J Altern Complement Med. 2014 Oct;20(10):771-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2013.0453. Epub 2014 Sep 5.

The effectiveness of essential oils for patients with neck pain: a randomized controlled study.

Ou MC1, Lee YF, Li CC, Wu SK.

Author information 

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To assess the efficacy of aromatic essential oils on neck pain.

DESIGN: 

Sixty participants with a history of neck pain and Neck Disability Index (NDI) score >10% were selected and randomly divided into control and experimental groups.

SETTING: 

Motion analysis laboratory at Hungkuang University.

INTERVENTION: 

For the experimental group, the intervention included 3% concentration cream composed of four essential oils: marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint. For the control group, only an unscented cream was provided. For 4 weeks, all patients applied 2 g cream directly to the affected area daily after showering or bathing.

OUTCOME MEASURES: 

Assessment was performed by using a visual analogue scale (VAS), NDI, pressure pain threshold (PPT) evaluated with a pressure meter, and neck-joint range evaluated with Motion Analysis System (MAS).

RESULTS: 

A t-test statistical analysis by SPSS statistical software indicated that VAS scores improved significantly for both groups (p<0.05). In addition, the experimental group had improved pain tolerance in the left upper trapezius (mean±standard deviation, 2.96±2.54) and right upper trapezius (2.88±2.90) as measured by the PPT. According to the NDI, the experimental group also showed significant improvement (p=0.02). Comparison of MAS values before and after the intervention showed significant improvement in the 10 motion areas in the experimental group. This finding suggests that the experimental group had better results than the control group.

CONCLUSION: 

The essential oil cream developed in this study can be used to improve neck pain. This study appears to be the first to quantify this by using PPT and MAS.

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ADDHD, Autism, Focus and Vertiver

"The results in this study taken together with results from previous studies suggest that breathing low doses of the volatile compounds from the roots of V. zizani- oides increases sympathetic nerve activity, which

maintains performance during the visual discrimination task."

"The present study thus provides the first experimental evidence to support the tradi- tional use of V. zizanioides roots to increase focus in humans."

 

Biomedical Research 33 (5) 299-308, 2012

Volatiles emitted from the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides suppress the decline in attention during a visual display terminal task
Eri Matsubara1, Kuniyoshi Shimizu1, Mio Fukagawa1, Yuka Ishizi1, Chikako Kakoi2, Tomoko Hatayama3, Jun Nagano4, Tsuyoshi Okamoto5, Koichiro Ohnuki2, and Ryuichiro Kondo1
1 Department of Agro-environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan; 2 Faculty of Food and Nutrition, Kyushu Nutrition Welfare University, 5-1-1 Shimoitozu, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu- shi, Fukuoka 803-8511, Japan; 3 Department of Psychology and Human Relations, Faculty of Humanities, Nanzan University, 18 Yamazato-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8673, Japan; 4 Institute of Health Science, Kyushu University, 6-1 Kasuga Park, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan; and 5 Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
(Received 13 July 2012; and accepted 21 August 2012)

ABSTRACT
The perennial grass Vetiveria zizanioides (vetiver) is mainly cultivated for its fragrant essential oil. Although the components of the oil and their biological activities have been studied extensively, the effect of the volatiles emitted from the roots of V. zizanioides on humans has so far remained unexplored. We investigated the effects of volatile compounds emitted from the cut roots of V. zi- zanioides (1.0 g, low-dose conditions; 30 g, high-dose conditions) on individuals during a visual display terminal task. Participants who breathed the volatile compounds emitted under low-dose conditions showed faster reaction times and stimulation of sympathetic nerve activity as measured by electrocardiography. These effects were not observed under high-dose conditions. The total amount of volatiles emitted during the experiment was 0.25 μg under low-dose conditions and 1.35 μg under high-dose conditions. These findings indicate that volatile compounds emitted from the roots of V. zizanioides under low-dose conditions may have helped subjects to maintain performance in visual discrimination tasks while

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Weight Gain from Drugs and Lime Essential Oil

"The data obtained in this study suggested that lime essential oil plays an important role in weight loss and could be useful in the treatment of drug-induced obesity and related diseases."

Phytother Res. 2010 Dec;24(12):1893-7. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3227.

Essential oil from Citrus aurantifolia prevents ketotifen-induced weight-gain in mice.

Asnaashari S1, Delazar A, Habibi B, Vasfi R, Nahar L, Hamedeyazdan S, Sarker SD.

Author information 

Abstract

Obesity is a major health problem world-wide. Medical intervention is often needed to tackle this problem, and accordingly the need for developing more effective, safer and cheaper weight reducing drugs has become paramount in recent years. In the present study, the effects of lime (Citrus aurantifolia) essential oils in reducing body weight, individually and in co-administration with ketotifen, an antihistaminic drug that causes weight gain, has been investigated using a mouse model. During the 45 days experimental period, the mice that received ketotifen demonstrated an enhancement both in the amount of food intake and body weight compared with the control group. Groups treated with lime essential oil displayed a reduction in body weight and food consumption in mice, possibly through promoting anorexia which might have played a role in weight loss. Interestingly, co-administration of the lime essential oil and ketotifen caused significant suppression in gaining weight, as well as decreased body weights of mice. The data obtained in this study suggested that lime essential oil plays an important role in weight loss and could be useful in the treatment of drug-induced obesity and related diseases. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils of C. aurantifolia was also performed and approximately 22 main components, with limonene (28.27%) being the principal one, were identified and quantified.

PMID:

 

20623616

 

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Asthma and Allergies and Lavender

"Lvn (lavender essential oil) inhibits allergic inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia with suppression of T-helper-2 cell cytokines and Muc5b expression in a murine model of asthma. Consequently, Lvn may be useful as an alternative medicine for bronchial asthma."

Lavender essential oil inhalation suppresses allergic airway inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia in a murine model of asthma.

Ueno-Iio T1, Shibakura M2, Yokota K1, Aoe M1, Hyoda T1, Shinohata R1, Kanehiro A3, Tanimoto M3, Kataoka M1.

Author information 

Abstract

AIMS: 

Lavender essential oil (Lvn) has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. Bronchial asthma is characterized by bronchial allergic inflammation with airway remodeling. Therefore, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of Lvn on experimentally induced bronchial asthma in a murine model.

MAIN METHODS: 

BALB/c mice were sensitized by an intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) at days 0 and 14, and subsequently challenged with nebulized OVA on days 28-30 (Control-Asthma group). Mice in the treatment group inhaled Lvn on days 14-31 (Lvn-Asthma group). The allergic inflammatory response was determined on days 32 and 33.

KEY FINDINGS: 

An increase in airway resistance was inhibited in the Lvn-Asthma group than in the Control-Asthma group. The Lvn-Asthma group showed lower total cell numbers and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids and peribronchial and perivascular tissues when compared with the Control-Asthma group. The Lvn-Asthma group also had less mucin hyperplasia than the Control-Asthma group. Furthermore, the Lvn-Asthma group showed lower interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 cytokine levels in BAL fluids, as well as reduced IL-4 and IL-5 mRNA expression in lung tissue, compared with the Control-Asthma group and determined by FlowCytomix and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. In addition, Lvn inhalation reduced Muc5b mRNA expression in the lungs without significantly changing the expression of Muc5ac mRNA.

SIGNIFICANCE: 

Lvn inhibits allergic inflammation and mucous cell hyperplasia with suppression of T-helper-2 cell cytokines and Muc5b expression in a murine model of asthma. Consequently, Lvn may be useful as an alternative medicine for bronchial asthma.

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

KEYWORDS: 

Alternative medicine; Asthma; Cytokines; Lavender; Mucin

PMID:

 

24909715

 

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] 

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Depression and Rosemary

"The present study clearly reinforces the notion that R. officinalis has a therapeutic potential as an antidepressant, since the effects of all fractions, isolated compounds and essential oil in the TST are similar to that produced by the classical antidepressant fluoxetine."

Antidepressant-like effects of fractions, essential oil, carnosol and betulinic acid isolated from Rosmarinus officinalis L.

Machado DG1, Cunha MP, Neis VB, Balen GO, Colla A, Bettio LE, Oliveira A, Pazini FL, Dalmarco JB, Simionatto EL, Pizzolatti MG, Rodrigues AL.

Author information 

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidepressant-like effect of fractions from Rosmarinus officinalis L.: ethyl acetate 1 and 2 (AcOEt1 and 2), hexane (HEX), ethanolic (ET), and essential oil-free (EOF) fractions, as well as essential oil, the isolated compounds carnosol and betulinic acid in the tail suspension test, a predictive test of antidepressant activity. Swiss mice were acutely administered by oral route (p.o.) with fractions, essential oil or isolated compounds, 60 min before the tail suspension test or open-field test. All of them produced a significant antidepressant-like effect: AcOEt1, ET, EOF fractions and essential oil (0.1-100mg/kg, p.o); HEX (0.1-10mg/kg, p.o) and AcOEt2 fraction (0.1-1mg/kg, p.o), carnosol (0.01-0.1mg/kg, p.o.) isolated from the HEX fraction and betulinic acid (10mg/kg, p.o.), isolated from the AcOEt1 and AcOEt2 fractions. No psychostimulant effect was shown in the open-field test, indicating that the effects in the tail suspension test are specific. This study suggests that carnosol and betulinic acid could be responsible for the anti-immobility effect of extracts from R. officinalis.

Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PMID:

 

23122155

 

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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PMS and Lavender

"The present study indicated that lavender aromatherapy as a potential therapeutic modality could alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms, which, at least in part, is attributable to the improvement of parasympathetic nervous system activity. This study further implies that HRV could evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy using various fragrances to relieve premenstrual symptoms, and ultimately, support the mind and body health of women."

Biopsychosoc Med. 2013 May 31;7:12. doi: 10.1186/1751-0759-7-12. eCollection 2013.

Does lavender aromatherapy alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms?: a randomized crossover trial.

Matsumoto T1, Asakura H2, Hayashi T3.

Author information 

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 

A majority of reproductive-age women experience a constellation of various symptoms in the premenstrual phase, commonly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Despite its prevalence, however, no single treatment is universally recognized as effective, and many women turn to alternative approaches, including aromatherapy, a holistic mind and body treatment. The present study investigated the soothing effects of aromatherapy on premenstrual symptoms using lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), a relaxing essential oil, from the perspective of autonomic nervous system function.

METHODS: 

Seventeen women (20.6 ± 0.2 years) with mild to moderate subjective premenstrual symptoms participated in a randomized crossover study. Subjects were examined on two separate occasions (aroma and control trials) in the late-luteal phases. Two kinds of aromatic stimulation (lavender and water as a control) were used. This experiment measured heart rate variability (HRV) reflecting autonomic nerve activity and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) as a psychological index before and after the aromatic stimulation.

RESULTS: 

Only a 10-min inhalation of the lavender scent significantly increased the high frequency (HF) power reflecting parasympathetic nervous system activity in comparison with water (aroma effect: F = 4.50, p = 0.050; time effect: F = 5.59, p = 0.017; aroma x time effect: F = 3.17, p = 0.047). The rate of increase in HF power was greater at 10-15 min (p = 0.051) and 20-25 min (p = 0.023) in the lavender trial than in the control trial with water. In addition, POMS tests revealed that inhalation of the aromatic lavender oil significantly decreased two POMS subscales-depression-dejection (p = 0.045) and confusion (p = 0.049)-common premenstrual symptoms, in the late-luteal phase, as long as 35 min after the aroma stimulation.

CONCLUSIONS: 

The present study indicated that lavender aromatherapy as a potential therapeutic modality could alleviate premenstrual emotional symptoms, which, at least in part, is attributable to the improvement of parasympathetic nervous system activity. This study further implies that HRV could evaluate the efficacy of aromatherapy using various fragrances to relieve premenstrual symptoms, and ultimately, support the mind and body health of women.

PMID:

 

23724853

 

[PubMed] 

PMCID:

 

PMC3674979

 

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Colon Cancer and Components of Rose, Palmarose and Citronella

Geraniol, a Component of Plant Essential Oils, Inhibits Growth and Polyamine Biosynthesis in Human Colon Cancer Cells

1. S. Carnesecchi1, 
2. Y. Schneider1, 
3. J. Ceraline2, 
4. B. Duranton1, 
5. F. Gosse1, 
6. N. Seiler1 and
7. F. Raul1

+ Author Affiliations

1. ¹Laboratory of Nutritional Chemoprevention in Digestive Oncology (S.C., Y.S., B.D., F.G., N.S., F.R.) and ²Laboratory of Molecular Oncology (J.C.), Institut de Recherche contre les Cancers de l'Appareil Digestif (IRCAD), Strasbourg, France

1. Dr. Francis Raul, IRCAD, 1, place de l'hôpital, BP 426, 67091 Strasbourg cedex, France. E-mail: francis.raul@ircad.ustrasbg.fr

Abstract

Geraniol and other monoterpenes found in essential oils of fruits and herbs have been suggested to represent a new class of agents for cancer chemoprevention. As a first step in clarifying the mode of action of geraniol on colon carcinogenesis, we studied its effects on the growth of a human colon cancer cell line (Caco-2). Geraniol (400 μM) caused a 70% inhibition of cell growth, with cells accumulating in the S transition phase of the cell cycle, and concomitant inhibition of DNA synthesis. No signs of cytotoxicity or apoptosis were detected. Geraniol caused a 50% decrease of ornithine decarboxylase activity, a key enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis, which is enhanced in cancer growth. This led to a 40% reduction of the intracellular pool of putrescine. Geraniol also activated the intracellular catabolism of polyamines, indicated by enhanced polyamine acetylation. These observations indicate that polyamine metabolism is presumably a target in the antiproliferative properties of geraniol.

Numerous epidemiological studies revealed that high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and other plant products may reduce the incidence and development of colorectal cancer (Tuyns et al., 1988; Steinmetz and Potter, 1991; Steinmetz et al., 1994). Since colorectal cancers are difficult to treat with existing therapeutic modalities, identifying dietary phytochemicals that have antitumor activity and investigating their mechanisms of action may lead to significant advances in the prevention of human cancer (Block et al., 1992). The monoterpenes, found in essential oils of citrus fruits, cherry, mint, and herbs, are non-nutritive dietary microconstituents mainly responsible for the distinctive fragrance of many plants. They are used as flavor additives in food, beverages, and perfumes.

Recents studies have shown that monoterpenes exert antitumor activities and suggest that these components are a new class of cancer chemopreventive agents (Elson and Yu, 1994; Kelloff et al., 1996; Crowell, 1999). Limonene, a main constituent of orange and citrus peel oils, has been reported to exert antitumor activity against mammary gland, lung, liver, stomach, and skin cancers in rodents (Elegbede et al., 1986; Wattenberg and Coccia, 1991; Crowell and Gould, 1994; Mills et al., 1995; Kawamori et al., 1996). Similarly, perillyl alcohol, a hydroxylated limonene analog, exhibits chemopreventive activity against liver, mammary gland, pancreas, and colon cancers in rodents (Haag and Gould, 1994; Stark et al., 1995; Reddy et al., 1997). More recently, geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol found in lemongrass and aromatic herb oils, has been shown to exert in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against murine leukemia, hepatoma, and melanoma cells (Shoff et al., 1991; Yu et al., 1995; Burke et al., 1997).

No information is available on the potential effects of geraniol on colon cancer. Therefore, we examined its effect on Caco-2 cell growth, a human colonic cancer cell line. We also measured the effect of geraniol on polyamine metabolism, which is known to be enhanced in cancer cells and which might be one of the targets of the chemopreventive action of geraniol (Seiler et al., 1998).   

...In conclusion, our results are the first to describe a potent antiproliferative effect of geraniol on the growth of human colon cancer cells. Geraniol has no cytotoxic effect, is mainly cytostatic, and inhibits DNA synthesis, leading to the accumulation of Caco-2 cells in the S phase. Inhibition of ODC expression may be one of several targets involved in the antiproliferative effects of geraniol. However, it remains to be determined whether polyamine depletion by itself is directly responsible for the observed antiproliferative effect. The low toxicity of geraniol makes it attractive for in vivo studies in colon cancer prevention and treatment.

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Animals and Essential Oils

Parasit Vectors. 2014; 7: 28. 

Published online Jan 15, 2014. doi:  10.1186/1756-3305-7-28

PMCID: PMC3905284

Present and future potential of plant-derived products to control arthropods of veterinary and medical significance

David R George,1 Robert D Finn,1 Kirsty M Graham,1 and  Olivier AE Sparagano1

Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►

This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.

Abstract

The use of synthetic pesticides and repellents to target pests of veterinary and medical significance is becoming increasingly problematic. One alternative approach employs the bioactive attributes of plant-derived products (PDPs). These are particularly attractive on the grounds of low mammalian toxicity, short environmental persistence and complex chemistries that should limit development of pest resistance against them.

Several pesticides and repellents based on PDPs are already available, and in some cases widely utilised, in modern pest management. Many more have a long history of traditional use in poorer areas of the globe where access to synthetic pesticides is often limited. Preliminary studies support that PDPs could be more widely used to target numerous medical and veterinary pests, with modes of action often specific to invertebrates.

Though their current and future potential appears significant, development and deployment of PDPs to target veterinary and medical pests is not without issue. Variable efficacy is widely recognised as a restraint to PDPs for pest control. Identifying and developing natural bioactive PDP components in place of chemically less-stable raw or 'whole’ products seems to be the most popular solution to this problem. A limited residual activity, often due to photosensitivity or high volatility, is a further drawback in some cases (though potentially advantageous in others). Nevertheless, encapsulation technologies and other slow-release mechanisms offer strong potential to improve residual activity where needed.

The current review provides a summary of existing use and future potential of PDPs against ectoparasites of veterinary and medical significance. Four main types of PDP are considered (pyrethrum, neem, essential oils and plant extracts) for their pesticidal, growth regulating and repellent or deterrent properties. An overview of existing use and research for each is provided, with direction to more extensive reviews given in many sections. Sections to highlight potential issues, modes of action and emerging and future potential are also included.

Keywords: Botanical, Phytochemical, Plant-derived product, Insecticide, Acaricide, Pesticide, Repellent

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Alzheimer’s Disease and Essential Oils

Natural AChE Inhibitors from Plants and their Contribution to Alzheimer’s Disease Therapy

Curr Neuropharmacol. 2013 Jul;11(4):388-413. doi: 10.2174/1570159X11311040004.

Natural AChE Inhibitors from Plants and their Contribution to Alzheimer's Disease Therapy.

Murray AP1, Faraoni MB2, Castro MJ3, Alza NP3, Cavallaro V3.

See Table 1 for plants and oils listed listed

Abstract

As acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are an important therapeutic strategy in Alzheimer's disease, efforts are being made in search of new molecules with anti-AChE activity. The fact that naturally-occurring compounds from plants are considered to be a potential source of new inhibitors has led to the discovery of an important number of secondary metabolites and plant extracts with the ability of inhibiting the enzyme AChE, which, according to the cholinergic hypothesis, increases the levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain, thus improving cholinergic functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease and alleviating the symptoms of this neurological disorder. This review summarizes a total of 128 studies which correspond to the most relevant research work published during 2006-2012 (1st semester) on plant-derived compounds, plant extracts and essential oils found to elicit AChE inhibition. 

KEYWORDS: 

Alzheimer’s Disease; acetylcholinesterase inhibitors; essential oils.; plant extracts; secondary metabolites

PMID:

 

24381530

 

[PubMed] 

PMCID:

 

PMC3744903

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Scabies and Clove

Acaricidal Activity of Eugenol Based Compounds against Scabies Mites

Cielo Pasay,1,* Kate Mounsey,1 Graeme Stevenson,2 Rohan Davis,2 Larry Arlian,3 Marjorie Morgan,3 DiAnn Vyszenski-Moher,3 Kathy Andrews,1,2 and  James McCarthy1

Cesar V. Munayco, Editor

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Abstract

Backgound

Human scabies is a debilitating skin disease caused by the “itch mite” Sarcoptes scabiei. Ordinary scabies is commonly treated with topical creams such as permethrin, while crusted scabies is treated with topical creams in combination with oral ivermectin. Recent reports of acaricide tolerance in scabies endemic communities in Northern Australia have prompted efforts to better understand resistance mechanisms and to identify potential new acaricides. In this study, we screened three essential oils and four pure compounds based on eugenol for acaricidal properties.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Contact bioassays were performed using live permethrin-sensitive S. scabiei var suis mites harvested from pigs and permethrin-resistant S. scabiei var canis mites harvested from rabbits. Results of bioassays showed that clove oil was highly toxic against scabies mites. Nutmeg oil had moderate toxicity and ylang ylang oil was the least toxic. Eugenol, a major component of clove oil and its analogues –acetyleugenol and isoeugenol, demonstrated levels of toxicity comparable to benzyl benzoate, the positive control acaricide, killing mites within an hour of contact.

Conclusions

The acaricidal properties demonstrated by eugenol and its analogues show promise as leads for future development of alternative topical acaricides to treat scabies.

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