Olfactory stimulation with scent of lavender oil affects autonomic nerves, lipolysis and appetite in rats

Abstract

In a previous study, we presented evidence that scent of grapefruit oil excites sympathetic nerves innervating white and brown adipose tissues and the adrenal gland, inhibits the vagal nerve innervating the stomach, increases lipolysis and heat production (energy consumption), and reduces appetite and body weight. Here, we examined the effects of olfactory stimulation with scent of lavender oil (SLVO) in rats and observed that in contrast to grapefruit oil, it inhibits the sympathetic nerves innervating the white and brown adipose tissues and adrenal gland and excites the parasympathetic gastric nerve. Local anesthesia of the nasal mucosa with xylocaine or anosmic treatment using ZnSO(4) eliminated the autonomic changes caused by SLVO. Moreover, stimulation with SLVO lowered the plasma glycerol level, and treatment with either ZnSO(4) or an intracranial injection of thioperamide, a histamine H3 receptor-antagonist, abolished SLVO-mediated glycerol decline. Furthermore, a 15-min daily exposure to SLVO increased food intake and body weight. Finally, linalool, a component of lavender oil, induced responses similar to those caused by SLVO, and the glycerol response to linalool was eliminated by thioperamide. Thus, scent of lavender oil and its active component, linalool, affect autonomic nerves, suppress lipolysis through a histaminergic response, and enhance appetite and body weight.

Reduction of the chronic stress response by inhalation of hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata) essential oil in rats

“…1), although these did not completely recover to the levels of control rats. Lavender oil increases food intake and body weight by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, 23) whereas grapefruit oil decreases them by stimulating the sympathetic nervous system. 24) Hiba essential oil inhalation may exert physiological effects via inhibition of sympathetic nervous system activity, which causes stress responses.…”

Role Played by Afferent Signals from Olfactory, Gustatory and Gastrointestinal Sensors in Regulation of Autonomic Nerve Activity

“…7) Treatment with ZnSO 4 eliminated the autonomic changes caused by the SLVO and the scent of linalool in rats. 10) Moreover, stimulation with the SLVO and the scent of linalool lowered plasma glycerol levels and BP, and treatment with either ZnSO 4 or an intracranial injection of thioperamide (a histamine H3 receptor-antagonist) abolished these effects. 10,11) Furthermore, a 15-min daily exposure to the SLVO and the scent of linalool increased food intake and body weight.…”

“…10) Moreover, stimulation with the SLVO and the scent of linalool lowered plasma glycerol levels and BP, and treatment with either ZnSO 4 or an intracranial injection of thioperamide (a histamine H3 receptor-antagonist) abolished these effects. 10,11) Furthermore, a 15-min daily exposure to the SLVO and the scent of linalool increased food intake and body weight. 10) Bilateral lesions of the SCN eliminated the suppression of SRE activity and BP and the elevation of VGE activity caused by the SLVO or linalool.…”

“…10,11) Furthermore, a 15-min daily exposure to the SLVO and the scent of linalool increased food intake and body weight. 10) Bilateral lesions of the SCN eliminated the suppression of SRE activity and BP and the elevation of VGE activity caused by the SLVO or linalool.…”

“…6) In fact, studies that utilized the pseudorabies virus, which is trans-ported into the brain in a retrograde and polysynaptic manner, provide evidence that the SCN is a control center for autonomic nerves. 8,9) Olfactory stimulation with the scent of lavender oil (SLVO) or the scent of linalool, a component of lavender oil, inhibits the activity of the sympathetic efferent nerves that innervate WAT, BAT, adrenal glands and kidneys and excites VGE activity in both rats 10,11) (Fig. 1) and mice.…”