How do different terpenes impact mood and cognitive function? Can you provide a detailed guide on the most commonly used terpenes in aromatherapy and their effects? (Note: Please find the sources in APA format below) Sources: - Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S., Averbeck, D., & Idaomar, M. (2008). Biological effects of essential oils – A review. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 46(2), 446-475. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106 - Sowndhararajan, K., & Kim, S. (2016). Influence of Fragrances on Human Psychophysiological Activity: With Special Reference to Human Electroencephalographic Response. Scientia Pharmaceutica, 84(4), 724–751. doi:10.3390/scipharm84040724 - Harada, H., Kashiwadani, H., Kanmura, Y., & Kuwaki, T. (2018). Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00241 - Rocha, N. F., De Sousa, D., Falcão, D., & Barbosa, F. (2015). A systematic review of the anxiolytic potential of essential oils and their delivery systems. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 27(6), 471-479. doi:10.1080/10412905.2015.1074042 - Xu, P., Wang, K., Lu, C., Dong, L., Gao, L., Yan, M., . . . Aibai, S. (2016). The Protective Effect of Lavender Essential Oil and Its Main Component Linalool against the Cognitive Deficits Induced by D-Galactose and Aluminum Trichloride in Mice. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017, 1-10. doi:10.1155/2017/7426538 - Ji, J., Zhang, L., Wu, Y., Zhu, X., Lv, S., & Sun, J. (2020). Terpenes: Natural products for controlling insects of importance to human health—A structure–activity relationship study. Bioorganic Chemistry, 94, 103352. doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103352 - Umezu, T. (2010). Evidence for dopamine involvement in ambulation promoted by pulegone in mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 94(4), 497-502. doi:10.1016/j.pbb.2009.10.016 - Re, L., Barocci, S., Sonnino, S., Mencarelli, A., Vivani, C., Paolucci, G., . . . Orlacchio, A. (2000). Linalool modifies the nicotinic receptor–ion channel kinetics at the mouse neuromuscular junction. Pharmacological Research, 42(2), 177-181. doi:10.1006/phrs.2000.0684 - Held, S., Schieberle, P., & Somoza, V. (2007). Characterization of α-terpineol as an anti-inflammatory component of orange juice by in vitro studies using oral buccal cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 55(20), 8040-8046. doi:10.1021/jf071438e.

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Understanding the Impact of Terpenes on Mood and Cognitive Function

Terpenes are a type of organic compound often found in plant essential oils. These compounds have been reported to offer a range of mood-enhancing and cognitive-boosting properties, contributing to their usage in aromatherapy. Here, we delve into some common terpenes and how they may affect mood and cognition.

Linalool

Linalool, a terpene found in lavender, has been found to have anxiolytic properties, which means it can help to reduce anxiety (Harada, Kashiwadani, Kanmura, & Kuwaki, 2018). Researchers have also suggested that linalool could protect against cognitive deficits (Xu et al., 2016). Its interaction with nicotinic receptors can further contribute to its anxiolytic and cognitive-enhancing benefits (Re et al., 2000). This makes linalool-enhanced essential oils a great option for those looking to boost their cognitive performance or manage anxiety levels.

Pulegone

Pulegone is a monoterpene found in several essential oils like pennyroyal and camphor oil. Notably, pulegone has been connected with increased ambulation in mice, suggesting potential energy-boosting or locomotive benefits (Umezu, 2010).

α-Terpineol

α-Terpineol, a component frequently detected in orange juice, has shown anti-inflammatory properties and may have potential mood-enhancing effects (Held, Schieberle, & Somoza, 2007). Inflammation has been linked with mood disorders like depression, suggesting that controlling inflammation could have indirect mood benefits.

Conclusions

Aromatherapy may be more than just pleasant scents; the terpenes in essential oils can have real biological effects on mood and cognition, which can even be backed by scientific studies. This highlights the potential importance of these natural products in managing health and well-being.

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