Lavandula angustifolia Mill. inhibits high glucose and nicotine-induced Ca2+ influx in microglia and neuron-like cells via two distinct mechanisms.

Smoking remains a significant health problem in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in microglia, neurons, and astrocytes in the presence of high glucose (HG) and nicotine and evaluated the effects of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on this process. [Ca2+]i concentrations were measured by monitoring the fluorescence of Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester. Treatment with HG and nicotine significantly increased [Ca2+]i in both microglia and neurons through Ca2+ influx from extracellular sources. This increased Ca2+ influx in microglia, however, was significantly reduced by LEO, an effect partially inhibited by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor Ni2+. Ca2+ influx in neuron-like cells pretreated with HG plus nicotine was also significantly decreased by LEO, an effect partially inhibited by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine and the T-type Ca2+ channel blocker mibefradil. LEO or a two-fold increase in the applied number of astrocytes attenuated Ca2+ influx caused by high glucose and nicotine in the mixed cells of the microglia, neuron-like cells and astrocytes. These findings suggest that LEO can regulate HG and nicotine-induced Ca2+ influx into microglia and neurons through two distinct mechanisms.

Effect of collagen hydrogel containing Lavandula officinalis essential oil nanoemulsion in wound healing of infectious burn.

Background and Objectives: The main cause of mortality in burn patients is infection from burns. Drug-resistant bacteria are the main causes of wound infection, so alternative antibiotic therapies hold significant importance. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a collagen hydrogel that contains a nanoemulsion of Lavandula essential oil on the healing process of infected burn wounds. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 20 rats were randomly divided after applying burns with a 10 mm diameter hot plate and infecting the wounds with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa into four groups, including a positive control, a negative control, the first experiment (collagen hydrogel), and the second experiment (collagen hydrogel containing Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion). On the 4th, 11th, and 18th days, tissue samples were taken for pathology studies. The important parameters in burn wound healing with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome staining methods were investigated and scored according to Abramov's method. Results: Based on the pathology findings, experimental groups 1 and 2 compared to the negative and positive control groups were effective in rat infection wound healing. The hydrogel scaffold in the experimental groups increased fibroblasts and angiogenesis compared to the control groups. Epithelization was noticed only in the hydrogel group containing nanoemulsion. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the use of collagen hydrogel with Lavandula essential oil nanoemulsion has potential as a wound dressing. This is because it has the potential to effectively promote healing and act as an antibacterial agent to prevent infections.

In vivo and in silico elucidation of possible potential and mechanisms involved in the analgesic action of ethanolic extract of Lavandula Stoechas.

OBJECTIVES: Our research focused on plant's ethanolic extract Lavandula stoechas flower part to investigate the potential analgesic effects and possible pathways involvements. METHODS: Four experimental tests were performed on Swiss albino mice with five animals in each group at different doses (50, 100, and 200mg/kg); formalin test, tail-flick test, acetic acid-induced writhing, and hot-plate test. The opioidergic, noradrenergic, cholinergic, and K channel blockers in the analgesic actions were also carried out for the potential route involvement. KEY FINDING: The percentage inhibition for abdominal writhing's and formalin activity showed a dose-dependent manner for early and late phases reducing abdominal writhing's and time period of licking, respectively. Tail immersion and hot-plate test demonstrated a substantial and dose-dependent increase in the latency time and time period of paw liking and jumping response respectively. GC-MS showed the abundantly present compounds were octadecatrienoic acid (34.35%), n-hexadecanoic acid (12.98%). In silico analyses have revealed three compounds that had good interactions with 6y3c receptor proteins, demonstrating strong binding affinities and satisfying docking parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these studies showed that ethanolic extract of L. stoechas is an important medicinal plant, with both central and peripheral antinociceptive and analgesic activities supporting its traditional use for therapeutic purposes.

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor.

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

Physicochemical characteristics, phenolic components, and antioxidant capacities of Lavender honey (Lavandula spp.) from Isparta region of Turkiye.

Lavender honey is one of the most desirable blossom honeys for its unique taste and aromatic qualities and can vary significantly from one region to another. In this study, melissopalynological, physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lavender honey from the Isparta region of Turkiye were investigated. The ration of the Lavandula spp. pollen were identified ranging from 9% to 76% in the thirteen samples. The average pH, conductivity, moisture, Hunter Lab* and proline values were 3.72, 0.22 mS/cm, 17.17%, L*: 66.56, a*: 66,32, b*:18.41 and 576.92 mg/kg, respectively. The average F+G and F/G were 67.66% and 1.02, respectively.  The average of total phenolic (TP) and flavonoid (TF) substance were found to be 39.40 mg GAE/100g and 3.23 mg QUE/100g, respectively. The average total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging activity values were found to be 178.28 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/100g and 53.09 mg/mL, respectively. In the phenolic component analysis performed with HPLC-PDA, p-OH-benzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, chrysin and pinocembrin were detected as common polyphenols in the samples. Conclusively, despite considerable variability in their monofloral characteristics, no significant differences were observed in the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of lavender honeys.

Medicinal Anti-Inflammatory Patch Loaded with Lavender Essential Oil.

Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative for administering medications like ibuprofen, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral administration. This study explored the potential synergistic effects of combining ibuprofen with lavender essential oil (LEO) in transdermal patches. The composition of LEO was analyzed, revealing predominant compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The physicochemical properties of the patches were investigated, indicating improved cohesion with the addition of LEO. Additionally, thermal stability assessments demonstrated enhanced stability with LEO incorporation with an increase in onset decomposition temperature from 49.0 to 67.9 °C. The antioxidant activity of patches containing LEO was significantly higher with a free radical scavenging ability of 79.13% RSA compared to 60% RSA in patches without LEO. Release and permeation studies showed that patches with LEO exhibited an increased permeation of ibuprofen through the skin with 74.40% of the drug released from LEO-containing patches compared to 36.29% from patches without LEO after 24 h. Moreover, the permeation rate was notably faster with LEO, indicating quicker therapeutic effects. The inclusion of LEO in transdermal patches containing ibuprofen holds promise for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness, offering a potential strategy for improved pain management with reduced side effects.

ß-Cyclocitral from Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Exerts Anti-Aging Effects on Yeasts and Mammalian Cells via Telomere Protection, Antioxidative Stress, and Autophagy Activation.

We used a replicative lifespan (RLS) experiment of K6001 yeast to screen for anti-aging compounds within lavender extract (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), leading to the discovery of ß-cyclocitral (CYC) as a potential anti-aging compound. Concurrently, the chronological lifespan (CLS) of YOM36 yeast and mammalian cells confirmed the anti-aging effect of CYC. This molecule extended the yeast lifespan and inhibited etoposide (ETO)-induced cell senescence. To understand the mechanism of CYC, we analyzed its effects on telomeres, oxidative stress, and autophagy. CYC administration resulted in notable increases in the telomerase content, telomere length, and the expression of the telomeric shelterin protein components telomeric-repeat binding factor 2 (TRF2) and repressor activator protein 1 (RAP1). More interestingly, CYC reversed H2O2-induced telomere damage and exhibited strong antioxidant capacity. Moreover, CYC improved the survival rate of BY4741 yeast under oxidative stress induced by 6.2 mM H2O2, increasing the antioxidant enzyme activity while reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Additionally, CYC enhanced autophagic flux and free green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in the YOM38-GFP-ATG8 yeast strain. However, CYC did not extend the RLS of K6001 yeast mutants, such as Δsod1, Δsod2, Δcat, Δgpx, Δatg2, and Δatg32, which lack antioxidant enzymes or autophagy-related genes. These findings reveal that CYC acts as an anti-aging agent by modifying telomeres, oxidative stress, and autophagy. It is a promising compound with potential anti-aging effects and warrants further study.

The efficacy of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil on menopausal symptoms, serum lipid profile, and cortisol concentration in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on menopausal symptoms, serum cortisol level, and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This was a triple-blind parallel-armed randomized trial. Seventy-two postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years referring to healthcare centers in Tabriz, Iran with a score of 15-42 on the Green scale were included from May 10, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio and using four and six blocks. One group received LEO soft gel 80 mg per day, and another group received a similar placebo for 60 days. A demographic questionnaire and a Greene menopause symptom scale were used for data collection. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL) and the serum levels of cortisol were measured using biochemical methods. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Independent samples t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Repeated measure ANOVA, and Paired sample t-test were utilized for analyses. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The demographic and personal characteristics of the participants were similar. After two months of intervention, all symptoms in psychological, physical, vasomotor, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction domains were significantly relieved (decreased) among both groups (p < 0.003), except for sexual dysfunction, the reduction of which was not significant in the placebo group (p = 0.317). The mean (SD) total score of menopausal symptoms reduced from 27.4 (6.3) at baseline to 17.7 (4.9) at the end of the study in the LEO group (p < 0.001). It also decreased from 27.4 (7.1) to 17.6 (5.1) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). However, between-group analyses revealed that this reduction was significantly greater in the LEO group compared to the placebo group only in the sexual dysfunction (Mean (SD): 1.3 (0.6) vs. 1.0 (0.5); adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval); p: - 0.35 (-0.67 to -0.02); 0.039). No significant within-group changes or between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05) in terms of studied serum markers. CONCLUSION: The oral LEO exhibited a significant enhancement in sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used alongside other therapies to improve sexual dysfunction during menopause. LEO did not affect lipid profile and serum cortisol level in this study.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of New Lavandula angustifolia Ecotypes.

The purpose of this study was to characterize ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of two ecotypes (PL-intended for industrial plantations and KC-intended for cut flowers) of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The plant was cultivated in 2019 in southern Poland as part of a long-term research plan to develop new varieties resistant to difficult environmental conditions. The collected leaves and flowers were used to prepare ethanol extracts, which were then analyzed in terms of phytochemical composition and antioxidant, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. Using UPLC techniques, 22 compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified. UPLC test results indicated that ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers differ in phytochemical composition. Lower amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in leaf extracts than in flower extracts. The predominant substances in the flower extracts were rosmarinic acid (829.68-1229.33 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside III (810.97-980.55 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside II (789.30-885.06 µg/g). Ferulic acid glucoside II (3981.95-6561.19 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside I (2349.46-5503.81 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside III (1303.84-2774.17 µg/g) contained the highest amounts in the ethanol extracts of the leaves. The following substances were present in the extracts in trace amounts or at low levels: apigenin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid. Leaf extracts of the PL ecotype quantitatively (µg/g) contained more phytochemicals than leaf extracts of the KC ecotype. The results obtained in this study indicate that antioxidant activity depends on the ecotype. Extracts from the PL ecotype have a better ability to eliminate free radicals than extracts from the KC ecotype. At the same time, it was found that the antioxidant activity (total phenolic content, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP) of PL ecotype leaf extracts was higher (24.49, 177.75, 164.88, and 89.10 µmol (TE)/g) than that determined in flower extracts (15.84, 125.05, 82.35, and 54.64 µmol (TE)/g). The test results confirmed that leaf and flower extracts, even at low concentrations (0.313-0.63%), significantly inhibit the growth of selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida yeasts. Inhibition of mold growth was observed at a dose extract of at least 1 mL/100 mL.

Exploring the multifaceted bioactivities of Lavandula pinnata L. essential oil: promising pharmacological activities.

Introduction: This study investigates the biological activities of Lavandula pinnata essential oil (LPEO), an endemic lavender species from the Canary Islands, traditionally used in treating various ailments. Methods: LPEO was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and MFC determination against bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum) strains. Antidiabetic and anti-gout potential were investigated through α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and xanthine oxidase inhibition assays. Antityrosinase activity was determined using a modified dopachrome method. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-468), liver (HepG2), colon (HCT-15) cancer cells, and normal cells (PBMCs). Results and discussion: LPEO exhibits potent antiradical activity (IC50 = 148.33 ± 2.48 µg/mL) and significant antioxidant capacity (TAC = 171.56 ± 2.34 µg AA/mg of EO). It demonstrates notable antibacterial activity against four strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) with inhibition zones ranging from 18.70 ± 0.30 mm to 29.20 ± 0.30 mm, along with relatively low MIC and MBC values. LPEO displays significant antifungal activity against four strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium digitatum) with a fungicidal effect at 1 mg/mL, surpassing the positive control (cycloheximide), and MIC and MFC values indicating a fungicidal effect. It exhibits substantial inhibition of xanthine oxidase enzyme (IC50 = 26.48 ± 0.90 µg/mL), comparable to allopurinol, and marked inhibitory effects on α-amylase (IC50 = 31.56 ± 0.46 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 58.47 ± 2.35 µg/mL) enzymes.The enzyme tyrosinase is inhibited by LPEO (IC50 = 29.11 ± 0.08 mg/mL). LPEO displays moderate cytotoxic activity against breast, liver, and colon cancer cells, with low toxicity towards normal cells (PBMC). LPEO exhibits greater selectivity than cisplatin for breast (MCF-7) and colon (HCT-15) cancer cells but lower selectivity for liver (HepG2) and metastatic breast (MDA-MB-468) cancer cells. These findings suggest the potential of LPEO as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-gout, antidiabetic, and anticancer agent.

The effect of lavender on mood disorders associated with the use of combined oral contraceptives (COCs): a triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of contraceptive methods is influenced by their effectiveness, availability, and minimal side effects. OCPs are one of the most effective and widely used methods of pregnancy prevention worldwide. This method not only prevents pregnancy but also helps prevent and treat other diseases. One of the main reasons for discontinuing this method is the emotional disturbances associated with its use. Lavender is an evergreen, fragrant plant that has gained significant attention for its anti-anxiety effects. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of lavender essential oil capsules on mood disorders during the use of COCs. METHODS: This triple-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 60 married women (aged 15-49 years old) who were consumers of COCs, referring to 26 health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (consuming one gelatin capsule containing 80 mg LEO daily) or control (consuming one placebo capsule daily) group. The intervention continued for 56 days. Scores for positive and negative were determined using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) questionnaire; and for stress, depression, and anxiety were measured using the DASS-21 questionnaire on day's 28th and 56th post-intervention. Data analysis was conducted using the t-test and ANOVA with repeated measures, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in mood disorders, stress, and depression between women receiving LEO or placebo. The consumption of LEO increased the positive mood on day 28 [MD (95% CI): 4.5 (2.1 to 7.0), p = 0.001] and day 56 [5.9 (3.4 to 8.3), p < 0.001] while decreased the negative mood on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -3.5 (-5.3 to -1.3), p < 0.001] and day 56 [-4.3 (-6.3 to -2.2), p < 0.001], stress on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -4.9 (-7.1 to -2.8), p = 0.001] and day 56 [-5.3 (-7.6 to -3.1), p < 0. 001], and depression on day 28 [MD (95% CI): -3.0 (-4.9 to 1.1), p = 0.003] and day 56 [-3.1 (-5.0 to 1.2), p = 0.002]. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of LEO with COCs improved mood disorders and reduced stress and depression. The use of hormonal contraceptives and mood changes should be considered by providers. Therefore, regarding the possibility of mood changes, it is expected that appropriate counseling and education will be provided to women who consume COC., providing appropriate solutions, including the simultaneous use of LEO.

Lavandula multifida as a novel eco-friendly fluorescent-blue material for mercury ions sensing in seawater at femto-molar concentration.

In this paper, we present a novel fluorescent material based on the herbal tea of Lavandula multifida (Lm). The fluorescence properties of Lm aqueous extract were analyzed under various excitation wavelengths in the range of 290-450 nm. The Lm herbal infusion was found to be highly fluorescent, with an emission maximum at 450 nm under excitation at 390 nm. Consequently, it was exploited to develop a fluorescence method for detecting metal ions. Results obtained upon the addition of Hg2+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Bi3+, Mn2+, Fe3+ and Co2+ ions showed that the fluorescence intensity of the Lm aqueous extract decreased strongly with the presence of mercury ions. A solid-state fluorescent sensor, based on Lm embedded into a Nafion membrane and deposited on a transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheet, has also been developed for the effective detection of Hg2+ ions. The Lm-Nafion-PET sensor exhibited good stability, high repeatability, and reproducibility. Furthermore, the Lm-Nafion/PET sensor demonstrated remarkable sensitivity to Hg2+ in sea water, with a limit of detection of 0.25 fM. To our knowledge, this is the first study which reports Lavandula multifida plant for making a novel eco-friendly fluorescent solid-state sensor for the detection of mercury ions at femto-molar concentrations in seawater.

In Vitro anthelmintic efficacy of medicinal plant essential oils against Marshallagia marshalli: Evidence on oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers, DNA damage, and egg hatchability.

One of the major public health problems is drug resistance in parasitic diseases. It is therefore important to find new active ingredients to combat parasites. Herbal products such as essential oils (EOs) may show promise in treating infections caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs). This study investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of the EOs of Lavandula angustifolia and Quercus infectoria against Marshallagia marshalli. The in vitro study was based on an egg hatch test (EHT), adult and larval motility inhibition tests, DNA damage, and several biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress, including superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH -Px], protein carbonylation [PCO], malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant status [TAS], and nitric oxide levels [NO]. Different concentrations of Lavandula angustifolia and Quercus infectoria EOs (1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/ml) were used to determine the anthelmintic effect on three stages of the life cycle of M. marshalli, i.e. eggs, larvae and adult parasites, for 24 hr. The results showed that EOs of L. angustifolia and Q. infectoria play an important role as anthelmintics. These essential oils significantly reduced the egg hatching and motility of larval and adult worms. This anthelmintic effect is dependent on concentration and time. Furthermore, the EOs of L. angustifolia and Q. infectoria caused oxidative/nitrosative stress (reduced SOD, GSH-Px and CAT and increased MDA, PCO and NO) and DNA damage, thereby providing significant antihelminthic effects. Based on the results, it seems that the EOs extracted from L. angustifolia and Q. infectoria may be effective in the control and treatment of M. marshalli infections. Further research is needed to investigate their potential for in vivo use in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Investigation of The Alleviating Effect of Liquid Seaweed Fertilizer on Lavandula officinalis under Salt Stress.

Sustainable practices in plant production involve various environmental methods that improve the urban ecosystem by preserving both natural resources and biological diversity. Organic material application against salt stress is one of the most important sustainable practices. The purpose of this study was to explore how various traits of Lavandula officinalis under salt stress were affected by seaweed liquid. To this end, the experiment was performed as a completely randomized experimental design with two factors including four replications under greenhouse conditions. In the experiments, salt concentrations were prepared as control (distilled water), 40 mM and 80 mM NaCl, and seaweed liquid levels were applied as control (0%) - 0.5%-1%-2% and 4%. L. officinalis was considerably negatively affected by salt stress in terms of its quality, growth, photosynthetic and biochemical traits. According to the results of this empirical research, seaweed liquid application was the alleviating factor in negative effects in all traits resulting from the increase in NaCl concentrations. Seaweed liquid also revealed the highest values of all traits in the absence of salt stress. Photosynthetic and biochemical traits without proline, Relative water content, and chlorophyll a/b declined more than other quality and growth traits with a rise in salt content from 0 to 40 mM. Further research will be needed to test the beneficial effects of seaweed liquid on traits of L. officinalis seedlings in outdoor landscaping that includes salty spaces.

Comparing the effect of aromatherapy with breast milk, Lavandula stoechas, and Rosa damascena on venipuncture pain in preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Since preterm infants frequently undergo painful diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, pain management, especially through non-pharmacological methods, will be extremely beneficial. Accordingly, the present study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with breast milk, Lavandula stoechas, and Rosa damascena on venipuncture pain in preterm infants. METHODS: In this interventional study, preterm infants were randomly divided into four groups of aromatherapy with breast milk (25 infants), Lavandula stoechas (25 infants), Rosa damascena (25 infants), and sham (25 infants). One minute before, during, and two minutes after venipuncture, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) as well as heart rate and SPO2 were measured. RESULTS: The results indicated that pain intensity was significantly lower during and after venipuncture in all the aromatherapy methods compared with the sham group (P < 0.001). Breast milk odor decreased the pain more than the other two odors during and after venipuncture (P < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between Lavandula stoechas and Rosa damascena (P = 0.94). SPO2 was significantly higher in infants in the Lavandula stoechas (P < 0.001) and Rosa damascena (P = 0.03) groups compared with the sham infants. CONCLUSION: All three aromatherapy methods were effective in decreasing preterm infants' venipuncture pain. Since no study on the effect of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena was found in this regard, the effectiveness of aromatherapy with Rosa damascena is of great importance, and future studies are recommended to analyze this topic in greater depth.

Effect of a lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene protocol on insomnia in postmenopausal women: A pilot randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Insomnia and vasomotor symptoms are frequently experienced during the menopausal transition and in postmenopause, worsening sleep maintenance and quality of life. Our study evaluated the use of lavender essential oil and sleep hygiene guidance on quality of life, sleep patterns and self-reported hot flashes in postmenopausal women with insomnia diagnosis. METHODS: This study is part of a larger experimental, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. We included 35 postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia who were distributed in two groups: A Placebo group (sunflower oil) and an Aroma group (Lavandula angustifolia essential oil); both inhaled the oils before bedtime for 29 days. The groups received sleep hygiene guidelines and weekly follow-up. Validated questionnaires were used to assess the effect of the intervention, and a sleep diary was used to assess sleep onset latency (SOL), total sleep time (TST), and sleep efficiency (SE) daily. Participants who complained of vasomotor symptoms at baseline kept a daily record of their frequency and intensity. RESULTS: All participants benefited in almost all domains of quality of life and in the self-assessed TST and SE. The Aroma group achieved a significant improvement in their overall quality of life score over time. No differences were observed in respect of the hot flashes record and daytime sleepiness. CONCLUSIONS: The aromatherapy intervention was effective in improving the overall quality of life in the Aroma group. Moreover, the sleep diary and sleep hygiene instructions helped all participants to, respectively, self-assess and improve their sleep patterns.

Genome-wide identification and expression of BAHD acyltransferase gene family shed novel insights into the regulation of linalyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate in lavender.

The BAHD acyltransferase superfamily has a variety of biological functions, especially in catalyzing the synthesis of ester compounds and improving plant stress resistance. Linalyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate, the most important volatile esters in lavender, are generated by LaBAHDs. However, the systematic identification, expression characteristics of LaBAHD genes and their correlations with ester formation remain elusive. Here, 166 LaBAHD genes were identified from the lavender genome. Based on detailed phylogenetic analysis, the LaBAHD family genes were divided into five groups, among which the LaBAHDs involved in volatile ester biosynthesis belong to the IIIa and Va clades. Whole-genome duplications (WGDs) and tandem duplications (TDs) jointly drive the expansion of LaBAHD superfamily. The promoter regions of LaBAHDs contained a variety of stress- and hormone-related motifs, as well as binding sites with five types of transcription factors (TFs). Then, linalyl acetate- and lavandulyl acetate-regulated coexpression modules were established and some candidate TFs that may function in inducing ester formation were identified. Based on the correlation analysis between the ester contents and expression profiles of BAHD genes in different tissues, five candidate genes were screened for further examination. Drought, salt and MeJA treatments increased the accumulation of linalyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate, and induced the expression of LaBAHDs. Our results indicated that LaBAHD57, LaBAHD63, LaBAHD104, LaBAHD105 and LaBAHD119 are crucial candidate genes involved in linalyl acetate and lavandulyl acetate biosynthesis. Our findings offer a theoretical foundation for further studying the specific biological functions of LaBAHD family and improving the quality of lavender essential oil.

Lavender and metformin effectively propagate progesterone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to evaluate the impacts of lavender and metformin on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind clinical trial including 68 females aged 18 to 45, fulfilling the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS. The patients were randomized to receive lavender (250 mg twice daily) or metformin (500 mg three times a day) for 90 days. The serum progesterone was measured at baseline and after 90 days, one week before their expected menstruation. Moreover, the length of the menstrual cycle was documented. RESULTS: Our results showed that lavender and metformin treatment notably increased the progesterone levels in PCOS patients (increasing from 0.35 (0.66) and 0.8 (0.69) to 2.5 (6.2) and 2.74 (6.27) ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). However, we found no significant differences between the increasing effects of both treatments on progesterone levels. In addition, all patients in the lavender or metformin groups had baseline progesterone levels <3 ng/mL, reaching 14 (45.2%) patients >3 ng/mL. Lavender and metformin remarkably attenuated the menstrual cycle length in PCOS patients (decreasing from 56.0 (20.0) and 60 (12.0) to 42.0 (5.0) and 50.0 (14.0) days, respectively, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the decreasing effects of lavender on the menstrual cycle length were greater than the metformin group; however, it was not statistically significant (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: Lavender effectively increased progesterone levels and regulated the menstrual cycles in PCOS patients, similar to metformin. Therefore, lavender may be a promising candidate for the treatment of PCOS.

Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot of Lavender: New Host-Pathogen Relationships Involving Six Species of Phytophthora and Three Species of Lavandula.

Phytophthora root and crown rot has become a major threat to the lavender industry worldwide. Isolations from symptomatic plants between 2015 and 2019 revealed a number of potential causal agents in the United States. In this study, we tested nine species of Phytophthora and four species of Lavandula and used Koch's Postulates to prove pathogenicity for six new host-pathogen relationships and confirm two pathogenic relationships for the first time in the United States. A total of 10 experiments were conducted with each consisting of two independent trials. Only host-pathogen combinations that occurred in the field were evaluated. All isolates used in these experiments were recovered from diseased lavender plants or, for one isolate, soil associated with a diseased plant sent to our lab or the Clemson University Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic for diagnosis. Experiments were conducted over 3 years, 2017 to 2019, in a research greenhouse under relatively uniform environmental conditions following a standard protocol. Plants were evaluated weekly for foliage symptom severity, and, at the end of each trial, plants were scored for final foliage symptom severity and root rot severity, area under the disease progress curve was calculated, fresh plant mass was weighed, and isolation of pathogens from roots was attempted. These studies successfully demonstrated for the first time pathogenicity of Phytophthora nicotianae, P. palmivora, and P. cinnamomi to hybrid lavender (Lavandula × intermedia), P. nicotianae to sweet lavender (L. heterophylla), and P. cryptogea and P. drechsleri to English lavender (L. angustifolia). In addition, a soil isolate of P. tropicalis was shown to be potentially pathogenic to L. × intermedia. Our results also documented for the first time in the United States pathogenicity of P. palmivora and P. citrophthora to L. angustifolia. We were not able to confirm pathogenicity for three host-pathogen relationships: P. megasperma on English lavender, P. cactorum on hybrid lavender, and P. nicotianae on Spanish lavender (L. stoechas). Results from this study expand the list of Phytophthora species causing root rot on lavender (Lavandula species) in the United States and elsewhere.

Activity of Citrus aurantium and Lavandula angustifolia in Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms in Male Wistar Rats.

Background: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent chronic neurodegenerative disorders. The present study aims to better understand the mechanism by which Citrus aurantium (C. aurantium) and Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) hydro-alcoholic extracts were used to treat AD and anti-oxidant issues in a laboratory model. Methods: 15 male Wistar rats, weighing 250±20 gr, aged 6-8 weeks, were used. Amyloids in the brain were found and identified using the shuttle box and Congo red test. ELISA testing for norepinephrine and serotonin, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Real-time PCR for expression of the APP and GLT1 genes were done. Results: The shuttle box test demonstrated that AD produces behavioral harm, since it significantly reduces passive avoidance learning. The Congo red test revealed that the AD models had much more amyloid beta in their brain tissue than the control. Norepinephrine levels were also decreased by using both extracts in test group. Treatment with both extracts led to a substantial rise in SOD activity and fall in MDA concentration. Conclusion: The gene expression data indicated that the relative expression of the APP and GLT1 genes was shown to be lower in the groups treated with both extracts. C. aurantium and L. angustifolia may therefore offer a multi-target treatment strategy for AD, which calls for more research in this area.