Evidence supporting the use of: Linalool
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many essential oils, including lavender and coriander. Its use to support or treat anxiety disorders is primarily supported by scientific evidence from preclinical (animal) studies and some human clinical trials, though the evidence is not yet robust or fully conclusive. Research indicates that linalool exerts anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, likely through modulation of the GABAergic system—the same neurotransmitter system targeted by many conventional anxiolytics. Animal studies consistently show that inhalation or administration of linalool reduces anxiety-like behaviors. Some small human studies and clinical trials, particularly with lavender oil preparations standardized for linalool content, report reductions in subjective anxiety and physiological markers such as heart rate and blood pressure.

However, large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials in humans are limited, and most of the evidence is derived from studies on essential oils containing linalool rather than the isolated compound itself. While the findings are promising and suggest a scientific basis for linalool’s anxiolytic effects, more rigorous human research is necessary to confirm efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety. Thus, the use of linalool for anxiety is classified as "scientific" with a moderate evidence rating of 3 out of 5.

More about Linalool
More about Anxiety Disorders

Products containing Linalool

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.