Modulatory effect of various essential oils on different GABAA receptor subtypes present in the central nervous system

Böhm C, Wiessler AL, Janzen D, Nausester J, Slavik B, Loos H, Villmann C, Büttner A (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Book Volume: 5

Article Number: 100852

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100852

Abstract

Introduction: Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures with different application areas in human medicine and health. Some harbor calming and anxiolytic effects, which has been attributed to GABAA receptor (GABAAR) modulation. Although GABAAR modulation has been demonstrated, most studies do not discriminate between different GABAAR subtypes present in the central nervous system. Objectives: We determined the modulatory effect of five EOs (lavender (Lavandula angustifolia MILL.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)) on recombinant α1β2 and α1β2γ2 GABAARs and characterized the chemical composition of the EOs. Methods: The chemical composition of the EOs was investigated by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. EOs were functionally investigated on transfected HEK293 cells with GABAARs by patch-clamp whole-cell recordings. Results: The chemical analysis revealed mono- and sesquiterpene substances being main constituents, yet no specific common compound being present at relevant levels in all five oils. All EOs investigated, displayed negative modulation of GABAARs lacking the γ2 subunit. For GABAARs containing the γ2 subunit, three oils (lavender, basil and chamomile) exhibited positive modulation of up to 98 % increased GABAergic responses while lemon balm and hops showed no significant effect. Conclusion: EOs which have not been investigated yet for their total modulatory potential on GABAARs exhibit specific receptor subtype dependent allosteric modulation. This modulatory potential of EOs together with its chemical identification offers a tool for the design of future studies with individual compounds or defined ratios of compounds.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Universitätsklinikum Würzburg Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Böhm, C., Wiessler, A.L., Janzen, D., Nausester, J., Slavik, B., Loos, H.,... Büttner, A. (2025). Modulatory effect of various essential oils on different GABAA receptor subtypes present in the central nervous system. Phytomedicine Plus, 5(3). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2025.100852

MLA:

Böhm, Christian, et al. "Modulatory effect of various essential oils on different GABAA receptor subtypes present in the central nervous system." Phytomedicine Plus 5.3 (2025).

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