Transdermal absorption of (-)-linalool induces autonomic deactivation but has no impact on ratings of well-being in humans.
Essential lavender oil has a long tradition as a mild sedative in herbal medicine. Relaxing effects after inhalation have also been demonstrated for one of its main constituents, (-)-linalool. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the effects of this monoterpenoid alcohol on human physiological parameters (blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, eye-blink rate, pulse rate, skin conductance, skin temperature, surface electromyogram as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure) and assessments of subjective well-being. (-)-Linalool was applied to 14 healthy subjects by percutaneous administration. Inhalation of the fragrance was prevented by means of breathing masks. (-)-Linalool induced deactivation with respect to physiology, that is, a decrease of systolic blood pressure and a smaller decrease of skin temperature, compared to a corresponding control group receiving a placebo, but had no effects on subjective evaluation of well-being.
Heuberger
Eva
E
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Center of Pharmacy, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. eva.heuberger@univie.ac.at
Redhammer
Sandra
S
Buchbauer
Gerhard
G
D000080462:Acyclic Monoterpenes; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects*; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects*; D001767:Blinking / Q000187:drug effects; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005712:Galvanic Skin Response / Q000187:drug effects; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000187:drug effects; D012869:Skin Absorption; D012881:Skin Temperature / Q000187:drug effects
D000080462:Acyclic Monoterpenes; D039821:Monoterpenes; C018584:linalool; D010100:Oxygen