Researchers say a compound found in lemongrass activates a vagus nerve receptor linked to slower heart rate, steadier breathing, and reduced anxiety behaviors, opening potential new avenues for nonaddictive treatments.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Researchers at Wuhan University have identified the biological mechanism behind the calming effects associated with lemongrass essential oil, discovering that a naturally occurring compound in the plant directly activates a nerve pathway tied to stress regulation, heart rate, and breathing.
The study focused on citronellal, the citrus-scented compound found in lemongrass, and its interaction with a receptor known as transient receptor potential vanilloid 3, or TRPV3. Scientists described the receptor as a molecular switch located on sensory neurons within the vagus nerve, a major communication network connecting the body and brain.
According to the researchers, citronellal activates TRPV3 channels on the vagus nerve, allowing calcium to enter nerve cells and trigger signals that travel to a region of the brainstem known as the caudal nucleus tractus solitarius, or cNTS. The cNTS processes sensory information from organs throughout the body and plays a key role in regulating involuntary functions tied to stress responses.
The activation produced measurable physiological changes in laboratory mice exposed to stress. Animals subjected to restraint-induced stress developed elevated heart rates and irregular breathing patterns, but exposure to citronellal rapidly restored both measurements to normal levels. Researchers also observed reduced anxiety-related behaviors, with mice spending more time exploring open areas rather than remaining hidden.
Scientists reported that the calming response disappeared entirely when the TRPV3 receptor was genetically removed or chemically blocked. Under those conditions, citronellal no longer reduced stress responses, slowed breathing, or affected heart activity.
The findings also revealed that the same TRPV3 receptor responds to sevoflurane, an inhaled anesthetic commonly used during surgery. Researchers found that while citronellal and sevoflurane both activate the same channel, they bind to different locations on the receptor.
Using cryo-electron microscopy, the research team discovered that citronellal binds to what scientists described as a “vanilloid site,” while sevoflurane activates the receptor through a separate “fenestration site” located closer to the channel’s pore structure.
The researchers compared the receptor to a lock containing two distinct keyholes, with different compounds capable of opening the same pathway through separate binding mechanisms.
Scientists said the findings may have implications for future anxiety treatments because the TRPV3 receptor is located in the peripheral nervous system rather than directly in the brain. Targeting receptors outside the brain could allow researchers to develop therapies that bypass the blood-brain barrier, which often complicates the delivery of psychiatric medications.
The researchers said this approach could potentially reduce risks associated with conventional anti-anxiety drugs, including dependency concerns linked to benzodiazepines and other medications that act directly on brain circuits.
The study also highlighted growing scientific interest in the vagus nerve as a regulator of emotional and physiological responses. While the vagus nerve has long been associated with calming functions, the researchers said the exact molecular pathways involved in plant-based aromatic compounds had remained unclear until now.
The report suggested that TRPV3 may become a target for what researchers described as “circuit-directed” anti-anxiety therapies designed to regulate the body’s stress response with greater precision.
In addition to lemongrass, the article referenced other natural approaches associated with stress management, including physical activity, mindfulness practices, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, and passionflower.
Researchers said the findings provide a physiological explanation for why certain aromatic compounds appear to influence relaxation and emotional state, supporting longstanding interest in aromatherapy and essential oil use for stress reduction.
Source: Natural News
Watch the following video to learn more about the incredible benefits of lemongrass.
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