IGF-1 and Glucocorticoid Receptors Are Potential Target Proteins for the NGF-Mimic Effect of ß-Cyclocitral from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. in PC12 Cells.

In the present study, the PC12 cells as a bioassay system were used to screen the small molecules with nerve growth factor (NGF)- mimic effect from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The ß-Cyclocitral (ß-cyc) as an active compound was discovered, and its chemical structure was also determined. Furthermore, we focused on the bioactive and action mechanism of this compound to do an intensive study with specific protein inhibitors and Western blotting analysis. The ß-cyc had novel NGF-mimic and NGF-enhancer effects on PC12 cells, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, (PI3K)/serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR)/phospholipase C (PLC)/protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathways were involved in the bioactivity of ß-cyc. In addition, the important role of the rat sarcoma (Ras)/protooncogene serine-threonine protein kinase (Raf) signaling pathway was observed, although it was independent of tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors. Moreover, the non-label target protein discovery techniques, such as the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), were utilized to make predictions of its target protein. The stability of IGF-R and GR, proteins for temperature and protease, was dose-dependently increased after treatment of ß-cyc compared with control groups, respectively. These findings indicated that ß-cyc promoted the neuron differentiation of PC12 cells via targeting IGF-1R and GR and modification of downstream signaling pathways.

Evaluation of lavender essential oils and by-products using microwave hydrodistillation and conventional hydrodistillation.

This study investigated the impact of two extraction methods, traditional hydrodistillation (TDH) and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAH), on the essential oil yield and chemical profile of Lavandula angustifolia L., as well as the bioactive potential of the resulting wastewater. Essential oil composition was analyzed via GC-MS, revealing similar qualitative and quantitative profiles for both methods, with α-terpinolene and (-)borneol as major constituents. Wastewater analysis via LC-MS/MS and spectrophotometric assays demonstrated the presence of significant total phenolic content (3.29-1.78 mg GAE/g) and 32 individual phenolics (463.1 µg/kg for TDH; 479.33 µg/kg for MAH). These findings suggest that both essential oil and wastewater obtained by either method possess considerable bioactive potential, with the MAH method potentially offering advantages over TDH for essential oil extraction. Further exploration of wastewater applications in various industrial sectors is warranted.

Insecticidal and Repellent Activity of Essential Oils from Copaifera reticulata, Citrus paradisi, Lavandula hybrida and Salvia sclarea Against Immature and Adult Stages of Ctenocephalides felis felis.

PURPOSE: The flea Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae), parasitizes dogs and cats globally, acting as a vector for various pathogens affecting both animals and humans. Growing interest in environmentally friendly, plant-based products prompted this study. The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition of essential oils (EOs) from Copaifera reticulata, Citrus paradisi, Lavandula hybrida and Salvia sclarea, assessing their insecticidal and repellent properties, determining lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90), and evaluating residual efficacy in vitro against Ctenocephalides felis felis. METHODS: Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector analyzed EO composition. In vitro tests involved preparing EO solutions at various concentrations. Ten specimens from each life stage (egg, larva, pupa, adult) were used for insecticidal activity assessment. Adulticidal activity was assessed using 10 cm2 filter paper strip, each treated with 0.200 mL of the test solution. Immature stages activities were evaluated using 23.76 cm2 discs of the same filter paper, each treated with 0.470 mL of the test solution. Mortality percentage was calculated using (number of dead insects × 100) / number of incubated insects. Probit analysis calculated LC50 values with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Major EO constituents were ß-caryophyllene (EOCR), linalool (EOLH), linalyl acetate (EOSS), and limonene (EOCP). LC50 values were obtained for all stages except for the essential oil of C. paradisi. All oils showed repellent activity at 800 µg/cm2. OECR exhibited greater residual efficacy. CONCLUSION: Each EO demonstrated superior insecticidal activity against specific C. felis felis stages.

Nicoliella lavandulae sp. nov., a novel fructophilic Nicoliella species isolated from flowers of Lavandula angustifolia.

A survey of fructophilic lactic acid bacteria associated with wild and cultivated plants in the metropolitan area of Valencia (Spain) led to the isolation of a novel strain of the genus Nicoliella, named Es01T, from flowers of Lavandula angustifolia. The genus Nicoliella encompasses a single species, Nicoliella spurrieriana. Partial 16S rRNA coding gene sequencing revealed a similarity of 98.8% to N. spurrieriana SGEP1_A5T. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) calculations revealed an ANI value of 80.49% with strain SGEP1_A5T, the only N. spurrieriana strain with an available genomic sequence. A digital DNA-DNA hybridization value of 20% was estimated by the Type Strain Genome Server tool when Es01T was compared with strain SGEP1_A5T. On the basis of these results, strain Es01T represents a novel species, for which the name Nicoliella lavandulae sp. nov. is proposed with Es01T (=CECT 30999T=DSMZ 117325T=CCM 9394T) as type strain.

Consensus-based guideline for the supportive anthroposophic therapies to treat children with pseudocroup (stenosing laryngotracheitis).

PURPOSE: Supportive anthroposophic therapies are used to treat children with pseudocroup by pediatricians in outpatient and inpatient settings. Anthroposophic treatment comprises forms of creative therapies, external applications as well as remedies, which production is based on the knowledge of the human being, nature and substances. A scientifically based guideline for these therapies is lacking. Due to insufficient study situation, we developed a consensus-based guideline to make therapy decisions more transparent and facilitate clinical routine. METHODS: An online Delphi process with 67 anthroposophic pediatricians was conducted. Recommendations were accepted when reaching more than 75 % of expert agreement; otherwise, recommendations were revised and assessed by the experts once again. RESULTS: Recommendations for general interventions and for anthroposophic remedies (Bryonia/Spongia comp.; Larynx/Apis comp.) as well as for external applications (embrocation with lavender oil) were developed. Recommendations have a consensus of 96.4 % or more. CONCLUSION: The consensus-based guideline provides practical recommendations for the supportive anthroposophic therapies for pseudocroup. The implementation and practicability of this guideline has to be investigated.

Lavandula dentata L. essential oil: a promising antifungal and antibiofilm agent against oral Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is the main fungal species involved in oral candidiasis, and its increasing resistance to pharmacological treatment encourages the search for improved antifungal agents. Lavandula dentata L. essential oil (LD-EO) has been recognized for its antimicrobial activity, but little is known about its role against oral C. albicans. This study evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm activities, mechanisms of action, and toxicity of LD-EO from Brazil against oral strains of C. albicans. Antifungal activity was assessed based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), association study with miconazole (Checkerboard method), and sorbitol and ergosterol assays. Inhibition of biofilm formation and disruption of preformed biofilm were considered when studying the effects of the product. Additionally, the toxicity of LD-EO was evaluated by a hemolysis assay on human erythrocytes. Phytochemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified eucalyptol (33.1%), camphor (18.3%), and fenchone (15.6%) as major constituents. The test substance showed mainly fungicidal activity (MIC100 = 8 µg/mL; MFC = 16 µg/mL), including against two miconazole-resistant isolates of C. albicans. The effects of LD-EO were synergistic with those of miconazole and appeared not to involve damage to the fungal cell wall or plasma membrane. Its effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation was higher than the effect of disrupting preformed biofilm. Finally, the product exhibited low hemolytic activity at MIC. Based on the favorable and novel results described here, LD-EO could constitute a promising therapeutic alternative for oral candidiasis, including miconazole-resistant cases.

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. inhibits high glucose and nicotine-induced Ca2+ influx in microglia and neuron-like cells via two distinct mechanisms.

Smoking remains a significant health problem in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in microglia, neurons, and astrocytes in the presence of high glucose (HG) and nicotine and evaluated the effects of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on this process. [Ca2+]i concentrations were measured by monitoring the fluorescence of Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester. Treatment with HG and nicotine significantly increased [Ca2+]i in both microglia and neurons through Ca2+ influx from extracellular sources. This increased Ca2+ influx in microglia, however, was significantly reduced by LEO, an effect partially inhibited by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor Ni2+. Ca2+ influx in neuron-like cells pretreated with HG plus nicotine was also significantly decreased by LEO, an effect partially inhibited by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine and the T-type Ca2+ channel blocker mibefradil. LEO or a two-fold increase in the applied number of astrocytes attenuated Ca2+ influx caused by high glucose and nicotine in the mixed cells of the microglia, neuron-like cells and astrocytes. These findings suggest that LEO can regulate HG and nicotine-induced Ca2+ influx into microglia and neurons through two distinct mechanisms.

Variations in the biochemical characteristics of Lavandula sublepidota Rech.f. in response to the foliar enrichment of green-synthesized copper nano complexes from extract of neem and jujube.

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient in plant physiology and biochemistry. This article synthesized copper nano complexes (Cu-NCs) based on aqueous extracts of jujube and neem leaves. The effects of foliar application of Cu-jujube and Cu-neem Cu-NCs at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, and 50 mg L-1 on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and essential oil of the Iranian native medicinal herb Lavandula sublepidota Rech. f. was investigated. The highest levels of flavonoids and polyphenols were observed in the plants treated with Cu-NCs at 25 mg L-1. However, no superiority was observed between the two types of Cu-NCs. Furthermore, 25 mg L-1 nCu-Z and nCu-N foliar application boosted essential oil yield (48 and 52%, respectively) over control. This suggests an ideal threshold beyond which toxicity was found. Similarly, the amount of commercially significant secondary metabolites increased at 25 mg L-1 CuNCs compared to 10 and 50 mg L-1 concentrations. The maximum antioxidant activity was found in extracts of lavender that had been treated with 25 mg L-1 CuNCs. When CuNCs were applied exogenously, the extracts' antibacterial activity (MIC µg mL-1) was substantially increased against the three pathogen strains. The results suggest that CuNCs demonstrate notably greater effectiveness, particularly at an ideal concentration of 25 mg L-1, in enhancing the production of essential oil and bioactive compounds in Lavandula sublepidota Rech. f. Therefore, these findings indicate the importance of the biosynthesis of NCs using plants and measuring the phytochemical changes of lavender plants.

In vivo and in silico elucidation of possible potential and mechanisms involved in the analgesic action of ethanolic extract of Lavandula Stoechas.

OBJECTIVES: Our research focused on plant's ethanolic extract Lavandula stoechas flower part to investigate the potential analgesic effects and possible pathways involvements. METHODS: Four experimental tests were performed on Swiss albino mice with five animals in each group at different doses (50, 100, and 200mg/kg); formalin test, tail-flick test, acetic acid-induced writhing, and hot-plate test. The opioidergic, noradrenergic, cholinergic, and K channel blockers in the analgesic actions were also carried out for the potential route involvement. KEY FINDING: The percentage inhibition for abdominal writhing's and formalin activity showed a dose-dependent manner for early and late phases reducing abdominal writhing's and time period of licking, respectively. Tail immersion and hot-plate test demonstrated a substantial and dose-dependent increase in the latency time and time period of paw liking and jumping response respectively. GC-MS showed the abundantly present compounds were octadecatrienoic acid (34.35%), n-hexadecanoic acid (12.98%). In silico analyses have revealed three compounds that had good interactions with 6y3c receptor proteins, demonstrating strong binding affinities and satisfying docking parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these studies showed that ethanolic extract of L. stoechas is an important medicinal plant, with both central and peripheral antinociceptive and analgesic activities supporting its traditional use for therapeutic purposes.

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor.

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

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

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

Flower Power: An Overview on Chemistry and Biological Impact of Selected Essential Oils from Blossoms.

Natural raw materials such as essential oils have received more and more attention in recent decades, whether in the food industry, as flavorings and preservatives, or as insecticides and insect repellents. They are, furthermore, very popular as fragrances in perfumes, cosmetics, and household products. In addition, aromatherapy is widely used to complement conventional medicine. This review summarizes investigations on the chemical composition and the most important biological impacts of essential oils and volatile compounds extracted from selected aromatic blossoms, including Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria recutita, Rosa x damascena, Jasminum grandiflorum, Citrus x aurantium, Cananga odorata, and Michelia alba. The literature was collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Blossom essential oils discussed in this work are used in a wide variety of clinical issues. The application is consistently described as safe in studies and meta-analyses, although there are notes that using essential oils can also have side effects, especially dermatologically. However, it can be considered as confirmed that essential oils have positive influences on humans and can improve quality of life in patients with psychiatric disorders, critically ill patients, and patients in other exceptional situations. Although the positive effect of essential oils from blossoms has repeatedly been reported, evidence-based clinical investigations are still underrepresented, and the need for research is demanded.

Comparative analysis of essential oil efficacy against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae).

This study evaluated the potential repellent and acaricidal effects of 4 essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint) against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, a vector of various tick-borne diseases in medical and veterinary contexts. Selected for their potential repellent and acaricidal properties, the 4 essential oils were tested on adult and nymph H. longicornis ticks at different concentrations. The experiment assessed mortality rates and repellency, particularly during tick attachment to host skin. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in tick mortality and repellency scores across all groups. At a 1% concentration, adult tick mortality ranged from 36% to 86%, while nymph mortality ranged from 6% to 97%. Clove oil exhibited notable efficacy, demonstrating high mortality rates of nymphs and adults. Clove oil also displayed strong repellency properties, with a repellency index of 0.05, surpassing those of mint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. Clove oil showed the highest effectiveness in deterring nonattached adult ticks (90%) and nymphs (95%) when applied to skin. Clove oil was the most effective against adult and nymph ticks, achieving mortality rates of 86% and 97%, respectively, and led to the highest nonattachment rates when applied to skin. In conclusion, essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint oils present promising results for tick population control.

Recent developments in the encapsulation of lavender essential oil.

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

The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender Essential Oil on the Sleep and Fatigue Level of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is one of the most serious symptoms of the disease. Although many factors play a role in the etiology of fatigue in patients with MS, it has been reported that fatigue is caused by irregular or disrupted sleep patterns. AIM: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on the sleep and fatigue of MS patients. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the Patient Description Form, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: The mean FSS score in the experimental group was 6.86 ± 0.94 before the procedure and 3.42 ± 0.85 after the procedure, the mean PSQI score was 9.45 ± 1.23 before the procedure and 6.68 ± 2.87 after the procedure, and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has significant impacts on fatigue and sleep in MS patients. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy can be used by nurses as an independent nursing practice. It is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and reliable technique to manage fatigue in individuals with MS.

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.

Anthelmintic effects of some medicinal plants on different life stages of Fasciola hepatica: Evidence on oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA damage.

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major public health and economic problem worldwide. Due to the lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance to the drug triclabendazole, alternative phytotherapeutic approaches are being investigated. This study investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) essential oils (EOs) against F. hepatica. The in vitro study was based on an egg hatch assay (EHA), adult motility inhibition assays, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level along with several oxidative stress biomarkers including glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). To this end, different concentrations of L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs (1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/mL) were used to assess anthelmintic effects on different life stages including egg, and adults of F. hepatica for 24 hrs. The results indicated that these EOs play a significant role as anthelminthics, and the effect was dependent on time and concentration. The in vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs increased DNA damage, ROS production and induction of oxidative stress (decreased SOD, GST and GSH, and increased MDA), significantly compared to control. Therefore, it can be concluded that L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs have the potential to be used as novel agents for the control and treatment of F. hepatica infections. Further studies are required to investigate their pharmacological potential and effectiveness in vivo for the treatment of parasitic infections.

Medicinal Anti-Inflammatory Patch Loaded with Lavender Essential Oil.

Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative for administering medications like ibuprofen, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral administration. This study explored the potential synergistic effects of combining ibuprofen with lavender essential oil (LEO) in transdermal patches. The composition of LEO was analyzed, revealing predominant compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The physicochemical properties of the patches were investigated, indicating improved cohesion with the addition of LEO. Additionally, thermal stability assessments demonstrated enhanced stability with LEO incorporation with an increase in onset decomposition temperature from 49.0 to 67.9 °C. The antioxidant activity of patches containing LEO was significantly higher with a free radical scavenging ability of 79.13% RSA compared to 60% RSA in patches without LEO. Release and permeation studies showed that patches with LEO exhibited an increased permeation of ibuprofen through the skin with 74.40% of the drug released from LEO-containing patches compared to 36.29% from patches without LEO after 24 h. Moreover, the permeation rate was notably faster with LEO, indicating quicker therapeutic effects. The inclusion of LEO in transdermal patches containing ibuprofen holds promise for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness, offering a potential strategy for improved pain management with reduced side effects.

Lavender essential oil alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol-withdrawn rats: Insights from gut metabolites and hippocampal transcriptome analysis.

Lavender, an aromatic plant with a history dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, is consumed because of its diverse pharmacological properties, including sedation, sleep aid, and antidepressant effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these antidepressant properties remain unclear. In this study, we explored the impact of lavender essential oil (LEO) inhalation on the diversity of gut microbiota, metabolites, and differential gene expression in the hippocampus of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats. Additionally, we examined alterations in the hippocampal transient receptor potential (TRP) channel-mediated inflammatory regulation within the brain-gut axis of depressive rats. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in sucrose preference, diminished activity in the central zone of the open field test, and prolonged immobility time in the forced swim test in alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, indicating the amelioration of depressive states following lavender essential oil inhalation. 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant reduction in Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae in the gut of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, whereas lavender essential oil significantly increased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and other bacterial species. Metabolomic analysis identified 646 distinct metabolites as highly correlated biomarkers between the model and lavender essential oil groups. Furthermore, lavender essential oil inhalation significantly attenuated hippocampal inflammatory factors IL-2, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α. This study identified elevated expression of Trpv4 and Calml4 in the hippocampal region of alcohol-withdrawn depressed rats and showed that lavender essential oil inhalation regulated aberrantly expressed genes. Our research suggests that lavender essential oil downregulates Trpv4, modulates inflammatory factors, and alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol withdrawal rats.