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Aroma of Wellbeing: How Bay Laurel Oil Fights Depression and Anxiety
Discovered: Inhalation of Litsea glaucescens oil has an anxiolytic & antidepressant effect in mice through BDNF activation! #AromatherapyPotential
Aroma of Wellbeing: How Bay Laurel Oil Fights Depression and Anxiety
A recent study examined the ethnomedicinal significance of the leaves of the Litsea glaucescens K. tree, also known as “Laurel.” This small tree, found in the temperate forests of Mexico and Central America, has a long history in traditional medicine and is used by the Mazahua ethnic group to relieve sadness. The leaves of this tree are traditionally used and have a long history dating back to pre-Columbian times, where they were called “Ehecapahtli” (wind medicine) and were used to treat central nervous system ailments, including depression.
The research aimed to find alternative treatments for depression, as it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. In previous studies, the antidepressant effect of the essential oil of the leaves of L. glaucescens and the monoterpenes linalool and beta-pinene contained therein were demonstrated, but when administered intraperitoneally to mice. This study investigated whether these active ingredients also have antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties when administered by inhalation and whether these effects are mediated by activation of the BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) signaling pathway in the brain.
To conduct the study, the essential oil was obtained by steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and quantify the compounds contained. The experimental mice were exposed to the oil or linalool in an inhalation chamber and then subjected to various tests to determine antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. The results showed that L. glaucescens essential oil, linalool and beta-pinene had an anxiolytic effect in mice when administered by inhalation. In addition, the oil retained its antidepressant effect even when administered in this way.
These results suggest that L. glaucescens essential oil could be investigated in the future for its potential for use in aromatherapy. Since inhalation is a common form of use for humans, new opportunities for alternative treatment strategies for depression could arise. A further understanding of these mechanisms of action at the molecular level could also lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Basic terms and concepts:
- Ätherisches Öl: Ein konzentrierter Pflanzenextrakt, der die aromatischen Bestandteile der Pflanze enthält.
- Monoterpene: Eine Kategorie von Terpenen, die aus zwei Isopren-Einheiten bestehen und häufig in ätherischen Ölen von Pflanzen vorkommen, z.B. Linalool und Beta-Pinen.
- Inhalation: Die Aufnahme von Substanzen durch das Atmen.
- Antidepressive Wirkung: Die Fähigkeit, Symptome der Depression zu lindern.
- Anxiolytische Wirkung: Die Fähigkeit, Angstzustände zu reduzieren.
- BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): Ein im Gehirn vorkommender Wachstumsfaktor, der für die Entwicklung, Funktion und das Überleben von Nervenzellen wichtig ist.
The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Litsea glaucescens essential oil when inhaled
Research into the ethnopharmacological significance of Litsea glaucescens K. (Lauraceae), a small tree native to Mexican and Central American temperate forests known as “Laurel,” has led to significant insights regarding its use in traditional medicine. Particularly noteworthy are the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of the essential oil of Litsea glaucescens leaves (LEO) and its monoterpenes linalool and beta-pinene when inhaled in a mouse model. This follows previous demonstrations of these activities via intraperitoneal administration.
The LEO was obtained by steam distillation, followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, which identified 31 compounds, including eucalyptol, linalool and beta-pinene. Antidepressant properties were evaluated using the Forced Swim Test (FST) in mice exposed to LEO or linalool in an inhalation chamber. Additionally, spontaneous locomotor activity and the sedative effect were tested using the Open Field Test (OFT) and the Exploratory Cylinder (EC). The anxiolytic properties were examined using the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and the Hole Board Test (HBT).
The results showed that inhalation of LEO and its main components linalool and beta-pinene produced an anxiolytic effect in mice, as measured by OFT and EC tests. Furthermore, LEO exhibited antidepressant activity similar to that of imipramine as revealed by the FST, whereas linalool and ketamine did not modify immobility time. An increase in BDNF was found in both brain areas in LEO-treated mice. Interestingly, however, there was no reduction in plasma corticosterone levels.
This study therefore provides, for the first time, evidence that Litsea glaucescens leaf essential oil achieves anxiolytic effects in mice through inhaled administration, in addition to its antidepressant properties. Given that inhalation is a common route of use in humans, our results suggest that LEO may have potential applications in aromatherapy and deserves future investigation.