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Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice.
Hiroki Harada1,2, Hideki Kashiwadani1, Yuichi Kanmura2
1Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience
|November 9, 2018
Summary
Linalool odor, found in lavender, reduces anxiety in mice by acting through the olfactory system. This effect involves GABAergic transmission, suggesting potential clinical applications for anxiety treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Plant-derived compounds are traditionally used for anxiolytic effects.
- Linalool, a terpene alcohol in lavender, is suspected to possess anxiolytic properties.
- The specific role of linalool odor and its olfactory pathway in anxiety reduction remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anxiolytic effects of linalool odor.
- To determine if these effects are mediated by the olfactory system.
- To elucidate the neurochemical mechanisms involved in linalool odor's action.
Main Methods:
- Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in mice using the light/dark box test and elevated plus maze (EPM).
- Experiments were conducted with intact and anosmic (olfactory-impaired) mice.
- The involvement of specific neurotransmitter systems was examined using flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist.
Main Results:
- Linalool odor demonstrated significant anxiolytic effects in mice without causing motor impairment.
- The anxiolytic effect was abolished in anosmic mice, confirming the crucial role of olfactory input.
- Flumazenil antagonized the anxiolytic effect, indicating mediation by benzodiazepine-responsive GABAA receptors.
Conclusions:
- Linalool odor possesses anxiolytic properties mediated through olfactory pathways.
- The mechanism involves the activation of benzodiazepine-responsive GABAergic transmission.
- These findings support the potential clinical use of linalool odor for managing anxiety disorders.
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