Aroma of well -being: how laurel oil fights depression and fear
Aroma of well -being: how laurel oil fights depression and fear
In a recently carried out study, the ethnomedical meaning of the leaves of the Litea Glaucescens K. tree, also known as "Laurel", was examined. This small tree, which can be found in the moderate forests of Mexico and central America, has a long history in traditional medicine and is used by the Mazahua ethny to relieve sadness. The leaves of this tree are traditionally used and have a long history that goes back to precolumbian times, where they were referred to as "Ehecapahtli" (wind medicine) and used to treat the suffering of the central nervous system, including depression.
Research aimed to find alternative treatment options for depression, as these represent the world's leading cause of disabilities. In previous studies, the antidepressant effect of the essential oil of the leaves of L. Glaucescens, as well as the monoterpene linalool and beta-pins contained therein have already been demonstrated, but with intraperitoneal administration of mice. In this study, it has now been examined whether these active ingredients also have antidepressant and anxious properties in the event of inhalative administration and whether these effects are imparted in the brain by activating the BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor).
To carry out the study, the essential oil was obtained by steam distillation and analyzed by means of gas chromatography mass spectrometry in order to identify and quantify the contained connections. The experimental mice were exposed to the oil or Linalool in an inhalation chamber and then subjected various tests to determine antidepressant and anxiety -resolution properties. The results showed that the essential oil of L. Glaucescens, Linalool and Beta-Pinen had a fear-proof effect in mice with inhalative administration. In addition, the oil also retained its antidepressant effect with this type of administration.
These results suggest that L. Glaucescens' essential oil could be examined for its potential for use in aromatherapy in the future. Since inhalation is a common form of application for humans, new possibilities for alternative treatment strategies of depression could result. 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:
- essential oil: A concentrated plant extract that contains the aromatic components of the plant.
- monoterpene: a category of terpenes that consist of two isoprens units and often occur in essential oils of plants, e.g. Linalool and beta-pins.
- inhalation: The absorption of substances by breathing.
- antidepressant effect: The ability to relieve symptoms of depression.
- anxiolytic effect: The ability to reduce anxiety.
- BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor): A growth factor occurring in the brain that is important for development, function and survival of nerve cells.
The anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Litsea Glaucescens-etheric oil during inhalation
The research of the etnopharmacological importance of Litsea Glaucescens K. (Lauraceae), a small tree from the Mexican and Central American moderate moderate forests, known as "Laurel", has led to significant knowledge regarding its application in traditional medicine. Particularly noteworthy are the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of the essential oil of the Litea Glaucescens leaves (Leo) and their monoter pepper Linalool and beta-pins in a mouse model. This is followed by prior demonstrations of these activities through intraperitoneal administration.
The LEO was extracted by distillation with water vapor, whereupon an analysis was carried out using gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identified 31 connections, including eucalyptol, Linalool and beta pins. The antidepressant properties were evaluated by the Forced Swim test (FST) on mice that were exposed to the Leo or Linalool in an inhalation chamber. In addition, the spontaneous locomotor activity and the sedative effect with the Open Field Test (often) and the Exploratory Cylinder (EC) were tested. The anxiolytic properties were examined with the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and the Hole Board Test (HBT).
The results showed that inhaling Leo and its main components Linalool and beta-pins in mice caused an anxiolytic effect, measured with often and EC tests. LEO also had antidepressant activity similar to that of imipramine, as revealed by the FST, whereas Linalool and Ketamine did not modify the immobility time. An increase in BDNF was found in the mice treated with Leo in both brain areas. Interestingly, however, there was no reduction in the corticosterone level in plasma.
This study thus provides proof for the first time that the essential oil of Litsea Glaucescens leaves anxiolytic effects in mice through inhalation administration, in addition to its antidepressant properties. In view of the fact that inhalation is a common application route in humans, our results indicate that Leo could offer potential applications in aromatherapy and earn future examinations.