Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Ylang ylang oil contains benzyl acetate and linalool compounds that activate GABA receptors to promote relaxation and reduce stress responses. These bioactive compounds modulate neurotransmitter production, particularly increasing serotonin while decreasing cortisol levels.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Ylang ylang oil is extracted from the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree, native to Southeast Asia. It is produced through steam distillation.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Research suggests that ylang ylang oil has sedative and mood-enhancing properties. Some studies indicate its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Ylang Ylang Oil (Cananga odorata) is a volatile essential oil obtained via steam distillation of fresh flowers; it is not a nutritional food ingredient and contains negligible macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats near 0% in therapeutic doses). Its profile is defined entirely by its bioactive volatile organic compounds: Linalool (1–15%, varies by grade/fraction), Germacrene-D (5–20%), Beta-caryophyllene (5–15%, a sesquiterpene with CB2 receptor affinity and anti-inflammatory activity), Benzyl acetate (10–30%, primary floral ester responsible for characteristic scent), Benzyl benzoate (5–15%, with antimicrobial and skin-penetration-enhancing properties), p-Cresyl methyl ether (1–10%), Methyl benzoate (5–12%), Eugenol (trace–5%), Farnesene (1–8%), and alpha/beta-Pinene (trace amounts). Extra-grade (first fraction) oil is richest in lighter esters (benzyl acetate, linalool), while complete-grade oil contains fuller sesquiterpene content. No vitamins or dietary minerals are present in meaningful concentrations. Fiber and protein content are effectively zero. Bioavailability: compounds are lipophilic and absorbed transdermally and via inhalation; linalool and beta-caryophyllene show measurable plasma concentrations within 20–30 minutes of dermal application. Oral ingestion is not standard; essential oil is typically used at 1–5% dilution in carrier oils for topical application.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Ylang ylang oil's benzyl acetate and linalool compounds bind to GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system, promoting inhibitory neurotransmission that reduces anxiety and stress responses. The oil stimulates serotonin production in the brain while suppressing cortisol release from the adrenal cortex. Its eugenol content provides antimicrobial effects by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A randomized controlled trial with 144 participants found ylang ylang aromatherapy reduced systolic blood pressure by 12 mmHg and decreased perceived stress scores by 23% after 4 weeks. Small studies (n=20-40) show mood improvements within 15-30 minutes of inhalation, with cortisol reductions of 15-30%. However, most research involves small sample sizes and short durations, limiting conclusions about long-term cardiovascular benefits. More robust clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic dosing protocols.
Also Known As
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