Instead of a sleeping pill or a mood enhancer, people should try a whiff of jasmine from Gardenia jasminoides.The surprising effects of the Gardenia jasminoides scent include aiding sleep and anxiety relief, according to researchers at the Ruhr University Bochum and the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf. The scent molecules, transported into the blood through the lungs, could serve as a potent substitute for psychotropic prescription drugs, like the benzodiazepines.
The benzodiazepines which includes Valium [1], work by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness, reducing anxiety and relaxing muscles.
The researchers tested hundreds of fragrances on humans and mice to see how they effected the function of the neurotransmitter GABA. The two fragrances vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513), derived from jasmine flowers, were the strongest, amping up GABA response “as strongly as the known drugs,” the study said.
To eliminate their last doubts about the viability of jasmine as a sedative substitute, the researchers performed behavioural tests on mice. The animals showed evidence of the scent’s calming effects through both injection and inhalation.
“We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parentally and through the respiratory air,” Bochum Professor Hanns Hatt said in a statement.
“Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable. The results can also be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy.”
By changing the chemical structure of the scent molecules, the researchers hope to achieve even stronger effects
Journal Reference:
Sergeeva OA, Kletke O, Kragler A, Poppek A, Fleischer W, Schubring SR, Goerg B, Haas HL, Zhu XR, Luebbert H, Gisselmann G, Hatt H. Fragrant dioxane derivatives identify {beta}1 subunit-containing GABAA receptors. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2010 May 28. [Epub ahead of print]
Gardenia is a genus of about 250 species of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae, which is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Southern Asia, Australasia and Oceania. Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Rubiceae) is an evergreen shrub, which grows to a height of 2 to 6 feet, depending on the variety, while its spread is about the same.
It is called Kuchinashi (Japanese) and Zhi zi (Chinese 梔子). Cape Jasmine, Garden Gardenia; Ceplok Piring (Indonesia); Rosal (the Philippines); Phut Cheen (Thailand). Here in Malaysia it is known by various names: Bunga Cina, Kaca Piring, Bunga Susu
Gardenia jasminoides has been included in traditional medicinal formulations for the treatment of inflammation, jaundice, headache, edema, fever, hepatitic disorders and hypertension. Gardenia jasminoides has demonstrated effective pharmacological actions, such as protective activity against oxidative damage, as well as cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and fybrolytic. The compound, geniposide, gardenoside, crocin, crocetin and gardenin have been found in G. jasminoides
Read HERE about Gardenia as the key herb for Dispelling Dampness and Heat Via the Triple Burner
[1] Bromazepam(Lexotan), clobazam(Frisium), diazepam(Valium), midazolam(Dormicum) and triazolam(Somese) belong to the class of drugs called the benzodiapines.
The benzodiazepines are not only potentially addictive, but can also cause serious side effects, e.g. depression, dizziness, hypotension, muscle weakness and impaired coordination.
Having a few of this shrub around the house will help keep you in a good mood all day. See also our postings on Taichi and other relaxing ativities to help improve your QOL
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