Lavender essential oil ameliorates depression-like behavior and increases neurogenesis and dendritic complexity in rats

Publication date: Available online 28 February 2019Source: Neuroscience LettersAuthor(s): Dalinda Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña, Kevin Kai-Ting Po, Timothy Kai-Hang Fung, Jason Ka-Wing Chow, Way Kwok-Wai Lau, Pui-Kin So, Benson Wui-Man Lau, Hector Wing-Hong TsangAbstractDepression is a major health issue that causes severe societal economic and health burden. Aromatherapy, a practice that uses essential oils for preventive and therapeutic purposes, represents a promising therapeutic alternative for the alleviation of depressive symptoms. Lavender essential oil (LEO) has been the focus of clinical studies due to its positive effect on mood. An animal model of chronic administration of high dose corticosterone to induce depression- and anxiety-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis was used to explore the biological changes brought by aromatherapy. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, corticosterone (Cort) group with high dose of corticosterone, LEO group with daily exposure to LEO by inhalation, and LEO + Cort. At the end of the 14-day treatment period, behavioral tests were carried out. Serum samples were collected 2-3 days after the 14-day period treatment and before perfusion to carry out biochemical analyses to measure BDNF, corticosterone and oxytocin. After perfusion, brains were collected for immunohistochemical analysis to detect BrdU and DCX positive cells in the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Results showed ...
Source: Neuroscience Letters - Category: Neuroscience Source Type: research