Aromatherapy
Basic Mechanisms and Evidence Based Clinical Use
Clinical Pharmacognosy Series

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated an impact of aromatherapy on the control of symptoms associated with human diseases not fully controlled by conventional therapy. Aromatherapy: Basic Mechanisms and Evidence Based Clinical Use provides an up-to-date compilation of background scientific information that advocates the application of currently developed clinical studies on the effects of aromatherapy to the treatment of human diseases such as mild, stress-induced mood disorders, infectious diseases, and age-related disturbances.

The book encompasses all aspects of successful clinical use of aromatherapy, including phytochemistry, technology, and clinical trials. It outlines a rational basis for clinical translation of aromatherapy for treating human diseases in need of safer therapies. It also describes evidence-based use of aromatherapy in controlling clinical manifestations of severe diseases for which conventional therapies often fail, such as managing agitation and aggression associated with Alzheimer?s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Containing a wealth of references and a thorough presentation of knowledge on essential oils and aromatherapy, this book is a valuable resource for students, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers in health care systems. It details the current clinical uses of aromatherapy while promoting further clinical development in areas where therapy is lacking.

Historical Notes on Essential Oils and Aromatherapy with Special Reference to Bergamot Essential Oil. The Olfactory System: From Odorant Molecules to Perception. BOTANICAL, PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANALYTICAL, AND TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES. Taxonomy, Morphology, and Physiology of Aromatic Plants: A Botanical Perspective. Phytochemical Components of Aromatic Plants and Factors Influencing Their Variability. Aromatic Plants: Molecular Biology/Biotechnology Approach. Extraction, Sample Preparation, and Analytical Methods for Quality Issues of Essential Oils. Technological Aspects of Essential Oils. CELL BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND UNDERLYING MECHANISMS. Essential Oils Exploited in Cytotoxicity Studies for Translation into Safer and More Effective Cancer Therapeutics. Phototoxicity of Essential Oils. Essential Oils: Fragrances and Antioxidants. RATIONAL BASIS FOR AROMATHERAPY. Aromatherapy and Neurotransmission: Behavioral and Neurochemical Studies. Rational Basis for Research and Development of Essential Oils in Pain Trials. Pain Relief by Local Peripheral Injection of Beta-Caryophyllene through Cannabinoid 2 Receptor. Essential Oils, the Immune System, and Inflammation. Antimicrobial Effects of Bergamot Essential Oil: From Ancient Medicine to Modern Research. EVIDENCE BASED CLINICAL USE OF AROMATHERAPY. Aromatherapy for the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms of Dementia. Aromatherapy in Dementia and Dementia-Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Therapeutic Applications of Aromatherapy in Pediatrics. Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils in the Treatment and Prevention of Infectious Diseases. REGULATORY ISSUES. Regulatory Issues in Aromatherapy. Pharmacovigilance and Phytovigilance for a Safe Use of Essential Oils. Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Epidemiology of Their Utilization.

Giacinto Bagetta, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy

Marco Cosentino, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy

Tsukasa Sakurada, Daiichi College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka, Japan