Linalool is seen in over 200 species of plants especially in the ones of the Botanical family, Lamiaceae, which includes scented herbs and mints. This is a very commonly seen terpene alcohol chemical which is present in spice plants that find many commercial applications.
They are also seen in Rutaceae plant family (citrus fruits), and the Lauraceae family (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood) families that are found in the tropical to boreal climate zones.
Linalool has also been found in some fungi and cannabis. They have a pleasant scent similar to a floral fragrance, with a touch of spiciness. Linalool also goes by other names such as β-linalool, p-linalool, linalyl alcohol, linalyl oxide, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol, and allo-ocimenol.
Therapeutic attributes of Linalool:
Anti-inflammatory:
Linalool is seen to reduce inflammation. It is one of the major constituent seen in most essential oils, and exhibits the properties and characteristics of an anti-inflammatory agent.
A 2002 from the Journal of Phytomedicine suggests “The results obtained indicate that linalool and the corresponding acetate play a major role in the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by the essential oils containing them, and provide further evidence suggesting that linalool and linalyl acetate-producing species are potentially anti-inflammatory agents.” This seems to indicate that it would be acting to decrease the inflammation.
Anti-epileptic:
Linalool is seen to reduce seizures and convulsions. The study on Anticonvulsant activity of the linalool of 2010 concludes that linalool was efficient in the prevention of tonic convulsions provoked by transcorneal electroshock in the experimented animals and linalool was proved to be very powerful than phenytoin in its anticonvulsant quality.
Sedative and anxiolytic:
It helps promotes sleep. A study in 2008 was unsuccessful in proving the anxiolytic effects of linalool. Instead, it provided strong support for evidence of its sedative qualities.
It suggests that linalool an extract of lavender has been known for its sedating and its calming effects and it’s interaction with the GABA receptor. The study raised desire to further investigate the chemical to identify its role as an anesthetic in future.
Analgesic:
According to a study in 2002, Linalool helps relieve pain. It first proved to be an anti-inflammatory and in 2003 it proved to be an analgesic as well. The study claimed that being a monoterpene compound, Linalool is a major constituent in various essential oils that are extracted from sweet-smelling plant species.
Most of which are employed in different complementary and alternative medicinal practices, especially for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
“The more pronounced effect of (-)-linalool on the writhing test with respect to the hot plate test is consistent with the observation that (-)-linalool possesses anti-inflammatory activity.”
Besides these, Linalool is also found to be an antidepressant, antipsychotic, and anxiolytic.
Other uses of Linalool:
Linalool is also used as a chemical intermediate and has found its usage as a scent in 60–80% of perfumed hygiene products and cleaning agents including detergents, soaps, shampoos, and lotions. Linalool is used by pest professionals as an insecticide against fleas, fruit flies and cockroaches.
It is also used as a mosquito-repellent in certain products, but the EPA notes that “a preliminary screen of labels for products containing linalool indicates that efficacy data on file with the Agency may not support certain claims to repel mosquitoes.”
Reference Links:
- Linalool by Wikipedia
- Linalool by leaf online
- Investigation of the Anxiolytic effects of Linalool, a Lavender extract, in the Male Sprague-Dawley Rat, published in the AANA (American Association of Nurse Anesthetists) Journal.
- (-)-Linalool produces antinociception in two experimental models of pain, published in PubMed