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

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Monoterpenes, a class of terpenes found in essential oils of many plants (such as limonene in citrus, linalool in lavender, and pinene in pine), have been studied for their potential anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. Preclinical studies (mainly in animal models) and a limited number of small human trials suggest that some monoterpenes may modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in anxiety, such as GABAergic and serotonergic pathways. For instance, linalool has demonstrated anxiolytic-like effects in rodent models, potentially by enhancing GABAergic transmission. Limonene and α-pinene have also shown promising effects in preclinical studies. A few small-scale clinical studies (e.g., aromatherapy with lavender oil containing linalool) report mild reductions in anxiety symptoms in humans, although methodological limitations and the use of whole essential oils (rather than isolated monoterpenes) complicate the interpretation.

Overall, while the traditional use of monoterpene-rich essential oils for relaxation and mood support is widespread, the scientific validation for isolated monoterpenes in treating anxiety disorders specifically remains limited. Evidence is rated as a 2 out of 5 due to promising but mostly preclinical and preliminary clinical findings. Larger, high-quality human trials are needed to better establish efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.

More about Monoterpenes
More about Anxiety Disorders

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Aconite
Albizia
amino acids
apigenin
ashwagandha
Bacopa
Bacopin
bacoside
Baikal Skullcap
beta caryophyllene
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bifidobacterium longum
brahmi
cannabidiol
Cannabis sativa oil
Capitate Valerian
catnip
Centella asiatica
chamomile
Clary sage
cocoa
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Convolvulus prostratus
cowslip
curcumin
Cymbopogon martini
essential oil blend
gastrodin
Gelsemium
ginkgo biloba
Ginkgoside
ginseng
gotu kola
green tea
Griffonia simplicifolia
hemp
hemp oil
herbal blend (proprietary)
hericium mushroom
Honokiol
hyperforin
Hypericum
inositol
jujubosides
kava
kavalactones
Kefir
L-glycine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus paracasei
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactococcus rhamnosus
Large-leaved linden
Lavandin
lavender
lemon balm
linalool
linden
lion's mane
lithium orotate
magnesium
magnolia
magnolol
Matcha
Melatonin
Mesembrine
Mimulus
Monoterpenes
Motherwort
Muira puama
Mulungu
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
Passionfruit
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
probiotics
Pulsatilla
Purple Monkeyflower
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
Rhodiola
rosavins
rosmarinic acid
Safranal
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
Sandalwood
sceletium
Scleranthus annus
Shankhpushpi
shen-chu
skullcap
Spikenard
St. John's Wort
star of Bethlehem
Tea
Terpenoids
Tetrahydropalmatine
Trichilia catigua
Valerenic acid
Valerian root
velvet bean
Vervain
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
Vitexin
Waterhyssop
Wogonin
Yohimbine
Zinc

Products containing Monoterpenes

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