The research is strong enough and substantiated to earn a patent for their discovery so in time perhaps we might be sniffing our way to sleep. I happen to like the smell of Jasmine myself so no problem there and I wonder if Jasmine will become a “controlled substance” in time. I hope not as I like growing it in my back yard.
This also stands to give a new meaning to aromatherapy. The researchers also hope to achieve stronger effects by changing the chemical structure so we can look forward to Jasmine or Jasmine Extra Strength in the near future (grin). This would be nice if the habit forming properties are not prevalent as they are in the drugs we take today. BD
In collaboration with Dr. Olga Sergeeva and Prof. Helmut Hass from the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, researchers from Bochum led by Prof. Hanns Hatt have discovered that the two fragrances Vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513) have the same molecular mechanism of action and are as strong as the commonly prescribed barbiturates or propofol. They soothe, relieve anxiety and promote sleep.
The RUB researchers have now performed a large screening study in which they tested hundreds of fragrances to determine their effect on GABA receptors in humans and mice. The two fragrances vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513) were the strongest: they were able to increase the GABA effect by more than five times and thus act as strongly as the known drugs. The "cross check" with genetically modified GABA receptors in transgenic mice which no longer responded to propofol confirmed that the mechanism of action is the same: the altered receptor also no longer responded to the fragrances.
"We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parentally and through the respiratory air," says Prof. Hatt. "Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable. The results can also be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy." By changing the chemical structure of the scent molecules, the researchers hope to achieve even stronger effects
Intoxicating fragrance: Jasmine as valium substitute
photo: Thinkstock
We’re always talking (and writing) about ways to de-stress. We know that constantly being stressed can have seriously bad implications for our body and our mind, but this news got us all worked up: A new study shows that stressed out mice fought tumors way better than mice that were relaxing all the time. (How do mice relax, exactly?)
Mice were injected with melanoma. Some mice were in a large cage with other mice, lots of toys, and space. Other mice remained in the normal lab cages. Three weeks into the study, the tumors of the mice who were in the more stimulating cage shrank to half their previous size, and they had shrunk 77% in six weeks. The tumors even disappeared in 17% of the mice. The mice in the normal cages had tumors that continued to grow.
So, what’s the balance? We don’t want to be too stressed out, but apparently a little stress is a good thing for us. Maybe tonight we’ll take a nice, long bubble bath. But the whole time we’re in the tub, we’ll worry about what else we should be doing instead.
via Reuters
Post from: BlissTree
Cancer Prevention: Stress Is Good, for Once
image via Treehugger
Hey, everyone — good news! Scientists have discovered three new species of fish in the Gulf of Mexico. Oh, wait — that Gulf of Mexico. Turns out, not only is the BP oil spill killing underwater species we already knew about, but it’s also eradicating species we didn’t even know existed. Another giant win for BP.
Next, perhaps scientists will discover a tribe (school?) of mermaids, who will declare war on us for decimating their watery home. Mermaids can breathe underwater – we’d definitely lose.
via Treehugger
Post from: BlissTree
BP Oil Spill Is Killing Fish We Didn't Even Know Existed
Watch out, Popeye: 4,200 bags of Ready Pac spinach salad have been recalled due to E. coli contamination. No illnesses have been reported — yet. (via Chicago Tribune)
Post from: BlissTree
Osteoporosis might seem like fodder for grandmas, but checking your bone density might be a good idea long before you’re in nursing home territory. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is suggesting that at-risk women get screened for Osteoporosis earlier than was formerly recommended. In the past, doctors recommended that women aged 65 and older or post-menopausal women younger than receive bone scans to screen for osteoporosis, but the USPSTF is now suggesting that women as young as 50 may have a high enough calculated risk that they should get screened.
Risk factors include low weight or body mass (women 125 pounds or under are often at higher risk), a history of alcohol and tobacco use, and family history. (To calculate your ten-year risk, check out this free FRAX Fracture Risk Assessment Tool.) Though DEXA bone scans use radiation to test bone density and screen for osteoporosis, doctors say the exposure is minimal and safe.
The new recommendations are still under review, so doctors and nurses aren’t yet advised to change their screening or treatment practices, but asking your doctor about risk factors early on is a good idea regardless.
via Rodale
Post from: BlissTree
Bones: Yours Might Need Inspection Sooner Than You Think
