Lavender and the nervous system

A Comprehensive Review of Lavandula stoechas L. (Ustukhuddus) Plant: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and In Silico Studies

Lavandula stoechas L., also referred to as French lavender or Spanish lavender, is a well-known medicinal plant with a strong presence in traditional medicine systems. This review provides an overview of the existing research progress on L. stoechas, encompassing its traditional uses, medicinal phytochemistry, pharmacological activity as well as clinical applications, and in silico studies. Literature searches on the traditional, medicinal phytochemistry and biological activities of L. stoechas were conducted using online databases that included Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed as well as pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the library of the university. Recent scientific studies have explored the phytochemicals of L. stoechas, revealing a diverse collection of bioactive substances, including flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids. Pharmacological studies have provided additional clarity on the therapeutic benefits of extracts and isolated components from L. stoechas. Studies confirm its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects and its potential for anxiety, insomnia, and dermatological disorders. Computational approaches revealed ligand interactions between L. stoechas constituents and targets, enhancing understanding through in silico analysis. In summary, the combined study underscores L. stoechas's diverse therapeutic potential, validating its traditional uses while providing scientific insights into its chemical composition, its formulations, its molecular mechanisms, and its pharmacological activities.

The Psychophysiological Relaxation Effects of Essential Oil Combined with Still-Life Painting Activities on Older Adults in Taiwan During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected all types of people, older adults were disproportionately affected. Therefore, we developed an indoor program inspired by art and natural elements (plant essential oils [EOs]) intended to have a relaxing effect akin to a forest atmosphere to enhance psychophysiological health during this period. Thirty Taiwanese older adults (range, 59-79 years) participated in the study. We combined an art activity (still-life painting of vegetables) with the inhalation of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Lavandula angustifolia EOs during a 100-minute experiment. The study showed that physiological measures (heart rate, normalized low-frequency heart variability, the ratio of low- to high-frequency heart variability, high-beta waves, and gamma waves) decreased during the experiment; correspondingly, increased standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, normalized high-frequency heart variability, and high-alpha waves were observed, indicating relaxed physiological state. Subjective psychological assessments using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State showed lower posttest scores, further supporting the relaxation effects. The psychophysiological data from this study provide important scientific evidence for the physical and mental health benefits of indoor nature-based activity programs for older adults, thereby improving their quality of life.

Synergistic Antibiofilm Effects of Chestnut and Linden Honey with Lavender Essential Oil Against Multidrug-Resistant Otitis Media Pathogens

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a major problem in healthcare, complicated by the ability of bacteria to form biofilms. Complementary therapy for infectious diseases can rely on natural substances with antibacterial activity, e.g., essential oils and honeys. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of linden and chestnut honeys, lavender essential oil, and their combinations against the multidrug-resistant otitis media pathogens Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The efficacy of these natural substances was compared with each other and antibiotics used in clinical practice.

METHODS

Microscopic pollen analysis and physicochemical traits were used to confirm the botanical origin of honey samples. The antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria was tested with a disk diffusion assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using a microdilution assay. A 24 h immature biofilm eradication test was performed with a crystal violet assay. The efficacy of combinations was tested with a checkerboard titration method. The DNA release of damaged bacterial cells was measured using a membrane degradation assay.

RESULTS

Lavender essential oil displayed more potent antibacterial activity compared to the honey samples. However, honey-essential oil combinations showed higher inhibition rates for biofilm eradication, with P. aeruginosa being the most resistant bacterium. The combined use of chestnut honey and lavender oil resulted in a higher degree of membrane degradation in a shorter time, and their synergistic effect was proven with checkerboard titration.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of linden or chestnut honey with lavender essential oil was shown to be effective in the eradication of a 24 h immature biofilm formed by H. parainfluenzae, M. catarrhalis, and S. pneumoniae.

Mitigative and neuroprotective effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on serotonin syndrome-induced neurotoxicity in male albino rats

The term serotonin syndrome (SS) is a potentially life-threatening devastating condition triggered by the excessive accumulation of serotonin, often due to an overdose or the concurrent use of multiple serotonergic drugs. Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), a known plant from the Lamiaceae family, is very rich in essential oils, minerals, and tannins. This study aimed to elucidate the detrimental effects of SS on the brain and to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of L. angustifolia essential oil. Male rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control (Group 1); L. angustifolia-treated (Group 2); ondansetron-treated high-dose (Group 3); sertraline-treated high-dose (Group 4); low-dose ondansetron + sertraline-treated (Group 5); high-dose ondansetron + sertraline-treated (Group 6); low-dose ondansetron + sertraline + L. angustifolia-treated (Group 7); and high-dose ondansetron + sertraline + L. angustifolia-treated (Group 8). Neurotransmitter levels, dopamine metabolites, and expressed cytokines were quantified. Additionally, histological assessment of the hippocampus was performed. The results revealed significant disruptions in neurotransmitter and amino acid levels within the hippocampus across the treated groups. Notably, the high-dose ondansetron + sertraline group presented pronounced increases in serotonin, 5-HIAA, and proinflammatory cytokines, resulting in neurotoxicity and pronounced alterations in the hippocampus. Conversely, treatment with L. angustifolia significantly attenuated these neurotoxic effects. The findings suggest that L. angustifolia confers neuroprotection against the deleterious effects of SS, particularly by counteracting the neurotoxic impact of combined serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and serotonin reuptake inhibitors within the hippocampus. These findings highlight the potential of L. angustifolia as a natural therapeutic agent for mitigating SS-induced neurotoxicity.

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.

Odor lateralization test is insensitive to small degrees of intranasal trigeminal activation

INTRODUCTION

Odors with prominent trigeminal compounds are more easily localized than purely olfactory ones. However, it is still unclear whether adding a small amount of a trigeminal compound to an olfactory odor significantly improves lateralization performance.

METHODS

We included 81 healthy adults aged 25.4 ± 4.8 years to complete odor lateralization tasks using 12 odors: two "olfactory", two "trigeminal" odors, and eight odor mixtures at two low concentrations of "trigeminal" odors (4%, 8%). This task utilized a "Squeezer" delivering odor or air to either nostril, and participants indicated which nostril received the odor. Evaluations also included olfactory function, odor intensity ratings, and individual olfactory importance.

RESULTS

Degrees of trigeminal compounds significantly affected lateralization performance (F = 82.32, p < 0.001), with 100% irritants showing higher performance than 0%, 4%, and 8% irritants (p's < 0.001), while no significant differences were found between odors with 0%, 4%, and 8% irritants (p's > 0.05). Chi-square tests confirmed higher percentages of above-chance lateralization with 100% irritants than with 0%, 4%, and 8% irritants (χ2 = 30.89 to 47.33, p's < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adding a small amount of a trigeminal compound to a selective olfactory odor does not significantly improve lateralization performance. Trigeminal lateralization likely follows an "accumulative" pattern rather than an "all or none" rule. With only 20 trials, the task may lack sensitivity to detect low levels of trigeminal irritation in selective olfactory odors, though it does not rule out trigeminal activation. The odor lateralization task can screen for odors with prominent trigeminal compounds by comparing group-level performance with that of purely olfactory odors. Future studies should use more ideal stimuli (e.g., PEA for olfactory, CO2 for trigeminal) to test the replicability of the results.

Current Progress and Emerging Role of Essential Oils in Drug Delivery Therapeutics

The utilization of novel drug delivery systems loaded with essential oils has gained significant attention as a promising approach for biomedical applications in recent years. Plants possess essential oils that exhibit various medicinal properties, i.e., anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti- inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, etc., due to the presence of various phytoconstituents, including terpenes, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, and esters. An understanding of conventional and advanced extraction techniques of essential oils (EOs) from several plant sources is further required before considering or loading EOs into drug delivery systems. Therefore, this article summarizes the various extraction techniques of EOs and their existing limitations. The in-built biological applications of EOs are of prerequisite importance for treating several diseases. Thus, the mechanisms of action of EOs for anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial activities, etc., have been further explored in this article. The encapsulation of essential oils in micro or nanometric systems is an intriguing technique to render adequate stability to the thermosensitive compounds and shield them against environmental factors that might cause chemical degradation. Thus, the article further summarizes the advanced drug delivery approaches loaded with EOs and current challenges in the future outlook of EOs for biomedical applications.

Effect of a Novel Lavender Extract on Plasma Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism, Glucose Tolerance and Adipose Tissue Metabolic Activation: A Preclinical Safety and Efficacy Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Lavender has been utilized for its medicinal properties since ancient times, with numerous health benefits reported. This study aimed to valorize solid waste from lavender essential oil production by developing a novel lavender extract from solid lavender residues. The extract's preclinical safety and efficacy were evaluated with emphasis on plasma lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, glucose tolerance, and adipose tissue metabolic activity.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups of five mice each and fed for 30 days with lavender extract encapsulated in 10% maltodextrin, mixed with a standard chow diet. The first group (Lav 1×) received 21.1 mg/kg/day, the second group (Lav 10×) received 211 mg/kg/day, and the third group (Lav 100×) received 2110 mg/kg/day. A placebo group consumed the standard diet without lavender extract. Key outcomes included plasma lipid and lipoprotein profiles, transaminase levels, HDL antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, glucose tolerance, and mitochondrial activity in white (WAT) and brown (BAT) adipose tissues.

RESULTS

The novel lavender extract induced dose-dependent improvements in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, glucose tolerance, and adipose tissue activity. The 2110 mg/kg dose (100×) demonstrated the most significant beneficial effects, although it was associated with a slight elevation in hepatic transaminase levels, indicating potential mild hepatic stress. Conclusions: Overall, the novel lavender extract exhibits promising health benefits with no major safety concerns at the tested doses, supporting its potential for therapeutic applications.

Soothing the Itch: The Role of Medicinal Plants in Alleviating Pruritus in Palliative Care

Chronic pruritus, or persistent itching, is a debilitating condition that severely impacts quality of life, especially in palliative care settings. Traditional treatments often fail to provide adequate relief or are associated with significant side effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies. This review investigates the antipruritic potential of eight medicinal plants: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), calendula (Calendula officinalis), curcumin (Curcuma longa), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). These plants are analyzed for their traditional applications, active bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, usage, dosage, and safety profiles. Comprehensive searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and b-on, focusing on in vitro, animal, and clinical studies using keywords like "plant", "extract", and "pruritus". Studies were included regardless of publication date and limited to English-language articles. Findings indicate that active compounds such as polysaccharides in aloe vera, curcuminoids in turmeric, and menthol in peppermint exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Chamomile and calendula alleviate itching through anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects, while lavender and licorice offer antimicrobial benefits alongside antipruritic relief. Evening primrose, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, is effective in atopic dermatitis-related itching. Despite promising preclinical and clinical results, challenges remain in standardizing dosages and formulations. The review highlights the necessity of further clinical trials to ensure efficacy and safety, advocating for integrating these botanical therapies into complementary palliative care practices. Such approaches emphasize holistic treatment, addressing chronic pruritus's physical and emotional burden, thereby enhancing patient well-being.

Efficacy of Lavender Essential Oil in Reducing Stress, Insomnia, and Anxiety in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

During pregnancy, women can experience stress, anxiety, and insomnia, which affect their health and wellbeing. Since many conventional medications are contraindicated for pregnant women, there is a need to find alternative therapies for alleviating their discomfort. Lavender essential oil (EO) is recognized for its calming and relaxing properties; therefore, our goal was to review current knowledge of lavender EO use to reduce anxiety and stress as well as to improve sleep quality in pregnant women.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in 11 databases that included clinical trials published between 2000 and 2022.

RESULTS

Of the 251 articles found, only 6, comprising a total of 413 participants that used lavender EO during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. One trial measured sleep quality, one measured anxiety, two measured both anxiety and stress, and two measured only stress. All studies reported significant (at least p < 0.05) improvement in the respective conditions and no adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained suggest that although the use of lavender EO during pregnancy has shown to have certain efficacy, given the small number of participants and lack of strong scientific literature, more studies are needed to provide further evidence on this topic.

Unravelling the antianxiety activity of various fractions of aerial parts of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. Ex Benth., by in vivo implicated through computational studies

There has been increasing interest in biologically active plant extracts. Studies continue to discover novel components, especially those with anti-anxiety activities. The present study investigates the anxiolytic activity of Salvia moorcroftiana Wall. ex Benth. aerial parts through both in vivo and in silico studies. Aerial parts of the experimental plant were extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent and fractionated with various organic solvents of differing polarities, including hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The chemical compositions were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In vivo anti-anxiety activity was tested on various Swiss albino mice models. Results indicate that all fractions of S. moorcroftiana exhibited significant anxiolytic effects, with the butanol fraction displaying the highest efficacy. Molecular docking analysis suggested that some of the compounds could target anxiety disorder proteins. ADME/T calculations were performed to examine the effects of S. moorcroftiana extracts on human metabolism. Therefore, the present study establishes the significant anti-anxiety activity of S. moorcroftiana aerial parts, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for various anxiety disorders.

A comprehensive review on the pharmacological role of gut microbiome in neurodegenerative disorders: potential therapeutic targets

Neurological disorders, including Alzheimer and Parkinson's, pose significant challenges to public health due to their complex etiologies and limited treatment options. Recent advances in research have highlighted the intricate bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS), revealing a potential therapeutic avenue for neurological disorders. Thus, this review aims to summarize the current understanding of the pharmacological role of gut microbiome in neurological disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating CNS function through various mechanisms, including the production of neurotransmitters, neuroactive metabolites, and immune system modulation. Dysbiosis, characterized by alterations in gut microbial composition and function, has been observed in many neurological disorders, indicating a potential causative or contributory role. Pharmacological interventions targeting the gut microbiome have emerged as promising therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, and microbial metabolite-based interventions have shown beneficial effects in animal models and some human studies. These interventions aim to restore microbial homeostasis, enhance microbial diversity, and promote the production of beneficial metabolites. However, several challenges remain, including the need for standardized protocols, identification of specific microbial signatures associated with different neurological disorders, and understanding the precise mechanisms underlying gut-brain communication. Further research is necessary to unravel the intricate interactions between the gut microbiome and the CNS and to develop targeted pharmacological interventions for neurological disorders.

Effect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata on decrease of blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is one of the most dangerous diseases. However, medicine for hypertension may cause adverse effects. Thus, alternative treatments may be beneficial to patients. The aims of the study were to evaluate efficacy and safety of sticker pads containing lavender and ylang ylang oil (LY pads) on decrease blood pressure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The LY pads had been developed since 2018. The safety of LY pads in healthy volunteers' study and the efficacy and safety of LY pads in high blood pressure volunteers' study were conducted at Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand in October 2020 to December 2022. In the safety of LY pads in healthy volunteers' study, the LY pad was attached to the shirts of 56 healthy volunteers for 2 h. Adverse reactions, irritation score, and quality of life were assessed. In the efficacy and safety of the LY pads in high blood pressure volunteers' study, 34 high blood pressure volunteers were randomly divided into the LY group or the placebo group. The volunteers attached the pad to their shirt for 14 days. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and adverse reactions were investigated.

RESULTS

The LY pad was safe for humans. Using the LY pad for 2 h had no significant adverse reactions in healthy volunteers. Moreover, it significantly improved quality of life (p<0.05). The blood pressure of the LY pad group after at least 3 days use was significantly lower than before using the pad (p<0.05). The systolic blood pressure difference and pulse rate difference were also superior in the LY pad group compared to the placebo group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The LY pad was safe in healthy volunteers and could reduce blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers without adverse effects. Thus, it may be a supportive or alternative treatment for hypertension.

Sex differences in the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety and salivary oxytocin levels

Objective

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing method to promote health and well-being by using natural plant extracts. However, its precise mechanism of action and influence on the endocrine system remains unclear. Since recent studies reported that a neuropeptide, oxytocin, can attenuate anxiety, we hypothesized that if oxytocin secretion is promoted through aromatherapy, it may improve mood and anxiety. The present study is aimed to investigate the relationship between oxytocin and the effects of aromatherapy with lavender oil on anxiety level, by measuring salivary oxytocin levels in healthy men and women.

Methods

We conducted a randomized open crossover trial in 15 men and 10 women. Each participant received a placebo intervention (control group) and aromatherapy with lavender oil (aromatherapy group). For the aromatherapy group, each participant spent a 30-min session in a room with diffused lavender essential oil, followed by a 10-min hand massage using a carrier oil containing lavender oil. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the intervention, 30-min after the start of intervention, and after hand massage, in both groups. Saliva samples were collected at the same time points of the STAI.

Results

In women, either aromatherapy or hand massage was associated with a reduction in anxiety levels, independently. Moreover, salivary oxytocin levels were increased after aromatherapy. On the other hand, in men, anxiety levels were decreased after aromatherapy, as well as after hand massage, regardless of the use of lavender oil. However, there were no significant differences in changes of salivary oxytocin levels between the control and aromatherapy groups during the intervention period. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between anxiety levels and salivary oxytocin levels before the intervention, but a negative correlation was observed after hand massage with lavender oil.

Conclusion

The results of the present study indicate that in women, aromatherapy with lavender oil attenuated anxiety with increase in oxytocin level in women, whereas in men, there was no clear relationship of aromatherapy with anxiety or oxytocin levels but, there was a change in correlation between anxiety and oxytocin. The results of the present study suggest that the effect of aromatherapy can vary depending on sex.

TASA: Temporal Attention With Spatial Autoencoder Network for Odor-Induced Emotion Classification Using EEG

The olfactory system enables humans to smell different odors, which are closely related to emotions. The high temporal resolution and non-invasiveness of Electroencephalogram (EEG) make it suitable to objectively study human preferences for odors. Effectively learning the temporal dynamics and spatial information from EEG is crucial for detecting odor-induced emotional valence. In this paper, we propose a deep learning architecture called Temporal Attention with Spatial Autoencoder Network (TASA) for predicting odor-induced emotions using EEG. TASA consists of a filter-bank layer, a spatial encoder, a time segmentation layer, a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) module, a multi-head self-attention (MSA) layer, and a fully connected layer. We improve upon the previous work by utilizing a two-phase learning framework, using the autoencoder module to learn the spatial information among electrodes by reconstructing the given input with a latent representation in the spatial dimension, which aims to minimize information loss compared to spatial filtering with CNN. The second improvement is inspired by the continuous nature of the olfactory process; we propose to use LSTM-MSA in TASA to capture its temporal dynamics by learning the intercorrelation among the time segments of the EEG. TASA is evaluated on an existing olfactory EEG dataset and compared with several existing deep learning architectures to demonstrate its effectiveness in predicting olfactory-triggered emotional responses. Interpretability analyses with DeepLIFT also suggest that TASA learns spatial-spectral features that are relevant to olfactory-induced emotion recognition.

Can environmental nebulization of lavender essential oil (L. angustifolia) improve welfare and modulate nasal microbiota of growing pigs?

The use of phytoextracts has been proposed as a method to improve animal welfare, also in pigs, by reducing stress and anxiety and improving performances. Lavandula angustifolia (Miller) essential oil (LaEO) is an interesting calming phytoextract that could be administered by inhalation for prolonged periods of time to help pigs coping with on-farm conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of daily inhalation of vaporized LaEO on pigs' welfare and health indicators, and nasal microbiota, trying to understand whether this phytoextract represents a feasible tool to improve animal welfare under intensive farming conditions. Eighty-four crossbred barrows were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: control (C); lavender (L): 3 vaporization sessions of 10 min each of a custom made 1% solution of LaEO; sham (S): same vaporization sessions of L group but only using the solution vehicle. Experimental readouts included growth parameters, behavioural traits, tail and skin lesions, hair steroids and nasal microbiota. L group animals did not show altered growth performance and seemed calmer (increased recumbency time), with decreased amount of skin lesions also associated with lower severity class for tail lesions. They also showed decreased CORT/DHEA ratio, potentially suggesting a beneficial effect of LaEO. Inhalation of LaEO significantly affected the nasal pig microbiome by reducing its diversity. Overall, the study suggests how inhalation of Lavender essential oil may be capable of improving welfare in growing pigs, yet it is pivotal to consider the microbial modulatory capabilities of essential oils before exploiting them on larger scale.

The effect of lavender foot baths on postoperative pain and sleep quality in comparison with foot baths with warm water only-A prospective randomized controlled study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of warm water (WW) foot bath with or without lavender oil for pain and sleep quality in the patients who undergone abdominal surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

This study was designed as a prospective randomized controlled. The three study groups were defined as the control group (n = 44), the WW foot bath group (n = 46), WW foot bath with the lavender group (n = 40). Foot baths were done for 20 min with 40 °C every night for 3 days after surgery. Visual Analogue Scale and Richard-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire were used during data collection.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients, mean age 55.99 ±  ± 13.05 years, 66 male (51 %), 103 of whom underwent abdominal surgery, were included in the study. When the patients during the postoperative three days were evaluated, decreased pain score and increased sleep quality both the WW and WW foot bath with lavender groups (p < 0.001). Noise-related sleep quality was detected to be lesser in the control group patients on the 3rd day (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

WW foot bath with or without lavender oil is an uncomplicated, economical, and effective complementary therapy to reduce postoperative pain and improve sleep quality. WW foot baths with essential oils are optionally available in clinics and can be used according to patients' preferences.

Relationship between the floating toe and the center-of-pressure position in an upright posture among students

[Purpose] The incidence of floating toes in children is increasing. Although the anteroposterior center of pressure in children is present posteriorly, its relationship with the floating toe is unclear. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the position of the anteroposterior center of pressure and the floating toe in an upright posture in children. [Participants and Methods] In this cross-sectional study, a Win-Pod (Medicapteurs) platform was used to measure the position of the anteroposterior center of pressure in 208 boys and 195 girls from Japanese elementary schools. Using images of the plantar footprint, floating toes were assessed and the floating toe score was calculated. [Results] The anteroposterior center of pressure position was situated 32.3 ± 8.2% from the heel. The floating toe score of all the participants was 3.5 ± 2.4, with a very high rate of 98%. The floating toe score had a significant, moderate correlation with age, height, weight, and the anteroposterior center-of-pressure position. Multivariate analysis revealed an association between the floating toe score and the anteroposterior center-of-pressure position, height, and weight. [Conclusion] There is significant relationship between the anteroposterior center-of-pressure position and the floating toe score in an upright posture in Japanese elementary school students.

Inhalation effect of lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly: a pilot randomized controlled study

[Purpose] This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of inhaling lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly. [Participants and Methods] Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the control (n=15) or experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group inhaled the scent from the lychee soy wax candle prior to going to bed for four weeks (20 minutes/session, three days/week). Perceived stress was assessed using the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20), while sleep quality was assessed using the Thai-Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI). All outcomes were determined at the baseline two weeks to four weeks after scent inhalation. [Results] The results indicated significant differences in sleep quality between the two groups. The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group. Although, there was no difference between groups, the experimental group presented significant decrease in stress as time passed whereas the opposite trend was seen for the control group. [Conclusion] This preliminary study suggests that the inhalation of lychee soy wax candles over a four-week period improved sleep quality in adults and the elderly but had no effect on reducing stress.

The effect of lavender on mood disorders associated with the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs): a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of contraceptive methods is influenced by their effectiveness, availability, and minimal side effects. OCPs are one of the most effective and widely used methods of pregnancy prevention worldwide. This method not only prevents pregnancy but also helps prevent and treat other diseases. One of the main reasons for discontinuing this method is the emotional disturbances associated with its use. Lavender is an evergreen, fragrant plant that has gained significant attention for its anti-anxiety effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lavender essential oil capsules on mood disorders during the use of COCs.

METHODS

This triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 60 married women (aged 15-49 years old) who were consumers of COCs, referring to 26 health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (consuming one gelatin capsule containing 80 mg LEO daily) or control (consuming one placebo capsule daily) group. The intervention continued for 56 days. Scores for positive and negative were determined using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaire; and for stress, depression, and anxiety were measured using the DASS-21 questionnaire on day's 28th and 56th post-intervention. Data analysis was conducted using the t-test and ANOVA with repeated measures, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed in mood disorders, stress, and depression between women receiving LEO or placebo. The consumption of LEO increased the positive mood on day 28 [MD (95% CI): 4.5 (2.1 to 7.0), p = 0.001] and day 56 [5.9 (3.4 to 8.3), p < 0.001] while decreased the negative mood on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -3.5 (-5.3 to -1.3), p < 0.001] and day 56 [-4.3 (-6.3 to -2.2), p < 0.001], stress on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -4.9 (-7.1 to -2.8), p = 0.001] and day 56 [-5.3 (-7.6 to -3.1), p < 0. 001], and depression on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -3.0 (-4.9 to 1.1), p = 0.003] and day 56 [-3.1 (-5.0 to 1.2), p = 0.002]. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of LEO with COCs improved mood disorders and reduced stress and depression. The use of hormonal contraceptives and mood changes should be considered by providers. Therefore, regarding the possibility of mood changes, it is expected that appropriate counseling and education will be provided to women who consume COC., providing appropriate solutions, including the simultaneous use of LEO.

A. Ahmed, Wearank Terang, Ningthoujam Dabung Meitei, Haider Khan, Md. Iliyash Ahamad, Akshay Kumar Haloi, Rituraj Bharadwaj. Unravelling the Potential of Herbal Therapy for Polycystic Ovarian Disorder

Polycystic Ovarian Disorder is among the most well-known hormonal diseases influencing many women overall prompting the development of cysts on the ovaries. Albeit, the specific ground for its improvement isn’t very much revealed till now, however a mix of hereditary, ecological and way of life factors were considered as noticeable contributing variables for its development and advancement. The ongoing treatments for polycystic ovarian disorder incorporate a way of life alteration, utilization of oral contraceptives, anti-androgen therapy and insulin-sensitizing agents, ovulation induction and assisted reproductive technologies. Even though these ongoing treatments are well dependent to some degree in females enduring polycystic ovarian issues, various secondary effects are being accounted for to be related to these treatments. Herbal treatment could be an option for polycystic ovarian problems as it offers compelling recuperation with immaterial aftereffects. Herbal treatment frequently focuses on the main driver of the sickness instead of alleviating symptoms, expecting to re-establish general well-being and prosperity. In this ongoing review, we have compiled the purposes of specific spices for the treatment of polycystic ovarian disorders including cinnamon, fenugreek, gymnema, saw palmetto, spearmint, liquorice, turmeric and berberine - containing plants. These plants were accounted for too effective against polycystic ovarian disorder with their system of activity as portrayed. Escalated research on these plants will clear many new courses towards the advancement of medication disclosure and medication plans for the powerful treatment of polycystic ovarian issues.

Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Neuropathic pain is a disabling condition caused by various diseases and can profoundly impact the quality of life. Unfortunately, current treatments often do not produce complete amelioration and can be associated with potential side effects. Recently, herbal drugs have garnered more attention as an alternative or a complementary treatment. In this article, we summarized the results of randomized clinical trials to evaluate the effects of various phytomedicines on neuropathic pain. In addition, we discussed their main bioactive components and potential mechanisms of action to provide a better view of the application of herbal drugs for treating neuropathic pain.

Antiseizure Effects of Peganum harmala L. and Lavandula angustifolia

Peganum harmala L. and Lavandula angustifolia are two traditional herbs with probable antiseizure effects. This study evaluated the effects of these two herbal extracts on pentylenetetrazol- (PTZ-) induced seizures in mice. We prepared hydroalcoholic extracts using P. harmala seeds and the aerial parts of L. angustifolia and then randomly divided 190 mice into 19 groups. Normal saline (10 mg/kg), diazepam (2 mg/kg), P. harmala (2.5, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg/kg), and L. angustifolia (200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally (IP) administrated 30 min before an IP administration of PTZ (90 mg/kg). Animals were observed for behavioral changes for one hour. In addition, the effects of flumazenil and naloxone on the antiseizure activity of P. harmala and L. angustifolia were assessed. P. harmala showed antiseizure activity at the dose of 10 mg/kg; it prolonged the seizure latency and decreased the seizure duration. The mortality protection rate was 90% for this herbal extract. L. angustifolia (600 mg/kg) prolonged the seizure latency and decreased both seizure duration and mortality. Neither flumazenil nor naloxone significantly reversed the antiseizure activities of P. harmala and L. angustifolia. In mice, the hydroalcoholic extracts of P. harmala and L. angustifolia showed antiseizure activity against PTZ-induced seizures. We could not delineate the exact antiseizure mechanisms of these extracts in the current study.

The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender on Pain of Needle Insertion and Severity of Restless Legs Syndrome in Hemodialysis Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Introduction

Pain experienced during the insertion of a catheter into the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) are prevalent issues among Hemodialysis (HD) patients. The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to consolidate the findings from randomized clinical trial (RCT) studies examining the impact of aromatherapy with lavender on the pain associated with AVF catheter insertion and RLS in HD patients.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Google Scholar search engine from inception to August 1, 2022, using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings, such as "Aromatherapy", "Lavender", "Arteriovenous fistula", "Pain", "Restless legs syndrome", and "Hemodialysis".

Results

Finally, eleven articles were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that aromatherapy reduced the average pain of catheter insertion in AVF compared to the control group (Standard Mean Difference: -1.60, 95% Confidence Interval: -2.32 to -0.87, Z=4.32, I2:90.3%, P<0.001). Also, aromatherapy massage reduced the average severity of RLS compared to the control group, which was statistically significant (Weighted Mean Difference: -13.21, 95% Confidence Interval: -17.50 to -8.91, Z=6.03, I2:93.0%, P<0.001). Also, the subgroup analysis showed that lavender in the intervention group significantly decreased the pain intensity compared to the "no intervention" group (P<0.001), yet it was not significant compared to the placebo group (P=0.12).

Conclusion

In summary, the findings indicate a notable reduction in catheter insertion pain in AVF and relief from RLS among HD patients through the use of lavender essential oil. As a result, future research is encouraged to include a comparison of lavender's effects with those of a placebo group.

The Use of Lavender Aromatherapy for Pain After Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial

A randomized clinical trial was conducted over a threemonth period with 102 participants undergoing a total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The study purpose was to assess whether there was a reduction in the use of opioids in the postoperative period for THA or TKA participants that utilized lavender aromatherapy as an adjunct to pain medication. The participants in the control and intervention group were administered nonopioid pain medication around the clock and opioids as needed after surgery. However, the intervention group also received a pre-packaged lavender essential oil inhaler. Total oral morphine equivalents (OME) were calculated for each participant to determine opioid usage. Although the total OME was similar for the groups overall, the total OME was slightly lower for THA patients that were enrolled in the intervention group (median 22.5) compared to THA patients that were enrolled in the control group (median 31.2). In the intervention group, 58% of participants reported that the lavender inhaler was a useful tool for pain management and 76% indicated they would continue to use the lavender inhaler after discharge.

A review of the bioactive components and pharmacological properties of Lavandula species

Lavandula species is a flowering plant that is common in Europe and across the Mediterranean. Lavender has many health benefits for humans. In addition to its use in herbal medicine, it is widely used in the fields of cosmetics, perfumes, foods, and aromatherapy. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical ingredients, the pharmacologic effects of the ingredients, and the mechanism of action of the Lavandula species identified. These materials were reviewed in order to have access to important updates about the Lavandula species. Lavender as referred to in English contains essential oils, anthocyanins, phytosterols, sugars, minerals, coumaric acid, glycolic acid, valeric acid, ursolic acid, herniarins, coumarins, and tannins. It has been used to treat colic and chest ailments, worrisome headaches, and biliousness, and in cleaning wounds. It has antifungal, antibacterial, neurologic, antimicrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and analgesic effects among others. Lavandula species has prospects for various biological applications, especially with its dermatological application. Advances in drug development would enable characterization of various bioactive constituents; thus, its development and application can have a more positive impact on humanity. Here, we highlighted updated information on the history, distribution, traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacology, and various biological activities of Lavandula species.

A comprehensive review on clinically proven natural products in the management of nerve pain, with mechanistic insights

Introduction

People are treating their neuropathic pain with several approved and licensed pharmacological drugs. But due to having existing limitations like low efficacy with some side effects, there needs to be a more effective alternative and complementary therapeutic options.

Purpose

s: The study was designed to discuss the mechanistic role of several clinically proven natural products that have been shown to play a significant role against different nerve pain or neuropathic pain.

Method

ology: Information for this review article was salvaged using several accessible searching databases like SciVerse Scopus ® (Elsevier Properties S. A, USA), Web of Science® (Thomson Reuters, USA), and PubMed® (U.S. National Library of Medicine, USA) considering some search items like - nerve pain, natural products in pain/nerve pain management, clinically proven natural products in pain management, pain-reducing agents and so on.

Result

Our study reported the therapeutic efficacy of natural products and their possible mechanism against neuropathic pain in the human body. Natural products widely used to treat neuropathic pain include comfrey root extract ointment, lavender oil, Rose Oil, aromatic essential oil, ginger oil, vitex agnus-castus, peganum oil, and ajwain 10%. Some common pathways are involved in pain relief through sensory stimulation, enzymatic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-related receptor regulation.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the mentioned natural products can be an appropriate choice for the treatment and management of neuropathic pain.

Effect of lavender and rosemary aromatherapy on test anxiety in chiropractic students

OBJECTIVE

Test anxiety is a debilitating disorder that can impair cognitive performance and affect academic success. Aromatherapy is commonly used for relaxation therapy. The primary aim of the study was to determine if nasal inhaler aromatherapy, utilizing a blend of rosemary and lavender essential oils, could be a useful strategy to reduce testing anxiety in students.

METHODS

This study recruited first trimester chiropractic students enrolled in both Neuroanatomy I and Biochemistry I. A randomized crossover design was utilized over 2 study days during final exams, with a 2-day wash-out period. Participants were randomly assigned into groups based on results of test anxiety analysis. On each day, students were given a nasal inhaler with either an aromatherapy blend of lavender and rosemary essential oils or distilled water as the control. Students completed pretest surveys and posttest surveys to rate their anxiety levels. Paired sample t-tests were performed to determine group differences in test anxiety. Both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Forty-five students were randomly assigned into the study, whereas only 38 completed per-protocol. Between group comparisons showed no statistically significant difference between change in anxiety scores between aromatherapy and control for both intention-to-treat (p =.10) and per-protocol (p =.07).

CONCLUSION

Use of personal inhalers and aromatherapy diffusers were not shown to reduce test anxiety in a chiropractic population under high-stakes examination. Other options should be explored for future research.

Phytotherapeutic alternatives for neurodegenerative dementias: Scientific review, discussion and therapeutic proposal

The incidence and prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative dementias have been increasing. There is no curative therapy and conventional drug treatment can cause problems for patients. Medicinal plants traditionally used for problems associated with ageing are emerging as a therapeutic resource. The main aim is to give a proposal for use and future research based on scientific knowledge and tradition. A literature search was conducted in several searchable databases. The keywords used were related to neurodegenerative dementias, ageing and medicinal plants. Boolean operators and filters were used to focus the search. As a result, there is current clinical and preclinical scientific information on 49 species used in traditional medicine for ageing-related problems, including neurodegenerative dementias. There are preclinical and clinical scientific evidences on their properties against protein aggregates in the central nervous system and their effects on neuroinflammation, apoptosis dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gabaergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems alterations, monoamine oxidase alterations, serotonin depletion and oestrogenic protection. In conclusion, the potential therapeutic effect of the different medicinal plants depends on the type of neurodegenerative dementia and its stage of development, but more clinical and preclinical research is needed to find better, safer and more effective treatments.

Spontaneous Officinal Plants in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park: Tradition, Protection, Enhancement, and Recovery

The aim of this study was to deepen our knowledge on the heritage and traditional uses of some medicinal plants of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park (Salerno province) and to evaluate their productive potential, in order to increase possible uses to recover and enhance the territory. Biometric surveys and biomass evaluation were carried out. Two types of aqueous extract were prepared using air-dried samples of six harvested species and tested for anti-germination activity on Lepidium sativum L. Hydrolates were recovered via steam distillation from aromatic species and the chemical-physical characteristics were determined. Historical evidence of industrial activity was collected in the territory of Sanza on Monte Cervati, where lavender essential oil has been distilled in the past century, and characterization of the essential oil components was carried out. The ethnobotanical uses detected mainly concerned traditional medicine and nutritional, ritual, or religious uses. The experimental results highlight that spontaneous medicinal plants could become potential sources of local economic development, with uses not only in the phytotherapeutic sector, but also in others, such as food and agriculture for weed control. Moreover, the evidence derived from industrial archeology could represent a further driving force for the enhancement of the territory's resources.

In Vitro Metabolism and CYP-Modulating Activity of Lavender Oil and Its Major Constituents

The application of essential oils has historically been limited to topical (massage therapy) and inhalational (aromatherapy) routes of administration. More recently, however, evaluation of the therapeutic effects of essential oils has expanded to include the oral route of administration, which increases the herb-drug interaction potential. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the herb-drug interaction potential of lavender essential oil and two of its primary phytoactive constituents, namely linalool and linalyl acetate. The metabolic stability of linalool and linalyl acetate was determined in human liver microsomes (HLM) and S9 fractions by quantitative analysis using UPLC-MS/MS system. Linalool was metabolically unstable in HLM and S9 fractions with an intrinsic clearance of 31.28 mL·min^-1·kg^-1, and 7.64 mL·min^-1·kg^-1, respectively. Interestingly, it was observed that linalyl acetate converted to linalool both in HLM and S9 fractions. Lavender oil showed weak inhibitory effect on the catalytic activity of CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 enzymes (IC₅₀ 12.0 and 21.5 µg/mL). Linalyl acetate inhibited CYP3A4 (IC₅₀ 4.75 µg/mL) while linalool did not show any inhibitory effect on any of the enzymes. The lavender oil and its constituents did not activate PXR to a considerable extent, and no activation of AhR was observed, suggesting a lack of potential to modify the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of conventional medications if used concurrently.

Antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on rat models of orofacial pain

BACKGROUND

Nociceptive and inflammatory orofacial pain is highly prevalent in the population, which justifies the search for safer analgesics. There is increasing evidence of the analgesic and anxiolytic potential of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LAV EO), which may represent, when administered through inhalation, may represent a safer alternative for pain treatment.

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate whether LAV EO has antinociceptive effect in the formalin test, and anti-hyperalgesic and anxiolytic-like effects in rats subjected to a model of orofacial postoperative pain.

METHODOLOGY

Female Wistar rats were exposed to LAV EO (5%) by inhalation for 30 minutes. After exposure, animals were injected with formalin (2.5%, 50 μL) or saline into the hind paw or upper lip and the number of flinches or facial grooming time, respectively, were evaluated. Likewise, on day 3 after intraoral mucosa incision, the animals were exposed to LAV EO and facial mechanical, and heat hyperalgesia were assessed. The influence of LAV EO inhalation on anxiety-like behavior was assessed in operated rats by testing them on the open field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM).

RESULTS

LAV EO reduced the phase II of the paw formalin test and both phases of the orofacial formalin test. On day three post-incision, LAV EO reduced heat and mechanical hyperalgesia, from 30 minutes up to three hours, and reduced the anxiety-like behavior in operated rats without causing locomotor deficit.

CONCLUSION

LAV EO inhalation results in antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects in orofacial pain models, which encourages further studies on LAV EO indications and effectiveness on orofacial pain conditions.

Touching body, soul, and spirit? Understanding external applications from integrative medicine: A mixed methods systematic review

Introduction

External applications from anthroposophic medicine (EAAM) are touch-based applications such as rhythmical massages, embrocations, and compresses that serve as components of complementary treatment concepts for various diseases. The aim of this review is to gain an understanding of typical indications and outcomes and to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of EAAM.

Materials and methods

Medline/PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycINFO were searched through May 2021 and supplemented by searches in specialized databases and personal requests to experts in the field. Studies and case reports on EAAM in patients, as well as healthy individuals, were included in the qualitative synthesis. Outcome parameters depending on each study were grouped as effect themes and assigned to study clusters using Thematic Analysis for a thematic overview of effect patterns.

Results

Four RCTs, 7 cohort studies, 1 mixed-methods, 1 retrospective, 4 qualitative studies, 3 case series, and 25 case reports on EAAM were identified. The analysis indicated various effects of EAAM on physiological as well as psychological health indicators and patterns of effect development. Study quality was found to be high for only 2 studies, and moderate for 1 study, and all remaining 45 studies showed a moderate or high risk of bias or were not ratable with used rating tools.

Conclusion

The included studies present a wide range of potential indications for EAAM, while showing methodological drawbacks. To determine whether EAAM can be considered an effective treatment option, clinical studies exploring the effect of different EAAM modalities on defined patient groups are recommended for the future.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=214030], identifier [CRD42020214030].

Use of Topical Lavender Essential Oils to Reduce Perceptions of Burnout in Critical Care

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit (ICU) health care workers face increased burnout. The purpose of this project was to evaluate burnout after implementing lavender essential oils.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effectiveness of topical lavender essential oils in decreasing the instance of burnout in frontline ICU health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A predesign and postdesign evidence-based practice project was conducted to evaluate the implications of an 8-week topical lavender oil intervention on health care worker burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory, including subscales of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment, was administered before and after the intervention. Health care workers' compliance and satisfaction with the intervention were also measured.

RESULTS

Thirty-four ICU health care workers participated. Results showed significant improvements in the personal accomplishment subscale (mean [SD], 3.86 [0.81] before vs 4.14 [1.01] after intervention; P = .04). Improvements in depersonalization were not significant. Most participants were satisfied (n = 23 [67.6%]) and compliant (n = 23 [67.6%]) with the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The use of topical lavender essential oils is a cost-effective intervention that can be used to decrease components of burnout in frontline ICU workers.

An Ayurvedic approach to sustaining and pampering the feet of healthcare workers

The COVID-19 pandemic caused imbalances in the lives of healthcare workers to a great degree, leading to long hours on the feet without time for sustained rest and rejuvenation. Ayurvedic wisdom provides a holistic lens from which to view the importance of footcare, which ultimately affects the systemic being. To reduce suffering on all levels, it is important to dedicate time, daily, to the use of doshic-specific self-care techniques. This article offers a daily footcare ritual in support of mind, body, and spiritual health through application of oiling, massage, gratitude, and a yoga-based inversion.

The effects of lavandula aromatherapy on pain relief after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is a primary treatment in coronary artery disease (CAD). Patients experience pain after CABG. Pain may increase postoperative complications and decrease quality of life (QoL). This study aims to determine the lavandula aromatherapy effect on patients' pain after CABG.

METHODS

98 patients undergoing CABG were randomly assigned to intervention and placebo groups. The intervention group inhaled 5-drops of 20 % lavandula essential oil (LEO) and the placebo group was exposed to 5-drop of distilled water. LEO or distilled water were dropped into a sterile gauze converted to the form of a necklace. The subjects wore necklace for three consecutive days and intervention was performed each 24 h. The pain intensity, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured before each intervention and 30 min after it. Also, the mean analgesic intake was recorded. SPSS version 16 was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The mean pain score measured in the intervention group showed a more decrease than that obtained in the placebo group after the first and second interventions. Additionally, the mean pain score in the intervention group demonstrated a significant decrease than the placebo group after the second intervention (P=0.008). Moreover, mean SBP after the second intervention (P=0.046) and mean DBP after the first intervention (P=0.029) revealed a significant difference between two groups. Moreover, the intervention group received less analgesic than the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lavandula aromatherapy can reduce pain and received analgesic dose after CABG.

Aromatherapy with single essential oils can significantly improve the sleep quality of cancer patients: a meta-analysis

Objective

To investigate the effect of aromatherapy on sleep quality in cancer patients.

Methods

Published literature on the effect of aromatherapy in cancer patients with sleep disorders in the form of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were systematically retrieved and screened from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CBM, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases from inception to November 2021. The methodological quality of the included studies was critically and independently evaluated by two reviewers using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for RCTs. The correlated data were extracted using the pre-designed form, and all analyses were performed using Reviewer Manager version 5.4. Due to the difference in sleep quality instruments, the data extracted in this study were in the form of standard mean difference (SMD).

Results

Ten RCTs included 933 patients (experimental group: 474, control group: 459), and the risk of bias in the included studies was moderate. Aromatherapy could significantly improve the sleep quality of cancer patients [SMD = − 0.79, 95% CI (− 0.93, − 0.66), p < 0.01], especially those with breast cancer [SMD = − 0.98, 95% CI (− 1.57, − 0.40), p < 0.01]. Aromatherapy with single essential oil had a better effect on sleep quality [SMD = -0.94, 95%CI (− 1.25, − 0.62), p < 0.01], of which lavender essential oil had the best effect [SMD = -1.06,95%CI (− 1.49, − 0.63), p < 0.01] while compound essential oils had no effect on sleep quality improvement in cancer patients [SMD = -0.21, 95%CI (− 0.57, 0.14), p = 0.23]. Four of the ten RCTs reported the occurrence of adverse events, of which only one RCT indicated that patients had headache and sneezing while the remaining six did not.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis of 10 RCTs reveals that aromatherapy with single essential oil had a substantial effect on the sleep quality of cancer patients and should be recommended as a beneficial complementary therapy to promote sleep quality in cancer patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03668-0.

Thymus hirtus Willd. ssp. algeriensis Boiss. and Reut: A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry, Bioactivities, and Health-Enhancing Effects

Members of the Lamiaceae family are considered chief sources of bioactive therapeutic agents. They are important ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants, many of which are used in traditional and modern medicine and in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. In North Africa, on the Mediterranean side, there is the following particularly interesting Lamiaceous species: Thymus hirtus Willd. sp. Algeriensis Boiss. Et Reut. The populations of this endemic plant are distributed from the subhumid to the lower arid zone and are mainly employed as ethnomedicinal remedies in the following Maghreb countries: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. In fact, they have been applied as antimicrobial agents, antispasmodics, astringents, expectorants, and preservatives for several food products. The species is commonly consumed as a tea or infusion and is used against hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, respiratory ailments, heart disease, and food poisoning. These medicinal uses are related to constituents with many biological characteristics, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory activities. This review aims to present an overview of the botanical characteristics and geographical distribution of Thymus algeriensis Boiss. Et Reut and its traditional uses. This manuscript also examines the phytochemical profile and its correlation with biological activities revealed by in vitro and in vivo studies.

Chemical Evaluation, In Vitro and In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Lavandula angustifolia Grown in Jordan

Lavandula angustifolia is the most widely cultivated Lavandula species for medicinal use. In this study, chemical and biological evaluation of L. angustifolia aqueous, methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and chloroform (CHCl₃) extracts were conducted. Phytochemically, the extracts’ total phenol and flavonoid contents and their antioxidant potential were evaluated. Ethanol extract was analyzed by LC-MS. All extracts were screened in vitro for their antitumor potential using human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23. For the first time, the antiproliferative potential of the EtOH extract was tested in vivo using mice with induced breast cancer. Ethanol extract exhibited the best cytotoxicity and safety profile of the tested extracts, with IC₅₀ values of 104.1 µg/mL on MCF-7 and 214.5 µg/mL on MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. In vivo, this extract revealed a reduction in tumor size by 43.29% in the treated group, compared to an increase in the tumor growth by 58.9% in the control group. Moreover, undetected tumor was found in 12.5% of the sample size. In conclusion, this study provides novel insight and evidence on the antiproliferative efficacy of L. angustifolia ethanol extract against breast cancer with potent anti-oxidant potential.

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.

Neuroprotective Natural Products’ Regulatory Effects on Depression via Gut–Brain Axis Targeting Tryptophan

L-tryptophan (Trp) contributes to regulating bilateral communication of the gut–brain axis. It undergoes three major metabolic pathways, which lead to formation of kynurenine, serotonin (5-HT), and indole derivatives (under the control of the microbiota). Metabolites from the principal Trp pathway, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid, exhibit neuroprotective activity, while picolinic acid exhibits antioxidant activity, and 5-HT modulates appetite, sleep cycle, and pain. Abnormality in Trp plays crucial roles in diseases, including depression, colitis, ulcer, and gut microbiota-related dysfunctions. To address these diseases, the use of natural products could be a favorable alternative because they are a rich source of compounds that can modulate the activity of Trp and combat various diseases through modulating different signaling pathways, including the gut microbiota, kynurenine pathway, and serotonin pathway. Alterations in the signaling cascade pathways via different phytochemicals may help us explore the deep relationships of the gut–brain axis to study neuroprotection. This review highlights the roles of natural products and their metabolites targeting Trp in different diseases. Additionally, the role of Trp metabolites in the regulation of neuroprotective and gastroprotective activities is discussed. This study compiles the literature on novel, potent neuroprotective agents and their action mechanisms in the gut–brain axis and proposes prospective future studies to identify more pharmaceuticals based on signaling pathways targeting Trp.

Determination the effects of lavender oil quality of sleep and fatigue of students

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine the effects of lavender oil on the quality of sleep and fatigue of students.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study is an experimental study conducted with the intervention and control groups (pretest/posttest). In the intervention group, the students were treated with aromatherapy for one week.

FINDINGS

It was found that the posttest Pittsburgh sleep quality index and checklist individual strength scores of the students in the intervention group were lower than those of the students in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The results show that the use of lavender oil is an effective, reliable, and accessible method to relieve insomnia and fatigue problems of students.

Effects of nighttime lavender aromatherapy on mood and physiological indices of stress in healthy young females

[Purpose] Inhalational aromatherapy using lavender essential oil or essence is known to alleviate pain and anxiety during rehabilitation. However, the effects remain unclear in individuals who are unaware of their pain and anxiety. In this study, we investigated the effects of lavender aromatherapy during sleep in females who did not experience pain or anxiety. [Participants and Methods] The study included 24 healthy females who were randomly allocated to control and aromatherapy groups. The control group used skin patches without aroma, and the aromatherapy group used lavender aroma-infused skin patches for seven consecutive nights. Psychological and physiological indices were measured before, during, and after the intervention. [Results] The lavender aroma-infused skin patches ameliorated a negative mood associated with fatigue and anxiety. However, neither group showed a change in pulse rate and salivary cortisol concentration upon waking. Furthermore, no significant intergroup difference was observed in sleep quality. [Conclusion] Lavender aromatherapy during sleep improved a negative mood associated with fatigue and anxiety in females who did not experience pain and anxiety; however, physiological indices remained unaffected.

[Fatigue relief by aromatherapy use in prenatal and postnatal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis]

Purpose

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine aromatherapy interventions for prenatal and postnatal women, and to determine the effectiveness of these interventions on fatigue.

Methods

Six national and international databases were reviewed to retrieve and collect studies published up to September 7, 2021, describing randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials of aromatherapy interventions for prenatal and postnatal women's fatigue. Of the 323 articles initially identified, 64 duplicates were excluded and 259 were screened. After further excluding 216 articles not related to PICO framework, 10 were selected for review. Two reviewers independently selected studies and conducted data extraction and quality appraisal using Cochran's Risk of Bias and Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies.

Results

The quality of the 10 selected studies was overall satisfactory. A meta-analysis of three studies showed that aromatherapy with lavender oil? produced a 0.75-point reduction in postnatal mothers' fatigue when compared to control groups. Sleep quality was also analyzed as a secondary outcome of fatigue. A meta-analysis of four studies using lavender and/or orange peel oil found that aromatherapy produced a 0.98-point improvement in postnatal mothers' quality of sleep. Although a meta-analysis could not be conducted to synthesize the findings for fatigue in pregnant women, inhalation and massage therapy using lavender oil showed positive effects on prenatal fatigue and sleep quality.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy using lavender oil and orange peel oil is effective in improving prenatal and postnatal fatigue and sleep quality.

Safety of Lavender Oil-Loaded Niosomes for In Vitro Culture and Biomedical Applications

(1) Background: Essential oils have long been used as therapeutic agents. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil (LO) is an antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, relaxant, painkilling, and antimicrobial essential oil investigated as a natural substance for biomedical therapies. Nanoparticles have shown significant promise in improving drug delivery and efficacy. Considering these benefits, the aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of LO and lavender oil niosomes (LONs) in stem cells and myofibroblast models cultured in vitro. (2) Methods: Adipose tissue-derived stem cells and myometrial cells were cultured with LO or LONs at different concentrations (0, 0.016%, 0.031%, and 0.063%) and toxicity was evaluated with PrestoBlue™ and live/dead assay using calcein and ethidium homodimer. (3) Results: Cell viability was similar to controls in all groups, except in 0.063% LO for myometrial cells, which showed lower viability than the control medium. (4) Conclusion: These results suggest that both LO and LONs are safe for cell culture and may be used for pharmaceutical and biomedical therapies in future applications in regenerative medicine.

Allelopathic Properties of Lamiaceae Species: Prospects and Challenges to Use in Agriculture

Herbicide resistance due to the increasing reliance on herbicides is a near-term challenge for the world’s agriculture. This has led to a desire to develop new herbicides with a novel mode of action, to address resistance in weed species. Lamiaceae, a large dicotyledonous plant family, is very well known for the multitudinous pharmacological and toxicological properties of its member species. Moreover, many species of this family are significant for their allelopathic activity in natural and laboratory settings. Thus, plants in Lamiaceae have the potential to be sources of alternative herbicides. However, gaps in our knowledge need to be addressed prior to adopting these allelopathic activities in agriculture. Therefore, we review the existing state of knowledge about the Lamiaceae family, the reported allelopathic properties of plant extracts, and their isolated allelochemicals under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. In addition, we offer a perspective on existing challenges and future opportunities for adopting the allelopathic properties of Lamiaceae plant species for green agriculture.

Essential Oil Content and Compositional Variability of Lavandula Species Cultivated in the Mid Hill Conditions of the Western Himalaya

The increase in the utilization of Lavandula essential oil in industries led to an impressive rise in the demand for quality essential oils. However, a post-harvest drying of Lavandula species can be a decisive factor to determine the quantity and quality of essential oil. The study was conducted in western Himalayan conditions to assess the essential oil content and composition of two Lavandula species viz., lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), and lavandin (Lavandula × intermedia Emeric ex Loisel), at four different drying duration (0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after the harvest). The higher growth attributes viz., plant height (71.7 cm), ear length (8.8 cm), number of spikes (18.1), and number of flowers per ear (47.5) were higher in lavandin, while the number of branches (17.1) was higher in lavender. Essential oil content (%) and moisture reduction (%) were significantly higher at 72 h than at 0 h. The major components of lavender and lavandin essential oil were linalool (33.6–40.5%), linalyl acetate (10.8–13.6%), lavandulyl acetate (2.8–14.5%), and linalyl propionate (5.3–14.1%) in both the Lavandula species. There was a decreasing trend in linalool and an increasing trend in linalyl acetate content in lavandin, with an increase in drying duration up to 72 h; while in lavender, no regular trend was observed in linalool and linalyl acetate content. It was observed that linalool and linalyl acetate levels were the highest at 24 and 0 h of drying in lavender and lavandin, respectively, and essential oil extraction can be done according to the desire of the constituent at varied drying duration.