The Effects of Jasmine Oil on the Brain

Jasmine is a generic name comprising almost 200 types of flowering shrubs of the olive family that are native to southern Mediterranean countries and parts of Asia. Oil extracted from the flowers of these plant is commonly used for aromatherapy because of its purported calming effect. Results of research on these effects are mixed: some studies have promoted the benefits of jasmine oil therapy, whereas others have found none.

Effects on Emotions

• A study published in the January 2010 issue of "Natural Product Communications" investigated the effects of aroma-massage therapy using jasmine oil on indicators of arousal. The researchers measured the blood pressure, pulse, temperature and breathing rate of 40 healthy participants. The participants rated themselves with respect to mood, calmness, alertness and vigor. The author stated that jasmine oil significantly increased all of the physiological parameters that indicate an increase in arousal, and the participants rated themselves as improved in all the categories.

Effects on Alertness

• Alertness in the most primary sense refers to the speed at which one can process information. A study published in the March 2001 issue of "Chemical Senses" compared levels of alertness between six groups: five that were treated with varied types of aromatherapy, including jasmine oil, and a sixth that was treated with a placebo. The researchers measured reaction times between the groups and found that there was no significant difference between any of them. The study concluded that any beneficial effects of aromatherapy are psychological in nature.

Molecular Aspects

• GABA receptors in the brain bind to particular chemicals and transmit information via the nervous system, which can influence mood and behavior. A group of researchers investigated the effects of jasmine oil on GABA receptors in the brains of mice. The study found that mice exposed to the scent of the oil displayed effects similar to those of muscle relaxants. In fact, the authors claim that jasmine oil increased the GABA effect, and they propose that they have uncovered another class of GABA receptors altogether: one that is activated by a generic class of molecules, called fragrant dioxane derivatives, or FDDs.

Jasmine Oil as a Muscle Relaxant

• During childbirth, jasmine oil has been used for its ability to stimulate the smooth muscle of the uterus and increase blood and oxygen to the brain. An article appearing in the August 2002 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" described the molecular mechanisms behind the action of jasmine oil using smooth muscle from the pelvis of a guinea pig and the uterus from a rat. The study found that jasmine oil relaxes smooth muscle through a messenger molecule, called cAMP. Increases in cAMP then act as vasodilators, which can increase blood flow and the delivery of oxygen throughout the body.