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Chemical compound found in essential oils improves wound healingDate:
December 18, 2019 Source: Indiana University Summary: Researchers have discovered that a chemical compound found in essential oils improves the healing process in mice when it is topically applied to a skin wound. Share: FULL STORY Indiana University researchers have discovered that a chemical compound found in essential oils improves the healing process in mice when it is topically applied to a skin wound -- a finding that could lead to improved treatments for skin injuries in humans. IU scientists also reported that skin tissue treated with the chemical compound, beta-carophyllene -- which is found in lavender, rosemary and ylang ylang, as well as various herbs and spices such as black pepper -- showed increased cell growth and cell migration critical to wound healing. They also observed increased gene expression of hair follicle stem cells in the treated tissue. The scientists did not find any involvement of the olfactory system in the wound healing. Their research was published Dec. 16 in the journal PLOS ONE. "This is the first finding at the chemical-compound level showing improved wound healing in addition to changes in gene expression in the skin," said Sachiko Koyama, corresponding author on the paper, who, at the time of this research, was an associate scientist at the IU School of Medicine and is currently a visiting scientist in the IU College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Biology. "The way gene expression changed also suggests not only improved wound healing but also the possibility of less scar formation and a more full recovery. "It's an example that essential oils work; however, it's not through our sense of smell." Essential oils are natural, concentrated oils extracted from plants. Their use by humans dates back to ancient Egypt, but the scented oils have experienced a resurgence in popularity in the U.S. over the past few years, with many people using them for aromatherapy. Koyama, whose original field of study is pheromones, said she wasn't interested in essential oils at first. The project started when she saw several students studying the wound healing process in mice in the Medical Sciences Program at the IU School of Medicine-Bloomington. Having previously worked in the IU College of Arts and Sciences' Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, where scientists are working with cannabinoid receptors, Koyama knew that beta-caryophyllene activates not only olfactory receptors but also cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), which has anti-inflammatory impact when it is activated. "In the wound healing process, there are several stages, starting from the inflammatory phase, followed by the cell proliferation stage and the remodeling stage," she said. "I thought maybe wound healing would be accelerated if inflammation was suppressed, stimulating an earlier switch from the inflammatory stage to the next stage." This accelerated the wound healing process, she said, but the resulting change in gene expression indicates that the improved healing is not merely achieved through activation of the CB2 receptor. "It's possibly more complicated," Koyama said. "Our findings suggest the involvements of some other routes in addition to CB2. I hope to clarify the mechanisms of action in the near future." Although the study's results are promising, Koyama said she wouldn't recommend that people start treating their injuries with just any essential oils, as her research applies to a very specific chemical compound with known purity, diluted in a specific concentration. "It's not very precise to use the essential oils themselves because there are differences," she said. "Even if you say you used lavender, when the lavender was harvested, where it was harvested, how it was stored -- all of this makes a difference in the chemical composition." Koyama said further research is required to figure out how beta-carophyllene might be used to develop new treatments for skin wounds in humans. She said she hopes to better understand the mechanisms that accelerate the healing process and to find a combination of chemical compounds that could be used together to accelerate drug delivery and chemical stability, which is important for avoiding or suppressing allergic responses caused by oxidation of the chemical compounds. "We still need thorough scientific studies at the chemical-compound level and also to test the combinations of these chemical compounds," Koyama said. "For example, there are studies showing that linalool -- another compound found in lavender -- can suppress anxiety through the olfactory system. There could be the best combinations of chemical compounds at specific ratios, and we might be able to do prescriptions of aroma chemical compounds, depending on the specific treatment goals. "There are many things to test before we can start using it clinically, but our results are very promising and exciting; someday in the near future, we may be able to develop a drug and drug delivery methods using the chemical compounds found in essential oils." Story Source: Materials provided by Indiana University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference:
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Regaining smell after COVID has become a global topic of conversation after many people have experienced temporary anosmia (loss of smell) due to COVID-19 infection. Post viral loss or impairment of the sense of smell is not new, however, and is also referred to as Postviral Olfactory Dysfunction. While we may often take our sense of smell for granted, its absence can have a huge impact on our daily lives, from our experience with food and eating, interacting with our living environment, even being able to sense danger.1 Our sense of smell gives us an incredible amount of information each day.
This has many people asking, “What can I do to help my loss of smell?”. A common approach used to support post-viral olfactory dysfunction is called olfactory training, and it really is training for your sense of smell!2 A person inhales concentrated aromas from personal inhalers or “sniffy sticks” a few times a day over a period of several weeks (around 12 weeks, some studies go longer) to give their sense of smell a workout of sorts.3 While the individual may not perceive the aromas they are inhaling or might experience a distortion of the aroma, they can focus on their memory of the aroma to encourage neural connection to the aroma.4 Typically, the individual notices a gradual change over time in their experiences during their olfactory training sessions, similar to the progressive results one might see from physio training. Research has shown olfactory training to be an effective support technique for post-viral loss of smell, but, it should be noted each situation is unique and results vary from person to person. Researchers are still working to understand how to tailor olfactory training to optimize results, but initial studies have shown there seems to be a range of effective olfactory training techniques, which is encouraging.5 6 Here is where aromatherapy enters the scene. Essential oils in personal inhalers, or “sniffy sticks”, have been used in olfactory training kits for quite some time.7 And with the increase in need for olfactory training support, aromatherapists have been a resource. Inhalation of essential oils is a safe aromatherapy application method commonly used by trained aromatherapists. Recently, ACHS alumni, Janna Setterholm, who graduated from the ACHS Diploma in Aromatherapy program with honors in 2019, had her work with essential oil olfactory training kits featured by a Fargo, ND local news station, here. For the client story featured in the new report, Setterholm used essential oils to highlight key fragrance receptor categories such as floral, citrus, spicy, and woody.8 9 Working with a trained aromatherapist to create a custom olfactory training kit creates the opportunity to choose essential oils for the individual to work with from key fragrance categories for which they also have positive memories (aroma associations) and to avoid any essential oils the individual may be allergic to or dislike. This supports the theoretical framework behind olfactory training which shows the exercises progressively build olfactory system sensitivity and increase connectivity with other important neural networks which help translate information from the sense of smell.10 While a person with anosmia may not perceive the aroma they are inhaling, this does not inhibit their ability to benefit from it, however, being able to reflect on their memories of that aroma can be supportive for them during the exercises.11 Research is still ongoing to understand how and why COVID-19 affects the olfactory system and the sense of smell.12 13 This continued research will inform best practices for how to support individuals with post-viral olfactory dysfunction from COVID-19 and may foster further innovation for how to support individuals with anosmia for other reasons.14 References Boesveldt, S., Postma, E. M., Boak, D., Welge-Luessen, A., Schöpf, V., Mainland, J. D., Martens, J., Ngai, J., & Duffy, V. B. (2017). Anosmia-A Clinical Review. Chemical senses, 42(7), 513–523. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjx025 Kattar, N., Do, T. M., Unis, G. D., Migneron, M. R., Thomas, A. J., & McCoul, E. D. (2021). Olfactory Training for Postviral Olfactory Dysfunction: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Otolaryngology–head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 164(2), 244–254. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599820943550 Kollndorfer, K., Fischmeister, F. P., Kowalczyk, K., Hoche, E., Mueller, C. A., Trattnig, S., & Schöpf, V. (2015). Olfactory training induces changes in regional functional connectivity in patients with long-term smell loss. NeuroImage. Clinical, 9, 401–410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2015.09.004 Patel Z. M. (2021). Olfactory Loss and Olfactory Training. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery, 147(9), 840. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2021.1507 Patel, Z. M., Wise, S. K., & DelGaudio, J. M. (2017). Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrating Cost-Effective Method of Olfactory Training in Clinical Practice: Essential Oils at Uncontrolled Concentration. Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, 2(2), 53–56. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.62 Patel Z. M. (2021). Olfactory Loss and Olfactory Training. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery, 147(9), 840. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2021.1507 Patel, Z. M., Wise, S. K., & DelGaudio, J. M. (2017). Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrating Cost-Effective Method of Olfactory Training in Clinical Practice: Essential Oils at Uncontrolled Concentration. Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, 2(2), 53–56. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.62 Auffarth, B., Kaplan, B., & Lansner, A. (2011). Map formation in the olfactory bulb by axon guidance of olfactory neurons. Frontiers in systems neuroscience, 5, 84. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2011.00084 Dodd, K. 202. (2021,December 30) ‘The world was sterile’: Woman says Olfactory Training Kit helped regain her sense of smell after COVID-19. Valley News Live. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2021/12/30/world-was-sterile-woman-says-olfactory-training-kit-helped-regain-her-sense-smell-after-covid-19/ Kollndorfer, K., Fischmeister, F. P., Kowalczyk, K., Hoche, E., Mueller, C. A., Trattnig, S., & Schöpf, V. (2015). Olfactory training induces changes in regional functional connectivity in patients with long-term smell loss. NeuroImage. Clinical, 9, 401–410. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2015.09.004 Olofsson, J. K., Ekström, I., Lindström, J., Syrjänen, E., Stigsdotter-Neely, A., Nyberg, L., Jonsson, S., & Larsson, M. (2020). Smell-Based Memory Training: Evidence of Olfactory Learning and Transfer to the Visual Domain. Chemical senses, 45(7), 593–600. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjaa049 Butowt, R., & von Bartheld, C. S. (2021). Anosmia in COVID-19: Underlying Mechanisms and Assessment of an Olfactory Route to Brain Infection. The Neuroscientist : a review journal bringing neurobiology, neurology and psychiatry, 27(6), 582–603. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858420956905 Kandemirli, S. G., Altundag, A., Yildirim, D., Tekcan Sanli, D. E., & Saatci, O. (2021). Olfactory Bulb MRI and Paranasal Sinus CT Findings in Persistent COVID-19 Anosmia. Academic radiology, 28(1), 28–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acra.2020.10.006 Le Bon, S. D., Konopnicki, D., Pisarski, N., Prunier, L., Lechien, J. R., & Horoi, M. (2021). Efficacy and safety of oral corticosteroids and olfactory training in the management of COVID-19-related loss of smell. European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 278(8), 3113–3117. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-020-06520-8 About the Author Amanda Lattin, BA, MAT, Dip. Aroma., MH, RA is the Dean of Aromatherapy at ACHS. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine. Natural compound in basil may protect against Alzheimer’s disease pathology -- ScienceDaily1/7/2022 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211005101827.htm
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National Institutes of Health Search databasePMCAll DatabasesAssemblyBiocollectionsBioProjectBioSampleBioSystemsBooksClinVarConserved Ment Health Clin. 2017 Jul; 7(4): 147–155. Published online 2018 Mar 26. doi: 10.9740/mhc.2017.07.147 PMCID: PMC6007527 PMID: 29955514Essential oil of lavender in anxiety disorders: Ready for prime time?Benjamin J. Malcolm, PharmD, MPH1 and Kimberly Tallian, PharmD, BCPP, FASHP, FCCP, FCSHP2 Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Go to:AbstractAnxiety disorders are some of the most common psychiatric disorders, with potentially debilitating consequences on individual function. Existing pharmacotherapies for anxiety disorders are limited by delay to therapeutic effect, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and abuse potential. Therefore, safe and evidence-based complementary or alternative therapies may be important allies in the care of patients with anxiety disorders. Essential oils are lipophilic and concentrated botanical extracts that exhibit many properties of drugs, although they are not Food and Drug Administration approved and have limitations characteristic of herbal preparations. Lavender essential oil has an extensive anecdotal history of anxiolytic benefit that has recently been supported by clinical efficacy studies. The 2 primary terpenoid constituents of lavender essential oil, linalool and linalyl acetate, may produce an anxiolytic effect in combination via inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels, reduction of 5HT1A receptor activity, and increased parasympathetic tone. The objectives of this article are to provide a brief overview of lavender oil in aromatherapy, explore variability in the constituents of lavender oil, summarize its pharmacology and safety profile, as well as describe its body of research that has been conducted for anxiety. Keywords: lavender, essential oil, linalool, linalyl acetate, Silexan, anxiety, stress, complementary and alternative medicine Go to:BackgroundAnxiety disorders are prevalent psychiatric conditions that can be debilitating in many patients and include phobia, panic, general anxiety (GAD), and separation anxiety disorders.1 It is estimated that the 12-month prevalence of anxiety disorders is about 10% in the adult population and that females are twice as likely to have an anxiety disorder in comparison with males.2,3 Afflicted individuals typically exhibit both psychiatric and somatic symptoms, with depression, sleep disturbance, and substance use disorders being common comorbidities.4-6 Current anxiolytic treatment options have limitations in efficacy, such as delay to onset (eg, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, buspirone) as well as habituation, tolerance, and abuse potential (eg, benzodiazepines, pregabalin). Other limiting factors include side effects, like sedation (eg, hydroxyzine, benzodiazepines) and withdrawal syndromes (eg, benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).7 Even when used appropriately, anxiolytic agents may lack efficacy or only be partially effective in controlling symptoms, warranting the consideration of complementary or alternative treatment options. Essential oil (EO) of lavender (LEO; Lavandula angustifolia) is purported to be antibacterial, antifungal, anxiolytic, antidepressant, analgesic, carminative (smooth-muscle relaxant), as well as to have beneficial immunomodulatory effects on wound healing.8-10 Folkloric claims of benefit in anxiety have been supported recently by clinical data, while other studies have produced inconclusive or equivocal results. Although whole-plant formulations may not provide adequate concentrations of active ingredients for effect, EOs are concentrated lipophilic extracts of aromatic terpenoid constituents. They are able to traverse cell membranes and exhibit pharmacologic effects at nanomolar concentrations, making them druglike and increasing suitability for potential pharmaceutical application.11 The objectives of this article are to provide a brief overview of lavender oil in aromatherapy, explore variability in the constituents of lavender oil, summarize its pharmacology and safety profile, and describe its body of research that has been conducted for anxiety. Go to:Lavender Oil and AromatherapyHistorically, EOs have been delivered as aromatherapy via inhalation or topical routes. Essential oils delivered via inhalation route may exert psychologic effects, because the olfactory bulb has limbic inputs in the amygdala and hippocampus that are associated with emotion and memory.12 It is hypothesized that smell-triggered emotional memory may be the etiologic root of situational anxiety in some circumstances. This form of emotional memory is exemplified by state anxiety associated with the characteristic smell of the dentist's office, which has been reduced with LEO.13 Conversely, particular smells may be associated with positive emotions and mood, which is a core tenet of hypothesized benefits in aromatherapy. Studies of aromatherapy pose significant challenges to highly rigorous research because of the inability to blind investigators and participants from the scent of the EO or control topical massage, confounding any observed benefit. Many small, randomized trials of aromatherapy have been performed in medical settings that may provoke anxiety, although the participants who were included had not received a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder at baseline. Reduction of state anxiety in such situations as preoperative anxiety, chest tube removal, cosmetic procedures, and intensive care unit stays, were reported.14-18 However, other similarly designed studies19-22 in similar settings have failed to show benefit or have not demonstrated clear benefit. A single observational pilot study23 in postpartum women with anxiety demonstrated reduced anxiety levels using a rose/lavender oil blend for 15 minutes twice weekly during the course of 4 weeks. One study24 concluded that participant expectation of relaxation was a greater factor than LEO itself, highlighting the expectation bias to which aromatherapy studies may be subject to despite blinding. Go to:Variability in Lavender Oil ConstituentsEssential oils, including LEO, are complex compositions of compounds that may contain up to several hundred distinct chemical entities. They vary in constituents in a manner similar to that of herbal products, because the aromatic compounds produced are a function of the botanical products' genetics, growth conditions, and oil extraction process. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has aided in untangling which constituents occur most frequently, allowed insight into variability among LEOs, and given clues about which constituents may be primarily active. For example, one analytic study found varying concentrations of linalool (26.73%-57.48%) and linalyl acetate (4.01%-35.39%) among 9 different LEO samples.25 This concentration variability leads to significant heterogeneity in products used in different studies and adds to the difficulty in delineating results. In Germany, a standardized essential oil extract of Lavandula angustifolia (SLO) for oral administration has been developed and approved for use in subsyndromal anxiety. The SLO product (Silexan, W. Spitzner Arzneimittelfabrik GmbH, Ettlingen, Germany), contains the 2 primary constituents of lavender oil—linalool and linalyl acetate—at concentrations of 36.8% and 34.2%, respectively.11 Although SLO has consistent amounts of linalool and linalyl acetate, they comprise only 71% of the oils' overall composition, leaving room for variation in constituents that occur in lower concentrations. The SLO product is available in 80-mg gel capsules for once- or twice-daily administration and is marketed as an over–the-counter dietary supplement called Calm Aid in the United States. The use of a standardized oral formulation in SLO has greatly increased the ability to study lavender oil with a high degree of methodologic rigor, including through randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies. Although not the intended focus of this article, SLO provides the highest-quality clinical evidence currently available for LEO.26,27 Although SLO is standardized to 80 mg, a similar dose size can be calculated readily using a nonstandardized LEO. The density of lavender oil has been estimated to be around 0.88 g/mL at 20°C.28 Therefore, 0.1 mL of oil would be weigh approximately 88 to 89 mg. Assuming 20 drops per milliliter, this would equate to around 2 drops of LEO for a dose of 88 mg, although variability is to be expected given the imprecise nature of this calculation, and it may be more accurate to measure a volume or directly weigh the oil. Go to:Mechanism of ActionA few lines of inquiry have helped to elucidate potential mechanism(s) of action of LEO in anxiety-related conditions, which appears to be related to inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), reduction of 5HT1A receptor activity, and increased parasympathetic tone. A purely psychologic mechanism has been refuted in the case of LEO's anxiolytic effects because anosmic mice display inhibition of marble burying after lavender oil inhalation.29 Pharmacokinetic data after topical application in healthy human volunteers also demonstrated the ability of LEO's constituents linalool and linalyl acetate to rapidly penetrate cell membranes and reach serum concentrations in excess of 100 ng/mL, corroborating pharmacodynamic action.30 In mice, SLO was used along with diazepam, pregabalin, and other essential oil–based terpenes as active controls to investigate pharmacodynamic properties. The SLO lacked appreciable affinity for serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine reuptake transporters, as well as monoamine oxidase-A or γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptors, suggesting a novel mechanism compared with traditional anxiolytic therapies. Linalool and linalyl acetate displayed inhibitory activity on Ca2+ influx mediated by VGCCs in murine synaptosomes as well as primary hippocampal neurons with an estimated IC50 of 37 nM for linalool. In contrast to pregabalin, which exerts inhibition of Ca2+ influx via interaction with α2δ-1 and α2δ-2 subunits of P/Q type VGCCs, SLO did not bind with these subunits, although it did produce a nonspecific decrease in Ca2+ influx across N, T, and P/Q type VGCCs, suggesting a truly unique mechanism.11 A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial31 in 17 healthy human volunteers investigated brain changes detectable by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanning after administering 8 weeks of SLO at 160 mg/d. The investigators focused on the inhibitory 5HT1A receptor because of increases in activity of this receptor being highlighted in the pathophysiology of anxiety in previous neuroimaging studies.32 They found reduced binding potential at the 5HT1A receptor in the hippocampus and the anterior cingulate cortex in the SLO group compared with placebo, which has also been demonstrated after administration of escitalopram or electroconvulsive therapy in patients with anxiety.31,33 The authors postulate that reductions in 5HT1A receptor activity may be a commonality in the anxiolytic efficacy of various interventions, and that SLO also acts via this mechanism. Additional to central effects, lavender oil appears to have peripheral effects that may be important to its mechanism of action. Lavender oil has displayed increased parasympathetic activity as well as decreased hemodynamic parameters in rats, dogs, and humans.34-38 These effects may help alleviate somatic symptoms of anxiety characterized by autonomic arousal, although they may introduce pharmacodynamic interaction potential with antihypertensive or central nervous system depressant agents. Go to:PharmacokineticsLinalyl acetate is a carboxylated ester and metabolized to linalool by β-esterases, which are mostly found in hepatocytes but are also found in the periphery. Linalool is metabolized primarily through conjugation with glucuronic acid and is oxidized by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP450). Linalool is excreted primarily in urine but is also excreted via feces and in expired air.39 Two clinical drug interaction studies40,41 have been conducted using SLO. One was conducted in 16 healthy volunteers who were administered SLO 160 mg/d for 11 days in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover fashion.40 Various drugs were used for phenotyping effects on CYP enzymes, with no clinically relevant inhibition or induction found on CYP 1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, and 3A4 enzymes. The second was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial conducted in 24 women taking oral contraceptives during two menstrual cycles.41 No changes in area under the curve or maximum serum concentration (Cmax) values of ethinyl estradiol or levonorgestrel were discovered, and there were no changes in secondary outcomes that may indicate impairment of oral contraceptive efficacy. However, the time to maximum concentration (Tmax) for levonorgestrel was slightly delayed. Although this may not be clinically significant in the use of daily oral contraceptives, efficacy of emergency contraceptives in which efficacy is critically time dependent could be impacted.41 Effects on glucuronosyltransferase have not been described. Go to:Safety and TolerabilityLavender essential oil has been granted Generally Recognized as Safe status by the Food and Drug Administration (21CFR182.20 2015), which means that it is safe when used for its intended purpose as a food additive.42 Many EOs are inappropriate for oral administration in their undiluted form because of irritant, inflammatory, or cytotoxic effects on skin and especially mucous membranes, warranting dilution or avoidance. LEO is seemingly well-tolerated in this regard and is often applied topically or administered orally in an undiluted form. Reports of in vivo contact dermatitis and in vitro cytotoxicity, however, exist, warranting caution.43,44 Long-term studies demonstrating safety are lacking. Reports of prepubertal gynecomastia in boys exposed to LEO have been reported, although these are far from conclusive.45 LEO displayed very weak estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity in vitro, raising doubt as to whether the effects could actually induce gynecomastia.46 Poisoning by lavender is uncommon. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the LD50 values for lavender taken orally and applied topically were determined. In mice, the oral LD50 was 13.5 ± 0.9 g/kg, where central nervous system depression occurred 10 to 15 minutes following ingestion and death occurred 1 to 3 days later.47,48 Similar results were observed in rats.47 For dermal applications, the LD50 was greater than 5 g/kg, with no systemic symptoms or deaths in rabbits observed up to 14 days.48 In humans, an 18-month-old boy ingested homemade lavandin (Lavandula x intermedia) extract. Three hours following the ingestion, the child developed confusion and deep drowsiness, with adaptive motor response to painful stimuli indicative of moderate brain injury (Glasgow Coma Score = 9). His neurologic status normalized within 6 hours of hospitalization, and a follow-up electroencephalogram was normal at 24 hours. Comparative toxicology analysis between the boy's blood, urine, and pure lavandin extract showed linalyl acetate, linalyl formate, and acetone were detected in all samples. Acetone, which was a confounding factor for coma in the poisoning, was found to be slightly higher than normal in healthy adults and was concluded not to be the cause of the central nervous system depression.49 Go to:Efficacy in Anxiety DisordersMedline and EMBASE searches were conducted between database inception and September 15, 2016. Search terms included linalool or linalyl acetate or lavender oil or Lavandula angustifolia or Silexan and anxiety or stress. Searches were conducted independently by one of the study authors (B.J.M.) as well as a medical librarian. Articles reviewed were randomized studies that enrolled at least 10 human participants with an anxiety disorder, featured an end point that measured anxiety, and were written in English. Review articles were screened for additional references. Five double-blinded and randomized controlled trials using either placebo or active controls were identified that are summarized in the Table.50-54 All trials were conducted in Germany, had a duration of 6 to 10 weeks, and used the oral standardized lavender oil preparation SLO. Studies were conducted in an outpatient setting and were generally mixed between psychiatric and primary care practices. Some major strengths of the studies were adequate power to detect differences in treatments, use of both intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis sets, and prohibition of concomitant anxiolytic medications or psychotherapy during the study period. Participants were predominantly female (66%-77%), an average age of 45 to 49 years, white, and had a moderate to severe anxiety according to baseline Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores. Psychiatric and neurologic comorbidities were generally excluded, including personality disorders, substance use disorders, and suicidality. Varying degrees of depressive symptoms were allowed, although this was study dependent. In all trials SLO was found to be efficacious in reducing HAMA scores (Table) and was well tolerated, with gastrointestinal side effects being the most commonly reported side effect. Orange essential oil may help alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers find evidence that essential oil reduces fear, diminishes immune system markers of stress in mice:
April 24, 2017 Source: Experimental Biology 2017 Summary: PTSD will affect about 8 percent of people during their lives. A new study suggests that passively inhaling orange essential oil could offer a nonpharmaceutical option to relieve symptoms. FULL STORY About 8 percent of people will develop post-traumatic stress disorder at some point in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, yet treatments for this debilitating condition remain limited. In a new study, mice exposed to orange essential oil after a stressful situation showed improvements in markers of stress and fear, suggesting essential oil may offer a nonpharmaceutical option to help alleviate PTSD. Cassandra Moshfegh, research assistant in Paul Marvar's laboratory at the George Washington University, will present the work at the American Physiological Society's annual meeting during the Experimental Biology 2017 meeting, to be held April 22-26 in Chicago. "Relative to pharmaceuticals, essential oils are much more economical and do not have adverse side effects," said Moshfegh. "The orange essential plant oil showed a significant effect on the behavioral response in our study mice. This is promising, because it shows that passively inhaling this essential oil could potentially assuage PTSD symptoms in humans." Essential oils are aromatic compounds produced naturally by plants. Orange essential oil is typically extracted from the peel of the orange fruit. People use essential oils for therapeutic purposes by diffusing them into the air, applying them to the skin or ingesting them in foods or beverages. The researchers tested the effects of orange essential oil using Pavlovian Fear conditioning, a behavioral mouse model used to study the formation, storage and expression of fear memories as a model for PTSD. Mice were exposed to the orange essential oil by passive inhalation 40 minutes before and after fear conditioning. Typically mice freeze in fear when they hear a certain audial tone later, a response that diminishes gradually over time. Twelve mice received the tone by itself, 12 mice received water and fear conditioning, and 12 mice received an orange essential oil and fear conditioning. Mice exposed to orange essential oil by passive inhalation showed a significant reduction in freezing behavior and stopped freezing earlier than the water-exposed, fear-conditioned mice. They also showed significant differences in the types of immune cells present after fear conditioning. The immune system contributes to the inflammation associated with chronic stress and fear, so immune cells are a marker of the biochemical pathways involved in PTSD. Preliminary results point to differences in the gene expression in the brain between the mice that were exposed to essential oil and those that were not, hinting at a potential mechanism to explain the behavioral results. Moshfegh said further studies would be needed to understand the specific effects of orange essential oil in the brain and nervous system and shed light on how these effects might help to reduce fear and stress in people with PTSD. Story Source: Materials provided by Experimental Biology 2017. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Cite This Page:Experimental Biology 2017. "Orange essential oil may help alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder: Researchers find evidence that essential oil reduces fear, diminishes immune system markers of stress in mice." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 24 April 2017. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170424141354.htm>. |