Lavender
Lavender (Silexan): a standardized oral lavender oil with proven anxiolytic effects.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS LAVENDER?
Detailed overview
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is a traditional calming botanical whose main active constituents are linalool and linalyl acetate. The pharmaceutical-grade standardized oral preparation, Silexan, has demonstrated anxiolytic efficacy in several randomized, double-blind trials, without the sedation and dependence typical of benzodiazepines. The proposed mechanism is inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels, complemented by weak serotonergic and GABAergic modulation. Silexan is licensed as a medicine for anxiety states in Germany, and lavender oil is among the best-documented herbal anxiolytics available.
Mechanism
Calcium channel inhibition + weak 5-HT1A
Evidence
Multiple human RCTs (Silexan)
Legal status
Herbal medicine / dietary supplement
Receptor profile
- Voltage-gated calcium channelsModerate
- Serotonergic signaling (5-HT1A)Weak
- GABAergic toneWeak
- Limbic system via olfactionWeak
- Cortisol response (HPA axis)Weak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Eructation (burping) with a lavender taste, the most common side effect of oral lavender oil (Silexan)
- Mild stomach upset, nausea or dyspepsia
- Rarely skin rash or allergic reaction
- Headache in some people with aromatherapy (inhaled) use
- Direct skin contact with undiluted oil can cause contact dermatitis
Contraindications · 4
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid due to insufficient safety data
- Known allergy to lavender or the mint family (Lamiaceae)
- Caution in prepubertal children due to a possible hormonal effect of topically applied lavender oil
- Additive sedative effect possible with sedatives or hypnotics
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
Lavender oil preparation Silexan is effective in generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind comparison to placebo and paroxetine
Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, et al.
A multi-center, double-blind, randomised study of the Lavender oil preparation Silexan in comparison to Lorazepam for generalized anxiety disorder
Woelk H, Schläfke S
Silexan, an orally administered Lavandula oil preparation, is effective in the treatment of subsyndromal anxiety disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial
Kasper S, Gastpar M, Müller WE, et al.
Silexan in generalized anxiety disorder: investigation of the therapeutic dosage range in a pooled data set
Kasper S, Möller HJ, Volz HP, et al.
Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials
Möller HJ, Volz HP, Dienel A, Schläfke S, Kasper S
Efficacy and safety of silexan, a new, orally administered lavender oil preparation, in subthreshold anxiety disorder
Kasper S, Anghelescu I, Dienel A
FAQ
FAQ
Lavender (Silexan): a standardized oral lavender oil with proven anxiolytic effects.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.