Calming Agent Research Articles

Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) in Psychological Well-Being: A Review

Background: There is renewed interest in the use of ancient herbal remedies for their potential health benefits, particularly in the psychological domain. One herb that is receiving growing attention is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) which has received considerable interest for its influence on the brain. Lemon balm boasts an array of phytochemicals, including rosmarinic acid, citral, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid, which are believed to underpin these effects on psychological well-being. Pharmacological evidence from animal and cellular work reveals that lemon balm and its components may modulate several brain signalling pathways, including GABAergic, cholinergic, and serotonergic systems. Results/Conclusions: Although further robust randomised controlled trials using lemon balm are required, existing research indicates that lemon balm holds promise as a calming agent exhibiting both anxiolytic and anti-depressant properties and can elicit cognitive and sleep-quality enhancement.

The possible "calming effect" of subchronic supplementation of a standardised phospholipid carrier-based Melissa officinalis L. extract in healthy adults with emotional distress and poor sleep conditions: results from a prospective, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Emotional distress conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, and poor sleep are widespread health problems that have a significant impact on people's lives. Conventional drugs are commonly prescribed to treat emotional distress and poor sleep conditions; however, these medications have several limitations and have shown multiple side effects. Over recent years botanicals-based pharmacological agents have gained increasing research and clinical interest in the management of emotional distress and sleep disorder. Of note, Melissa officinalis L. (MO) leaf extract has demonstrated considerable neuropharmacological properties both in animal and human studies and has emerged as a promising natural "calming agent." However, research in this area is limited, and more studies are needed to validate its efficacy in amelioration of emotional distress and poor sleep conditions. Objectives: We aimed to assess the pharmacological effects of subchronic supplementation of an innovative standardised phospholipid carrier-based MO aqueous extract on emotional distress and poor sleep conditions. Design: A 3-week prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blinded clinical trial was conducted in 100 healthy adults complaining of a moderate degree of depression, anxiety, or stress, with scores of ≥14, ≥10, and ≥19, respectively, in the self-report Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) or poor sleep, as indicated by the score of >5 in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale. In addition, the impact of emotional distress and/or poor sleep on participants' mental wellbeing, emotional feelings, and quality of life was also assessed using the self-reported Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scale, and quality of life (WHO-QoL-BREF) scale, respectively. Results: Oral supplementation of 200mg of phospholipid-based MO aqueous extract (Relissa™) tablets twice a day (i.e., 400mg/day) for 3 weeks led to significant improvements in the depressive mood, anxiety, stress, positive and negative affect (emotional feelings), overall mental wellbeing, and quality-of-life scores (all p values <0.001). Supplementation of MO extract was well tolerated, and no treatment-emergent effects or serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the phospholipid carrier-based MO aqueous extract possesses considerable neuropharmacological properties, and its supplementation may provide a promising therapeutic option for the management of moderate emotional distress and/or poor sleep conditions. Clinical Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05602688.

Antidepressant-Like Activity and Physicochemical Analysis of Essential Oils from Michelia alba and Plumeria alba Flowers

Depression is a mental disorder with an increased prevalence. Other than conventional antidepressants, essential oils have been used in aromatherapy as a complementary and alternative medicine to reduce depression. In the current study, the antidepressant-like activity of the inhalation of essential oils from Michelia alba (MAEO) and Plumeria alba (PAEO) flowers was analyzed using the forced swim test. The immobility time of mice from tested groups was evaluated statistically by the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test, followed by the Mann Whitney post hoc test. Also, the characterization of both essential oils was determined by refractive index, solubility, and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. PAEO showed stronger antidepressant-like activity than MAEO (p&lt;0.05) and it was equal to the positive control (essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia) (p&gt;0.05). The GC-MS analysis revealed some calming agents in MAEO and PAEO such as linalool, linalyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, and methyl anthranilate.

Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review.

Medicinal plants represent rich sources of traditional medicines and numerous currently used medicines are either directly or indirectly derived from plants. Verbascum thapsus L. (great mullein or common mullein), a medicinal herb indigenous to northern Africa, western and central Asia, and Europe, has been brought to the Americas and Australia. It has been used as a medicine for lung, skin and throat disorders and has a long history of therapeutic importance, particularly as an astringent and calming agent. Presently, the dried leaves, flowers, various plant extracts and flower oil are used in several formulations within Indian traditional medicine. An extract taken from the roots is useful in minimizing toothache, and it also relieves stiffness and seizures. V. thapsus contains a wide variety of phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, iridoid, phenylethanoid and phenylpropanoid glycosides, saponins, as well as vitamin C and minerals. The most valuable constituents are coumarin and hesperidin, which possess healing properties. Emerging literature based on experimental studies on V. thapsus demonstrates various biological and pharmacological properties, including antiviral, antioxidant, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antibacterial, antifungal, as well as anticancer activities. The present review provides an updated, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of various health-promoting and disease-mitigating properties of V. thapsus.

Effects of intravenous magnesium sulfate on serum calcium-regulating hormones and plasma and urinary electrolytes in healthy horses.

Intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is used in equine practice to treat hypomagnesemia, dysrhythmias, neurological disorders, and calcium dysregulation. MgSO4 is also used as a calming agent in equestrian events. Hypercalcemia affects calcium-regulating hormones, as well as plasma and urinary electrolytes; however, the effect of hypermagnesemia on these variables is unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of hypermagnesemia on blood parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), ionized calcium (Ca2+), ionized magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-) and their urinary fractional excretion (F) after intravenous administration of MgSO4 in healthy horses. Twelve healthy female horses of 4-18 years of age and 432-600 kg of body weight received a single intravenous dose of MgSO4 (60 mg/kg) over 5 minutes, and blood and urine samples were collected at different time points over 360 minutes. Plasma Mg2+ concentrations increased 3.7-fold over baseline values at 5 minutes and remained elevated for 120 minutes (P < 0.05), Ca2+ concentrations decreased from 30-60 minutes (P < 0.05), but Na+, K+ and Cl- concentrations did not change. Serum PTH concentrations dropped initially to rebound and remain elevated from 30 to 60 minutes, while CT concentrations increased at 5 minutes to return to baseline by 10 minutes (P < 0.05). The FMg, FCa, FNa, FK, and FCl increased, while urine osmolality decreased from 30-60 minutes compared baseline (P < 0.05). Short-term experimental hypermagnesemia alters calcium-regulating hormones (PTH, CT), reduces plasma Ca2+ concentrations, and increases the urinary excretion of Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Cl- in healthy horses. This information has clinical implications for the short-term effects of hypermagnesemia on calcium-regulation, electrolytes, and neuromuscular activity, in particular with increasing use of Mg salts to treat horses with various acute and chronic conditions as well as a calming agent in equestrian events.

Oregano - właściwości i wykorzystanie przez ludzi

Introduction. Lebiodka, or oregano, is a popular plant used in medicine, cosmetics and in cuisine in many areas of the world. Oregano’s properties were appreciated by the ancients, and now due to the growing interest in the healing effects of plants, oregano is becoming the subject of interest of many researchers. Its bacterial-fungicidal and even virucidal properties aroused great interest. Oregano was valued as a panacea for gastrointestinal ailments, but also used as calming agent for skin irritations. Overview. With the development of science, we get to know better and more precisely not only the composition of plants, but also their impact on human health of both individual ingredients and the whole plant. Oregano is rich in essential oils, but also polyphenols, micro and macro elements and thanks to its abilities has been known for its healing properties since antiquity. Along with the development of analytical methods and scientific knowledge, the oregano was examined and assessed about the mechanisms of its pro-health effects. Conclusions. Due to oregano’s properties, as a beneficial agent for human health and additionally capable of acting as a kind of natural food preservatives. An interest in such possible usage of oregano is constantly increasing.

The effects of ultrafiltration and ultraviolet radiation on microbial content and chemical composition of rose water

Rose water is the known product of distillation process of Rosa damascena Mill. It is considered as relaxing and calming agent in religious ceremony as well as favorable food and beverage additive. Rose water contamination can limit its quality and applications. In this study, the combination of ultrafiltration and ultraviolet treatment (F-U treatment) was used to reduce rosewater contamination in traditional and industrial rosewater products. The compositions of essential oils of samples were also analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) before and after treatment. The results demonstrate that F-U treatment was able to reduce microbial load in all samples without any significant effects on essential oil constituent. GC/MS analysis shows that phenethyl alcohol and citronellol are the main compounds identified in samples before and after treatment. Consequently, application of ultrafiltration and ultraviolet (UV) radiation not only can diminish microbial contamination but also do not decompose the chemical compounds of samples. On the basis of these results, the combination of ultrafiltration and UV radiation beside other physical methods may be valuable alternative technique to obtain high-quality rose water with preserving its constituents, which may be lost during traditional thermal methods.

Effect of Aromatherapy on Equine Heart Rate Variability

This study explored whether aromatherapy increases the parasympathetic component (root mean square of successive differences [RMSSD]) of heart rate variability (HRV) in horses. Horses are highly sensitive, easily stressed, have an acute sense of smell, and have been shown to benefit from aromatherapy. The protocol, performed on eight dressage horses, followed a crossover design with an experimental treatment of humidified essential oil (lavender, Lavandula angustifolia) and a control treatment of humidified air. Heart rate variability was recorded for 7 minutes before, during, and immediately after treatment, and 30 minutes after treatment. The protocol was repeated with chamomile, (Matricaria recutita). Lavender transiently increased RMSSD from 86.5 ± 14.2 ms (standard error of the mean [SEM]) to 104.3 ± 14.3 ms (P = .020) and reduced percentage of very low frequency HRV oscillations from 81.2% ± 3.9 (SEM) to 72.1% ± 7.9 (P = .039) immediately after treatment. Chamomile had variable effects, none of which reached significance. These results indicate that lavender is effective as a calming agent for horses.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of Pelargonium roseum essential oil on Swiss albino mice: Possible involvement of serotonergic transmission.

The anxiolytic and antidepressant activities of the Reunion Geranium (Pelargonium roseum Willd) essential oil (EO) were evaluated in male Swiss albino mice by intraperitoneal administration of 10, 20, and 50mg/kg bw using elevated plus maze (EPM), open-field test (OFT), and forced swimming test (FST). Moreover, we evaluated whether the 5-HT1A and GABAA -benzodiazepine receptor systems are involved in the anxiolytic effects through the coadministration of WAY-100635 (a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist) and flumazenil (an antagonist of benzodiazepine). GC-MS revealed the monoterpene alcohols citronellol (35.9%) and geraniol (18.5%) as the main components of the P.roseum EO. EO was effective in increasing the total number of entries and time spent in the open arms of EPM whereas number of rearing in OFT was significantly decreased in comparison with the control. In the FST, immobility time decreased in EO treated mice. Pretreatment with WAY-100635, but not Flumazenil, was able to reverse the effects of the EO in the EPM and FST, indicating that the EO activity occurs via the serotonergic but not GABAergic transmission. Overall, results of this work showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of P.roseum EO and confirmed the traditional uses of Pelargonium species as calming agents.

Neuropharmacological effects of standardized aqueous stem bark extract of Parkia biglobossa in Wistar rats.

Parkia biglobossa stem bark decoction is a popular medicinal plant preparation used as calming agent for tensed patients in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aqueous stem bark extract of Parkia biglobossa (AEPB) and its active fraction AEPBF3 on anxiety, spontaneous alternation behavior, and locomotor activity. The open field apparatus was used to evaluate effects of AEPB and AEPBF3 on locomotion. The APBE and the active fraction AEPBF3 were standardized using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography to establish finger print to ascertain identity and stability of the extracts over time. The oral median lethal doses (LD50) of AEPB and AEPBF3 were evaluated using modified Lorke's method in rats. The effect of APBE (50-200 mg/kg p.o.), APBEF3 (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o.), diazepam (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), and 10 ml normal saline/kg on anxiety-like behavior, spontaneous alternation behavior, and locomotion activity were evaluated in rats on elevated plus maze (EPM), Zero-maze, Y-maze, and open field apparatus, respectively. The oral LD50 values of AEPB and AEPBF3 were estimated to be 5000 mg/kg and 3800 mg/kg body weight in rats, respectively. AEPB and AEPBF3 significantly (F6, 41=2342, p<0.0001) increased time spent in the open arm of EPM and significantly (F6, 41=2323, p<0.0001) increased time spent in open arms of the Zero maze. The AEPB and AEPBF3 administration produced significant increase (F5, 35=154, p<0.0001) in spontaneous alternation behavior in rats. The AEPB extract and its fraction AEPBF3 significantly increased total locomotor activity (F6, 41=413, p<0.0001) and rearing (F6, 41=150, p<0.0001) in the open field apparatus. The results of the present study provided evidence for anxiolytic and nootropic effects of the AEPB and AEPBF3, thus providing scientific basis for its continuous use in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by apprehension and amnesia.

Antidepressive-Like Property of Dichloromethane Fraction ofPimenta pseudocaryophyllusand Relevance of Monoamine Metabolic Enzymes

Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus popularly referred to as craveiro is considered as a calming agent in different local preparations. The present study attempted to examine antidepressant-like effect of dichloromethane fraction (DF) and role of monoamine oxidase (MAO), tryptophan, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Based on the research focus, tail suspension (TS), forced swimming (FS), and open field (OF) tests were conducted after oral administration of DF (125, 250, or 500 mg/Kg). Ex vivo assay of MAO was also conducted to evaluate inhibitory effect of DF (250 mg/Kg). Administration of DF elicits antidepressant-like response in the TS and FS. However, DF 500 mg/Kg did not alter mice performance in these models. The data obtained in the OF showed a reduction in total crossing and rearing activity; these effects suggest motor interference in TS and FS performance. Mice pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA) (100 mg/kg, i.p.—serotonin biosynthesis inhibitor) for 4 consecutive days or acute administration of α-methyl-p-tyrosine (AMPT) (100 mg/kg, i.p.—catecholamine synthesis inhibitor) blocked anti-immobility effect of DF in the FS. In ex vivo assay of MAO, DF did not inhibit catabolic activity of MAO. Our findings support antidepressant-like activity of DF and suggest an effect that depends on monoamine biosynthesis.

Effect of Neurexan on the pattern of EEG frequencies in rats

BackgroundVarious medications of natural origin have effectively treated stress-related disorders, such as sleep disturbances and agitated conditions. The efficacy of Neurexan, a multicomponent, low-dose medication, has been demonstrated in observational studies, but its exact mechanism of action has not been determined.MethodsTo characterize the effects of Neurexan on the central nervous system, we analyzed the spectral frequencies of field potentials in four rat brain areas after a single oral administration of Neurexan. Different doses of Neurexan were tested within a crossover design, and effects were compared with vehicle control.ResultsSignificant effects were observed with 0.5 tablets of Neurexan, predominantly on δ- and θ-waves in the frontal cortex and reticular formation (P < 0.01). In the reticular formation, significant changes of δ- and θ-waves occurred as early as during the first hour after administration. The time course revealed a significant and longer-lasting increase of δ- and θ-waves in the frontal cortex and reticular formation, whereas other spectral frequencies were only transiently affected in the frontal cortex, reticular formation, and striatum.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrated that the low-dose medication Neurexan influences central nervous system activity in rats. The resulting electroencephalographic profile of Neurexan shows several similarities with those of other calming agents, such as Valeriana and Passiflora, suggesting a potential benefit of Neurexan for patients with stress-related disorders. Moreover, this report demonstrates that electroencephalographic signatures are also valid biomarkers for the assessment of low-dose medications, such as Neurexan.

Involvement of 5-HT1A in the anxiolytic-like effect of dichloromethane fraction of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMedicinal applications of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus infusion as a diuretic and aphrodisiac agent as well as tranquilizer in the form of tea for the treatment of emotional tension in Brazilian folk medicine has been in practice since time immemorial. Despite its popular therapeutic acceptance and claims, there are scanty scientific reports to corroborate its central biological activities. AimTo characterize anxiolytic-like effect of the dichloromethane fraction (DF) obtained from ethanolic leaf extract of the Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus and identify mechanisms of action involved while seeking to support its popular use as a soothing agent. Material and methodsMice (25–35g) were treated orally with DF obtained from ethanolic leaf extract of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus and were submitted to light-dark box (LDB) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. Different groups of mice were treated with flumazenil and NAN-190 to identify mechanisms of action involved in the anxiolytic-like effect of DF. ResultsTreatment with DF increased number of transitions and time spent in the light compartment of the LDB while the time spent and numbers of entries in the open arm of the LCE were significantly increased. Pre-treatment of the animal with flumazenil (2mg/kg, i.p. – competitive antagonist of benzodiazepine site of GABAA receptor) did not block this effect, thereby excluding participation of benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor. However, anxiolytic-like effect of DF was reversed by pre-treatment with NAN-190 (0.5mg/kg, i.p. – an antagonist of the 5-HT1A receptor) thereby suggesting involvement of 5-HT1A receptor. The thin layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated the predominance of (E)-methyl isoeugenol and oleanolic acid in DF. ConclusionThese results support the popular use of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus as a calming agent and suggest the involvement of 5-HT1A receptor.

In Vitro Antichemotactic Activity of Chamomilla recutita Hydroethanol Extract

In this study, we have investigated the ability of the hydroethanolic extract prepared from the flower heads of Chamomilla recutita. (L.) Rauschert (Asteraceae) to interfere with human leukocyte chemotaxis induced by casein using the in vitro. Boyden system. The results showed a striking dose-related inhibition of the casein-induced human polymorphonuclear leukocyte migration after chamomile extract treatment in comparison with untreated controls, a biological effect never reported before for this ancient plant. Moreover, these effects were similar to those showed by dexamethasone, a model drug. Of particular interest are the results observed after pretreating these cells with morphine, in which the antichemotactic activity could be partially blocked, suggesting that these effects might be opioid receptor mediated. The data herein presented may be useful to clarify the worldwide use of this herbal medicine as an oral infusion, supporting its ethnomedical application as a calming, spasmolytic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

The effect of adrenergic suppression induced by guanabenz administration on exercising Thoroughbred horses

Adrenergic activity accompanies intense exercise and mediates physiological and metabolic responses to exercise. Guanabenz, an antihypertensive drug marketed for human usage, depresses brain vasomotor and cardioaccelerator centres, blocks peripherally adrenergic neurons and is reportedly used as a calming agent in horses but little is known of its effects in the species. To determine if guanabenz induces measurable signs of adrenergic suppression on fit Thoroughbred horses undergoing intense exercise. In a random crossover design, 12 exercise conditioned Thoroughbred horses each received guanabenz (0.08 mg/kg bwt i.v.) and placebo at 3-week intervals. An incremental exercise test to exhaustion on a treadmill followed treatment by 1 h. Heart rate, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, plasma lactate, catecholamines, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol, and time to fatigue were monitored. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed-effects linear modelling. Mean heart rate during the exercise period was lower in guanabenz-treated horses (P = 0.04). Mean concentrations of plasma cortisol (P = 0.02) and adrenaline (P = 0.03) were lower for guanabenz-treated horses during the exercise period. Mean run time was slightly but not significantly longer for guanabenz-treated horses, (P = 0.053). No significant effects of guanabenz administration were found for oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production nor for plasma lactate, noradrenaline and ACTH concentrations. Guanabenz administration induced signs of adrenergic suppression including plasma cortisol and adrenaline concentrations and heart rate and may enhance endurance, but did not eliminate increases in hormone concentrations induced by exercise. Clear determination of a positive performance effect of adrenaline, but not noradrenaline, suppression is needed before clinical significance can be determined.

Animals Helping PEOPLE People Helping Animals: Interview with Kathryn Gress

1. Counseling in the Country at the Gress Mountain Ranch provides both educational programs (i.e., animal-assisted activities) and counseling sessions (i.e., animal-assisted therapy). 2. Animals who participate in the educational and counseling sessions include Great Pyrenees, cats, goats, horses, and mules. 3. Animals helps people develop trust and overcome shyness. Sometimes the process is reciprocal. 4. Animals develop specialist roles, such as greeter or calming agent, and help people cope with their illnesses. Interacting with animals builds individuals' confidence and enhances their social skill.

Role of serotonin in the paradoxical calming effect of psychostimulants on hyperactivity.

The mechanism by which psychostimulants act as calming agents in humans with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or hyperkinetic disorder is currently unknown. Mice lacking the gene encoding the plasma membrane dopamine transporter (DAT) have elevated dopaminergic tone and are hyperactive. This activity was exacerbated by exposure to a novel environment. Additionally, these mice were impaired in spatial cognitive function, and they showed a decrease in locomotion in response to psychostimulants. This paradoxical calming effect of psychostimulants depended on serotonergic neurotransmission. The parallels between the DAT knockout mice and individuals with ADHD suggest that common mechanisms may underlie some of their behaviors and responses to psychostimulants.

Differential effects of sucrose, fructose, glucose, and lactose on crying in 1- to 3-day-old human infants: Qualitative and quantitative considerations.

This study assessed the potency of different sugars as calming agents in human infants. Five 0.1-ml aliquots of 0.51 M sucrose, fructose, glucose, or lactose were presented to 1- to 3-day-old infants who were crying spontaneously. Sucrose and fructose were equally effective calming agents, glucose slightly less so. Lactose, the milk sugar, was not at all effective and did not reduce crying any more than did water. In fact, some babies cried more when given lactose. A second experiment established quantitative, dose-response functions for sucrose as a calming agent: 0.17 M, 0.42 M, and 0.51 M sucrose reduced crying equally effectively

Sedatives and Tranquilizers

Ronald L. Katz, M.D. THIS article discusses the use of sedatives and tranquilizers in the treatment of anxiety or as calming agents. Since their pharmacology is well covered in standard textbooks a...

Principles of Psychopharmacology: Textbook for Physicians, Medical Students, and Behavior-al Scientists

The diverse therapeutic uses of tranquilizers and antidepressants have made it possible for all physicians—not only psychiatrists—to prescribe these medicines either as an antiemetic, or a potentiator of other drugs, or a calming agent, or a mood elevator. Hence, in less than two decades, the psychopharmaceuticals have been the subject of more than 50,000 scientific publications. More important, they have been so widely prescribed that there is hardly an adult anywhere who has not taken one or more of these drugs for a period ranging from a few days to as long as ten years continuously. No other group of pharmaceuticals has such a record. In view of these facts, there is a need for a comprehensive, authoritative distillate of the available data on the psychoactive drugs that can be readily understood and appreciated by unspecialized readers. This encyclopedic, well-edited volume by 71 very-qualified contributors from Europe and North America