A systematic review of the effect of lavender on cancer complications

Traceability, authentication, and quality control of food-grade lavender essential oil: A comprehensive review

The global lavender essential oil (LaEO) market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3 %-6.8 % from 2024 to 2033. Valued at USD 138.2 million in 2024, the market is expected to reach USD 267.2 million by 2034. This growth is primarily driven by rising consumer demand for organic products, which has heightened interest in high-quality, non-toxic essential oils (EOs). Consequently, Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)-classified EOs are gaining attention as potential natural alternatives to synthetic food additives. However, due to its widespread use, LaEO is particularly susceptible to adulteration, often with Lavandin intermedia EO. To address this issue, mass spectrometry, and chemometric techniques have emerged as effective tools for authenticating LaEO and determining its origin. This review, therefore, investigates various quality indices, authentication techniques, and methods employed for LaEO traceability, with a specific focus on non-destructive approaches. Furthermore, LaEO's unique flavors and health benefits as food additives underscore the importance of maintaining stringent quality standards to ensure both product integrity and consumer health. Notably, NMR-based chemometric analysis, combined with GC/MS, is highlighted as an effective approach to detect adulteration, shaping the future role of LaEO in the food industry. Ultimately, ensuring the stringent quality of LaEO remains critical to its continued success in the market.

Vetiver and Orange Blossom Aid in Lowering Blood Pressure and Heart Rate and Improving Sleep Quality

Aromatherapy has emerged as a prominent therapeutic modality, particularly for individuals grappling with insomnia and stress. This study delves into the sleep patterns of a general population and evaluates the impact of 3 distinct essential oils over a 4 to 6-week period. The study rigorously assesses changes in sleep quality and various cardiovascular parameters before and after the utilization of these essential oils. A total of 67 participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and expressed their willingness to partake in the experiment through an online platform. Subsequently, the participants underwent comprehensive measurements of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system parameters. Following random assignment into 1 of 3 groups, the subjects diligently used the prescribed essential oils for the specified duration. A posttest was conducted to meticulously document the changes in cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system parameters, as well as the PSQI scale. The 3 essential oils employed were lavender, vetiver, and orange blossom, with 21, 18, and 17 participants, respectively. The experimental findings revealed a noteworthy reduction in PSQI scores after 4 to 6 weeks of using vetiver and orange blossom essential oils. The scores decreased from 7.92 (3.55) and 8.32 (3.71) to 6.08 (3.30, P = .007) and 6.47 (2.20, P = .042), respectively. This reduction was even more pronounced among subjects with initial PSQI scores of 5 or higher. Furthermore, the utilization of vetiver and orange blossom essential oils demonstrated a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (SYS) over the 4 to 6-week period. Vetiver SYS levels decreased from 108.39 (5.67) to 105.33 (5.93) (P = .0016), and orange blossom SYS levels decreased from 110.53 (9.49) to 108.18 (9.49) (P = .0414). In addition, the heart rate of the vetiver group also exhibited a significant decrease from 78.33 (12.06) to 76.00 (12.06) (P = .0342). Thus, the results strongly suggest that vetiver and orange blossom essential oils contribute to the reduction of blood pressure, heart rate, and the enhancement of sleep quality, particularly in individuals experiencing sleep disturbances. These findings align with previous research on the soothing effects of essential oils and their potential in promoting both cardiovascular and sleep-related well-being.

The efficacy of lavender oil on fatigue and sleep quality in patients with hematological malignancy receiving chemotherapy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate how aromatherapy with the inhalation of lavender oil affects fatigue and sleep quality in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy.

METHODS

This randomized, parallel-group study was carried out in the Adult Bone Marrow Transplant unit and Hematology-Oncology clinics between January 2022 and April 2023. A total of 120 patients were assigned to experimental and control groups by randomization. The study was completed with 100 patients including 50 in the experimental group and 50 in the control group. Lavender essential oil was applied to the experimental group for 20 min prior to going to bed every night for 5 consecutive days. Physiological saline solution was applied to the control group in the same way. A Participant Information Form, the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and the Piper Fatigue Scale were used as data collection tools.

RESULTS

The experimental group showed a significantly higher sleep quality (p = 0.001) and had a significantly lower PFS scores (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. Also, the mean scores of the experimental group on the Behavioral, Sensory, and Cognitive subscales were statistically significantly lower than the scores of the control group (p < 0.05). Variables of lavender aromatherapy and total sleep quality accounted for 17.1% of the variance in fatigue levels (R2 = 0.171).

CONCLUSIONS

Consequently, it was determined that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil significantly alleviated fatigue and lowered PFS total and subscale scores in patients with hematological malignancies undergoing chemotherapy. Also, sleep quality significantly enhanced in the overall PFS and its subscales.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT05808296. Date of Registration: 30 March 2023.

Lavender Essential Oil and Its Terpenic Components Negatively Affect Tumor Properties in a Cell Model of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer in adults, characterized by extensive growth, a high recurrence rate, and resistance to treatment. Growing research interest is focusing on the biological roles of natural compounds due to their potential beneficial effects on health. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of lavender essential oil (LEO) on a GBM cell model. Chemical characterization using GC-MS analysis indicated that LEO contains several terpenes, compounds that have been found to exhibit anticancer properties by interfering with key cancer-related pathways in several cancer models. By means of cell biology assays, we demonstrated that LEO impairs cell proliferation and migration, and also reduces oxidative stress in U87 cells. We further observed that Terpinen-4-ol, contained in LEO, was capable of reproducing the effects of the oil on GBM cells. Our results suggest that the terpenic molecules present in LEO could be considered valuable allies alongside conventional therapies against GBM.

Utilization of complementary and alternative medicine by patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for chronic kidney disease in Taiwan: a descriptive investigation

BACKGROUND

Despite the paucity of scientific evidence, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used for the prevention and treatment of chronic illness, holistic care, and counteracting the adverse effects of conventional therapies. This study aims to determine the prevalence of CAM use and its associated factors among patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) in Taiwan.

METHODS

This quantitative study was conducted from August 2022 to July 2024 in the HD unit at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. Face-to-face questionnaire-based interviews were held with 154 of 163 eligible patients (response rate, 94.5%) at the bedside during HD. The completed questionnaires were entered into a secure computer database. Data was performed by descriptive analysis, Chi-square, and Fisher tests.

RESULTS

More than half of the patients were CAM users (n = 86; 56%), and women was associated with significantly more usage of CAM. Fifty-six CAM users took Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), 52.3% (n = 45) used dietary supplements, and 19.8% (n = 17) used acupuncture. The benefit in the effectiveness of CAM was the main reason for use, the need of CAM to improve the well-being and HD-related complication was high. 32.7% of patients had used CAM based on recommendation from their family and friends. More than one-third (33.7%) of patients did not disclose their use of CAM to their doctors, most of them think it is unnecessary.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CAM by patients with maintenance HD was relatively frequent. Of these, most used CHM, of which are shown to the trend into routine HD care is inevitable by high coverage and utilization in Taiwanese national health insurance system. These findings indicate that it is important for health care providers working in dialysis to assess CAM use.

Biovalorization of whey waste as economic nutriment for mycogenic production of single cell oils with promising antibiofilm and anticancer potentiality

The production of value-added bio-compounds from rejuvenated sources and their recruitment for healthcare services are paramount objectives in the agenda of white biotechnology. Hereupon, the current study focused on economic production of single cell oils (SCOs) from oleaginous fungi Alternaria sp. (A-OS) and Drechslera sp. (D-OS) using cheese whey waste stream, followed by their evaluation as antibiofilm and anticancer agents, for the first time. As a sole substrate for growth, the whey aided in lipid accumulation by 3.22 and 4.33 g/L, which representing 45.3 and 48.2% lipid content in Drechslera sp. (D-OS) and Alternaria sp. (A-OS), respectively. Meanwhile, a higher unsaturation degree was detected in A-OS by 62.18% comparing to 53.15% of D-OS, with advantageous presence of omega-6 poly unsaturated fatty acid by 22.67% and 15.04% for A-OS and D-OD, respectively, as revealed by GC-MS and FTIR characterization analysis. Interestingly, an eminent and significant (P ≤ 0.05) antibiofilm potency was observed in a dose-dependent modality upon employing both SCOs as antibiofilm agents. Whereas, 100 µg/mL of A-OS recorded superior inhibition of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans biofilms development by 84.10 ± 0.445, 90.37 ± 0.065 and 94.96 ± 0.21%, respectively. Whereas, D-OS (100 µg/mL) thwarted the biofilms of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans by 47.41 ± 2.83, 62.63 ± 5.82 and 78.67 ± 0.23%, correspondingly. Besides, the metabolic performance of cells within biofilm matrix, protein, carbohydrate contents and hydrophobicity of examined biofilms were also curtailed in a significant correlation with biofilm biomass (r ≥ 0.9). Further, as anticancer agents, D-OS recorded higher potency against A549 and CaCo-2 cell lines with IC50 values of 2.55 and 3.425% and SI values of 10.1 and 7.5, respectively. However, A-OS recorded 8.275% and 2.88 for IC50 and SI of Caco-2 cells, respectively. Additionally, A-OS activated caspase 3 by 64.23 ± 1.18% and 53.77 ± 0.995% more than D-OS (52.09 ± 0.222% and 49.72 ± 0.952%) in A549 and Caco-2 cells, respectively. Furthermore, the enzymes, which associated with cancer invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis (i.e., MMP2 and MMP9) were strongly inhibited by A-OS with 18.58% and 8.295%, respectively as IC50 values; while D-OS results recorded 23.61% and 13.16%, respectively, which could be ascribed to the higher ω-6/ω-3 contents of A-OS. The promising results of the current study opens up the vision to employ SCOs as anti-infective nutraceuticals and in complementary/alternative therapy and prophylactic programs as well.

The effects of aromatherapy massage given to patients after colorectal cancer surgery on symptom management: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It was aimed to investigate the effects of massage with or without aromatherapy given to patients after colorectal cancer surgery on symptom management in the first three postoperative days.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was carried out with a pretest-posttest randomized controlled design. The study included the aromatherapy massage group (AG; n = 30), the classical massage group (MG; n = 30), and one control group (CG; n = 30). A blend of sweet almond oil, lavender, chamomile, and ginger oil was used in AG. Massage was applied to the foot area, and 20 min of classical massage was performed. Before the pretest, the participants were blinded by not informing them about their group allocations. The analyses were carried out using parametric methods.

RESULTS

Postoperative pain varied significantly over time in all three groups (AG: p = 0.007; η2 = 0.150/MG: p = 0.008; η2 = 0.559/CG: p = 0.017; η2 = 0.132). Anxiety was found to differ between CG and AG and between CG and MG (p < 0.05). In all three groups, nausea-vomiting scores significantly decreased over time (AG: p = 0.002; η2 = 0.211/MG: p = 0.004; η2 = 0.164/CG: p = 0.021; η2 = 0.125). Sleep quality was significantly higher in the massage groups than in the control group only on the second postoperative day (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Aromatherapy massage had no significant effect on pain, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting compared to MG and CG, and sleep quality was higher in the massage groups compared to CG only on the second postoperative day. On the first three postoperative days, the post-intervention anxiety levels of AG and MG were lower than those of CG.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV.ID: NCT04810299.

Recent developments in the encapsulation of lavender essential oil

The unregulated and extensive application of synthetic compounds, such as preservatives, pesticides, and drugs, poses serious concerns to the environment, food security, and global health. Essential oils (EOs) are valid alternatives to these synthetic chemicals due to their therapeutic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Lavender essential oil (LEO) can be potentially applied in food, cosmetic, textile, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. However, its bioactivity can be compromised by its poor stability and solubility, which severely restrict its industrial applications. Encapsulation techniques can improve the functionality of LEO and preserve its bioactivity during storage. This review reports recent advances in the encapsulation of LEO by different methods, such as liposomes, emulsification, spray drying, complex coacervation, inclusion complexation, and electrospinning. It also outlines the effects of different processing conditions and carriers on the stability, physicochemical properties, and release behavior of encapsulated LEO. Moreover, this review focuses on the applications of encapsulated LEO in different food and non-food products.

Comparative analysis of the differences in volatile organic components of three lavender essential oils in Ili region using sensory evaluation, GC-IMS and GC-MS techniques

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) is a widely utilized aromatic plant, with the economic value of its essential oil (EO) largely dependent on its aroma. This study investigated the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the EOs of three species of lavender (H70-1, French blue, Taikong blue) in Ili region from 2019 to 2023 with the combination of sensory evaluation, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The EO from Taikong blue lavender exhibited greater stability in VOC composition compared to the other two varieties. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) effectively distinguished the aromas of the three EOs aroma. Combining odor activity value (OAV) and variable importance in projection (VIP) values identified five VOCs crucial for discriminating among the three lavender EO types. This study provides theoretical support for the cultivation and commercialization of lavender as an industrial crop, as well as for quality control of EO production in the Ili region.

Effects of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy. Specifically, the study aims to compare the outcomes of an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention with those of a control group.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial design was employed, including an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention and a control group receiving standard care. The study participants were patients with permanent colostomy. Various variables were assessed, including odor scale, work and social functioning, sexuality and body image, stoma function, financial concerns, acceptance, anxiety/preoccupation, social engagement and anger.

RESULTS

The post-scores assessment showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. The experimental group exhibited significantly more positive outcomes concerning the reduction of odor (p<0.001), performance in the workplace (p<0.001), body image connected to sexuality (p<0.001), stoma functionality (p<0.001), financial worries (p=0.005), acceptance levels (p<0.001), anxiety levels (p<0.001), social involvement (p<0.001), and irritability (p<0.001). Effect sizes were substantial (=0.88-0.98 in all variables but one), indicating significant differences in average scores before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that lavender oil intervention effectively improved odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy.

Effect of Chamomile on the Complications of Cancer: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, many people across the world still suffer from this chronic disease and its complications. Chamomile as an herbal medicine has gained an increasing attention for relieving cancer complications. This study aimed to integrate and synthesize current international evidence regarding the effect of chamomile on cancer complications.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken. Five online databases including Web of Science, PubMed [including MEDLINE], Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Embase were searched and articles published from inception to January 2023 were retrieved. All clinical trials and similar interventional studies on human subjects examining the effects of chamomile on cancer complications were included in the review and research synthesis. Relevant data were extracted from eligible studies after quality appraisals using proper methodological tools. The review results were presented narratively given that meta-analysis was impossible.

RESULTS

A total of 2240 studies were retrieved during the search process, but 18 articles were selected. The total sample size was 1099 patients with cancer of which 622 participants were female. Fifteen studies used an RCT design. Various forms of chamomile were used such as mouthwash, topical material, tea, capsule, syrup and aromatherapy massage. Chamomile effectively reduced oral mucositis, skin complications, depression, and vomiting and also improved appetite and quality of life among cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of chamomile as a non-pharmacologic and safe method can be helpful for mitigating cancer complications in patients with cancer. Therefore, it can be incorporated into routine care along with other therapeutic measures to reduce patients' suffering related to cancer.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER (PROSPERO)

CRD42022307887.

The effect of a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of patients with cancer: Randomized interventional study

OBJECTIVES

This three-arm randomized intervention study was carried out with the aim to evaluate the effects of a combined foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of patients with cancer.

METHOD

This research was carried out in oncology and palliative services. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Throughout a 14-day period, 20 min of foot soak treatment was applied to the patients in the F group, patients in the L group were applied lavender oil inhalation therapy for 5 min and a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy were applied to the patients in the FL group. Insomnia severity of the patients in all groups were evaluated twice using the Insomnia Severity Index at the baseline and on the fifteenth day.

RESULTS

The severity of the insomnia of the patients in all groups was found to be moderate. The severity of the insomnia in the second evaluation was found to be statistically significantly lower in the L and FL groups (p<0.05) compared to the baseline evaluation within the group, however no significant difference was found in the F group (p>0.05). The effect size of a combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy on the severity of insomnia of patients in the FL group was higher and moderate (d = 0.684) compared to merely foot soak and merely lavender oil inhalation therapy.

CONCLUSION

A combined treatment of foot soak and lavender oil inhalation therapy shall mitigate the severity of a moderate level of insomnia of patients with cancer.