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REVIEW
ABSTRACT: Aroma therapy is one of the most ancient healing arts & traces its origin to 4500BC, when
Egyptians used aromatic substances in medicines. The term Aromatherapy was coined by Prof. Gatte`Fosse, a
French cosmetic chemist. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts from
flowers, bark, stems, leaves, roots or other parts of plants to enhance psychological and physical well-being. The
inhaled aroma from "essential" oils is widely believed to stimulate brain function. Essential oils can also be
absorbed through the skin, where they travel through bloodstream and can promote whole-body healing.
Aromatherapy activates areas in nose called olfactory receptors, which send messages through nervous system
to brain. The oils may activate certain areas of brain, like limbic system, which plays a role in controlling
emotions. They could also have an impact on your hypothalamus, which may respond to the oil by creating a
good feeling in brain. Its use ranges from pain relief, mood enhancement and increased cognitive function to
treat asthma, insomnia, fatigue, depression, inflammation, alopecia, cancer, arthritis, erectile dysfunction,
menstrual disorders, menopausal syndromes, etc. According to the National Association for Holistic
Aromatherapy, the most popular essential oils include fennel, geranium, lavender, lemongrass etc.
Corresponding Author: Debojyoti Halder Indian Research Journal of Pharmacy and Science; 17(2018)1540-1558;
E-Mail: debojyotihaldar955@gmail.com Journal Home Page: https://www.irjps.in
Phone: +91-7980474618 DOI: 10.21276/irjps.2018.5.3.2
Figure 1: Essential oils in marketed forms & Stimulation of Olfactory receptors by aromatic fragrance.
team of government certified botanical chemists compounds confer colour and scentto reproductive
which determine and set a range that the organs and fruits, thus attracting pollinators and
constituents of a specified oil must be within in favouring seed dispersal byanimals. However,
order to be of therapeutic quality. If two or more volatile compounds can also repel phytophagous
constituents are too high or too low, that oil cannot organisms, including virusand phytoplasma
be certified as therapeutic grade, even though it vectors, whereas phytoalexins are broad-spectrum
5
may be of high quality. antimicrobial metabolites.5
How Essential Oils Work? In this complex scenario, humans have greatly
benefited from plants and their
The therapeutic activity of essential oils, like other
secondarymetabolites. During the plant-human
plant-derived remedies, has yet to be fully realized.
coevolution, plants represented (and represent) a
In addition, only a small proportion of the world
nearlyunlimited source of food, feed for
flora (plant) hasbeen examined for
domesticated animals, fibres for clothes and, not
pharmacologically active compounds, but with the
the least,medicaments. Among the vastness of plant
ever-increasing danger of plants- which
products, essential oils deserve particular
arebecoming extinct, there is a real risk that many 4, 5
attention.
important plant sources may be lost. Modern
research has largely confirmed the traditionally These are complex mixtures of hydrocarbons and
held beliefs regarding the therapeutic uses of oxygenated hydrocarbons arising from the
particular plants has changed with time. A herb isoprenoidpathways, mainly consisting in
such as basil, at one time described as a ‘protection monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Essential oils are
against evil’, or ‘good for the heart’ whose scent produced andsecreted by glandular trichomes,
‘taketh away sorrowfulness’, may in modern usage specialized secretory tissues diffused onto the
be described as an excellent prophylactic, nerve surface of plant organs,particularly flowers and
tonic and antidepressant. Like herbal remedies, an leaves.5
essential oil can cover a wide field of activities;
indeed the same herb or oil (such as lemon balm) Biosynthesis of Plant Volatiles in Glandular
Monoterpene
hydrocarbons
Limonene C10H16
p-Cymene C10H14
OH
Oxygeneted
Monoterpenes
HO
C10H14O C10H14O
Carvacrol Thymol
H
H H
H
Sesquiterpene
Hydrocarbons
H
H
Cadinene Aromadendrene
OH
OH
Oxygeneted
Sesquiterpenes
These plastids showed the greatest changes during ions and cytoplasmic molecules. Altering
development and in relations to secretions, membranes lead to reduced ATP
correlate strongly with monoterpenes in vivo, and production,alteration of the pH gradient, and loss of
can synthesize monoterpenehydrocarbons in vitro if mitochondrial potential that can result to the cell
fed with precursors (IPP and DMAPP). The close death.In addition, some essential oils may also act
association, in secreting peltate GTs, of plastids, as pro-oxidant elements which can alter cellular
6, 7
SER. redoxstate and also compromise cellular
survival.The cytotoxic properties of essential oils
Mechanisms of Essential Oil Cytotoxicity result from the complex interaction between
Essential oils are a complex mixture of molecules, thedifferent classes of compounds such as phenols,
which generally contains more than 20 aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, esters, ethers or
differentcomponents of low molecular weight with hydrocarbons. In addition, in some cases, the
very variable concentrations. In general, cytotoxic activity are closely related tofew of the
monoterpenes andsesquiterpenes are themain main components of the oils and, in this way, it has
components of essential oils, though diterpenes and been reported that some of theseisolated
phenyl-propanoids canbe present to a different compounds exert considerable cytotoxic properties
extent. Many of these molecules are found in low when have been tested individually.However, the
concentrations, while fewof them are the main wide variation in the chemical profile of essential
components that can represent up to 70% of total oils means a great diversity in themechanisms of
oil and will be the mainresponsible for the action and molecular targets. Furthermore, because
biological effects of the oil. Until now, more than these oils consist of a wide varietyof compounds,
3000 essential oils havebeen described, of which each compound can modulate or alter the effects of
about one tenth are relevant for pharmaceutical, other ones.8, 9, and 10
nutritional or cosmeticindustries. Several essential
oils have a strong interest in research for their FROM AROMATHERAPY TO
Branches of Aromatherapy: 1
Topical problems like wounds, cuts, burns, and antibacterial activities and researchers have proved
herpes, and lice, insect repellent and insect bites its efficacy beyond doubt in treatment of various
can be treated with it. Treatment of rheumatoid metabolic and infectious diseases. The results are
arthritis, muscle and joint pains and aches is well promising and can be utilized for treatment of
reported from the essential oils of this plant. multifactorial diseases of various origins in
Eucalyptus oil has demonstrated its antioxidant, humans.1
anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and
Linalool shows sedative effects and linalyl acetate but the exact mechanisms are yet to be established.
shows marked narcotic actions. These two actions When talking about its use in aromatherapy, it is
may be responsible for its use in lavender pillow well documented for the treatment of abrasions,
anxiety patients with sleep disturbance pattern, burns, stress, headaches, in promotion of new cell
improving the feeling of well-being, supporting growth, skin problems, painful muscles and
mental alertness and suppressing aggression and boosting an immune system. This oil is used in the
anxiety. Lavender oil shows its antibacterial and treatment of primary dysmenorrheal and has shown
antifungal properties against many species of some promising results in one of the randomized,
bacteria, especially when antibiotics fail to work, double-blind clinical trials.1,2,3
Components are sensitive to climate, latitude and The antispasmodic properties of oil make it a better
maturity of the plant. Inhalation and application of choice during pain associated with the menstrual
menthol on skin causes a skin reaction. It is used in cycle and are also used in the treatment of irritable
many liniments dosage form to relieve pain spasms bowel syndrome. When superficially applied
and arthritic problems. Peppermint oil is studied around the head and temple, it has very good action
and documented for its anti-inflammatory, on headache. Further, itching due to various
analgesic, anti-infectious, antimicrobial, antiseptic, reasons like herpes blisters, ringworm infestation,
antispasmodic, astringent, digestive, carminative, scabies, poison oak, and ivy can also be relieved. It
fungicidal effects, nervine stimulant, is observed that it can relieve many bacterial,
vasoconstrictor, decongestant and stomachic fungal, and viral infections when inhaled or applied
1
properties. in the form of a vapor balm. Sinus and lung
congestion are also known to be cleared by this oil.
to the family of Lamiaceae bears small pale blue relieve the rheumatic pain which aggravates due to
flowers in late spring/early summer and grows up cold. Its stimulating properties on the nervous
to the height of 90 cm. It has three varieties (silver, system have found to be beneficial in hysteria and
gold and green stripe); it's the green variety that is paralysis. In latest human trials, aromatherapy is an
used for its medicinal properties. This plant is rich efficacious non-pharmacological therapy for
in bitter principle, resin, tannic acid and volatile oil. dementia and may have some potential for
The active constituents are bornyl acetate, borneol improving cognitive function, especially in
along with other esters and, special camphor Alzheimer's disease patients, due to its free radical
similar to that possessed by the myrtle, cineol, scavenging activity. Excellent skin tonic properties,
pinene and camphene. Its oil has a marked action a soothing, positive effect on menstrual cramps, for
on the digestive system, with relieving the hair growth are some of the other important
symptoms of indigestion, constipation and colitis. It properties of this oil. The other benefits of
works as liver and gall-bladder tonic. The oil also rosemary include a stimulant for the scalp
possesses some good action on the cardiovascular encouraging hair growth and providing treatment
system. It regularizes the blood pressure and retards for dandruff and greasy hair.1
the hardening of arteries. In winter, it used to
citronella, eucalyptus, clove, camphor, and Circulatory tonics and astringents for
3, 4
Atlas cedar wood. swellings, inflammations, varicose veins,
etc.; for example, cypress, yarrow,
2,3
The Circulation, Muscles and Joints lemon.
Essential oils are easily absorbed via the skin and
mucosa into the bloodstream, affecting the nature The Respiratory System
of the circulation as a whole. Oils with a warming Nose, throat and lung infections are conditions
effect not only cause a better local blood which respond very well to treatment with essential
circulation, but also influence the inner organs. oils. Inhalation is a very effective way of utilizing
They bring a warmth and glow to the surface of the their properties. In addition, most essential oils
skin and can provide considerable pain relief which are absorbed from the stomach are then
through their analgesic or numbing effect. Suchoils excreted via the lungs, only a small part in the
can relieve local inflammation by setting free urine.
mediators in the body which in turn cause the Expectorants for catarrh, sinusitis, coughs,
bloodvessels to expand, so the blood is able to bronchitis, etc; for example, eucalyptus,
move more quickly and the swelling is reduced. pine, thyme,myrrh, sandalwood, fennel.
Some oilslike hyssop tend to have a balancing or Antispasmodics for colic, asthma, dry
regulating effect on the circulatory system as a cough, whooping cough, etc; for example,
whole, reducingthe blood pressure if it is too high hyssop, cypress, cedarwood, bergamot,
or stimulating the system if it is sluggish. chamomile,etc.
Balsamic agents for colds, chills,
Hypotensivesfor high blood pressure,
congestion, etc; for example, benzoin,
palpitations, stress, etc.; for example,
frankincense, Tolu balsam,Peru balsam,
sweet marjoram, ylangylang, lavender,
myrrh.
lemon.
Antiseptics for ’flu, colds, sore throat,
Hypertensivesfor poor circulation,
tonsillitis, gingivitis, etc; for example,
chilblains, listlessness, etc.; for example,
thyme, sage, eucalyptus,hyssop, pine,
rosemary, spike lavender, eucalyptus,
cajeput, tea tree, borneol.3,4
peppermint, thyme.
The Digestive System
Rubefacientsfor rheumatism of the joints,
Although it is not recommended that essential oils
muscular stiffness, sciatica, lumbago, etc;
be taken orally, they can by external application
for example,black pepper, juniper,
effect certain changes in the digestive processes.
rosemary, camphor, sweet marjoram.
However, whereas herbal medicine has many
Depurative or antitoxic agents for
remedies at its disposal for a wide variety of
arthritis, gout, congestion, skin eruptions,
stomach, gall bladder and liver complaints, such as
etc.; for example, juniper,lemon, fennel,
dandelion, marshmallow, chamomile and
etc.
meadowsweet, much of their effectiveness is based
Lymphatic stimulants for cellulitis,
on a combination of aromatic components, together
obesity, water retention, etc.; for example,
with bitters, tannins and mucilage, which are absent
grapefruit, lime, fennel,lemon, mandarin,
in the volatile oil alone. The external application of
white birch.
essential oils in problems of the digestive system Other essential oils are known to influence the
though effective, is consequently somewhat limited levels of hormone secretion of other glands,
compared to the internal use of herbal remedies. including the thyroid gland (which governs growth
Antispasmodics for spasm, pain, and metabolism), the adrenal medulla (which deals
indigestion, etc.; for example, chamomile, with stress reactions) and the adrenal cortex (which
caraway, fennel, orange,peppermint, governs several processes including the production
lemon balm, aniseed, cinnamon. of oestrogen and androgen, the male sex hormone).
Carminatives and stomachicsfor flatulent Antispasmodics for menstrual cramp
dyspepsia, aerophagia, nausea, etc.; for (dysmenorrhoea), labour pains, etc.; for
example, angelica,basil, fennel, example, sweetmarjoram, chamomile,
chamomile, peppermint, mandarin. clary sage, jasmine, lavender.
Cholagoguesfor increasing the flow of bile Emmenagoguesfor scanty periods, lack of
and stimulating the gall bladder; for periods (amenorrhoea), etc; for example,
example, caraway, lavender, peppermint chamomile,fennel, hyssop, juniper, sweet
and borneol. marjoram, peppermint.
Hepatics for liver congestion, jaundice, Uterine tonics and regulators for
etc; for example, lemon, lime, rosemary, pregnancy, excess menstruation
peppermint. (menorrhagia), PMT, etc; forexample,
Aperitifs for loss of appetite, anorexia, etc; clary sage, jasmine, rose, myrrh,
for example, aniseed, angelica, orange, frankincense, lemon balm.
3
ginger, garlic. Antiseptic and bactericidal agents for
leucorrhoea, vaginal pruritis, thrush, etc;
The Genito-urinary and Endocrine Systems for example, bergamot,chamomile, myrrh,
Like the digestive system, the reproductive organs rose, tea tree.
can be affected by absorption via the skin into the Galactagoguesfor increasing milk flow;
bloodstream, as well as through hormonal changes. for example, fennel, jasmine, anise,
Some essential oils such as rose and jasmine have lemongrass (sage, mintand parsley reduce
an affinity for the reproductive system having a it).
general strengthening effect as well as helping to Aphrodisiacs for impotence and frigidity,
combat specific complaints like menstrual etc; for example, black pepper, cardomon,
problems, genital infections and sexual difficulties. clary sage, neroli,jasmine, rose,
Other oils contain plant hormones which mimic the sandalwood, patchouli, ylangylang.
corresponding human hormones; oils such as hops, Anaphrodisiacsfor reducing sexual desire;
sageand fennel have been found to contain a form for example, sweet marjoram, camphor.
of oestrogen that influences the menstrual cycle, Adrenal stimulants for anxiety, stress-
lactationand secondary sexual characteristics. related conditions, etc.; for example, basil,
Oestrogen also helps maintain a healthy circulation, geranium, rosemary,borneol, sage, pine,
good muscle and skin tone and strong bones in both savory.
men and women.
Urinary antiseptics for cystitis, urethritis, marjoram, lemon balm, hops, valerian,
etc; for example, bergamot, chamomile, lemon.
2, 3, 4
tea tree,sandalwood. Stimulants for convalescence, lack of
The Immune System strength, nervous fatigue, etc; for example,
Virtually all essential oils have bactericidal basil, jasmine, peppermint, ylangylang,
properties and by promoting the production of neroli, angelica, rosemary.
white blood cells, they can help prevent and treat Nerve tonics (nervines) for strengthening
infectious illness. the nervous system as a whole; for
Bactericidal and antiviral agents example, chamomile, clary sage, juniper,
(prophylactics) for protection against lavender, marjoram, rosemary.3,6,7
colds, ’flu, etc.; for example,tea tree, The Mind
cajeput, niaouli, basil, lavender, This area is perhaps the most discussed and least
eucalyptus, bergamot, camphor, clove, understood area of activity regarding essential oils.
rosemary. There is no doubt that throughout history aromatic
Febrifuge agents for reducing fever and oils have been used for their power to influence the
temperature, etc; for example, angelica, emotions and states of mind: this is the basis for
basil, peppermint,thyme, sage, lemon, their employment as incense for religious and
eucalyptus, tea tree. ritualistic purposes. It is already known that two
Sudorifics and diaphoretics for promoting olfactory nerve tracts run right into the limbic
sweating, eliminating toxins, etc; for system (the part of the brain concerned with
example, rosemary,thyme, hyssop, memory and emotion), which means that scents can
3,4 evoke an immediate and powerful response which
chamomile.
The Nervous System defies rational analysis.
Recent research shows that the properties of many Recent research at Warwick University, England,
oils correspond to the traditionally held views: and Toho University, Japan, has aimed to put these
chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood, lavender and traditionally held beliefs and applications into a
sweet marjoram were found to have a sedative scientific context. They came up with two types of
effect on the central nervous system; jasmine, reaction to odours which they called a ‘hard-wired’
peppermint, basil, clove and ylangylang were found response or a ‘soft-wired’ response: the first type is
to have a stimulating effect. Neroli was found to be ingrained from before birth and is purely
stimulating and lemon to be sedating, contrary to instinctual; the second is learned or acquired later
popular belief. Some oils are known to be on.
‘adaptogens’, that is, they have a balancing or The first type may be, for example, the
normalizing effect on the systems of the body: scent of the mother’s skin or a sexual
geranium and rosewood were either sedative or signal; the second mightbe the fragrance
stimulating according to each situation and of honeysuckle, reminiscent of a
individual. childhood garden.
Sedatives for nervous tension, stress, But to what extent is the effect of a particular oil
insomnia, etc; for example, chamomile, dependent upon its chemical or physiological
bergamot, sandalwood, lavender, sweet make-up, and to what extent does it rely upon a
belief or an association?
ciation? In dealing with the individualprescription (IP), which on all points
psychological or emotional responses to the scent represents the identity of the individu
individual.
of a particular oil, this kind of classification When we begin to consider individual needs,
becomes much more difficult: surely here it is more essential oils start to demonstrate
strate the versatility of
appropriate to consider the temperament of each their nature. The rose is a good example; a flower
individual within a given context,
ntext, rather than which has been associated with beauty, love, and
predict a set reaction. spiritual depth in folklore and religious texts
At the Psychology of Perfumery Conferenc
Conference 1991, (especially Sufi) but which alsoo has a long tradition
it was generally agreed that ‘while pharmacological of usage for physical conditions such as skin
effects may be very similar from one pperson to problems, regulating the female cy
cycle, promoting
another, psychological effects are bound to be the circulation, purifying the blood and as a heart
different.’ The effect of an odour on a human being tonic. When we smell the fragrance of the rose, it
was dependent on a variety of factors which carries all these rich associations with it, affecting
include: our mind and body simultaneously, where the
1. How the odour was applied, effect is moulded by personal experience.3.6,7
2. How much was applied,
3. The circumstances in which it was applied, Anti-tumor& Anti-Cancer
Cancer activity
activity:
4. The person to whom it was applied (age, sex, Tea tree oil and terpinen-4-ol
ol both were able to
personality type), retard the growth of human melanoma M14 WT
5. What mood they were in to start with, cells and M14 adriamicin-resistant
resistant cells. This
6. What previous associations they may have with action was linked to apoptosis via caspase
caspase-
the odour, dependent mechanism in melanoma cells. 55-
7. Anosmia,, or inability to smell (certain scents). Fluorouracil treatment is enhanced in human colon
We must, therefore, seek odoriferous substances cancer cells if sensitized by geraniol, a component
which present affinities with the human being we of plant essential
ial oils. Efforts are being made to
intend to treat, those which will compensate for his establish the link between essential oils and their
deficiencies
ncies and those which will make his anti-tumor
tumor activity. Polypharmacological anti
anti-
faculties blossom. It was by searching for this tumor mode-of-action
action of essential oils in cardamom
remedy that we encountered the has some promising results to substantiate the
claims.
Figure 13:
1 Benefits of Aromatherapy
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