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Organic Lavender extract

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

Overview

Organic lavender extract is derived from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English or true lavender. It is primarily obtained through steam distillation to produce essential oil or solvent extraction for other preparations. This herbal supplement is widely utilized in aromatherapy and as an oral supplement, primarily for its calming and anxiolytic properties. Its main active compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate, are believed to be responsible for its biological effects, which include anxiety reduction, stress relief, and improvement in sleep quality. Research on lavender extract, particularly oral forms like Silexan®, is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy for anxiety. While its anxiolytic effects are well-established, other potential benefits such as neuroprotection and cognitive enhancement are still under investigation and require further robust evidence.

Benefits

Lavender extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in the realm of mental well-being. Its most significant and well-supported benefit is anxiety reduction. A meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 3964 participants demonstrated that lavender inhalation significantly reduced anxiety with a large effect size (Hedges' g = -0.73). Oral administration of 80 mg/day of lavender oil (e.g., Silexan®) for at least 6 weeks also led to clinically meaningful reductions in anxiety scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, with an average decrease of -2.90 points. This anxiolytic effect is particularly beneficial for adults with diagnosed anxiety disorders or subclinical anxiety. While less conclusive, some research suggests that lavender inhalation may improve attention and memory in healthy individuals, though more robust studies are needed to confirm these cognitive benefits. Proposed neuroprotective antioxidant effects have also been observed, but further confirmation is required. The strength of evidence for anxiety reduction is good, supported by high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses, making it a clinically relevant option for managing anxiety.

How it works

Lavender's therapeutic effects are primarily mediated by its main active compounds, linalool and linalyl acetate. These volatile compounds modulate the central nervous system, leading to anxiolytic and sedative effects. The primary mechanism involves interaction with GABAergic neurotransmission, particularly by modulating GABA-A receptors, which are key targets for reducing neuronal excitability and promoting relaxation. This interaction helps to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, thereby alleviating symptoms of anxiety and stress. When inhaled, volatile compounds are delivered directly to the olfactory system, influencing brain regions involved in emotion and memory. When taken orally, lavender oil is absorbed systemically, allowing its active components to reach the brain and exert their effects on neurotransmitter systems. Additionally, some research suggests antioxidant properties that may contribute to neuroprotection.

Side effects

Lavender extract is generally well-tolerated and has a good safety profile in clinical trials. Common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are typically mild and include gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, or allergic skin reactions. Less common side effects, observed in 1-5% of individuals, may include drowsiness and dizziness. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, are primarily hypersensitivity reactions. It is important to note potential drug interactions; lavender may have additive sedative effects when combined with other central nervous system depressants, such as sedatives, anxiolytics, or alcohol, and caution is advised. Contraindications include a known allergy to lavender or other plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Data on the safety of lavender in pregnant or breastfeeding women is limited, and therefore, its use in these special populations should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.

Dosage

For anxiety reduction, the minimum effective dose of oral lavender oil, specifically standardized preparations like Silexan®, is 80 mg per day. This dosage should be taken daily for at least 6 weeks to achieve significant anxiolytic effects. Clinical trials typically use this 80 mg/day dose, and higher doses are not well-established for safety or increased efficacy. For acute stress relief, essential oil inhalation can be used, though specific protocols vary widely and effects may be more immediate but less sustained compared to oral administration. Oral lavender oil has good bioavailability, contributing to its systemic effects. There are no established required cofactors for lavender absorption or efficacy. It is crucial to use standardized oral lavender oil capsules for consistent anxiolytic effects, rather than unstandardized essential oils which can vary greatly in composition and potency. The maximum safe dose for long-term use has not been definitively established beyond the typical 80 mg/day used in clinical studies.

FAQs

Is lavender extract safe for long-term use?

Clinical trials have shown good safety for up to 6-10 weeks of use. However, long-term safety data beyond this period is limited, so caution is advised for extended use.

Can lavender extract cause sedation?

Mild sedation is possible, especially at higher doses or when combined with other sedatives. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

How quickly does lavender reduce anxiety?

Inhalation may provide rapid but short-lived relief. Oral use, particularly with standardized products, typically requires at least 6 weeks of consistent daily intake for significant and sustained anxiety reduction.

Is inhalation as effective as oral administration?

Oral lavender oil, especially standardized forms like Silexan®, generally shows more consistent and sustained anxiolytic effects compared to inhalation, which may offer more acute but less lasting relief.

Does lavender interact with medications?

Yes, lavender can have additive sedative effects with central nervous system depressants. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining lavender with other medications.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31655395/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Donelli et al. (2019) analyzed 65 RCTs and 25 non-randomized studies, finding significant anxiety reduction with lavender inhalation (Hedges' g = -0.73) and oral Silexan 80 mg/day (Hamilton Anxiety Scale mean difference = -2.90). The study concluded that lavender is effective for anxiety, noting high quality and low risk of bias in included studies despite some heterogeneity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34611999/ – Malloggi et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review focusing on lavender essential oil inhalation and its effects on arousal, attention, and memory in healthy subjects. While some evidence for cognitive benefits was found, the review highlighted variability in methodologies and sample sizes across studies, suggesting that the evidence for cognitive effects is less robust than for anxiety reduction.
https://f1000research.com/articles/13-413 – This F1000Research meta-analysis investigated essential oils, including lavender, for neuropsychiatric symptoms. It reported significant improvements in neuropsychiatric inventory scores and suggested potential neuroprotective antioxidant effects. The authors emphasized the need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials to further substantiate these findings and clarify their clinical significance.