The capability of scents to evoke past memories and emotions is phenomenal. For instance, the aroma of freshly baked pastries vividly brings back memories of childhood and grandma. Similarly, catching a whiff of a perfume from the past, either worn by ourselves or our loved ones, seems to transport us back in time, rekindling the same feelings we thought had vanished. Scientists have decided to harness this magical ability of aromas and have even managed to derive practical benefits from it.
Mint as an Alternative to Medication?
Professor Agatonovich-Kushtrin presented a study on the impact of essential oils on patients with neurodegenerative diseases. The research was published in the foreign scientific journal Discover. It suggests that herbs from the Lamiaceae or Labiatae family (mint family or Lamiaceae family) help in combating dementia and could, after clinical trials in the future, stand on par with pharmaceutical drugs. This pertains specifically to essential oils from plants such as peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, rosemary, sage, basil, oregano, and thyme. According to Agatonovich-Kushtrin, they function similarly to the drug donepezil – a central acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
The Potential of Terpenoids
In turn, essential oils contain terpenes and terpenoids – natural organic compounds that can enter the bloodstream through the nose or skin and pass through the blood-brain barrier. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to an increase in acetylcholine levels in the brain. “Thus, aromatherapy with essential oils from the mint family slows down the development of cognitive impairments and improves the quality of life for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients,” notes Agatonovich-Kushtrin. The positive result of the study was obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies. The research is ongoing, but the results have already shown promise. It can now be confidently stated that some patients have been helped and have experienced relief from aromatherapy.
“Essential oils cannot cure a patient completely, but they can alleviate their condition,” emphasized the professor. “According to the study, essential oils, due to their properties, can also be beneficial in the treatment of neurological and other diseases.”
Research teams in different countries are currently exploring essential oils beneficial for dementia. Promising results have been demonstrated by aromatherapy using essential oils of lavender, lemon, orange, Ferulago angulata, eucalyptus, and cypress.
Snezhana Agatonovich-Kushtrin has been conducting such research for many years. According to her findings, terpenoids can interact with various receptors in the brain, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin receptors, and reduce the production of cortisol. This helps patients to calm down, reduce nervous tension, alleviate anxiety, and improve mood. Therefore, these essential oils also possess pronounced preventive effects, as it is known that depression and chronic stress can significantly increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the future.