Lavender’s Neuroboost: Natural Relief for Memory and Mood

This article served to uncover whether the effects of lavender essential oils (EO) could counteract scopolamine-induced cognitive deficits in rats. Researchers hypothesized that EOs, known for their anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, would improve the cognitive function of animals at risk of dementia. The study was meant to determine whether lavender could be used as a cognitive enhancer to counter the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The study aims to determine to what extent lavender’s compounds positively affect memory function and reduce anxiety-like behaviors. This research holds significance as it could result in alternative, accessible, natural treatment options for patients working on improving their cognitive health.

Figure 1 showcases the results of the Y-maze task, and the effects of Lavandula angustifolia (LO1) and Lavandula hybrida (LO2) (independent variables) EOs have on spontaneous alternation behavior. The percentage of spontaneous alterations (dependent variable) measured behavior and memory performance. The control group were rats not exposed to scopolamine or any EOs. While lavender EO increased spontaneous alternation percentages, only exposed rats showed improvement in memory and cognitive function having a p-value < 0.001. Findings revealed that Lacandula hybrida EO has protective agents against scopolamine memory impairments and has neuroprotective properties.

Figure two shows the anxiolytic effects of lavender oils (LO1 and LO2) in rats that were used in the elevated plus-maze test. The types of treatments administered (independent variables) were measured against the time spent in the open arms ( dependent variable) while the group that spent the least amount of time in the open arms (control group), exhibited higher anxiety, while the lavender oil affiliated groups spent more time in the open arms, indicating reduced anxiety. The results show that both lavender oils significantly reduce anxiety-related behavior (by showing 20 additional minutes being spent in the open arms) compared to the control group. Out of the two lavender oils (LO1 and LO2), LO2 had the strongest impact on reducing anxiety.

Figure 3 represents swimming and immobility time in rats during a forced field swimming test showing the effects of lavender oils (LO1 and LO2). The independent variable is the type of treatment, and the dependent variable is the swimming time and immobility time (measured in seconds). The control group has moderate swimming time and some immobility, the scopolamine group showed an increase in immobility and decrease in swimming time, showing depressive behavior. The LO1 and LO2 groups exhibited increased swimming time and reduced immobility (by 50 seconds), evidencing that lavender oil may treat depressive-like behaviors among rats.

The study shows the importance that EOs have in counteracting memory impairments, concluding that (LO1) and (LO2) suppressed the effects of scopolamine induced memory defects. The Y-maze showed that LO2 improved spatial memory, while the elevated plus maze confirmed EO’s anxiety reduction properties. While LO2 had the strongest effect, findings support treatment options for those also suffering from other cognitive impairments, anxiety, and depression allowing researchers to find new treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases.

Hritcu, L., Cioanca, O. & Hancianu, M. (2012) Effects of lavender oil inhalation on improving

scopolamine-induced spatial memory impairment in laboratory rats. Phytomedicine. 19(16): 529-534. 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.02.002