Baseline symptom severity and efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: A symptom-based, patient-level analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

The influence of baseline severity on the efficacy of Silexan, a proprietary essential oil from Lavandula angustifolia, in anxiety disorders has not been investigated in a pooled dataset. We report on an individual patient data analysis of all five double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials with Silexan in anxiety disorders. Eligible participants received Silexan 80 mg/d or placebo for 10 weeks. Analyses were based on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), its psychic and somatic anxiety subscores, and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) scale. To correlate baseline severity with outcome, patients were segregated into mild, moderate, and severe cases. Altogether 1,172 patients (Silexan, n = 587; placebo, n = 585) were analyzed. For the HAMA total score, we found a significant association between the score at baseline and the treatment effect of Silexan versus placebo at week 10 (p < 0.001). HAMA items from the somatic domain scored lower at baseline and showed less improvement than items from the psychic domain, particularly in patients with mild or moderate baseline symptoms. For CGI item 2 (global improvement), significant efficacy favoring Silexan were observed in mild, moderate, and severe baseline symptom severity. Although significant improvements were found for all subsets, the more severe the initial symptoms, the greater the treatment effects documented by the HAMA. Overall this analysis confirms that Silexan is an effective treatment option in early or mild stages of anxiety disorder. Given its favorable safety profile, Silexan can thus fill a therapeutic gap in the treatment of (subsyndromal) anxiety disorders.

Anti-inflammatory effects and related mechanisms in vitro and in vivo of Hedychium coccineum rhizome essential oil.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hedychium coccineum rhizome is an anti-inflammatory ethnomedicine used to remedy inflammation-related swelling and bronchial asthma. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyze the phytochemical constituents of H. coccineum rhizome essential oil (EO) and evaluate its in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects and underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Phytochemical constituents of H. coccineum rhizome EO were analyzed using GC-FID/MS. In RAW264.7 macrophages induced by LPS, blockade of PGE2, NO, IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion by H. coccineum rhizome EO was measured, and then Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunofluorescent staining were used to evaluate its underlying mechanisms. Moreover, we used the xylene-induced ear edema model for testing anti-inflammatory potential in vivo and examined auricular swelling as well as tissue and serum contents of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. RESULTS: EO's main components were E-nerolidol (40.5%), borneol acetate (24.8%), spathulenol (4.5%), linalool (3.8%), elemol (3.5%), and borneol (3.4%). In RAW264.7 cells stimulated by LPS, EO downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory enzyme (iNOS and COX-2) genes and proteins, thereby suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators (NO and PGE2) secretion. Simultaneously, it reduced TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 release by downregulating their mRNA expression. Besides, H. coccineum EO attenuated LPS-stimulated activation of NF-κB (by reducing IκBα phosphorylation and degradation to inhibit NF-κB nuclear translocation) and MAPK (by downregulating JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation). In xylene-induced mouse ear edema, EO relieved auricular swelling and lowered serum and tissue levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: H. coccineum EO had powerful in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB activation. Hence, H. coccineum EO should have great potential for application in the pharmaceutical field as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

Essential oils: How safe? How effective?

Given the ubiquity of these plant-based oils, your patients might ask about using them. Here's the evidence on safety and efficacy to guide your response.

Allergic contact dermatitis from essential oil in consumer products: Mode of uses and value of patch tests with an essential oil series. Results of a French study of the DAG (Dermato-Allergology group of the French Society of Dermatology).

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the clinical characteristics and sensitivity of an essential oil patch test series (EOS) in patients sensitized to their own essential oils (EOs). METHOD: We analysed the clinical data and patch test results obtained with the European baseline series (BSE) and an EOS, as well as the mode of use of EOs, through a questionnaire included in the patient file. RESULTS: The study included 42 patients (79% women, average age 50 years) with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), 8 patients required hospitalization. All patients were sensitized to the EO they used, primarily lavender (Lavandula augustifolia, 8000-28-0), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, 68647-73-4), ravintsara (Cinnamomum camphora oil, 92201-50-8), and 2 cases were attributed to helichrysum (helichrysum italicum flower absolute, 90045-56-0). 71% had positive patch tests to fragrance mix I or II, 9 only to the EOS and 4 only with their personal EO. Interestingly, 40% of patients did not spontaneously mention the use of EOs, and only 33% received advice on their use at the time of purchase. CONCLUSION: Patch tests with the BSE, limonene and linalool HP, and oxidized tea tree oil is sufficient to detect most EO-sensitized patients. The most important is to test the patient's own used EOs.

Pingyin Rose Essential Oil Restores Intestinal Barrier Integrity in DSS-induced Mice Colitis Model.

Rosa rugosa cv. Plena is a 'drug homologous food' in China with a long history. Pingyin rose essential oil (PREO) is a mixture of compounds extracted from blooming R. rugosa cv. Plena. With its elegant smell and excellent effects on oxidative stress and inflammation alleviation, PREO is wildly used in the food industry as a popular additive. We aimed to decipher if the PREO could alleviate and restore dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced barrier integrity damages. The results showed that a 7-day PREO (15 µL/kg) treatment alleviated the colitis symptoms by improving disease activity index (DAI) scores through weight loss, occult blood, and colon shortening. The expression of tight junction proteins and the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), and catalase (CAT) increased while nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) production decreased in PREO-treated C57BL6 female mice. PREO treatment inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6. Further, PREO modulated the composition of the gut microbiota and Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a positive effect. The transcriptome analysis and western blot results indicated that PREO might ameliorate intestinal barrier dysfunction in this study via the TLR4-NF-kB signaling pathway. We hypothesized that PREO has preventive potential against gut disorders and could serve as a functional food additive.

Contact sensitizations in massage therapists with occupational contact dermatitis: Patch test data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology, 2008-2020.

BACKGROUND: Massage therapists are particularly exposed to constituents of massage preparations, wet work and mechanical strain and therefore, at high risk to develop occupational dermatitis (OD). OBJECTIVES: To describe the sensitization spectrum of massage therapists with OD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, patch test data of patients with OD (128 massage therapists and 24 374 patients working in other professions) collected by the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK, 2008-2020) were analysed. RESULTS: Hand dermatitis (91.4%) and allergic contact dermatitis (34.4%) were common in massage therapists with OD. Most frequent were sensitizations to fragrances/essential oils which were found in 54 (42.2%) massage therapists and thus, more often than in other patients with OD. Concomitant positivity to several fragrances/essential oils was frequent. In 8 (14.8%) of the 54 massage therapists, sensitizations to fragrances/essential oils were not detected with the baseline series, but only with special fragrance series. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic contact dermatitis is common in massage therapists with OD and is mainly caused by fragrances and essential oils. Hence, massage therapists should be aware of this risk. When OD is suspected, not only the baseline series, but also special fragrance series should be patch tested in this occupational group.

Cambios en el pH salival de pacientes con ortodoncia fija, tras la aplicación de dos tipos de enjuagues bucales / Changes in salivary pH in patients with fixed orthodontics following the use of two types of mouthwashes

Introducción: Los enjuagues bucales contribuyen a la inhibición de la formación de la placa bacteriana y, por tanto, pueden ayudar a mantener el pH salival cercano a neutro. Objetivo: Identificar cambios en el pH salival de pacientes portadores de aparatología ortodóncica fija, después del enjuague con una solución de Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni y un enjuague comercial de aceites esenciales. Métodos: Se realizó un experimento clínico con un diseño factorial mixto en pacientes portadores de aparatología ortodóncica fija. Una vez firmado el consentimiento informado, treinta y dos pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a uno de 2 grupos: la solución de S. rebaudiana B. al 2 por ciento o un enjuague comercial de aceites esenciales. Se utilizaron 15 ml de enjuague durante 60 s en todos los pacientes. El pH salival fue medido por dos observadores independientes calibrados, utilizando papel medidor de pH antes del enjuague (medición basal) y después del enjuague, a los 5 y 20 min. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el ANOVA mixto. Resultados: Se encontró una interacción estadísticamente significativa entre el tipo de tratamiento y el momento de medición del pH. Los pH medio de los grupos S. rebaudiana y aceites esenciales fueron respectivamente en la medición basal: 6,61 y 6,52 (p = 0,72); a los 5 min: 7,61 y 7,77 (p = 0,40); y a los 20 min: 7,72 y 6,82 (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Ambos enjuagues tenían el efecto de aumentar el pH salival a niveles alcalinos a los 5 min, pero solo el enjuague de S. rebaudiana B. al 2 por ciento mantuvo el pH básico a los 20 min(AU)

Introduction: Mouthwashes contribute to the inhibition of bacterial plaque formation and, therefore, may help to maintain salivary pH close to neutral. Objective: To identify changes in salivary pH in patients with fixed orthodontics after using a Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni solution and a commercial essential oil mouthwash. Methods: A clinical experiment with a mixed factorial design was carried out in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. Once informed consent was signed, thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: 2 % S. rebaudiana B. solution or a commercial essential oil mouthwash. Fifteen ml of mouthwash was used for 60 s in all patients. Salivary pH was measured by two independent calibrated observers using pH-measuring paper before rinsing (basal measurement) and after rinsing, after 5 and 20 min. The data were analyzed by mixed ANOVA. Results: A statistically significant interaction was found between the type of treatment and the time of pH measurement. The medium pH of the S. rebaudiana and essential oil groups were respectively as per basal measurement: 6.61 and 6.52 (p = 0.72); after 5 min: 7.61 and 7.77 (p = 0.40); and after 20 min: 7.72 and 6.82 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both mouthwashes had the effect of increasing salivary pH to alkaline levels after 5 min, but only the 2 percent S. rebaudiana B. mouthwash maintained the basic pH after 20 min(AU)

Achillea millefolium Essential Oil Mitigates Peptic Ulcer in Rats through Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway.

Extreme ethanol ingestion is associated with developing gastric ulcers. Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is one of the most commonly used herbs with numerous proven pharmacological actions. The goal of the hereby investigation is to explore the gastroprotective action of yarrow essential oil against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and to reveal the unexplored mechanisms. Rats were distributed into five groups (n = 6); the control group administered 10% Tween 20, orally, for two weeks; the ethanol group administered absolute ethanol (5 mL/kg) to prompt gastric ulcer on the last day of the experiment. Yarrow essential oil 100 or 200 mg/kg + ethanol groups pretreated with yarrow oil (100 or 200 mg/kg, respectively), orally, for two weeks prior to gastric ulcer induction by absolute ethanol. Lanso + ethanol group administered 20 mg/kg lansoprazole, orally, for two weeks prior to gastric ulcer induction by ethanol. Results of the current study showed that ethanol caused several macroscopic and microscopic alterations, amplified lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptotic markers, as well as diminished PGE2, NO, and antioxidant enzyme activities. On the other hand, animals pretreated with yarrow essential oil exhibited fewer macroscopic and microscopic modifications, reduced ulcer surface, and increased Alcian blue binding capacity, pH, and pepsin activity. In addition, yarrow essential oil groups exhibited reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, apoptotic markers, and MDA, restored the PGE2 and NO levels, and recovered the antioxidant enzyme activities. Ethanol escalated Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions, whereas pretreatment of yarrow essential oil caused further intensification in Nrf2 and HO-1. To conclude, the current study suggested yarrow essential oil as a gastroprotective agent against ethanol-induced gastric lesions. This gastroprotective effect could be related to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions of the essential oil through the instigation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Essential Oils Can Mitigate Adverse Effects of Prolonged Masking in the Hospital Setting.

Adverse symptoms of prolonged masking were reported by personnel. A drop of essential oil was added to the mask to mitigate these effects and significantly lessened symptoms. Symptoms declined by almost half, including anxiety, nausea, and indigestion. This simple intervention can mitigate adverse effects of prolonged masking in the hospital setting.

Effect of garlic essential oil in 97 patients hospitalized with covid-19: A multi-center experience.

To observe the synergistic effect of garlic essential oil in patients with novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in addition to the routine treatment, we used garlic essential oil in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms and compared their results to those of patients who did not receive the essential oil. We conducted a quasi-experimental study with COVID-19 patients from 3 hospitals. In the experimental group, 97 patients received garlic essential oil combined with conventional treatment. In the control group, 100 patients received only the conventional treatment for COVID-19. The effectiveness and safety of the garlic essential oil were assessed. Compared to the control group, the group receiving garlic essential oil showed a shorter duration of symptoms, shorter time to negative nucleic acid testing (NAT) results and shorter time to improvement on the computed tomography (CT). In the same period, the experimental group showed an increase in the rate of the disappearance of symptoms and the improvement rates of NAT and CT. Due to its effectiveness and safety in patients with COVID-19, garlic essential oil is recommended as a preventive measure or a supportive therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extraction, Chemical Composition, and Protective Effect of Essential Oil from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv. Leaves on Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis in Mice.

In this study, the essential oil (EO) was extracted by steam distillation from Chimonanthus nitens Oliv, and the extraction process was optimized by response surface methodology. The optimum process conditions are as follows: extraction time of 4.57 h, soaking time of 1.33 h, and solid-liquid ratio of 1 : 21.4. Under these conditions, the theoretical yield of EO is 1.5624%. The EO compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 52 chemical components were detected, among which the content of 3-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-furan was the highest, accounting for 21.43% of the total peak area. The EO showed good antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and reducing power. In this study, we observed the protective effect of EO on ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice. EO effectively delayed weight loss and reduced DAI score. Histological examination also observed a significant reduction in damage in the EO group. The colon length of mice in DSS group was the shortest, and the colon length of mice in EO treatment group was longer than that in model group, but shorter than that in normal group (NOR : 8.17 ± 0.39 cm; DSS : 5.57 ± 0.93 cm; L - EO : 6.47 ± 0.78 cm; M - EO : 5.98 ± 0.58 cm; and H - EO : 6.1 ± 0.52 cm). The GSH activity in the L-EO and SASP groups was significantly higher than that in the DSS group (P < 0.01). SOD activity in L-EO and M-EO groups was also significantly higher than that in DSS treatment group (P < 0.01). MDA was decreased in the EO treatment groups and the SASP group (L-EO, H-EO, SASP: P < 0.01; M-EO: P < 0.05). MPO of EO treatment group was lower than that of model group (the L-EO group was not significant, M-EO: P < 0.05, H-EO: P < 0.05). This study shows that EO can effectively improve the symptoms of colitis.

Lippia grata essential oil complexed with ß-cyclodextrin ameliorates biochemical and behavioral deficits in an animal model of progressive parkinsonism.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is identified by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNpc), and is correlated to aggregates of proteins such as α-synuclein, Lewy's bodies. Although the PD etiology remains poorly understood, evidence suggests a main role of oxidative stress on this process. Lippia grata Schauer, known as "alecrim-do-mato", "alecrim-de-vaqueiro", "alecrim-da-chapada", is a native bush from tropical areas mainly distributed throughout the Central and South America. This plant species is commonly used in traditional medicine for relief of pain and inflammation conditions, and that has proven antioxidant effects. We evaluated the effects of essential oil of the L. grata after its complexed with ß-cyclodextrin (LIP) on PD animal model induced by reserpine (RES). Behavioral assessments were performed across the treatment. Upon completion the treatment, the animals were euthanized, afterwards their brains were isolated and processed for immunohistochemical and oxidative stress analysis. The LIP treatment delayed the onset of the behavior of catalepsy, decreased the number of oral movements and prevented the memory impairment on the novel object recognition task. In addition, the treatment with LIP protected against dopaminergic depletion in the SNpc and dorsal striatum (STRd), and decreased the α-syn immunoreactivity in the SNpc and hippocampus (HIP). Moreover, there was reduction of the oxidative stability index. These findings demonstrated that the LIP treatment has neuroprotective effect in a progressive parkinsonism model, suggesting that LIP could be an important source for novel treatment approaches in PD.

The Essential Oil Derived from Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. Attenuates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Skin Lesions in BALB/c Mice.

Psoriasis is reported to be a common chronic immune-mediated skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocytes and cell proliferation. Perilla leaves are rich in essential oils, fatty acids, and flavonoids, which are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the alleviating effect of essential oil (PO) extracted from Perilla frutescens stems and leaves on imiquimod (IMQ) -induced psoriasis-like lesions in BALB/c mice were investigated. Results showed that PO ameliorated psoriasis-like lesions in vivo, reduced the expression of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus G6D (Ly-6G), which is a marker of neutrophil activation, and inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin 1 (IL-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). In addition, PO significantly decreased the expression of cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1, interleukin 23 (IL-23), interleukin 17 (IL-17), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Furthermore, the down-regulation of mRNA levels of psoriasis-related pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-17, interleukin 22 (IL-22), IL-23, interferon-α (IFN-α), and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) was observed with the treatment of PO. All results show a concentration dependence of PO, with low concentrations showing the best results. These results suggest that PO effectively alleviated psoriasis-like skin lesions and down-regulated inflammatory responses, which indicates that PO could potentially be used for further studies on inflammation-related skin diseases such as psoriasis and for the treatment of psoriasis such as psoriasis natural plant essential oil resources.

Contact sensitization to essential oils: IVDK data of the years 2010-2019.

BACKGROUND: Essential oils (EOs) are widely used in cosmetics, perfumes, massage fluids, aroma therapy and natural medicine. Some EOs contain contact sensitizers. OBJECTIVES: To describe the frequency of sensitization to EOs in dermatitis patients presenting in skin clinics including concomitant reactions, to evaluate the EO patch test preparations and to identify patient groups with an increased risk of EO sensitization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), 2010-2019. RESULTS: Twelve EOs were patch tested in an aimed manner in 10 930 patients, of whom 908 (8.3%) reacted to at least 1 EO. Only 6 EOs elicited more than 1% positive patch test reactions: ylang ylang (I + II) oil (3.9%), lemongrass oil (2.6%), jasmine absolute (1.8%), sandalwood oil (1.8%), clove oil (1.6%) and neroli oil (1.1%). Concomitant reactions among EOs or to EOs and fragrances were frequent. Among EO-positive patients, women, leg dermatitis patients, patients aged 40 years or more, masseurs and cosmeticians were over-represented. CONCLUSIONS: Sensitization to EOs occurs, albeit infrequently in most cases. Masseurs and cosmeticians have an increased risk of sensitization to EOs.

Syzygium aromaticum bud (clove) essential oil is a novel and safe aldose reductase inhibitor: in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of clove essential oil (CEO) and to elucidate its mode of action, using selected biochemical targets, relevant to diabetes, and, specifically, its inhibitory effect on the polyol pathway. METHODS: In the current study, CEO was examined for its inhibitory effects on aldose reductase in silico, in vitro, and in vivo, as well as its antioxidative activity. RESULTS: In silico docking studies showed that all the selected major compounds of CEO have an energy change ranging between - 5.5 and - 8.8 kcal/mol and an inhibition constant ranging between 357.08 nM and 93.12 µM. CEO significantly inhibits aldose reductase with an IC50 value of 58.55 ± 5.84 µg/mL in a noncompetitive manner. The supplementation of CEO at 20 mg/kg BW decreases retinal sorbitol dehydrogenase activity via decreased aldose reductase activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. Moreover, diabetic rats injected with CEO have exhibited improved levels of glycemia. The IC50 values for ABTS, hydroxyl, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of CEO were found to be 34.42, 277.4, and 39.99 µg/mL, respectively. Reducing power assay and phosphomolybdate assay exhibited a reduction force with the A0.5 values of 50.25 and 140.16 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: CEO potentially exerts a beneficial effect on diabetes-related complications due to its antioxidant and inhibitory effect on aldose reductase activity.

The fabrication and assessment of mosquito repellent cream for outdoor protection.

Mosquito-borne infections like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, etc. are a nuisance and can cause profound discomfort to people. Due to the objectional side effects and toxicity associated with synthetic pyrethroids, N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), N,N-diethyl phenylacetamide (DEPA), and N,N-di ethyl benzamide (DEBA) based mosquito repellent products, we developed an essential oil (EO) based mosquito repellent cream (EO-MRC) using clove, citronella and lemongrass oil. Subsequently, a formulation characterization, bio-efficacy, and safety study of EO-MRC were carried out. Expression of Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 proteins on mosquito head parts were studied by western blotting. In-silico screening was also conducted for the specific proteins. An FT-IR study confirmed the chemical compatibility of the EOs and excipients used in EO-MRC. The thermal behaviour of the best EOs and their mixture was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). GC-MS examination revealed various chemical components present in EOs. Efficacy of EO-MRC was correlated with 12% N,N-diethyl benzamide (DEBA) based marketed cream (DBMC). Complete protection time (CPT) of EO-MRC was determined as 228 min. Cytotoxicity study on L-132 cell line confirmed the non-toxic nature of EO-MRC upon inhalation. Acute dermal irritation study, acute dermal dose toxicity study, and acute eye irritation study revealed the non-toxic nature of EO-MRC. Non-target toxicity study on Danio rerio confirmed EO-MRC as safer for aquatic non-target animals. A decrease in the concentration of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was observed in transfluthrin (TNSF) exposed Wistar rats. While EO-MRC did not alter the AChE concentrations in the exposed animals. Results from western blotting confirmed that Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 proteins were inhibited in TNSF exposed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes exposed to EO-MRC showed a similar expression pattern for Anti-OBP2A and TRPV1 as the control group. In silico study revealed eight identified compounds of the EOs play significant roles in the overall repellency property of the developed product. The study emphasizes the mosquito repellent activity of EO-MRC, which could be an effective, eco-friendly, and safer alternative to the existing synthetic repellents for personal protection against mosquitoes during field conditions.

Association of Early Pubertal Onset in Female Rats With Inhalation of Lavender Oil.

BACKGROUND: Central precocious puberty (CPP) is caused by early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis but its major cause remains unclear. Studies have indicated an association between chronic environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and pubertal onset. Essential oil is widely used in homes worldwide for relief of respiratory symptoms, stress, and/or sleep disturbance. METHODS: To evaluate this association, we compared the hormone levels and timing of vaginal opening (VO) in female rats exposed to lavender oil (LO) through different routes (study groups: control, LO nasal spray [LS], and indoor exposure to LO [LE]) during the prepubertal period. The body weights of the animals were also compared every 3 days until the day of VO, at which time gonadotropin levels and internal organ weights were assessed. RESULTS: The LS group showed early VO at 33.8 ± 1.8 days compared with the control (38.4 ± 2.9 days) and LE (36.6 ± 1.5 days) groups. Additionally, luteinizing hormone levels were significantly higher in the LE and LS groups than those in the control group. Body weights did not differ significantly among the groups. CONCLUSION: Inhalation exposure to an exogenic simulant during the prepubertal period might trigger early pubertal onset in female rats. Further evaluation of exposure to other endocrine-disrupting chemicals capable of inducing CPP through the skin, orally, and/or nasally is warranted.