How can essential oils potentially help manage multiple sclerosis symptoms. What does scientific research say about using aromatherapy for MS. Are there any risks or side effects associated with essential oil use for people with MS.

Understanding Essential Oils and Their Potential Role in MS Management

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts that capture the essence and aroma of various botanicals. These potent substances have been used for centuries in traditional medicine practices, particularly in aromatherapy. While scientific evidence supporting their efficacy in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) is limited, some studies suggest potential benefits for managing certain symptoms associated with the condition.

Popular essential oils often used in aromatherapy include:

• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Tea tree

These oils are typically used through inhalation or topical application, as ingesting them can be dangerous. The aromatic compounds in essential oils are believed to stimulate the limbic system, potentially influencing mood, breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

Scientific Evidence: Essential Oils and MS Symptom Management

While research specifically focusing on essential oils for MS treatment is limited, some studies have explored their potential benefits for managing symptoms commonly associated with the condition:

Cognitive Function and Memory

A study published in the Journal of Medicine and Life in 2021 found that inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil improved working memory in women with MS. However, it’s important to note that this was a small study, and larger, higher-quality research is needed to validate these findings.

Anxiety and Depression

Behavioral health issues like anxiety and depression are common among people with MS. Several essential oils, including chamomile, jasmine, lavender, rose, and sandalwood, are believed to have calming and mood-boosting properties. A 2017 study published in Nursing in Critical Care found that lavender aromatherapy improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety in patients with coronary artery disease.

Pain Management

Pain is a frequent symptom of MS, and some essential oils may offer relief. A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2017 suggested that oils such as peppermint, lavender, frankincense, and vanilla have “therapeutic potential” for various pain conditions. However, most of the studies included in this review were conducted on animals, not humans.

Potential Risks and Considerations When Using Essential Oils for MS

While essential oils are often marketed as natural and safe, it’s crucial to approach their use with caution, especially for individuals with MS. Dr. Vijayshree Yadav, a neurologist at Oregon Health and Science University, emphasizes that “natural doesn’t always mean safe.” Some important considerations include:

• Lack of regulation: The essential oil industry is largely unregulated, which can lead to inconsistencies in product quality and purity.
• Potential for allergic reactions: Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain essential oils, leading to skin irritation or respiratory issues.
• Interactions with medications: Essential oils may interact with medications commonly prescribed for MS, potentially affecting their efficacy or causing adverse reactions.
• Toxicity risks: Ingesting essential oils can be dangerous and is not recommended.

Is it safe for people with MS to use essential oils without consulting a healthcare provider? It’s always advisable to discuss any complementary therapies, including essential oils, with your doctor before incorporating them into your MS management plan. They can help assess potential risks and interactions with your current treatment regimen.

Incorporating Essential Oils into MS Symptom Management

For those interested in exploring essential oils as a complementary approach to managing MS symptoms, there are several methods of use to consider:

Aromatherapy

Inhaling essential oils is one of the most common and safest methods of use. This can be done through:

• Diffusers: Electronic devices that disperse essential oil molecules into the air
• Steam inhalation: Adding a few drops of oil to hot water and inhaling the steam
• Aromatic spritzers: Mixing oils with water in a spray bottle for a refreshing mist

Topical Application

Some essential oils can be applied directly to the skin, but it’s crucial to dilute them properly with a carrier oil to prevent irritation. Common carrier oils include:

• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Olive oil

How much should essential oils be diluted for topical use? A general rule of thumb is to use 2-3 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. However, this ratio may vary depending on the specific oil and individual sensitivity.

Massage

Combining essential oils with massage can potentially offer dual benefits for MS symptom relief. Massage itself may help with muscle tension and pain, while the aromatic properties of the oils could provide additional relaxation and mood-boosting effects.

Personal Experiences: Essential Oils and MS Management

While scientific evidence is still limited, some individuals with MS report positive experiences using essential oils as part of their symptom management strategy. Mary Ellen Ciganovich, an author and educator specializing in holistic healing who has MS herself, states, “Anything natural that helps keep my MS monster in its cave is very useful.” She incorporates essential oils alongside diet, exercise, meditation, and herbs in her personal approach to managing MS.

Can essential oils completely replace conventional MS treatments? It’s important to note that while some individuals find benefits in using essential oils, they should not be considered a substitute for prescribed medical treatments. Essential oils are best viewed as a complementary approach that may enhance overall well-being and symptom management when used in conjunction with standard MS care.

Choosing and Using Essential Oils Safely

If you’re considering incorporating essential oils into your MS management routine, keep these safety tips in mind:

1. Choose high-quality oils: Look for pure, organic essential oils from reputable sources.
2. Perform a patch test: Before using a new oil, apply a small amount diluted in carrier oil to a small area of skin to check for any adverse reactions.
3. Start with low concentrations: Begin with minimal amounts and gradually increase as tolerated.
4. Avoid ingestion: Essential oils are not meant to be taken orally and can be toxic if swallowed.
5. Be aware of contraindications: Some oils may not be suitable for use during pregnancy, with certain medical conditions, or while taking specific medications.
6. Store properly: Keep oils in dark glass bottles away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve their quality.

How can you ensure you’re using essential oils safely with MS? Always consult with your healthcare provider before incorporating essential oils into your routine, especially if you have any concerns about potential interactions or side effects.

Future Research and Potential of Essential Oils in MS Care

While current research on essential oils for MS is limited, the potential benefits observed in managing symptoms like anxiety, pain, and cognitive issues warrant further investigation. Future studies may focus on:

• Larger, randomized controlled trials specifically examining essential oil use in MS patients
• Investigating the mechanisms by which certain oils may affect MS symptoms
• Exploring potential synergistic effects between essential oils and conventional MS treatments
• Developing standardized protocols for essential oil use in complementary MS care

As research progresses, we may gain a clearer understanding of how essential oils can be safely and effectively integrated into comprehensive MS management strategies.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Essential Oils and MS

While essential oils show promise in managing certain symptoms associated with MS, it’s crucial to approach their use with caution and realistic expectations. The limited scientific evidence available suggests potential benefits for issues like anxiety, pain, and cognitive function, but more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety in the context of MS.

For individuals with MS interested in exploring essential oils, it’s important to:

• Consult with healthcare providers before incorporating essential oils into your routine
• Use high-quality, pure oils from reputable sources
• Start with low concentrations and monitor for any adverse reactions
• View essential oils as a complementary approach rather than a replacement for conventional MS treatments
• Stay informed about ongoing research and developments in this area

By taking a balanced, informed approach to essential oil use, individuals with MS may find additional tools to support their overall well-being and symptom management strategies. As always, open communication with your healthcare team is key to ensuring that any complementary therapies, including essential oils, are safely integrated into your personalized MS care plan.

Can Essential Oils Help Manage Multiple Sclerosis?

Essential oils are plant extracts designed to capture the “essence,” or scent, of the original plant.

Examples of popular essential oils include:

• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Lemon
• Peppermint
• Rose
• Sandalwood
• Tea tree

These essences are typically compounded and sold as natural remedies for a variety of conditions. They are most often used in the practice of aromatherapy, which today is considered a form of complementary or alternative medicine with roots in ancient civilizations in Asia as well as in the Mediterranean region.

Scientific evidence for the medicinal benefits of these products is limited. But some studies have found they help manage fatigue, anxiety, cognitive problems, skin disorders, digestive problems, and headaches, among other symptoms.

Although little research has been done on the possible benefits of essential oils for multiple sclerosis (MS), one recent study suggests lavender may improve memory problems in people who have MS (these results are preliminary and moderate to low quality, and require additional studies and validation).

Others believe essential oils can help people with the condition manage pain, fatigue, and digestive problems, as well as other health conditions often linked with MS, like depression and anxiety.

“Anything natural that helps keep my MS monster in its cave is very useful,” says Mary Ellen Ciganovich, an author and educator who specializes in holistic healing and has MS herself. “I handle my own MS through diet, exercise, meditation, herbs, and essential oils, and I recommend these approaches to others with the condition.”

So how can essential oils help you — if at all?

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are collected from the source plants through several processes, including distillation (using steam) or cold pressing. Once extracted from the plant, the oils are combined with a “carrier” oil to create the final product.

It’s important to note that essential oils aren’t intended to be taken orally. In fact, swallowing them may be dangerous.

Instead, they are designed to be inhaled or, in some cases, applied to your skin.

It’s believed that inhaling the aromas of essential oils can stimulate areas of your limbic system, the part of your brain that regulates mood as well as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.

The effect of essential oils on the limbic system is what gives them their medicinal qualities.

How Essential Oils Might Help Symptoms Related to MS

To date, the use of essential oils in the treatment of MS itself hasn’t been well studied, according to Vijayshree Yadav, MD, a neurologist at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. But symptoms have been addressed in research.

A study published in the November–December 2021 Journal of Medicine and Life found that inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil improved working memory in women with multiple sclerosis (this small study requires further validation through larger and higher-quality studies). Cognitive changes, including memory problems, are common in MS, according to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS).

Essential oils may also treat other health problems often linked to MS.

For example, anxiety and depression are behavioral health conditions that are common in people with MS. Several essential oils — including chamomile, jasmine, lavender, rose, and sandalwood — are used to calm nerves, relieve stress, and boost mood.

A study of aromatherapy using lavender published in the March 2017 issue of the journal Nursing in Critical Care found that the essential oil improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety in people with coronary artery disease.

In addition, a review published in May 2017 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience suggested that aromatherapy with essential oils — including lavender and rosemary — improved cognitive function and slowed the progression of memory loss in people with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Cognitive function problems and memory loss are both symptoms of MS, although the underlying causes are not the same as in Alzheimer’s disease.

Pain, another common symptom of MS, may also be alleviated by essential oils such as peppermint, lavender, frankincense, and vanilla, among others. A review of existing research published in December 2017 in International Journal of Molecular Sciences found these oils and others have “therapeutic potential” for a variety of pain conditions.

But most of the studies included in the review involved the use of oils in animals as opposed to human participants.

“It’s a big leap to say that these oils work well in mice so they must work just as well in humans,” Dr. Yadav cautions.

What Are the Potential Downsides of Essential Oils?

Yadav emphasizes that “natural doesn’t always mean safe.” Essential oils are products of an unregulated industry, so the quality and composition of different brands and essences may vary, she says.

In general, it’s best to find an essential oil product that contains only the aromatic plant compound, with no additives or synthetic fragrances. Also, do your research and try to purchase products from a manufacturer with a reputation for quality and safety.

Although aromatherapy is generally safe for people, it may not be for pets. In addition, inhaling certain oils may be harmful for pregnant women and young children.

Finally, essentially oils applied directly to the skin have been known to cause allergic reactions, including rashes, breathing problems, and headaches.

“Don’t overdo it with essential oils, or any other natural remedy,” Ciganovich notes. “It’s important to use these products as directed and not use more, even if it’s working really well. These products, just like prescription meds, can have side effects, so begin slowly to see if they work for you. Also, don’t discontinue your other MS meds without consulting your doctor.”

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Identification of essential oils in lippia javanica

Introduction

As part of the implementation of the State Strategy for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030, the priority direction is the production of medicines, including those of plant origin. Interest in herbal medicines remains relevant today due to their mild action, low toxicity and the possibility of long-term use for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. With the development of science and medicine, more and more modern medicines are being created, but medicinal plants are still the main guarantor of the future in medicine and healthcare.

L. javanica is a perennial shrubby, herbaceous plant up to 4.5 m high with strong fragrant leaves that exude lemon flavor when crushed [15-17]. It occurs naturally in central, eastern and southern Africa. In southern Africa, this species grows in Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe [15–16].

For many years, the shrub has been used in medical practice in South Africa due to its rich chemical composition, which means it has a wide range of pharmacological activity. The main pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-symplastic, anti-microbial, anti-tuberculosis and anti-viral effects, which will allow us to produce better and safer essential oils in the distant future [23-25].

Based on this, the shrub is used to treat a wide range of diseases [28-29]. According to various sources, it is used in the treatment of the following diseases and their symptoms (Table 1).

Table 1. List of diseases and methods of use Lippia Javanica

In medical practice

Based on the data in the table, it can be concluded that Lippia javanica is most often used in the treatment of otolaryngological and pulmonological diseases, which makes its long-term use in the medical field promising in the near future, including the receipt of new sprays and the production of new lozenges from cough, to help people.

Separately, it is worth noting the importance of drugs based on Lippia Javanica in the complex treatment of coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This plant has been widely used for many years in the treatment of infectious diseases, so it is not surprising that the local population of the South African region used essential oils, tinctures, inhalations and decoctions of Lippia Javanica for the prevention, and then in the complex therapy of new strains of COVID-19 [25] . From this it follows a simple conclusion that this medicinal plant opens the possibility for wider research, therefore, mass production of drugs against microbes and viruses will be launched in the near future, since the plant contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which have such effects.

The composition of essential oils varies considerably depending on the place of origin, harvest season and weather. The complex molecular composition of many essential oils requires high resolution separation in order to characterize the range of compounds that make up the oils. In addition, it is often necessary to study small differences between oils that correspond to differences in the geographic or genetic origin of the plant material.

Chromatography, especially gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectroscopy (MS), have been the most widely used analytical methods for analyzing essential oils. However, the limitations of GC and GC/MS have pushed chromatographers to search in depth for more efficient methods for analyzing essential oil volatiles, such as improved sample preparation prior to injection. The methods tested were steam distillation, dynamic headspace, static headspace and SPME (solid phase microextraction). As a result, the static headspace method (SPHX) is now the leading sampling method.

It is important to note that GC analysis of essential oils is usually done to evaluate a particular plant or herb for oil percentage and components. However, the analytical values ​​obtained in this way are not directly related to the volatiles in the herb itself, and may not correctly reflect the actual quality of the herb, depending on the isolation technique used. However, using a method such as the static headspace method in GC only allows you to get a profile of essential oils.

Mass spectrometry (MS) can be defined as the study of systems by the formation of gaseous ions with or without fragmentation, which are then characterized by mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and relative amounts [41]. The analyte can be ionized thermally, by an electric field, or by exposure to high energy electrons, ions, or photons.

The last decade has seen a tremendous growth in the popularity of mass spectrometers as instruments for both standard analytical experiments and fundamental research. This is due to a number of features, including relatively low cost, simple design, and extremely high data acquisition rates. And, although the sample is destroyed by the mass spectrometer in the process, this method is very sensitive, and only a small amount of material is used in the analysis.

However, as is well known, compounds such as isomers can be misidentified by GC-MS analysis; this shortcoming is often observed in the analysis of essential oils. It is widely known that the composition of essential oils is mainly represented by terpenes, which give very similar mass spectra; therefore, a favorable match ratio is not sufficient for identification, and peak assignment becomes a difficult, if not impossible, task.

On the other hand, provided that the data contained in the mass spectrum libraries were recorded using genuine samples, it can be seen that the mass spectrum of a single terpene is usually sufficient to allow its identification in combination with the retention index obtained from methyl silicone stationary phases.

Materials and methods

The object of the study was the herb Lippia Javanica. To determine the optimal results, pharmacognostic analysis, macroscopic analysis, microscopic analysis, quantitative analysis of essential oil and its qualitative analysis were carried out. Determination of the essential oil content was carried out by steam distillation of Verbena Officinalis herb and Lippia Javanica herb followed by volume measurement. The mass fraction was expressed as a percentage of the ratio of mass to volume based on absolutely dry raw material or preparation. For the experiment, Method 2 of the RF Pharmacopoeia .1.5.3.0010.15 “Determination of the content of essential oil in medicinal plant raw materials and medicinal herbal preparations” was used. Materials used: distilled water, 10% sodium hydroxide solution, glycerin, essential oil measurement equipment, analytical balance, microscopy, Petri dishes. 50 grams of ground Verbena Officinalis and Lippia Javanica, respectively, were weighed on an analytical balance. The sample was placed in a round bottom flask, where 500 ml of distilled water was added. The steam distillation process of the essential oil took two hours.

All data were acquired using the following equipment:

– TriPlus 500 PF autosampler (Thermo Scientific)

– TRACE 1300 gas chromatograph (Thermo Scientific)

– MS detection with ISQ 7000 (Thermo Scientific) 90 005

– PC workstation with Chromeleon CDS ver. 7.2.10

– MS NIST Library 16

Separation was carried out on a capillary column TraceGold 5 30 m x 0.32 mm x 0.25 mm (Thermo Scientific) in a programmed temperature mode.

Headspace parameters:

GC parameters:

MS parameters:

Peak identification provided by NIST Library 16 MS.

Results and Discussions

The result of pharmacognostic analysis is represented by microscopic features, including stomata, etherovascular glands, and short simple unicellular hairs shown in fig. 1-3.

Qualitative analysis revealed the presence of essential oil in the herb L. javanica. The collected volume reached about 20 ml. It did not have a viscous and oily consistency; most likely, Lippia Javanica essential oils are thermolabile. The result was a watery liquid with a characteristic strong odor and taste, Figure 4.

Qualitative analysis for other active substances was carried out within 30 minutes. The following reagents were used: ammonia 10%, sodium hydroxide 10%, ammonium ferrous sulfate, sodium molybdate, ferric chloride.

Figure 2. Lippia Javanica raw material under the microscope (1 – Essential oil cavities)

glandular simple unicellular hairs).

Figure 4. Organoleptic testing of essential oils Lippia Javanica

A qualitative analysis of possible active compounds was also carried out. L. javanica showed flavonoids when reacted with 10% ammonia, a yellow color and a pale yellow color with 10% sodium hydroxide solution. Yellow coloration with iron and ammonium sulfate indicates the presence of tannins. Dark green staining with ferric chloride showed the presence of phenol and flavonoids in both plants. Lippia Javanica gave a pale red color with sodium molybdate indicating the presence of phenols.

Crude essential oil from Lippia Javanica was extracted by steam distillation. Crude oil was placed in a 20 ml tube and sealed. The total ion chromatogram (SIC) obtained under the above conditions is shown in fig. 1.

Signals of 54 components were registered on the chromatogram. Some of the peaks, especially at the end of the chromatogram, were identified as components of the stationary liquid phase. Most of the minor components are identified as esters of C4-C10 alcohols and C2-C5 acids, as well as benzoic acid. Several minor peaks have been identified as simple terpenes such as geraniol, pinene and cineole. The main components were identified as benzoic acid (peak at 7.298), phenylmethyl benzoate (peak at 15.671), ethyllinolaol (peak at 16.581) and its cis isomer (peak at 16.690), mequinol (peak at 18.093), piperonal (peak at 18.442), isocitroneol, and corimbolone (peaks at 22.827 and 23.300, respectively). ). The results of the search in the MS library are shown in fig. 2.

Conclusions.

The chemical classification of essential oils has been carried out. The features of the chemical structure, and physico-chemical properties of essential oils are described.

Lippia Javanica has been reported in the literature as being used as an additive to other medicines to fight the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the South African region.

This scientific study presents a method for determining the content of essential oil, describes its quantitative assessment and assessment of the quality of raw materials. The study is ideally suited for practical application and will help in the near future to expand the field of medicine and pharmaceuticals through the introduction of such essential oils, obtained in the cheapest and most effective ways.

The study takes into account the appearance, geographical distribution and habitats of Lippia Javanica containing essential oils. The idea is to import a medicinal plant from South Africa at a lower cost and produce more drugs here in the Russian Federation, or build a pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Zimbabwe to produce high quality and safe essential oils for the local population. It has been found that L. javanica contains higher quality essential oils, which gives a positive result in the development of the concept for the production of medicinal and cosmetic essential oils of higher quality and safety for the population.

Literature review and practice showed that L. javanica has heat labile essential oils, but they lack viscosity and oily consistency, and research will be done with another way to isolate heat labile essential oils. An alternative method can be used to develop the production of essential oils from Lippia javanica individually or through grants.

In addition, macro- and microscopic signs were taken into account, and all possible diagnostic signs for Lippia Javanica were confirmed. Qualitative analysis showed that L. javanica contains flavonoids, tannins, and phenols, which manifests itself as a pale red color when interacting with sodium molybdate.

In this regard, the composition of the essential oil of L. javanica was studied by PF-GC-MS, which showed that the essential oil is composed of more than 50 compounds of terpenes, ethers, aldehydes and aromatic acids.

Thus, Lippia Javanica can be introduced into medical practice as a source of essential oils and other phytochemicals due to its medicinal value. Research needs to be done and then patented or sold to major pharmaceutical companies so that they can produce more essential oils and other drugs such as NSAIDs[1] based on Lippia javanica.

[1] Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

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