Lavender essential oil ameliorates depression-like behavior and increases neurogenesis and dendritic complexity in rats

摘要: Abstract Depression is a major health issue that causes severe societal economic and burden. Aromatherapy, practice uses essential oils for preventive therapeutic purposes, represents promising alternative the alleviation of depressive symptoms. Lavender oil (LEO) has been focus clinical studies due to its positive effect on mood. An animal model chronic administration high dose corticosterone induce depression- anxiety-like behavior reduced neurogenesis was used explore biological changes brought by aromatherapy. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, (Cort) group with corticosterone, LEO daily exposure inhalation, LEO + Cort. At end 14-day treatment period, behavioral tests carried out. Serum samples collected 2–3 days after period before perfusion carry out biochemical analyses measure BDNF, oxytocin. After perfusion, brains immunohistochemical analysis detect BrdU DCX cells in hippocampus subventricular zone. Results showed ameliorated depression-like induced as observed LEO + Cort group. Cort number Treatment prevented corticosterone-induced reduction (LEO + Cort group) demonstrating neurogenic under conditions. Chronic significantly dendritic complexity immature neurons. On contrary, increased neurons conditions group). The improved demonstrated clear restorative However, treatment, levels BDNF upregulated groups. Furthermore, concentration oxytocin serum, be alone. present study provided evidence neuroplasticity neurogenesis. Also, this contributes understanding mechanism action an where administration.