Dr. Weeks’ Comment: Owing to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, in the last few years, lavender essential oil (LVO) has been used in medical applications as a promising approach for treating many infectious disorders (anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-biotic) but it calming of endocrine and nervous flares suggests clinical benefit for anxiety, depression, hypertension, headaches and PMS. Dermatological benefits are noted as well: psoriasis, dandruff, wound healing all remarkable. Finally benefits is seen in stroke prevention, sleep enhancement and relief of MS and Parkinson’s symptoms. Only risk is, when excessively exposed, boys can have transiently enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia) given lavender’s estrogenic qualities.
Here following is some of the cutting edge research on this potent oil.
Asthma
Life Sci.2014 Jul 17;108(2):109-15.
doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.05.018. Epub 2014 Jun 5.
Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma
Tomoe Ueno-Iio 1, Misako Shibakura 2, Kanayo Yokota 1, Michinori Aoe 1, Tomoko Hyoda 1, Ryoko Shinohata 1, Arihiko Kanehiro 3, Mitsune Tanimoto 3, Mikio Kataoka 1
Abstract
Aims: Lavender essential oil (Lvn) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Bronchial asthma is characterized by bronchial allergic inflammation with airway remodeling. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Lvn on experimentally induced bronchial asthma in a murine model.
Key findings: An increase in airway resistance was inhibited in the Lvn-Asthma group than in the Control-Asthma group. The Lvn-Asthma group showed lower total cell numbers and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and peribronchial and perivascular tissues when compared with the Control-Asthma group. The Lvn-Asthma group also had less mucin hyperplasia than the Control-Asthma group. Furthermore, the Lvn-Asthma group showed lower interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 cytokine levels in BAL fluids, as well as reduced IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA expression in lung tissue, compared with the Control-Asthma group and determined by FlowCytomix and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In addition, Lvn inhalation reduced Muc5b mRNA expression in the lungs without significantly changing the expression of Muc5ac mRNA.
Significance: Lvn inhibits allergic inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia with suppression of T-helper-2 cell cytokines and Muc5b expression in a murine model of asthma. Consequently, Lvn may be useful as an alternative medicine for bronchial asthma.
ANTIBIOTIC
Plants (Basel). 2024 Aug 1;13(15):2136. doi: 10.3390/plants13152136.
Roxana Aurelia C Bălașoiu Jigău 1, Diana Obistioiu 1, Anca Hulea 1, et al
Abstract
This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics, antibacterial activity, and synergistic potential of essential oils derived from Romanian lavender. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that linalool is the main compound in all lavender essential oils, with concentrations ranging from 29.410% to 35.769%. Linalyl acetate was found in similar concentrations to linalool. Other significant compounds included 1,8-cineole (8.50%), lavandulyl acetate (5.38%), trans-β-ocimene (6.90%), and camphor (7.7%). A 1,1-Diphenyl-2-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test was used to assess antioxidant capacity, with substantial free-radical-scavenging activity shown in the IC50 values determined. The antibacterial efficacy of the oils was higher against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative bacteria, with variations in minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), the extent of inhibition, and evolution patterns. The study also explored the oils’ ability to enhance the efficacy of ampicillin, revealing synergistic interactions expressed as fractional inhibitory concentration indices. In silico protein-ligand docking studies used twenty-one compounds identified by GC-MS with bacterial protein targets, showing notable binding interactions with SasG (-6.3 kcal/mol to -4.6 kcal/mol) and KAS III (-6.2 kcal/mol to -4.9 kcal/mol). Overall, the results indicate that Romanian lavender essential oils possess potent antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and their synergistic interaction with ampicillin has potential for enhancing antibiotic therapies.
CANCER
Molecules. 2020 Aug 12;25(16):3671.
doi: 10.3390/molecules25163671.
A New Eucalyptol-Rich Lavender (Lavandula stoechas L.) Essential Oil: Emerging Potential for Therapy against Inflammation and Cancer
Mohamed Nadjib Boukhatem 1 2, Thangirala Sudha 1, et al
Abstract
Background/aim: natural products are a potential source for drug discovery and development of cancer chemoprevention. Considering that drugs currently available for the treatment of inflammatory and cancer conditions show undesirable side effects, this research was designed to evaluate, for the first time, the in vitro anticancer activity of Algerian Lavandula stoechas essential oil (LSEO) against different cancer cell lines, as well as its in vitro and in vivo topical and acute anti-inflammatory properties.
Results: LSEO (200 and 20 mg/kg) was able to significantly reduce (p < 0.05) the carrageenan-induced paw edema with a similar effect to that observed for the positive control. Topical application of LSEO at doses of 82 and 410 mg/kg significantly reduced acute ear edema in 51.4% and 80.1% of the mice, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed that LSEO inhibited the skin inflammatory response. Moreover, LSEO was tested for its antitumor activity against different cancer cell lines. LSEO was found to be significantly active against human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS), Melanoma MV3, and breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells, with median inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.035 ± 0.018, 0.06 ± 0.022 and 0.259 ± 0.089 µL/mL, respectively. Altogether, these results open a new field of investigation into the characterization of the molecules involved in anti-proliferative processes.
Conclusion: We suggest that LSEO, with 1,8-Cineole as the major active component, is a promising candidate for use in skin care products with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The results of this study may provide an experimental basis for further systematic research, rational development, and clinical utilization of lavender resources.
Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2018 Apr 1;22(2):203-210. doi: 10.1188/18.CJON.203-210.
Aromatherapy: The Effect of Lavender on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients Treated With Chemotherapy
Ayse Ozkaraman 1, Özlem Dügüm 2, Hülya Özen Yılmaz 1, Öznur Usta Yesilbalkan 3
Background: A cancer diagnosis is a serious stressor that is associated with anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and inability to fulfill daily routines. Many pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic options are available to help patients with cancer manage anxiety.
Objectives: This randomized, controlled trial examined the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Findings: State anxiety before and after chemotherapy did not vary among groups. The authors compared trait anxiety values before and after chemotherapy and found a significant difference in the lavender group. In addition, a significant change in PSQI measurements before and after chemotherapy was observed.
Cancer Nurs. 2024 Jul 22.doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001384. Online ahead of print.
Yantong Liu 1, Mengmeng Xu, Qi Tian, et al
Abstract
Background: Numerous physical and psychological symptoms experienced by cancer patients seriously affect their normal lives. Many academics and medical professionals have attempted to use aromatherapy in this situation to help cancer patients manage their physical and emotional problems.
Objective: To systematically investigate the efficacy of aromatherapy on physical and psychological symptoms in cancer patients.
Results: Twenty-six studies with 2912 subjects were included. Meta-analysis showed that aromatherapy significantly improved sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. We performed a subgroup analysis according to the different plant or animal aromatics contained in the oil, which found that lavender oil significantly reduced preoperative anxiety. In addition, aromatherapy massage was superior to inhaled aromatherapy in reducing anxiety. Moreover, cancer patients who used aromatherapy reduced the frequency of vomiting in 24 hours.
Conclusions: Aromatherapy is a useful treatment for improving sleep quality and reducing symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients, as well as the frequency of vomiting over 24 hours.
Implications for practice: Healthcare providers can use aromatherapy to alleviate psychological and physical symptoms in cancer patients. The use of lavender oil and massage is recommended in clinical settings to improve anxiety symptoms in cancer patients.
Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(19):2996-3029. doi: 10.2174/1389557521666210405160323.
Anticancer Potential of Coumarin and its Derivatives
Narayan Bhattarai 1, Anupa A Kumbhar 2, Yuba Raj Pokharel 3, Paras Nath Yadav 1
Abstract
Coumarins are found in higher plants like Rutaceae and Umbelliferae and essential oils of cinnamon bark, cassia leaf, and lavender oil. Coumarin compounds show different biological properties, viz antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-HIV, antihypertension, anticoagulant, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, antidiabetic, anti-depressive, and other bioactive properties. Coumarin and its derivatives possess anticancer activity against different types of cancers such as prostate, renal, breast, laryngeal, lung, colon, CNS, leukemia, malignant melanoma. In this review, current developments of coumarin-based anticancer agents viz simple coumarin, furanocoumarin, pyranocoumarin, pyrone-substituted coumarin, and their important derivatives have been discussed. The coumarin-triazole, coumarin-chalcone, coumarin-thiosemicarbazone derivatives, and coumarin-metal complexes have been found more potent than coumarin. Hence, further study and structural improvement on coumarin and its derivatives may lead to the design and development of more potent anticancer agents.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2022 Apr 1;23(4):1215-1222.
doi: 10.31557/APJCP.2022.23.4.1215.
Evaluation of the Anti-Cancer/Anti-Mutagenic Efficiency of Lavandula officinalis Essential Oil
Maha A Fahmy 1, Ayman A Farghaly 1
Abstract
Objective: Lavender oil is of a great economic importance. It has many biological and pharmacological activities. The present study aimed to identify the chemical constituents of the essential oil of Lavandula officinalis (LAEO) by using GC/MS analysis. Its genotoxicity, anti-genotoxicity and histopathological activities against the chemotherapeutic drug cyclophosphamide (CP) was investigated. The study also evaluated its anticancer activities against six human cancer cell lines: hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), Prostate (PC3), Lung carcinoma (A549), Skin cancer (A431), Colon cancer (HCT116) and Breast cancer (MCF7).
Results: GC/MS analysis recorded 16 components. The principals were: linalool and linalyl acetate. The results indicated the safety of LAEO. It also attenuates genotoxicity and deleterious histopathological effects of CP in a dose-dependent manner. LAEO has a highly cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and A549 cell lines with 100% death at 100µg/ ml with IC50 67.8 and 12 µg/ ml, respectively. Its activity on other cell lines was weak.
Conclusion: The essential oil of Lavandula officinalis has anticancer and anti-mutagenic effect.
DEPRESSION
Neurosci Lett. 2019 May 14:701:180-192. doi: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.02.042. Epub 2019 Feb 28.
Lavender essential oil ameliorates depression-like behavior and increases neurogenesis and dendritic complexity in rats
Dalinda Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña 1, Kevin Kai-Ting Po 1,
Abstract
Depression is a major health issue that causes severe societal economic and health burden. Aromatherapy, a practice that uses essential oils for preventive and therapeutic purposes, represents a promising therapeutic alternative for the alleviation of depressive symptoms. Lavender essential oil (LEO) has been the focus of clinical studies due to its positive effect on mood. An animal model of chronic administration of high dose corticosterone to induce depression- and anxiety-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis was used to explore the biological changes brought by aromatherapy. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, corticosterone (Cort) group with high dose of corticosterone, LEO group with daily exposure to LEO by inhalation, and LEO + Cort. At the end of the 14-day treatment period, behavioral tests were carried out. Serum samples were collected 2-3 days after the 14-day period treatment and before perfusion to carry out biochemical analyses to measure BDNF, corticosterone and oxytocin. After perfusion, brains were collected for immunohistochemical analysis to detect BrdU and DCX positive cells in the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Results showed that treatment with LEO ameliorated the depression-like behavior induced by the chronic administration of corticosterone as observed in the LEO + Cort group. Cort treatment reduced the number of BrdU positive cells in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. Treatment with LEO prevented the corticosterone-induced reduction in the number of BrdU positive cells (LEO + Cort group) demonstrating the neurogenic effect of LEO under high corticosterone conditions. Chronic administration of high dose of corticosterone significantly reduced the dendritic complexity of immature neurons. On the contrary, treatment with LEO increased dendritic complexity of immature neurons under high corticosterone conditions (LEO + Cort group). The improved neurogenesis and dendritic complexity observed in the LEO + Cort group demonstrated a clear restorative effect of LEO under high corticosterone conditions. However, 2-3 days after the treatment, the levels of BDNF were upregulated in the LEO and LEO + Cort groups. Furthermore, the concentration of oxytocin in serum, 2-3 days after the treatment, showed to be upregulated in the LEO group alone. The present study has provided evidence of the biological effect of LEO on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Also, this study contributes to the understanding of the mechanism of action of LEO in an animal model where depression- and anxiety-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis were induced by high corticosterone administration.
Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2024 May:doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101828. Epub 2024 Jan 14.
Effects of lavender essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression and sleep quality in stroke patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial
Xiao-Jun Yin 1, Gao-Ping Lin 2, Xiao-Yan Wu 1, Rui Huang 1, Cun-Jin Xu 3, Mei-Yan Yao 4
Abstract
Background and purpose: Post-stroke depression (PSD) has major implications for rehabilitation, motor recovery, activities of daily living, social and interpersonal functioning, and mortality. In view of the side effects of antidepressants, aromatherapy, a widely used non-pharmacological therapy, has received growing attention in recent years for its benefits of reduced complications, accessibility, and effectiveness. This study was designed to assess the effects of inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression and sleep quality in patients with PSD.
Results: The HAMD-17 score, SDS score, and PSQI score showed statistically significant differences between both groups before and after intervention (P ≤ 0.01). The improvement in the experimental group was more marked than in the placebo group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Lavender essential oil inhalation aromatherapy may help reduce depression and improve sleep quality in patients with PSD.
Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2020 Mar 31;9(1):e442.
doi: 10.5195/cajgh.2020.442. eCollection 2020.
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Aromatherapy with Lavender Essential Oil on Depression
Azar Jafari-Koulaee 1, Forouzan Elyasi 2 2,
Introduction: Depression is considered as one of the most serious health issues worldwide, and the search for the most effective and safe treatments for depression is essential. Aromatherapy with lavender have attracted the attention of many researchers due to their low cost and ease of use, so this study was conducted to review of the effects of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression.
Results: Out of 278 studies, 9 studies were included to the systematic review process after screening and eliminating duplicate papers according to the purpose of the study. Aromatherapy with lavender essential oil was conducted on the patients suffering from migraine, patients with the acute coronary syndrome, patients undergoing hemodialysis, community-dwelling older adult, and postpartum depression. The results obtained from some studies showed the positive effect of aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression whereas some studies did not report the effect of aromatherapy with lavender on depression significantly.
Conclusions: It seems that aromatherapy with lavender probably can be used as a complementary, simple, and inexpensive method to improve mild and moderate depression. It is recommended to earmark using a collaborative approach and make use of interdisciplinary and psychology specialists as well as complementary medicine in applying aromatherapy with lavender essential oil.
Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Jul:176: doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116835. Epub 2024 May 28.
Lavender essential oil alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol-withdrawn rats: Insights from gut metabolites and hippocampal transcriptome analysis
Xin Li 1, Dan Xiao 2, Chengchong Li 3, Tong Wu 3,
Abstract
Lavender, an aromatic plant with a history dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, is consumed because of its diverse pharmacological properties, including sedation, sleep aid, and antidepressant effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these antidepressant properties remain unclear. In this study, we explored the impact of lavender essential oil (LEO) inhalation on the diversity of gut microbiota, metabolites, and differential gene expression in the hippocampus of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats. Additionally, we examined alterations in the hippocampal transient receptor potential (TRP) channel-mediated inflammatory regulation within the brain-gut axis of depressive rats. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in sucrose preference, diminished activity in the central zone of the open field test, and prolonged immobility time in the forced swim test in alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, indicating the amelioration of depressive states following lavender essential oil inhalation. 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant reduction in Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae in the gut of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, whereas lavender essential oil significantly increased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and other bacterial species. Metabolomic analysis identified 646 distinct metabolites as highly correlated biomarkers between the model and lavender essential oil groups. Furthermore, lavender essential oil inhalation significantly attenuated hippocampal inflammatory factors IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. This study identified elevated expression of Trpv4 and Calml4 in the hippocampal region of alcohol-withdrawn depressed rats and showed that lavender essential oil inhalation regulated aberrantly expressed genes. Our research suggests that lavender essential oil downregulates Trpv4, modulates inflammatory factors, and alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol withdrawal rats.
Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2002 Nov-Dec;19(6):381-6. doi: 10.1177/104990910201900607.
Use of aromatherapy with hospice patients to decrease pain, anxiety, and depression and to promote an increased sense of well-being
Margaret Louis 1, Susan D Kowalski
Abstract
This study measured the responses of 17 cancer hospice patients to humidified essential lavender oil aromatherapy. Vital signs as well as levels of pain, anxiety, depression, and sense of well-being were measured (using 11-point verbal analogs). Each subject was measured on three different days before and after a 60-minute session consisting of (1) no treatment (control); (2) water humidification (control); or (3) 3-percent lavender aromatherapy. Results reflected a positive, yet small, change in blood pressure and pulse, pain, anxiety, depression, and sense of well-being after both the humidified water treatment and the lavender treatment. Following the control session (no treatment), there was also slight improvement in vital signs, depression, and sense of well-being, but not in pain or anxiety levels.
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2006 Feb;36(1):136-43.
doi: 10.4040/jkan.2006.36.1.136.
[Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the lavender fragrance on sleep and depression in women college students.
Result: Among sleep variables, length of time taken to fall asleep, severity of insomnia, and self satisfaction with sleep were improved for the 60%(p=.000, p=.000, p=.000) and 100%(p=.000, p=.000, p=.000) week while the severity of depression was improved only for the 100%(p=.002) week.
Conclusion: According to the study results, it can be concluded that the lavender fragrance had a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in women college students. Repeated studies are needed to confirm effective proportions of lavender oil and carrier oil for insomnia and depression.
HEADACHE
Eur Neurol. 2012;67(5):288-91. doi: 10.1159/000335249. Epub 2012 Apr 17.
Lavender essential oil in the treatment of migraine headache: a placebo-controlled clinical trial
Payam Sasannejad 1, Morteza Saeedi, Ali ShoeibiAli GorjiMaryam AbbasiMohsen
Abstract
Lavender essential oil has been used as an anxiolytic drug, a mood stabilizer, a sedative, spasmolytic, antihypertensive, antimicrobial, analgesic agent as well as a wound healing accelerator. We have studied for the first time the efficacy of lavender essential oil inhalation for the treatment of migraine in a placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Results: The mean reduction of headache severity in cases was 3.6 ± 2.8 based on Visual Analogue Scale score. The reduction was 1.6 ± 1.6 in controls. This difference between the controls and cases was statistically significant with p < 0.0001. From 129 headache attacks in cases, 92 responded entirely or partially to lavender. In the control group, 32 out of 68 recorded headache attacks responded to placebo. The percentage of responders was significantly higher in the lavender group than the placebo group (p = 0.001).
Conclusion: The present study suggests that inhalation of lavender essential oil may be an effective and safe treatment modality in acute management of migraine headaches.
HEART
Holist Nurs Pract. 2022 Jul-Aug;36(4):209-222. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000526.
The Effect of Aromatherapy on Blood Pressure and Stress Responses by Inhalation and Foot Massage in Patients With Essential Hypertension: Randomized Clinical Trial
Saadet Can Çiçek 1, Şeyma Demir, Dilek Yılmaz,
Abstract
A 3-arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial examines the effect of aromatherapy through inhalation and foot massage on blood pressure and stress response in patients with essential hypertension. Lavender oil reduced blood pressure, heart rate, serum cortisol, and subjective anxiety in hypertensive patients.
Iran J Pharm Res. 2017 Winter;16(1):404-409.
Effect of Inhalation of Lavender Essential Oil on Vital Signs in Open Heart Surgery ICU
Armaiti Salamati 1, Soheyla Mashouf 1, Faraz Mojab 2
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of inhalation of Lavender essential oil on vital signs in open heart surgery ICU. The main complaint of patients after open-heart surgery is dysrhythmia, tachycardia, and hypertension due to stress and pain. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, such as opioids, use of non-invasive methods such as aromatherapy for relieving stress and pain parallel to chemical agents could be an important way to decrease the dose and side effects of analgesics. In a multicenter, single-blind trial, 40 patients who had open-heart surgery were recruited. Inclusion criteria were full consciousness, lack of hemorrhage, heart rate >60 beats/min, systolic blood pressure > 100 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure > 60 mmHg, not using beta blockers in the operating room or ICU, no history of addiction to opioids or use of analgesics in regular, spontaneous breathing ability and not receiving synthetic opioids within 2 h before extubation. Ten minutes after extubation, the patients› vital signs [including BP, HR, Central Venous Pressure (CVP), SPO2, and RR] were measured. Then, a cotton swab, which was impregnated with 2 drops of Lavender essential oil 2%, was placed in patients’ oxygen mask and patients breathed for 10 min. Thirty minutes after aromatherapy, the vital signs were measured again. Main objective of this study was the change in vital sign before and after aromatherapy. Statistical significance was accepted for P < 0.05. There was a significant difference in systolic blood pressure (p > 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.001), and heart rate (p = 0.03) before and after the intervention using paired t-test. Although, the results did not show any significant difference in respiratory rate (p = 0.1), SpO2 (p = 0.5) and CVP (p = 0.2) before and after inhaling Lavender essential oil. Therefore, the aromatherapy could effectively reduce blood pressure and heart rate in patients admitted to the open heart surgery ICU and can be used as an independent nursing intervention in stabilizing mentioned vital signs.
INTELLIGENCE
J Med Signals Sens. 2024 Apr 18:14:12. doi: 10.4103/jmss.jmss_57_23. eCollection 2024.
Reyhaneh Afghan 1, Soomaayeh Heysieattalab 2, et al
Abstract
Background: Cognitive flexibility, a vital component of executive function, entails the utilization of extended brain networks. Olfactory stimulation has been shown to influence various brain functions, particularly cognitive performance.
Results: Findings confirm that aroma inhalation significantly affects behavioral indices (i.e., reaction time (RT) and response accuracy) and electroencephalogram (EEG) signatures, especially in the frontal lobe. Participants showed a tremendous increase in theta and alpha NPSD, associated with relaxation, along with beta NPSD, associated with clear and fast thinking after inhaling the aroma. NPSD of the delta band, an indicator of the unconscious mind, significantly decreased when stimulated with lavender essential oil. Further, participants exhibited shorter RT and more accurate responses following aroma inhalation.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed significant changes in oscillatory power and behavioral performance after aroma inhalation, providing neural evidence that olfactory stimulation with lavender essential oil may facilitate cognitive flexibility.
ANXIETY
Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2024 Jun 22:1-10. doi: 10.1080/13651501.2024.2362131. Online ahead of print.
Daniel Lucas da Conceição Costa 1, Rodolfo Furlan Damiano 1,et al
Abstract
Background: Anxiety is a common and disabling condition that significantly impacts quality of life. Subsyndromal anxiety (SSA) refers to anxiety symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder but pose a risk for developing such disorders. We aimed to provide practical recommendations for the treatment of SSA in primary care settings.
Results: The recommendations for treating SSA include lifestyle modifications such as exercise and stress reduction techniques, psychotherapy, and pharmacological treatments, including natural compounds like the lavender oil extract Silexan. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor treatment response and address ongoing symptoms. Additionally, the use of the GAD-7 tool is recommended for accurately identifying patients with SSA.
Conclusion: Implementing these recommendations in primary care can lead to effective treatment of SSA, preventing the development of more severe anxiety disorders. An integrative approach, combining lifestyle modifications, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy, including natural compounds, offers significant benefits for managing anxiety.
ANTI-INFLAMMATION
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Jun 4;25(11):6171. doi: 10.3390/ijms25116171.
Medicinal Anti-Inflammatory Patch Loaded with Lavender Essential Oil
Karolina Zyburtowicz 1, Paulina Bednarczyk 2, et al
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative for administering medications like ibuprofen, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral administration. This study explored the potential synergistic effects of combining ibuprofen with lavender essential oil (LEO) in transdermal patches. The composition of LEO was analyzed, revealing predominant compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The physicochemical properties of the patches were investigated, indicating improved cohesion with the addition of LEO. Additionally, thermal stability assessments demonstrated enhanced stability with LEO incorporation with an increase in onset decomposition temperature from 49.0 to 67.9 °C. The antioxidant activity of patches containing LEO was significantly higher with a free radical scavenging ability of 79.13% RSA compared to 60% RSA in patches without LEO. Release and permeation studies showed that patches with LEO exhibited an increased permeation of ibuprofen through the skin with 74.40% of the drug released from LEO-containing patches compared to 36.29% from patches without LEO after 24 h. Moreover, the permeation rate was notably faster with LEO, indicating quicker therapeutic effects. The inclusion of LEO in transdermal patches containing ibuprofen holds promise for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness, offering a potential strategy for improved pain management with reduced side effects.
INSOMNIA
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2006 Feb;36(1):136-43. doi: 10.4040/jkan.2006.36.1.136.
Effects of lavender aromatherapy on insomnia and depression in women college students
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the lavender fragrance on sleep and depression in women college students.
Result: Among sleep variables, length of time taken to fall asleep, severity of insomnia, and self satisfaction with sleep were improved for the 60%(p=.000, p=.000, p=.000) and 100%(p=.000, p=.000, p=.000) week while the severity of depression was improved only for the 100%(p=.002) week.
Conclusion: According to the study results, it can be concluded that the lavender fragrance had a beneficial effect on insomnia and depression in women college students. Repeated studies are needed to confirm effective proportions of lavender oil and carrier oil for insomnia and depression.
Phytother Res. 2022 Jun;36(6):2342-2351. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7448. Epub 2022 Apr 12.
A critical review on clinical evidence of the efficacy of lavender in sleep disorders
Abstract
Sleep disorders are one of the most prevalent psychiatric diseases. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder amongst the general population. It is also one of the most frequent complaints in primary healthcare centers. Lavender is called “the broom of the brain” in different oriental traditional medicines. It is one of the most used plants for patients with sleep disorders. This study reviews what is currently known about the use of lavender for sleep disorders in patients with different diseases, from cancers and end-stage renal disease to neurological-psychiatric diseases (e.g., depression, dementia, and autism), respiratory, cardiac, and metabolic diseases. Additionally, its most used administration route is the inhalation of its essential oil (i.e., aromatherapy) alone or in combination by massage. Some limitations of the reviewed literature were discussed briefly. Overall, this critical review provides promising evidence of the lavender efficacy for sleep disorders in a wide variety of populations and diseases. However, further clinical studies with robust design and longer durations of intervention are necessary for more evidence-based judgment on its effect on sleep problems and to investigate its mechanism of action.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Niger J Clin Pract. 2024 May 1;27(5):635-642. doi: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_811_23. Epub 2024 May 29.
Background: Fatigue is a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is one of the most serious symptoms of the disease. Although many factors play a role in the etiology of fatigue in patients with MS, it has been reported that fatigue is caused by irregular or disrupted sleep patterns.
Aim: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on the sleep and fatigue of MS patients.
Results: The mean FSS score in the experimental group was 6.86 ± 0.94 before the procedure and 3.42 ± 0.85 after the procedure, the mean PSQI score was 9.45 ± 1.23 before the procedure and 6.68 ± 2.87 after the procedure, and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The results showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has significant impacts on fatigue and sleep in MS patients. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy can be used by nurses as an independent nursing practice. It is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and reliable technique to manage fatigue in individuals with MS.
Biomed Pharmacother. 2024 Jul:176:116835. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116835. Epub 2024 May 28.
ALCOHOL WITHDRAWL
Xin Li 1, Dan Xiao 2, Chengchong Li 3, Tong Wu 3, Libo Li 3et al
Abstract
Lavender, an aromatic plant with a history dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, is consumed because of its diverse pharmacological properties, including sedation, sleep aid, and antidepressant effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these antidepressant properties remain unclear. In this study, we explored the impact of lavender essential oil (LEO) inhalation on the diversity of gut microbiota, metabolites, and differential gene expression in the hippocampus of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats. Additionally, we examined alterations in the hippocampal transient receptor potential (TRP) channel-mediated inflammatory regulation within the brain-gut axis of depressive rats. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in sucrose preference, diminished activity in the central zone of the open field test, and prolonged immobility time in the forced swim test in alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, indicating the amelioration of depressive states following lavender essential oil inhalation. 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant reduction in Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae in the gut of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, whereas lavender essential oil significantly increased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and other bacterial species. Metabolomic analysis identified 646 distinct metabolites as highly correlated biomarkers between the model and lavender essential oil groups. Furthermore, lavender essential oil inhalation significantly attenuated hippocampal inflammatory factors IL-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. This study identified elevated expression of Trpv4 and Calml4 in the hippocampal region of alcohol-withdrawn depressed rats and showed that lavender essential oil inhalation regulated aberrantly expressed genes. Our research suggests that lavender essential oil downregulates Trpv4, modulates inflammatory factors, and alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol withdrawal rats.
Parkinson’s
Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2016 Nov:81:1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.06.024. Epub 2016 Jul 2.
Protective effect of two essential oils isolated from Rosa damascena Mill. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill, and two classic antioxidants against L-dopa oxidative toxicity induced in healthy mice
Galina Nikolova 1, Yanka Karamalakova 1, Natasha Kovacheva 2,
Abstract
Levodopa (L-dopa) is a “gold standard” and most effective symptomatic agent in the Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. The several treatments have been developed in an attempt to improve PD treatment, but most patients were still levodopa dependent. The issue of toxicity was raised in vitro studies, and suggests that L-dopa can be toxic to dopaminergic neurons, but it is not yet entirely proven. L-dopa prolonged treatment is associated with motor complications and some limitations. Combining the L-dopa therapy with antioxidants can reduce related sideeffects and provide symptomatic relief. The natural antioxidants can be isolated from any plant parts such as seeds, leaves, roots, bark, etc., and their extracts riched in phenols can retard the oxidative degradation of the lipids, proteins and DNA. Thus, study suggests that combination of essential oils (Rose oil and Lavender oil), Vitamin C and Trolox with Ldopa can reduce oxidative toxicity, and may play a key role in ROS/RNS disarm.
Premenstrual Syndrome PMS
Complement Ther Med. 2018 Feb:36:63-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.11.022. Epub 2017 Dec 1.
Effect of aromatherapy on coping with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Tuğba Uzunçakmak 1, Sultan Ayaz Alkaya 2
Abstract
Background and aim: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a health problem which begins approximately one week before menstruation in women occurs as a set of physical and psychological symptoms. This study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy on coping with premenstrual syndrome in university students.
Results: When PMS mean scores of the intervention and control groups during 3 follow-up periods were compared, it was found that there is a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups (p<0.05). It was determined that there is a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of PMS scale and sub-dimensions of anxiety, depressive affect, nervousness, pain, bloating, depressive thoughts mean scores of pre-test and 3rd follow-up (p<0.05),
CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that inhalation aromatherapy can be used for coping with PMS. It is recommended that the students suffering from PMS problems should be informed on the inhalation therapy by lavender oil.
Complement Ther Med. 2018 Feb:36:63-67. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.11.022. Epub 2017 Dec 1.
Effect of aromatherapy on coping with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
Tuğba Uzunçakmak 1, Sultan Ayaz Alkaya 2
Abstract
Background and aim: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a health problem which begins approximately one week before menstruation in women occurs as a set of physical and psychological symptoms. This study aimed to determine the effect of aromatherapy on coping with premenstrual syndrome in university students.
Results: When PMS mean scores of the intervention and control groups during 3 follow-up periods were compared, it was found that there is a statistically significant difference between intervention and control groups (p<0.05). It was determined that there is a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of PMS scale and sub-dimensions of anxiety, depressive affect, nervousness, pain, bloating, depressive thoughts mean scores of pre-test and 3rd follow-up (p<0.05), CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that inhalation aromatherapy can be used for coping with PMS. It is recommended that the students suffering from PMS problems should be informed on the inhalation therapy by lavender oil.
SKIN
J Complement Integr Med. 2024 May 7.doi: 10.1515/jcim-2024-0103. Online ahead of print.
Ritchu Babbar 1, Parth Sharma 1, Rashmi Arora 1, et al
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is acknowledged as a vital inflammatory disorder associated with the integumentary system of the body and is characterized by the formation of thick reddish-grey scars and erythema formation on skin, prevalent amidst the populace. Numerous synthetic drugs are available for treatment like antihistamines, immunosuppressants, glucocorticoids etc., but contrarily, essential oil therapy is exclusively lime lighted to favour the purpose. The utilization of available engineered drugs, possess the marked adverse effects owing to prolonged duration of therapy and therefore, essential oils are explored well and proved to exhibit the anti-eczematic, anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties. Ethereal distillates own the assorted and selective therapeutic properties attributable to presence of bioactive compounds liable to treat this torturous and integumentary disorder, likely lavender oil, patchouli oil, frankincense oil etc., have been found to exert their pharmacological actions by impeding the liberation and action of inflammatory mediators and immunological hyperactivities that are engaged in exacerbating this idiopathic illness. The current attempt provided the update with the aim to bring forth the naturally originated treatment that is pertinent to provide the invulnerable therapy by circumventing the noxious symptoms i.e. erythema formation and inflamed lesions.
DEPRESSION
Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2024 Apr 1. doi: 10.1007/s00406-024-01783-2. Online ahead of print.
Siegfried Kasper 1, Hans-Peter Volz 2, et al
Abstract
Anxiety and depressive disorders have overlapping symptoms and share common neurobiological pathways. Antidepressant drugs have been demonstrated to be efficacious in anxiety as well. Vice versa, it may also be promising to investigate the efficacy of anxiolytic drugs such as silexan in major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients with a mild or moderate, single or recurrent episode of MDD and a total score of 19-34 points on the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were randomized to receive 1 × 80 mg/d silexan, 1 × 50 mg/d sertraline, or placebo double-blind, double-dummy for 56 days. The primary outcome measure was the MADRS total score change between baseline and treatment end. Treatment groups were compared using a treatment policy estimand. 498 subjects (silexan 170, sertraline 171, placebo 157) were treated and analyzed. After 8 weeks, silexan and sertraline were superior to placebo for MADRS total score reduction, with absolute differences to placebo of 2.17 (95% confidence interval: 0.58; 3.76) points and 2.59 (1.02; 4.17) points, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, silexan was superior to placebo for alleviation of functional impairment according to the Sheehan Disability Scale with a difference of 2.40 (1.04; 3.76) points (p < 0.001). Both treatments were well tolerated; eructation was the most frequent adverse effect of silexan. The study confirms the antidepressant efficacy of silexan in mild or moderate MDD, including significant improvements in the subjects’ functional capacity.
AGITATION / ANXIETY
Complement Ther Med. 2014 Feb;22(1):63-9doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.11.008. Epub 2013 Dec 5.
A case series on the use of lavendula oil capsules in patients suffering from major depressive disorder and symptoms of psychomotor agitation, insomnia and anxiety
Maria Fißler 1, Arnim Quante 2
Abstract
Objective: Symptoms of agitation, anxiety and insomnia are frequent among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) during the first weeks of psychiatric care. But a substantial number of patients declines taking pharmaceutical medication to avoid side effects. Therefore, an alternative herbal medication is needed. Clinical studies demonstrated that lavender oil capsules, termed Lasea®, have an anxiolytic effect comparable to Lorazepam and significantly reduce insomnia and agitation in non-depressed patients. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective case series was to analyze the effectiveness of Lasea® for patients with MDD and symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and psychomotor agitation.
Main outcome measure: Effectiveness was measured by a change in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) total score and subscores.
Results: In 6 cases, the combination of Lasea® and an antidepressant resulted in a reduction of MDD. Lasea® also reduced agitation in 6 cases. Psychological anxiety was reduced in 5, somatic anxiety in 4 cases whereas sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance insomnia improved in 3 cases each.
Conclusions: The results demonstrate that Lasea® reduces some of the anxiety related symptoms and sleep disturbances in MDD patients. Furthermore Lasea® significantly reduces psychomotor agitation. Additionally, the results indicate a significant global improvement stemming from the combinational therapy of Lasea® and antidepressant medication.
CARDIOVASCULAR / STROKE / HYPERTENSION
Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi. 2006 Dec;36(7):1123-34. doi: 10.4040/jkan.2006.36.7.1123.
[The effects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension]
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of aromatherapy on blood pressure and stress responses of clients with essential hypertension.
Results: The blood pressure, pulse, subjective stress, state anxiety, and serum cortisol levels among the three groups were significantly statistically different. The differences of catecholamine among the three groups were not significant statistically.
Conclusion: The results suggest that the inhalation method using essential oils can be considered an effective nursing intervention that reduces psychological stress responses and serum cortisol levels, as well as the blood pressure of clients with essential hypertension.
J Korean Acad Nurs. 2010 Oct;40(5):705-13. doi: 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.5.705.
[Effects of aromatherapy on changes in the autonomic nervous system, aortic pulse wave velocity and aortic augmentation index in patients with essential hypertension]
Jung Hee Cha 1, Sun Hee Lee, Yang Sook Yoo
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of aromatherapy on blood pressure, heart rate variability, aortic pulse wave velocity and the aortic augmentation index of essential hypertensive patients.
Results: There was a noticeable difference in systolic blood pressure between the groups (p=.001), however the difference in diastolic blood pressure between the two groups was not significant. There was a notable difference in sympathetic nerve system activity of heart rate variability (p=.047). However, the differences in aortic pulse wave velocity or the aortic augmentation index were not significant.
Conclusion: Aromatherapy is effective in lowering systolic blood pressure and sympathetic nerve system activity.
STROKE
Brain Res. 2014 Feb 22:1548:56-62. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.12.019. Epub 2013 Dec 30.
Effect of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) on cerebral edema and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke
Abedin Vakili 1, Shaghayegh Sharifat 2, Maziar Mohammad Akhavan 3, Ahmad Reza Bandegi 4
Abstract
Lavender belongs to the family Labiatae and has a variety of cosmetic uses as well as therapeutic purposes in herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of lavender oil against brain edema and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke. Under Laser-Doppler Flowmetry, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1h in rats. Lavender oil (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg ip (and/or vehicle was injected at the onset of ischemia. Infarct size, cerebral edema, functional outcome, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated using standard methods. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of VEGF, Bax, and Bcl-2. Treatment with lavender oil at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly diminished infarct size, brain edema, and improved functional outcome after cerebral ischemia (P<0.001). Lavender oil (200 mg/kg) also reduced the content of malondialdehyde and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity (P<0.001). Although lavender oil enhanced VEGF expression (P=0.026), it could not decrease the Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio (pro- to anti-apoptotic proteins) in the rat brain (P>0.05). The results indicated that lavender oil has neuroprotective activity against cerebral ischemia and alleviated neurological function in rats, and the mechanism may be related to augmentation in endogenous antioxidant defense, inhibiting oxidative stress, and increasing VEGF expression in the rat brain. However, lavender oil could not suppress the apoptosis pathway.
Molecules. 2012 Aug 15;17(8):9803-17. doi: 10.3390/molecules17089803.
Neuroprotective activity of lavender oil on transient focal cerebral ischemia in mice
Dong Wang 1, Xuan Yuan, Ting Liu, Liangliang Liu, Yanli Hu, Zhenhua Wang, Qiusheng Zheng
Abstract
The air-dried aerial parts of Lavandula angustifolia Mill, a traditional Uygur herbal drug, is used as resuscitation-inducing therapy to treat neurodisfunctions, such as stroke. This study was designed to assess the neuroprotective effects of lavender oil against ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in mice. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the intraluminal occlusion method with a nylon string. The neurodysfuntion was evaluated by neurological deficit and the infarct area was showed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The levels of mitochondria-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl, the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG), the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) in brain tissue were measured to estimate the oxidative stress state. Neurological deficit, infarct size, histopathology changes and oxidative stress markers were evaluated after 22 h of reperfusion. In comparison with the model group, treatment with lavender oil significantly decreased neurological deficit scores, infarct size, the levels of MDA, carbonyl and ROS, and attenuated neuronal damage, upregulated SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities and GSH/GSSG ratio. These results suggested that the neuroprotective effects of lavender oil against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury may be attributed to its antioxidant effects.
Brain Res. 2014 Feb 22:1548:56-62.doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.12.019. Epub 2013 Dec 30.
Effect of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) on cerebral edema and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke
Abedin Vakili 1, Shaghayegh Sharifat 2, Maziar Mohammad Akhavan 3, Ahmad Reza Bandegi 4
Abstract
Lavender belongs to the family Labiatae and has a variety of cosmetic uses as well as therapeutic purposes in herbal medicine. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of lavender oil against brain edema and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke. Under Laser-Doppler Flowmetry, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by the transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1h in rats. Lavender oil (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg ip (and/or vehicle was injected at the onset of ischemia. Infarct size, cerebral edema, functional outcome, and oxidative stress biomarkers were evaluated using standard methods. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of VEGF, Bax, and Bcl-2. Treatment with lavender oil at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly diminished infarct size, brain edema, and improved functional outcome after cerebral ischemia (P<0.001). Lavender oil (200 mg/kg) also reduced the content of malondialdehyde and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity (P<0.001). Although lavender oil enhanced VEGF expression (P=0.026), it could not decrease the Bax-to-Bcl-2 ratio (pro- to anti-apoptotic proteins) in the rat brain (P>0.05). The results indicated that lavender oil has neuroprotective activity against cerebral ischemia and alleviated neurological function in rats, and the mechanism may be related to augmentation in endogenous antioxidant defense, inhibiting oxidative stress, and increasing VEGF expression in the rat brain. However, lavender oil could not suppress the apoptosis pathway.
SKIN
PSORIASIS
J Ethnopharmacol. 2020 Oct 28:261:113127. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113127. Epub 2020 Jul 3.
Anti-psoriatic effect of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and its major components linalool and linalyl acetate
Vineet Kumar Rai 1, Priyam Sinha 2, Kuldeep Singh Yadav 3, Aparna Shukla 4,
Abstract
Ethno-pharmacological relevance: Lavender oil (LO) is an aromatic/essential oil extracted from Lavandula angustifolia and traditionally used as an aromatherapy massage oil due to its anti-inflammatory and wound healing property and also for providing the relief in other skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema. However, LO has not been evaluated scientifically for psoriasis like skin inflammation.
Aim of the study: This study was aimed to investigate the LO and its major components linalool (L) and linalyl acetate (LA) against psoriasis like skin inflammation.
Results: Topical application of LO 10% showed 73.67% recovery in PASI and 87% in Th-17 cell-specific cytokines towards normal as compared to disease group. L and LA were identified as the major components of LO and favoured ligands for selected psoriasis targets. At 2% topical dose, L and LA showed 64% and 47.61% recovery in PASI scores, respectively. Both, L and LA showed significant recovery in Th-1 specific TNF-α and IL-1β however, only L showed significant recovery of Th-17 cytokines (IL-17 and IL-22). In contrast to LA (which restored granulosis), L restored epidermal hyperplasia and parakeratosis toward the normal condition. On the other hand, L also reduced the expression of NF-κβ, ccr6 and IL-17, while LA reduced the expression of NF-κβ only. At 10% topical dose, LO was observed to be slight irritant while at 2% topical dose, L and LA were found non-irritant to the skin.
Conclusion: This study proves the effectiveness of LO and its major phytoconstituents linalool and linalyl acetate against IMQ induced psoriasis like skin inflammation and provides the scientific evidence for topical use of lavender oil.
Front Pharmacol. 2022 Aug 5:13:913174. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2022.913174. eCollection 2022.
A combination of linalool and linalyl acetate synergistically alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in BALB/c mice
Vineet Kumar Rai 1, Debabrata Chanda 1, Chandan Singh Chanotiya 2, Narayan Prasad Yadav 1
Abstract
Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by keratinocyte hyperproliferation and differentiation with increased immune cell infiltration. The anti-psoriatic effect of lavender oil has been reported. However, its phytoconstituents, linalool (L) and linalyl acetate (LA), showed a distinctive affinity with psoriasis targets.
Results: L and LA combination (LLA) in the 1:1 w/w ratio at 2% concentration showed a synergistic effect. The combination showed 76.31% and 71.29% recovery in PASI and CosCam Scores; however, L2% and LA2% showed 64.28% and 47.61% recovery in PASI and 64.75 and 56.76% recovery in CosCam scores, respectively. It showed >90% and >100% recovery in Th-17 and Th-1 cell-specific cytokines, respectively, and restored epidermal hyperplasia and parakeratosis toward normal compared with psoriatic mice. A marked reduction in NF-κB, cck6, and the IL-17 expression was also observed in the LLA-treated group. This combination was safe in a therapeutically effective dose for 28 days as no significant changes were observed in organ and body weights, liver and kidney parameters, and differential leukocyte counts.
Conclusion: This study proves the synergy between L and LA in a 1:1 w/w ratio at 2% in the treatment of psoriasis-like skin inflammation and provides strong scientific evidence for its safe topical use.
INFANTS
World J Pediatr. 2022 Jun;18(6):398-403. doi: 10.1007/s12519-022-00531-7. Epub 2022 Apr 4.
Analgesic effect of inhaled lavender essential oil for frenotomy in healthy neonates: a randomized clinical trial
Silvia Maya-Enero 1, Montserrat Fàbregas-Mitjans 2, Rosa Maria Llufriu-Marquès 2,
Abstract
Background: Neonatal pain may affect long-term neurodevelopment and must be treated. Frenotomy is a painful procedure wherein a common strategy to relieve pain (sucking) cannot be used because the technique is performed on the tongue. Lavender essential oil (LEO) has sedative and antispasmodic properties and has been successfully used to treat pain during heel puncture and vaccination. Our aim was to demonstrate if the use of inhaled LEO is effective in reducing pain during frenotomy in healthy, full-term neonates.
Results: We enrolled 142 patients (71 per group). The experimental group showed significantly lower NIPS scores (1.88 vs 2.92) and cried almost half the amount of time (14.8 vs. 24.6 seconds, P = 0.006). Comparing with the control group, we observed no side effects in either of the groups.
Conclusions: We observed a significant decrease in crying time and lower NIPS scores in the neonates who received inhaled LEO and underwent a frenotomy for type 3 tongue-ties. Thus, we recommend using inhaled LEO during neonatal frenotomies.
Eur J Pediatr. 2022 Nov;181(11):3923-3929 doi: 10.1007/s00431-022-04608-3Epub 2022 Sep 8.
Comparison of the analgesic effect of inhaled lavender vs vanilla essential oil for neonatal frenotomy: a randomized clinical trial (NCT04867824)
Silvia Maya-Enero 1, Montserrat Fàbregas-Mitjans 2, Rosa Maria Llufriu-Marquès 2, Júlia Candel-Pau 2, Jordi Garcia-Garcia 2, María Ángeles López-Vílchez 2
Abstract
It is necessary to treat neonatal pain because it may have short- and long-term adverse effects. Frenotomy is a painful procedure where sucking, a common strategy to relieve pain, cannot be used because the technique is performed on the tongue. In a previous randomized clinical trial, we demonstrated that inhaled lavender essential oil (LEO) reduced the signs of pain during neonatal frenotomy. We aimed to find out whether inhaled vanilla essential oil (VEO) is more effective in reducing pain during frenotomy than LEO. Randomized clinical trial with neonates who underwent a frenotomy for type 3 tongue-ties between May and October 2021. Pain was assessed using pre and post-procedure heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SatO2), crying time, and NIPS score. Neonates were randomized into “experimental” and “control” group. In both groups, we performed swaddling, administered oral sucrose, and let the newborn suck for 2 min. We placed a gauze pad with one drop of LEO (control group) or of VEO (experimental group) under the neonate’s nose for 2 min prior to and during the frenotomy. We enrolled 142 neonates (71 per group). Both groups showed similar NIPS scores (2.02 vs 2.38) and crying times (15.3 vs 18.7 s). We observed no differences in HR increase or in SatO2 decrease between both groups. We observed no side effects in either of the groups.
Conclusions: We observed no appreciable difference between LEO and VEO; therefore, we cannot conclude which of them was more effective in treating pain in neonates who underwent a frenotomy.
What is known: • Pain management is one of the most important goals of neonatal care as it can have long-term neurodevelopmental effects. • Lavender essential oil can help relieve pain due to its sedative, antispasmodic, and anticolic properties.
What is new: • Lavender and vanilla essential oils are safe, beneficial, easy to use, and cheap in relieving pain in neonates who undergo a frenotomy for type 3 tongue-ties.
RISK or SIDE-EFFECTS
N Engl J Med. 2007 Feb 1;356(5):479-85. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa064725.
Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils
Derek V Henley 1, Natasha Lipson, Kenneth S Korach, Clifford A Bloch
Abstract
Most cases of male prepubertal gynecomastia are classified as idiopathic. We investigated possible causes of gynecomastia in three prepubertal boys who were otherwise healthy and had normal serum concentrations of endogenous steroids. In all three boys, gynecomastia coincided with the topical application of products that contained lavender and tea tree oils. Gynecomastia resolved in each patient shortly after the use of products containing these oils was discontinued. Furthermore, studies in human cell lines indicated that the two oils had estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities. We conclude that repeated topical exposure to lavender and tea tree oils probably caused prepubertal gynecomastia in these boys.
AND
J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019 Nov 1;104(11):5393-5405. doi: 10.1210/jc.2018-01880.
Lavender Products Associated With Premature Thelarche and Prepubertal Gynecomastia: Case Reports and Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical Activities
J Tyler Ramsey 1 2, Yin Li 1, Yukitomo Arao 1, Ajanta Naidu 3, Laurel A Coons 1,
Abstract
Context: Previous case reports associated prepubertal gynecomastia with lavender-containing fragrances, but there appear to be no reports of premature thelarche.
Objective: To add to a case series about lavender-fragranced product use and breast growth in children and to measure endocrine-disrupting chemical activity of essential oil components.
Results: Three prepubertal girls and one boy with clinical evidence of estrogenic action and a history of continuous exposure to lavender-containing fragrances were studied. Breast growth dissipated in all patients with discontinuation of the fragranced products. Some of the components tested elicited estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties of varying degrees.
Conclusion: We report cases of premature thelarche that resolved upon cessation of lavender-containing fragrance exposure commonly used in Hispanic communities. The precise developmental basis for such conditions could be multifactorial. In vitro demonstration of estrogenic and antiandrogenic properties of essential oil components suggests essential oils in these cases could be considered a possible source and supports a possible link with idiopathic prepubertal breast development. Whether the level of lavender oil estrogenic potency is sufficient to cause these effects is unknown.
ANIMAL USE
INSECTICIDE
BMC Vet Res. 2024 Apr 20;20(1):149. doi: 10.1186/s12917-024-03992-2.
Muhammad S M Shamseldean 1, Marwa M Attia 2, et al
Abstract
This research work was planned to test biosafety of different nanomaterials on the different animals models. These nanoparticles were previously used as potential insecticides of mosquito larvae. The biosafety of these nanoproducts were evaluated on certain organs of non target animals that associated with mosquito breeding sites in Egypt. Animal organs such as the kidneys of rats, toads, and the fish’s spleen were used as models to study the biological toxicity of these nanomaterials. After 30 days of the animals receiving the nanomaterials in their water supply, different cell mediated immune cells were assessed in these tissues. Both TNF-α and BAX immuno-expression were also used as immunohistochemical markers. Histopathology was conducted to detect the effect of the tested nanoproducts at the tissue level of the liver and kidneys of both the rats and toads. Green nanoemulsion of the lavender essential oil was relatively more effective, safe, and biodegradable to be used as insecticides against mosquito larvae than the metal-based nanomaterials.