New research from Monash University scientists has found why certain essential oils can improve mood.
The results are published today in the journal Neurochemistry International.
Essential oils (EOs) are mixtures of volatile compounds extracted from plants. They are used in aromatherapy because they can be released into the air and inhaled at room temperature. Inhaled EOs are easily absorbed by the brain, which is different from bioactive substances in plant foods that are eaten.
However, despite the powerful potential benefits to human health, and especially brain health, the use of EO is not really optimized for type or dose. This means that EOs are used in aromatherapy without a good understanding of which are best for a particular benefit. So far it was not clear which types or which dose would bring the optimal benefit.
“Aromatherapy has been reported to consistently improve emotional health under certain conditions, including reducing anxiety and depression,” said Professor Louise Bennett, lead author of the study at Monash University School of Chemistry.
“However, to get any benefits, you need to know which types are best and what dose is required.
“We believe that the interaction of essential oils with the naturally high ascorbate content (e.g. vitamin C) in the brain can have either antioxidant or pro-oxidative effects. It is the antioxidant, but not the pro-oxidative effects that lead to the mood advantage. “
For example, Lavender EO has been shown to have mood-enhancing effects, which we believe is related to its powerful antioxidant effects in the brain.
“This work paves the way for the first time to select and classify EOs according to their mechanistic properties and to develop potentially inexpensive but effective therapies for the brain,” said Professor Bennett.
The study by Professor Bennett and PhD student Minoli Aponso was able to identify which EOs help improve mood and which alternatively have anti-infectious properties.
We are working on developing EOs for a number of uses including: treating depression and anxiety, infection, inflammation and possibly even cancer. “
Professor Louise Bennett, Principal Investigator, Monash University School of Chemistry
Researchers are also working to understand the dose that is required for a beneficial effect.
“We can predict the volatile and potentially inhalable ‘dose’ of any EO and at any temperature, including climatic extremes,” said Minoli.
“This research represents a major breakthrough as it characterizes the action of EOs in the brain to optimize their therapeutic potential.”
Source:
Journal reference:
Aponso, M., et al. (2021) Anxiolytic effects of essential oils may include an antioxidant regulation of the pro-oxidative effects of ascorbic acid in the brain. Neurochemistry International. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105153.
