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Lavender flower extract

Also known as: Lavender flower extract, lavender essential oil, Silexan, Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula angustifolia

Overview

Lavender flower extract is derived primarily from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, a species commonly known as common lavender. It is widely utilized in aromatherapy and as an oral supplement, with its primary applications focusing on the treatment of anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The extract is characterized by a complex mixture of volatile compounds, notably linalool and linalyl acetate, which are believed to be responsible for its therapeutic effects. Research on lavender extract, particularly for anxiety reduction, is extensive and includes numerous randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, indicating a moderate to high level of evidence for its efficacy in this area. Emerging research also explores its potential in pain relief and as an antimicrobial agent.

Benefits

Lavender flower extract offers several evidence-based benefits, with the strongest evidence supporting its role in anxiety reduction. A 2019 systematic review and network meta-analysis demonstrated that oral lavender oil (Silexan) significantly reduced anxiety symptoms, as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), when compared to placebo and other anxiolytics, while exhibiting good safety and tolerability. Another comprehensive 2019 systematic review of 65 RCTs found that both lavender inhalation and oral Silexan significantly reduced anxiety levels, with a large effect size for inhalation (Hedges' g = -0.73) and significant HAMA score reduction for oral Silexan (mean difference = -2.90). Beyond anxiety, lavender has shown potential for pain relief, including labor pain and headaches, though these findings are from smaller studies and require further validation. Inhalation of lavender may also lead to a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, likely as a secondary effect of its anxiolytic properties. Preliminary animal studies suggest gastrointestinal benefits, such as regulating GI motility, and in vitro studies indicate antimicrobial activity against various bacteria like *Haemophilus influenzae* and *Staphylococcus aureus*, though clinical relevance is yet to be established. Other potential benefits, such as promoting hair growth and improving sexual function, are still in early stages of research.

How it works

Lavender's anxiolytic effects are primarily mediated through its interaction with the central nervous system, specifically by modulating GABAergic pathways, which is a mechanism similar to benzodiazepines but without the associated sedation. Key active constituents, linalool and linalyl acetate, are thought to interact with various neurotransmitter systems to decrease neuronal excitability. When inhaled, these compounds are rapidly absorbed through the olfactory system, directly influencing limbic brain areas involved in emotional processing. Oral administration allows for systemic bioavailability of these active compounds. Additionally, lavender exhibits smooth muscle relaxation and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its observed benefits in pain relief and gastrointestinal function.

Side effects

Lavender flower extract and essential oil are generally well tolerated. Common side effects are rare, occurring in less than 5% of users, and may include mild gastrointestinal upset or allergic skin reactions. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, can include headache or dizziness. Very rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, may involve hypersensitivity reactions. While no major drug interactions have been consistently reported, caution is advised when using lavender concurrently with central nervous system depressants due to the potential for additive sedative effects. Contraindications include a known allergy to lavender or other plants in the Lamiaceae family. The safety of lavender during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well established, therefore, its use should be approached with caution or avoided in these populations until more definitive research is available.

Dosage

For oral lavender oil, specifically standardized preparations like Silexan, the minimum effective dose for anxiety treatment is approximately 80 mg per day, typically administered as capsules. The optimal dosing range for anxiety is generally between 80 to 160 mg per day, with treatment durations often extending for at least 6 weeks to achieve full therapeutic benefit. While a maximum safe dose has not been firmly established, doses up to 160 mg per day have been safely used in clinical trials. Oral administration is typically a daily regimen, whereas inhalation can be used acutely for immediate anxiety relief. It is important to note that standardized oral preparations offer consistent dosing, while the dosage for essential oil inhalation can vary significantly depending on the method of delivery. Oral formulations designed for improved bioavailability can enhance absorption, and no specific cofactors are required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is lavender flower extract safe for long-term use?

Current clinical trials support its safety for up to 10 weeks; however, data on longer-term use are limited, so caution is advised for extended periods.

Can lavender replace prescription anxiolytics?

Lavender may be effective for mild to moderate anxiety, but it should not be used as a replacement for prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.

Does inhalation work as well as oral intake?

Both routes can reduce anxiety. Inhalation provides acute calming effects, but oral standardized extracts have more robust evidence for sustained, long-term anxiety reduction.

How quickly does lavender work?

Inhalation can produce acute calming effects almost immediately. For oral treatment, full therapeutic benefits for anxiety typically require several weeks of consistent use.

Research Sources

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54529-9 – This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of oral lavender oil (Silexan) for anxiety. It concluded that Silexan significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to placebo and other anxiolytics, demonstrating good safety and tolerability across multiple randomized controlled trials.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 65 RCTs with 7993 participants, investigated the anxiolytic effects of lavender. It found that both lavender inhalation and oral Silexan significantly reduced anxiety levels, with large effect sizes, supporting lavender's role as an effective anxiolytic.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10079719/ – This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of lavender's therapeutic properties, including its anxiolytic, analgesic, and antimicrobial effects. While it highlights promising findings from preclinical and clinical studies, it notes that many non-anxiety related benefits require further high-quality human trials for confirmation.