Alleviating effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and its major components on postherpetic pain: a randomized blinded controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) causes severe pain which can lead to decreased quality-of-life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inhalation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) oil and its major components (linalool and linalyl acetate) on the pain in patients with PHN. METHODS: This study was performed at an outpatient clinic. Sixty-four patients with postherpetic neuralgia were randomly allocated to a control group (almond oil) or one of three experimental groups (lavender oil, linalool, or linalyl acetate diluted in almond oil at concentration of 1% v/v), and the participants inhaled the aroma by natural breathing. Quality, severity, and intensity of pain were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Six patients discontinued the intervention for personal reasons; hence, data from 58 patients were analyzed (control group, n = 14; 1% lavender oil group, n = 15; 1% linalool, n = 15; 1% linalyl acetate, n = 14). Reduction in sensory pain was greater in the 1% lavender oil group, 1% linalool group, and 1% linalyl acetate group than in the control group (all P < 0.001). Reduction in affective pain was greater in the 1% lavender group (P < 0.001) and the 1% linalool group (P = 0.007) than in the control group. Decreases in pain severity and intensity were significantly greater in all three intervention groups than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of lavender oil and its major volatile components effectively reduced the quality, severity, and intensity of postherpetic pain, suggesting that lavender oil, linalool, and linalyl acetate may each be an effective intervention for reducing pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was retrospectively registered on the Clinical Research Information Service. REGISTRATION NUMBER: KCT0007772, first registration 06/10/2022.

Codonopsis lanceolata Extract Restores Smooth Muscle Vasorelaxation in Rat Carotid Arteries Even under High Extracellular K+ Concentrations.

Recent studies showed that Codonopsis lanceolata (CL) has antihypertensive effects. However, to date, no study has examined the effects of CL on vascular tone under a high extracellular K+ concentration ([K+]o). Thus, the present study examined the effect of an extract of Codonopsis lanceolata (ECL) on the vascular tension of rat carotid arteries exposed to high [K+]o. We used myography to investigate the effect of an ECL on the vascular tension of rat carotid arteries exposed to high [K+]o and the underlying mechanism of action. In arteries with intact endothelia, the ECL (250 µg/mL) had no effect on vascular tension in arteries exposed to normal or high [K+]o. In contrast, the ECL significantly increased vasorelaxation in endothelium-impaired arteries exposed to a physiologically normal or high [K+]o compared with control arteries exposed to the same [K+]o conditions in the absence of ECL. This vasorelaxing action was unaffected by a broad-spectrum K+ channel blocker and an ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker. The ECL significantly inhibited the vasoconstriction induced by Ca2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCCs) but not Ca2+ influx induced via receptor-operated Ca2+ channels or the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the vascular smooth muscle. In summary, our study reveals that the ECL acts through VDCCs in vascular smooth muscle to promote the recovery of vasorelaxation even in arteries exposed to high [K+]o in the context of endothelial dysfunction and provides further evidence of the vascular-protective effects of ECL.

Linalyl acetate as a potential preventive agent against muscle wasting in rheumatoid arthritis rats chronically exposed to nicotine.

Cigarette smoking has detrimental effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by muscle wasting. Linalyl acetate (LA), the main component of Lavandula angustifolia Mill (lavender) oil, has anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated the detrimental effects of chronic nicotine exposure in rats with RA, as well as the abilities of lavender oil and LA to prevent muscle wasting. Rats with RA induced by type II collagen were exposed to nicotine for 22 days from day 1. Lavender oil or LA was administered twice a week during the experiment. Compared with control, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and chronic nicotine exposure plus CIA (NicoCIA) showed increases in hind paw thickness and serum interleukin (IL)-6 and decreases in body weight and serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 levels. Moreover, weight and fiber cross-sectional area of the gastrocnemius muscle were much lower, and mitochondrial membrane potential of the gastrocnemius muscle was higher, in the NicoCIA than in the CIA. These alterations in the NicoCIA were prevented by lavender oil and LA. Importantly, LA showed greater activity than lavender oil in preventing IGF-1 reduction in the NicoCIA. These findings suggest that lavender oil and LA may have preventive benefit in RA by counteracting muscle wasting associated with chronic nicotine exposure.

Effects of Short-Term Inhalation of Patchouli Oil on Professional Quality of Life and Stress Levels in Emergency Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) inhalation by emergency nurses on their stress, compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, burnout, blood pressure, and heart rate. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Setting/location: University hospital in Incheon. Subjects: This study was performed from May to August 2018 after all subjects provided written informed consent. Fifty eligible emergency nurses were recruited and randomly allocated to inhale 5% patchouli oil in sweet almond oil (patchouli group, n = 25) or pure sweet almond oil (control group, n = 25). Interventions: Nurses in the patchouli group first inhaled patchouli oil at about 10 pm (the end of an afternoon shift) and inhaled patchouli oil a second time at about 10 pm on next day (24-h interval). Nurses in the control group inhaled pure sweet almond oil following the same schedule. Outcome measures: Outcome measured included blood pressure, heart rate, levels of stress, compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout. Results: Although there were no significant differences in blood pressure, heart rate, compassion fatigue, and burnout, levels of stress were significantly lower (0.06 ± 0.48 vs. 1.19 ± 1.19, p < 0.001) and compassion satisfaction significantly higher (0.56 ± 2.50 vs. -2.84 ± 2.43, p < 0.001) in the patchouli than in the control group. In addition, relative to baseline, compassion fatigue was significantly lower in the patchouli group (26.72 ± 4.98 vs. 25.88 ± 4.63, p = 0.016). Conclusions: Inhalation of patchouli oil effectively reduced the levels of stress and increased compassion satisfaction in emergency nurses, suggesting that patchouli oil inhalation may improve the professional quality of life of emergency nurses. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: KCT0004615.

Codonopsis lanceolata Contributes to Ca2+ Homeostasis by Mediating SOCE and PLC/IP3 Pathways in Vascular Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells.

Codonopsis lanceolata has been widely used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-lipogenic agent in traditional medicine. Recently, C. lanceolata was reported to prevent hypertension by improving vascular function. This study evaluated the effects of C. lanceolata and its major component lancemaside A on cytosolic calcium concentration in vascular endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Cytosolic calcium concentration was measured using fura-2 AM fluorescence. C. lanceolata or lancemaside A increased the cytosolic calcium concentration by releasing Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum and sarcoplasmic reticulum and by Ca2+ entry into endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells from extracellular sources. The C. lanceolata- and lancemaside A-induced cytosolic calcium concentration increases were significantly inhibited by lanthanum, an inhibitor of non-selective cation channels, in both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Moreover, C. lanceolata and lancemaside A significantly inhibited store-operated Ca2+ entry under pathological extracellular Ca2+ levels. In Ca2+-free extracellular fluid, increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration induced by C. lanceolata or lancemaside A were significantly inhibited by U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C, and 2-APB, an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor antagonist. In addition, dantrolene treatment, which inhibits Ca2+ release through ryanodine receptor channels, also inhibited C. lanceolata- or lancemaside A-induced increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration through the phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathway. These results suggest that C. lanceolata and lancemaside A increase the cytosolic calcium concentration through the non-selective cation channels and phospholipase C/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathways under physiological conditions and inhibit store-operated Ca2+ entry under pathological conditions in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. C. lanceolata or lancemaside A can protect endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells by maintaining cytosolic calcium concentration homeostasis, suggesting possible applications for these materials in diets for preventing vascular damage.

Beneficial effects of Codonopsis lanceolata extract on systolic blood pressure levels in prehypertensive adults: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Codonopsis lanceolata (CL) extract was shown to have antihypertensive effects in hypertensive rats. This randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the ability of CL extract to prevent hypertension (HTN) in prehypertensive subjects. Eighty subjects aged 19-60 years with a systolic blood pressure (BP) of 120-139 mmHg and a diastolic BP of 80-89 mmHg were recruited over 3 months. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to a CL group and a placebo (PL) group and administered CL extract and starch, respectively, for 6 weeks. (BP) was measured and blood sampled at baseline and at the end of the trial. Relative to baseline, systolic BP was significantly decreased, and catalase activity was significantly increased following CL treatment in both the elevated systolic BP and stage 1 HTN subgroups. In the elevated systolic BP subgroup, serum nitrite concentration relative to baseline was significantly increased in CL compared to PL treated subjects (p = .038). In subjects with stage 1 HTN, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = .020) and malondialdehyde (p = .039) showed significantly greater reductions from baseline in the CL than in the PL group. In summary, CL was effective in preventing endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation in prehypertensive subjects, with these effects differing according to baseline systolic BP levels.

Delta- and mu-opioid pathways are involved in the analgesic effect of Ocimum basilicum L in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ocimum basilicum L. is a perennial herb that has been used in traditional Asian Indian medicine for thousands of years as a natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, diuretic, and analgesic. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was conducted to investigate the analgesic effects of basil essential oil (BEO) in inflammatory pain models and identify underlying mechanisms. We further investigated whether BEO affects physiological pain and motor coordination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analgesic effects of BEO were assessed in various mouse experimental pain models using formalin, acetic acid, heat, and carrageenan as stimuli. BEO was administered by intraperitoneal injection or inhalation. The involvement of various pathways in the analgesic effect of BEO was assessed by pretreating mice with selective pharmacological inhibitors, administered intraperitoneally. Opioid pathways were tested using the κ-opioid antagonist 5'-guanidinonaltrindole (GNTI; 0.3 mg/kg), δ-opioid antagonist naltrindole (NTD; 5 mg/kg) and µ-opioid antagonist naloxone (NAL; 8 mg/kg); nitric oxide (NO) pathways were tested using the NO synthase inhibitor N-nitro l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME; 37.5 mg/kg) and NO precursor L-arginine (L-Arg; 600 mg/kg); and KATP channel pathways were tested using the ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker, glibenclamide-hippuric acid (GHA, 2 mg/kg). Potential effects of BEO on motor coordination were assessed using a rotarod test. RESULTS: BEO exerted analgesic effects in all pain models. Notably, pretreatment with naltrindole, naloxone, or L-arginine significantly reduced the analgesic effects of BEO in the formalin test. BEO increased mean withdrawal latencies in a thermal plantar test at a high dose, but not at lower doses. BEO had no effect on motor coordination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the analgesic effects of BEO are primarily mediated by delta- and mu-opioid pathways and further suggest that BEO has potential for development as an analgesic agent for the relief of inflammatory pain.

Lancemaside A, a major triterpene saponin of Codonopsis lanceolata enhances regulation of nitric oxide synthesis via eNOS activation.

BACKGROUND: Many studies on the effect of saponin-rich Codonopsis lanceolata as a bioactive source for improving physical health have been performed. C. lanceolata contains triterpenoid saponins, including lancemasides. These saponins are known to be particularly involved in the regulation of blood pressure or hypertension. This study investigated whether lancemaside A (LA), a major triterpenoid saponin from C. lanceolata, regulates nitric oxide (NO) production via the activation of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. METHODS: Upon separation with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol, LA was found to be abundant in the n-butanol-soluble portion. For further purification of LA, HPLC was performed to collect fraction, and LA was identified using analysis of LC/MSMS and 13C-NMR values. In in vitro, the effects of LA on NO release mechanism in HUVECs were investigated by Griess assay, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription PCR, and Western blotting. RESULTS: Our results showed that NO production was efficiently improved by treatment with LA in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the LA treatment resulted in extensive recovery of the NO production suppressed by the eNOS inhibitor, L-NAME, compared with that in the control group. Additionally, the level of eNOS mRNA was increased by this treatment in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that LA is an inducer of NO synthesis via eNOS mRNA expression. Also, the study indicated that LA is involved in activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that LA is an inducer of NO synthesis via eNOS mRNA expression. Also, the study indicated that LA is involved in activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway. These findings suggest the value of using LA as a component of functional foods and natural pharmaceuticals.

Codonopsis lanceolata extract prevents hypertension in rats.

BACKGROUND: Codonopsis lanceolata, a plant with antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and blood lipid improving effects, has been widely used as a therapeutic agent in traditional medicine. PURPOSE: The present study investigated the ability of an ethanol extract of Codonopsis lanceolata (ECL) to prevent hypertension in hypertensive rats. METHODS: Rats were orally administered daily doses of 0 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg ECL for 3 weeks. As a positive control, rats were orally administered 10 mg/kg/day nifedipine. Hypertension was induced by immobilization stress for 2 h/day and by administration of 0.8 mg/kg/day nicotine for 3 weeks, followed by injection of 3 mg/kg nicotine on the day of sacrifice. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured using a volume pressure recording system. Vasoconstriction and vasodilation of aortic cross sections were measured with a physiological recorder. Neutrophil counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were estimated with an automated cell counter. RESULTS: Treatment with both dosages of ECL significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in hypertensive rats. Both doses of ECL tended to increase ACh- and SNP-induced vascular relaxation in hypertensive rats. Treatment with 200 mg/kg ECL significantly reduced neutrophil in hypertensive rats. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that ECL is effective in reducing SBP and inflammation in hypertensive conditions.

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Oil and Its Active Constituent Linalyl Acetate Alleviate Pain and Urinary Residual Sense after Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Pain and urinary symptoms following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery are frequent and carry a poor recovery. This study tested the effects of inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender) oil or linalyl acetate on pain relief and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following the removal of indwelling urinary catheters from patients after CRC surgery. This randomised control study recruited 66 subjects with indwelling urinary catheters after undergoing CRC surgery who later underwent catheter removal. Patients inhaled 1% lavender, 1% linalyl acetate, or vehicle (control group) for 20 minutes. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), heart rate, LUTS, and visual analog scales of pain magnitude and quality of life (QoL) regarding urinary symptoms were measured before and after inhalation. Systolic BP, diastolic BP, heart rate, LUTS, and QoL satisfaction with urinary symptoms were similar in the three groups. Significant differences in pain magnitude and urinary residual sense of indwelling catheters were observed among the three groups, with inhalation of linalyl acetate being significantly more effective than inhalation of lavender or vehicle. Inhalation of linalyl acetate is an effective nursing intervention to relieve pain and urinary residual sense of indwelling urinary catheters following their removal from patients who underwent CRC surgery.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and inhibits store-operated Ca2+ entry in vascular endothelial cells.

This study assessed the effects of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel oil) and of trans-anethole, the main component of fennel oil, on extracellular Ca2+-induced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) into vascular endothelial (EA) cells and their mechanisms of action. Components of fennel oil were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) in EA cells was determined using Fura-2 fluorescence. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, fennel oil significantly increased [Ca2+]c in EA cells; this increase was significantly inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blockers La3+ and nifedipine. In contrast, fennel oil induced [Ca2+]c was significantly lower in Ca2+-free solution, suggesting that fennel oil increases [Ca2+]c mainly by enhancing Ca2+ influx into EA cells. [Ca2+]c mobilization by trans-anethole was similar to that of fennel oil. Moreover, SOCE was suppressed by fennel oil and trans-anethole. SOCE was also attenuated by lanthanum (La3+), a non-selective cation channel (NSC) blocker; 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB), an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitor and SOCE blocker; and U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC). Further, SOCE was more strongly inhibited by La3+ plus fennel oil or trans-anethole than by La3+ alone. These findings suggest that fennel oil and trans-anethole significantly inhibit SOCE-induced [Ca2+]c increase in vascular endothelial cells and that these reactions may be mediated by NSC, IP3-dependent Ca2+ mobilization, and PLC activation.

Eucalyptol and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.

Patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and neurological diseases have been shown to benefit from treatments such as aromatherapy in addition to medication. Most chronic diseases are caused by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as well as harmful factors. Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), a terpenoid oxide isolated from Eucalyptus species, is a promising compound for treating such conditions as it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various diseases, including respiratory disease, pancreatitis, colon damage, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Eucalyptol suppresses lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory cytokine production through the action of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, and reduces oxidative stress through the regulation of signaling pathways and radical scavenging. The effects of eucalyptol have been studied in several cell and animal models as well as in patients with chronic diseases. Furthermore, eucalyptol can pass the blood-brain barrier and hence can be used as a carrier to deliver drugs to the brain via a microemulsion system. In summary, the various biological activities of eucalyptol such as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as its physicochemical characteristics, make this compound a potentially important drug for the treatment of chronic diseases.

Antioxidant activity of linalool in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common peripheral neuropathy and ischemic-reperfusion injury. Oxidative stress is considered a major cause of CTS. Linalool, a component of essential oils, has antioxidant activity. This study was designed to determine the effects of linalool inhalation on oxidative stress in patients with CTS. METHODS: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the effects of linalool inhalation on oxidative stress in patients with CTS. Thirty-seven subjects, with and without CTS, were randomized to inhalation of 1% linalool or carrier oil. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, systolic blood pressure (sBP), diastolic blood pressure (dBP) and pulse rate were analyzed. RESULTS: DPPH inhibition was significantly higher in both experimental groups than in their respective controls. Moreover inhalation of linalool reduced sBP, dBP and pulse rate in the CTS group, and pulse rate in the non-CTS group. However, there were no significant differences among the study groups in nitrite levels, sBP, dBP and pulse rate. CONCLUSIONS: Inhalation of linalool increases antioxidative activity and reduces blood pressure and pulse rate in patients with CTS.

Effects of Salvia sclarea on chronic immobilization stress induced endothelial dysfunction in rats.

BACKGROUND: Although Salvia sclarea (clary sage) is widely used in aromatherapy and has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, its mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. We therefore assessed whether clary sage is effective in treating endothelial dysfunction induced by chronic immobilization stress in rats. METHODS: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with almond oil, clary sage oil (5%, 10% or 20%), or nifedipine once daily, followed by immobilization stress (2 h/day) for 14 days. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured, as were serum concentrations of corticosterone (CORT); a biomarker of chronic stress, malondialdehyde (MDA); a biomarker of oxidative stress. Nitric oxide production was assessed by nitrite assays, and eNOS level, a biomarker of endothelial dysfunction, was measured by western blotting. Endothelial dysfunction was also assayed by measuring the effect of clary sage on the contraction of rat aortae. RESULTS: Treatment with 5% (p = 0.029), 10% (p = 0.008), and 20% (p = 0.008) clary sage significantly reduced SBP and treatment with 20% clary sage significantly reduced HR (p = 0.039) compared with the chronic immobilization stress group. Clary sage decreased CORT serum concentration (10%, p = 0.026; 20%, p = 0.012) and MDA (10%, p = 0.007; 20%, p = 0.027), findings similar to those observed with nifedipine. In addition, 20% clary sage significantly increased nitric oxide production (p <0.001) and eNOS expression level (p <0.001) and relaxed aortic rings in rats subjected to chronic immobilization stress. CONCLUSIONS: Clary sage treatment of rats subjected to immobilization stress contributed to their recovery from endothelial dysfunction by increasing NO production and eNOS level as well as by decreasing oxidative stress. Appropriate concentration of clary sage may result in recovery from endothelial dysfunction. These findings indicate that clary sage oil may be effective in the prevention and treatment of stress-induced cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of inhalation of the essential oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara (neroli oil) on menopausal symptoms, stress, and estrogen in postmenopausal women. Sixty-three healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to inhale 0.1% or 0.5% neroli oil or almond oil (control) for 5 minutes twice daily for 5 days. Menopause-related symptoms, as determined by the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL); sexual desire visual analog scale (VAS); serum cortisol and estrogen concentrations, blood pressure, pulse, and stress VAS, were measured before and after inhalation. Compared with the control group, the two neroli oil groups showed significant improvements in the physical domain score of the MENQOL and in sexual desire. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the group inhaling 0.5% neroli oil than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the two neroli oil groups showed significantly lower diastolic blood pressure and tended to improve pulse rate and serum cortisol and estrogen concentrations. These findings indicate that inhalation of neroli oil helps relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and reduce blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Neroli oil may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce stress and improve the endocrine system.

The effect of 1,8-cineole inhalation on preoperative anxiety: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of inhalation of eucalyptus oil and its constituents on anxiety in patients before selective nerve root block (SNRB). This study was a randomized controlled trial carried out in 62 patients before SNRB. The patients were randomized to inhale limonene, 1,8-cineole, or eucalyptus oil, each at concentrations of 1% vol/vol in almond oil or almond oil (control). Anxiety-visual analog scale (A-VAS), state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), profile of mood states (POMS), pain-visual analog scale (P-VAS), blood pressure, and pulse rate were measured before and after inhalation prior to SNRB. Measures of anxiety, including A-VAS (P < 0.001), STAI (P = 0.005), and POMS (P < 0.001), were significantly lower in 1,8-cineole than in the control group and significantly greater in 1,8-cineole than in the eucalyptus group in A-VAS. P-VAS was significantly lower after than before inhalation of limonene, 1,8-cineole, and eucalyptus, despite having no significant difference in the four groups compared with control group. 1,8-Cineole, a major constituent of eucalyptus, was effective in decreasing anxiety before SNRB. The present findings suggest that inhalation of 1,8-cineole may be used to relieve anxiety before, during, and after various operations, in addition to SNRB.

Effects of 1,8-cineole on hypertension induced by chronic exposure to nicotine in rats.

OBJECTIVES: The monoterpenic oxide 1,8-cineole is a major component of many essential oils. We investigated its effects on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and oxidative stress in rats chronically exposed to nicotine. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (100-120 g) were intraperitoneally injected with 0.8 mg/kg/day nicotine for 21 days, followed by 3 mg/kg nicotine the next day. Rats were subsequently injected intraperitoneally with 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mg/kg 1,8-cineole, or 10 mg/kg nifedipine. SBP was measured using a tail cuff transducer, plasma nitrite concentration was measured colorimetrically, and plasma corticosterone concentration was measured by enzyme immunoassay. KEY FINDINGS: We found that 0.1 mg/kg 1,8-cineole significantly reduced SBP, and that 1.0 mg/kg 1,8-cineole significantly increased plasma nitrite concentrations, compared with rats chronically exposed to nicotine alone. Rats chronically exposed to nicotine showed a significant increase in lipid peroxidation levels, an elevation significantly antagonized by treatment with 0.01 mg/kg and 0.1 mg/kg 1,8-cineole. Chronic exposure to nicotine also significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels, but this effect was not diminished by treatment with 1,8-cineole. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that 1,8-cineole may lower blood pressure, and that this antihypertensive effect may be associated with the regulation of nitric oxide and oxidative stress in rats chronically exposed to nicotine.

Citrus bergamia Risso Elevates Intracellular Ca (2+) in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells due to Release of Ca (2+) from Primary Intracellular Stores.

The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of essential oil of Citrus bergamia Risso (bergamot, BEO) on intracellular Ca(2+) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Fura-2 fluorescence was used to examine changes in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)]i . In the presence of extracellular Ca(2+), BEO increased [Ca(2+)]i , which was partially inhibited by a nonselective Ca(2+) channel blocker La(3+). In Ca(2+)-free extracellular solutions, BEO increased [Ca(2+)]i in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting that BEO mobilizes intracellular Ca(2+). BEO-induced [Ca(2+)]i increase was partially inhibited by a Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release inhibitor dantrolene, a phospholipase C inhibitor U73122, and an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3)-gated Ca(2+) channel blocker, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB). BEO also increased [Ca(2+)]i in the presence of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake. In addition, store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOC) was potentiated by BEO. These results suggest that BEO mobilizes Ca(2+) from primary intracellular stores via Ca(2+)-induced and IP3-mediated Ca(2+) release and affect promotion of Ca(2+) influx, likely via an SOC mechanism.

Effect of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement: a randomized clinical trial.

Eucalyptus oil has been reported effective in reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eucalyptus oil inhalation on pain and inflammatory responses after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery. Participants were randomized 1 : 1 to intervention group (eucalyptus inhalation group) or control group (almond oil inhalation group). Patients inhaled eucalyptus or almond oil for 30 min of continuous passive motion (CPM) on 3 consecutive days. Pain on a visual analog scale (VAS), blood pressure, heart rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured before and after inhalation. Pain VAS on all three days (P < .001) and systolic (P < .05) and diastolic (P = .03) blood pressure on the second day were significantly lower in the group inhaling eucalyptus than that inhaling almond oil. Heart rate, CRP, and WBC, however, did not differ significantly in the two groups. In conclusion, inhalation of eucalyptus oil was effective in decreasing patient's pain and blood pressure following TKR, suggesting that eucalyptus oil inhalation may be a nursing intervention for the relief of pain after TKR.

The essential oil of Citrus bergamia†Risso induces vasorelaxation of the mouse aorta by activating K(+) channels and inhibiting Ca(2+) influx.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of the essential oil of Citrus bergamia Risso (bergamot) on mouse blood vessels and to analyse the mechanism of this effect from a pharmacological perspective. METHODS: We investigated the effect of bergamot essential oil (BEO) on vascular tonus during contraction of mouse aorta induced by prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α ) or noradrenaline (norepinephrine). KEY FINDINGS: In mouse aortic rings, BEO (0.01, 0.1 and 0.2% v/v) reduced contraction in a dose-dependent manner, and relaxed the vascular tonus induced by PGF2α . No significant difference in the extent of vasorelaxation induced by 0.1% (v/v) BEO was evident when rings with intact endothelium and endothelium-denuded rings were compared. When aortic rings were suspended in a medium that was Ca(2+) -free but contained 80 mm KCl, addition of CaCl2 (1, 2.5 or 5 mm) induced contraction in a dose-dependent manner. However, addition of Ca(2+) after incubation of the rings with BEO strongly suppressed CaCl2 -induced contraction. Further, the K(+) -channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride partially blocked BEO-induced vasorelaxation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that BEO may induce endothelium-independent vasorelaxation by regulating the vascular tone of smooth muscle. Activation of K(+) channels and inhibition of Ca(2+) influx may be involved in vasorelaxation of mouse aorta elicited by BEO.