula officinalis (LvEO) has a long history of usage in anxiety alleviation with good evidence to support its use. However, findings and information regarding the exact pathway involved and mechanism of action remain inconclusive. Therefore, we aimed to (1) reveal the influence of olfactory stimulation, and (2) determine whether the serotonergic system is involved in the anxiolytic effect of LvEO when it is inhaled. To this end, we first compared the anxiety-related behaviors of normosmic and anosmic mice. LvEO inhalation caused notable elevation in anxiety-related parameters with or without olfactory perception, indicating that olfactory stimulation is not necessarily required for LvEO to be effective. Neurochemical analysis of the serotonin (5-HT) turnover rate, accompanied by EPM testing, was then performed. LvEO significantly increased the striatal and hippocampal levels of 5-HT and decreased turnover rates in accordance with the anxiolytic behavioral changes. These results, together with previous findings, support the hypothesis that serotonergic neurotransmission plays a certain role in the anxiolytic properties of LvEO.

Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels

Recent clinical data support the clinical use of oral lavender oil in patients suffering from subsyndromal anxiety. We identified the molecular mechanism of action that will alter the perception of lavender oil as a nonspecific ingredient of aromatherapy to a potent anxiolytic inhibiting voltage dependent calcium channels (VOCCs) as highly selective drug target. In contrast to previous publications where exorbitant high concentrations were used, the effects of lavender oil in behavioral, biochemical, and electrophysiological experiments were investigated in physiological concentrations in the nanomolar range, which correlate to a single dosage of 80 mg/d in humans that was used in clinical trials. We show for the first time that lavender oil bears some similarities with the established anxiolytic pregabalin. Lavender oil inhibits VOCCs in synaptosomes, primary hippocampal neurons and stably overexpressing cell lines in the same range such as pregabalin. Interestingly, Silexan does not primarily bind to P/Q type calcium channels such as pregabalin and does not interact with the binding site of pregabalin, the α2δ subunit of VOCCs. Lavender oil reduces non-selectively the calcium influx through several different types of VOCCs such as the N-type, P/Q-type and T-type VOCCs. In the hippocampus, one brain region important for anxiety disorders, we show that inhibition by lavender oil is mainly mediated via N-type and P/Q-type VOCCs. Taken together, we provide a pharmacological and molecular rationale for the clinical use of the oral application of lavender oil in patients suffering from anxiety.

Lavender and the nervous system

Lavender is traditionally alleged to have a variety of therapeutic and curative properties, ranging from inducing relaxation to treating parasitic infections, burns, insect bites, and spasm. There is growing evidence suggesting that lavender oil may be an effective medicament in treatment of several neurological disorders. Several animal and human investigations suggest anxiolytic, mood stabilizer, sedative, analgesic, and anticonvulsive and neuroprotective properties for lavender. These studies raised the possibility of revival of lavender therapeutic efficacy in neurological disorders. In this paper, a survey on current experimental and clinical state of knowledge about the effect of lavender on the nervous system is given.

Phase II trial on the effects of Silexan in patients with neurasthenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or somatization disorder

Silexan, a novel lavender oil preparation for oral use, has been authorized in Germany for the treatment of states of restlessness during anxious mood. An open-label, exploratory trial was performed to assess the potential of the medicinal product in the treatment of restlessness caused by anxiety as related to several disorders. Outcome measures included the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), von Zerssen's Depression Scale (D-S), the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and a sleep diary. 50 male and female patients with neurasthenia (ICD-10 F48.0), post-traumatic stress disorder (PSD; F43.1), or somatization disorder (F45.0, F45.1) were included to receive 1 × 80 mg/day Silexan over 6 weeks; 47 could be analyzed for efficacy as full analysis set. At baseline, patients suffered from restlessness (96%), depressed mood (98%), sleep disturbances (92%), or anxiety (72%). Of those, resp. 62%, resp. 57%, resp.51%, resp. 62% showed improvements during treatment (p < 0.001). For all patients, mean D-S score decreased by 32.7% and SCL-90-R Global Severity Index by 36.4% as compared to baseline, (p < 0.001), while the SF-36 Mental Health Score increased by 48.2% (p < 0.001). Waking-up frequency (p = 0.002), Waking-up duration (p < 0.001) and morning tiredness (p = 0.005) were reduced, while efficiency of sleep (p = 0.018) and mood (p = 0.03) improved. Patients suffering from neurasthenia or PSD showed comparable improvements with most outcomes. The results in this trial justify to further investigate Silexan in disorders with accompanying restlessness caused by sub-threshold anxiety. Adverse reactions, predominantly gastrointestinal complaints, were judged as mild or moderate.

Is lavender an anxiolytic drug? A systematic review of randomised clinical trials

BACKGROUND

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is often recommended for stress/anxiety relief and believed to possess anxiolytic effects.

AIM

To critically evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness of lavender for the reduction of stress/anxiety.

METHODS

Seven electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant studies. All methods of lavender administration were included. Data extraction and the assessment of the methodological quality of all included trials were conducted by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Fifteen RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Two trials scored 4 points on the 5-point Jadad scale, the remaining 13 scored two or less. Results from seven trials appeared to favour lavender over controls for at least one relevant outcome.

CONCLUSION

Methodological issues limit the extent to which any conclusions can be drawn regarding the efficacy/effectiveness of lavender. The best evidence suggests that oral lavender supplements may have some therapeutic effects. However, further independent replications are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Genetic differences in temperament determine whether lavender oil alleviates or exacerbates anxiety in sheep

Growing concerns about the risk of addiction to benzodiazepines have led to increasing interest in alternative therapies to treat anxiety and depression. Lavender oil (Lavendula augustifolia) is reportedly anxiolytic in a number of species but little is known about how it affects individuals that are more or less anxious when faced with a stressor. In this study, we used changes in locomotor activity and the plasma concentrations of cortisol to test whether lavender oil would reduce behavioral and endocrine correlates of anxiety in calm and nervous sheep exposed to an isolation stressor. During the non-breeding season, 'calm' or 'nervous' female sheep from the UWA temperament flock were exposed to a mask containing either 1 mL of 10% lavender oil (calm: n=8; nervous: n=8) or peanut oil (calm: n=8; nervous: n=8). After 30 min, each sheep was isolated for 5 min and then returned to the group. Blood was sampled prior to the mask, prior to isolation, 1 min and 30 min after isolation to profile changes in the plasma concentrations of cortisol. Agitation score, locomotor activity and vocalizations were recorded as correlates of anxiety associated with the isolation stressor. Irrespective of whether they were exposed to lavender oil, calm sheep had a lower agitation score (P<0.001), crossed the central lines of the isolation box less frequently (P<0.001), expressed fewer vocalizations (P<0.001) and had lower plasma concentrations of cortisol immediately after isolation (P<0.001) than nervous sheep. Exposure of calm sheep to lavender oil decreased the agitation score (P<0.001), frequency of vocalizations (P<0.05), decreased the number of crosses of the central lines of the isolation box (P<0.05), and the plasma concentrations of cortisol prior to isolation (P<0.05) (after mask application) compared to calm control sheep. Exposure of nervous sheep to lavender oil increased the frequency of vocalizations (P<0.05), the number of sheep attempting to escape (P<0.05) and the plasma concentrations of cortisol 30 min after isolation (P<0.05) compared to nervous control sheep. We conclude that genetic differences in temperament determine whether lavender oil alleviates or exacerbates the behavioral and/or endocrine correlates of anxiety in sheep.

Interspecies Comparison of Chemical Composition and Anxiolytic-like Effects of Lavender Oils upon Inhalation

Essential oils have traditionally been used for decades to alleviate the symptoms of various mental problems. In terms of anxiolytic-like properties, lavender oil is probably the most commonly used and best-studied essential oil. Although there is compositional variance among the oils extracted from different origins, there have been few studies performed to date to investigate how these differences affect the expression of anxiolytic-like activity. This paper discusses the interspecies differences and contributions of the main constituents in the expression of anxiolytic-like effects upon inhalation, as assessed in mice by the elevated-plus maze test, by comparing the essential oils from six different species of Lavandula. The results showed qualitative and quantitative variations in the tested oils, which results in significant differences in their anxiolytic-like activities. Our findings also suggest that linalyl acetate (LA) works synergistically with linalool (LO) and that the presence of both LA and LO is essential for the whole oil to work as an inhaled anti-anxiety agent.

The effect of lavender aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system in midlife women with insomnia

The objective of this study is to determine the effects of 12 weeks of lavender aromatherapy on self-reported sleep and heart rate variability (HRV) in the midlife women with insomnia. Sixty-seven women aged 45–55 years, with a CPSQI (Chinese version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) greater than 5, were recruited from communities in Taiwan. The experimental group (n = 34) received lavender inhalation, 20 min each time, twice per week, for 12 weeks, with a total of 24 times. The control group (n = 33) received health education program for sleep hygiene with no intervention. The study of HRV was analyzed by time- and frequency-domain methods. Significant decrease in mean heart rate (HR) and increases in SDNN (standard deviation of the normal-to-normal (NN) intervals), RMSDD (square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals), and HF (high frequency) of spectral powers analysis after lavender inhalation were observed in the 4th and 12th weeks of aromatherapy. The total CPSQI score of study subjects was significantly decreased in the experimental group (P < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed across the same time period (P = 0.776) in the control group. Resting HR and HRV measurements at baseline 1 month and 3 months after allocation showed no significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The study demonstrated that lavender inhalation may have a persistent short-term effect on HRV with an increase in parasympathetic modulation. Women receiving aromatherapy experienced a significant improvement in sleep quality after intervention. However, lavender aromatherapy does not appear to confer benefit on HRV in the long-term followup.

Cognitive facilitation following intentional odor exposure

This paper reviews evidence that, in addition to incidental olfactory pollutants, intentional odor delivery can impact cognitive operations both positively and negatively. Evidence for cognitive facilitation/interference is reviewed alongside four potential explanations for odor-induced effects. It is concluded that the pharmacological properties of odors can induce changes in cognition. However, these effects can be accentuated/attenuated by the shift in mood following odor exposure, expectancy of cognitive effects, and cues to behavior via the contextual association with the odor. It is proposed that greater consideration is required in the intentional utilization of odors within both industrial and private locations, since differential effects are observed for odors with positive hedonic qualities.

Aromatherapy benefits autonomic nervous system regulation for elementary school faculty in taiwan

Workplace stress-related illness is a serious issue, and consequently many stress reduction methods have been investigated. Aromatherapy is especially for populations that work under high stress. Elementary school teachers are a high-stress working population in Taiwan. In this study, fifty-four elementary school teachers were recruited to evaluate aromatherapy performance on stress reduction. Bergamot essential oil was used for aromatherapy spray for 10 minutes. Blood pressure and autonomic nervous system parameters were recorded 5 minutes before and after the application of the aroma spray. Results showed that there were significant decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, LF power percentage, and LF/HF while there were increases in heart rate variability and HF power percentage (P < .001^∗∗∗) after application of the aromatherapy spray. Further analysis was investigated by dividing subjects into three background variables (position variables, age variables, gender variables) and anxiety degree groups. All parameters were significantly different for most subgroups, except for the substitute teachers and the light-anxiety group. Parasympathetic nervous system activation was measured after aromatherapy in this study. It encouraged further study for other stress working population by aromatherapy.

Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of 'subsyndromal' anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial

This study was performed to investigate the anxiolytic efficacy of silexan, a new oral lavender oil capsule preparation, in comparison to placebo in primary care. In 27 general and psychiatric practices 221 adults suffering from anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disorders-IV 300.00 or International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth revision F41.9) were randomized to 80 mg/day of a defined, orally administered preparation from Lavandula species or placebo for 10 weeks with visits every 2 weeks. A Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) total score >or=18 and a total score >5 for the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were required. The primary outcome measures were HAMA and PSQI total score decrease between baseline and week 10. Secondary efficacy measures included the Clinical Global Impressions scale, the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale, and the SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire. Patients treated with silexan showed a total score decrease by 16.0+/-8.3 points (mean+/-SD, 59.3%) for the HAMA and by 5.5+/-4.4 points (44.7%) for the PSQI compared to 9.5+/-9.1 (35.4%) and 3.8+/-4.1 points (30.9%) in the placebo group (P<0.01 one-sided, intention to treat). Silexan was superior to placebo regarding the percentage of responders (76.9 vs. 49.1%, P<0.001) and remitters (60.6 vs. 42.6%, P=0.009). Lavandula oil preparation had a significant beneficial influence on quality and duration of sleep and improved general mental and physical health without causing any unwanted sedative or other drug specific effects. Lavandula oil preparation silexan is both efficacious and safe for the relief of anxiety disorder not otherwise specified. It has a clinically meaningful anxiolytic effect and alleviates anxiety related disturbed sleep.

Essential Oils and Anxiolytic Aromatherapy

A number of essential oils are currently in use as aromatherapy agents to relieve anxiety, stress, and depression. Popular anxiolytic oils include lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rose (Rosa damascena), orange (Citrus sinensis), bergamot (Citrus aurantium), lemon (Citrus limon), sandalwood (Santalum album), clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), and rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.). This review discusses the chemical constituents and CNS effects of these aromatherapeutic essential oils, as well as recent studies on additional essential oils with anxiolytic activities.