German researchers have discovered that the jasmine’s fragrance calms down mice as well as tranquilizers or sleeping pills, and lacks any side effects.

 

They examined hundreds of fragrances to determine their effect on GABA receptors in humans and mice and found jasmine increased the GABA effect by more than five times and acted as strongly as sedatives, sleeping pills and relaxants which can cause depression, dizziness, hypotension, muscle weakness and impaired coordination.

 

Jasmine is a type of essential oil widely used in aromatherapy, which was pioneered by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. It is thought to offer various healing effects.

 

Inhaling jasmine oil molecules is said to transmit messages to a brain region involved in controlling emotions.

 

Known as the limbic system, this brain region also influences the nervous system.

 

Aromatherapy proponents suggest that essential oils may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function.

 

The ancient Egyptians were the first to use jasmine for its relaxing properties. Its name is derived from “yasmin,” a Persian word, and means, “a gift from God,” named because of the intense fragrance of the blooms.

 

Jasmine oil is often touted as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. It is also said to act as an aphrodisiac.

 

Professor at the Ruhr University in Bochum, Hanns Hatt, said the study is “evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy.”   “We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parenterally and through the respiratory air,” Hatt said.  “Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable.

 

Hatt and colleagues found that after breathing jasmine-infused air, calmed the mice. They  would stop all activity and sit quietly in a corner.  They found jasmine’s scent appears to stimulate receptors for the chemical

GABA in human and mice brains and is more potent than tranquilizing drugs.

 

When the air was breathed in the scent molecules went from the lungs into the blood and were then transmitted to the brain.

 

Brain scans showed the effect on a chemical called GABA on nerve cells was enhanced by the fragrances and helped soothe, relieve anxiety and promote rest.

 

Professor Hanns Hatt said the results published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry can “be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy”.

 

His team also hope that by changing the chemical structure of the scent molecules, they can achieve even stronger effects.

 

There are over 300 species of the plant that occur mainly in the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world, although a few are found in countries with cold winters. The scent rising off the petals is sweet and intoxicating.

 

Jasmine is found in more than 83% of all women’s scents and 33% of men’s.

 

More than five million flowers must be gathered to produce one kilo of what is known as “pure jasmine absolute”. As a result, much of the jasmine used in perfume is a chemical approximation.

 

The report was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

 

Source:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/7904712/Quantum-time-machine-allows-paradox-free-time-travel.html