Effect of Lavender Essential Oil-based Aromatherapy on Anxiety: An Overview of Results of Recent Randomized Controlled Trials

Essential oils (EOs) are plant-derived bioactive compounds, primarily made up of terpenoids, which possess various biological and pharmacological effects. Lavender essential oil (LEO) is one of the most extensively studied options. LEO contains terpenes, ketones, alcohols, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Aromatherapy, a practice dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese, involved the use of incense, baths, and embalming rituals. Anxiety disorders have gained significant attention in understanding both physical and mental health. Many people are turning to complementary and alternative therapies for the management of anxiety due to the side effects of pharmacological treatments. Several preclinical studies suggest that LEO may alleviate anxiety-like behaviors in experimental models. This review examines the chemical composition, pharmacological properties, and mechanisms of LEO that contribute to its role in managing anxiety in humans. The literature indicates that LEO-based aromatherapy may effectively reduce anxiety in various groups, such as nursing students, patients undergoing surgery, and those involved in clinical procedures. While the exact mechanisms behind LEO's anxiolytic effects remaining unclear, active compounds in EOs may influence the production and release of neurotransmitters through pathways involving γ-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, and serotonin. More extensive preclinical and clinical studies with diverse subject groups are needed to better understand the molecular mechanisms of LEO's anxiolytic properties, which could ultimately help in developing optimized treatments for managing anxiety disorders.