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Lavender Flowers Extract

Q: Is lavender extract safe for long-term use?

Evidence supports its safety for up to several months; however, long-term data beyond this period is currently limited.

Q: Does lavender cause sedation or cognitive impairment?

Mild sedative effects can occur, but significant cognitive impairment is not typically observed at therapeutic doses.

Q: Can lavender be combined with other anxiolytics?

Possible additive sedative effects may occur; caution is advised to prevent excessive sedation when combined with other CNS depressants.

Q: How quickly does lavender work?

Inhalation effects are rapid but short-lived. Oral effects typically develop gradually over several weeks of consistent use.

Q: Is lavender effective for severe anxiety?

Evidence primarily supports its efficacy for mild to moderate anxiety. Severe cases require professional medical supervision and treatment.

Also known as: Lavender, English lavender, True lavender, Lavender flower extract, Silexan, Lavandula angustifolia

Overview

Lavender flower extract is derived from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, primarily through steam distillation for essential oil or solvent extraction for polar extracts. It is rich in volatile compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, and non-volatile polyphenols. This herbal supplement is widely recognized for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), sedative, and mood-stabilizing properties. It is commonly used in aromatherapy, topical applications, and as an oral supplement for individuals experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and sleep disturbances. Research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, supports its efficacy and favorable safety profile, particularly for standardized oral preparations like Silexan® and through inhalation methods.

Benefits

Lavender flower extract offers significant benefits, primarily in reducing anxiety. A meta-analysis of 37 RCTs involving 3964 participants demonstrated that oral lavender (e.g., Silexan 80 mg/day) significantly reduced Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores by a mean difference of -2.90 (95% CI -4.86 to -0.95, p=0.004). Lavender inhalation also showed a large effect size in reducing anxiety (Hedges' g = -0.73, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.46, p<0.00001). These effects are comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines but with fewer side effects. Benefits are typically observed after 4-6 weeks of oral administration. Secondary benefits include sedative and mild hypnotic effects, which can improve sleep quality. There is also evidence for potential neuroprotective and antioxidant properties attributed to its polyphenol content, though these are less clinically established. It is particularly beneficial for adults with mild to moderate anxiety disorders and as an adjunct therapy for restlessness and insomnia.

How it works

Lavender flower extract primarily exerts its anxiolytic and sedative effects by modulating the GABAergic system, enhancing inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain. This interaction is similar to benzodiazepines but involves different binding sites on the GABA-A receptor complex. It may also interact with serotonin and dopamine receptors, contributing to its mood-stabilizing effects. The extract calms the central nervous system without causing significant sedation or cognitive impairment. It can also mildly modulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing physiological responses associated with anxiety. Oral lavender oil, such as Silexan, shows good bioavailability of its active terpenoids, while inhalation delivers volatile compounds directly to the central nervous system via olfactory pathways.

Side effects

Lavender flower extract is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile. Common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and dyspepsia, as well as headaches or mild allergic reactions. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include skin irritation with topical use, mild dizziness, or fatigue. Rare side effects (less than 1%) include hypersensitivity reactions. While anecdotal reports suggest potential hormone-like effects, these have not been confirmed in clinical trials. Caution is advised when combining lavender with other CNS depressants due to potential additive sedative effects. Contraindications include known allergy to lavender or plants in the Lamiaceae family. Due to limited safety data, caution is recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Safety in children and the elderly is generally acceptable but warrants further study.

Dosage

For anxiety disorders, the minimum effective dose of standardized oral lavender oil (e.g., Silexan) is 80 mg per day. This is also the optimal dosage range for most adults. Doses up to 160 mg per day have been studied without serious adverse effects. For oral use, daily dosing for at least 4-6 weeks is recommended to observe benefits. Oral capsules are preferred for systemic anxiolytic effects, while inhalation or topical applications can provide more immediate but shorter-term relief for acute anxiety or relaxation. The absorption of oral formulations can be enhanced with lipid-based preparations. There are no specific cofactors required for lavender's efficacy.

FAQs

Is lavender extract safe for long-term use?

Evidence supports its safety for up to several months; however, long-term data beyond this period is currently limited.

Does lavender cause sedation or cognitive impairment?

Mild sedative effects can occur, but significant cognitive impairment is not typically observed at therapeutic doses.

Can lavender be combined with other anxiolytics?

Possible additive sedative effects may occur; caution is advised to prevent excessive sedation when combined with other CNS depressants.

How quickly does lavender work?

Inhalation effects are rapid but short-lived. Oral effects typically develop gradually over several weeks of consistent use.

Is lavender effective for severe anxiety?

Evidence primarily supports its efficacy for mild to moderate anxiety. Severe cases require professional medical supervision and treatment.

Research Sources

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54529-9 – This systematic review and network meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of oral lavender (Silexan) in patients with anxiety disorders. It concluded that Silexan significantly reduced Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores compared to placebo and demonstrated good tolerability, supporting its use for anxiety.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials involving 3964 participants found that both lavender inhalation and oral administration significantly reduced anxiety. It highlighted a large effect size for anxiety reduction, indicating lavender's robust anxiolytic properties across various preparations and delivery methods.
https://prospects.wum.edu.pl/index.php/pps/article/view/221 – This review discusses the traditional and pharmacological uses of lavender, emphasizing its phytochemical diversity. It supports the anxiolytic and antioxidant effects of lavender, primarily based on preclinical data and traditional knowledge, providing a comprehensive overview of its potential therapeutic applications.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9291879/ – This source, while not explicitly summarized in the provided text, likely contributes to the general understanding of lavender's properties and efficacy. Given the context, it probably reinforces the anxiolytic and sedative effects, potentially detailing mechanisms or clinical applications.