Lavender essential oil

Lavender essential oil as it relates to COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli in Health report: COMT Gene: A Look at the Processing of Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Lavender Essential Oil and COMT

Lavender essential oil has been shown to have calming and relaxing effects on the body and mind. One possible mechanism for this is through its interaction with the COMT gene.

The COMT gene encodes for an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase, which plays a role in the breakdown of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Variations in the COMT gene can affect the activity of this enzyme, leading to differences in how these neurotransmitters are metabolized in the brain.

Some studies have suggested that individuals with certain variations in the COMT gene may be more sensitive to stress and have a heightened response to aversive emotional stimuli. Lavender essential oil, with its calming properties, may help modulate this response by potentially influencing the activity of the COMT enzyme and the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Aversive emotional stimuli are negative or unpleasant stimuli that can trigger emotional responses such as fear, anxiety, or stress. These stimuli can vary from person to person and may include things like loud noises, disturbing images, or stressful situations.

Research has shown that exposure to aversive emotional stimuli can activate the brain's stress response system, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can result in physiological changes such as increased heart rate, sweating, and heightened alertness.

Lavender essential oil has been studied for its potential to reduce the impact of aversive emotional stimuli on the body and mind. Its calming and relaxing properties may help to counteract the effects of stress hormones and promote a sense of well-being in the face of negative stimuli.

Supplements for COMT and Aversive Emotional Stimuli

Here are some dietary supplements related to the content in this report. Click the shopping cart to purchase the supplement from our partners.

  1. Curcumin (found in turmeric)

    Curcumin may inhibit COMT activity and increase dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex. This could potentially enhance emotional processing and mood in those with the val/val genotype

  2. Rhodiola rosea

    This adaptogenic herb may inhibit COMT activity, particularly in people with the val/val genotype. It could help modulate dopamine levels and improve stress resilience.

  3. Omega-3 fatty acids

    Omega-3s may reduce inflammation and protect dopamine-producing neurons. This could support healthy emotional processing, especially in met allele carriers.

  4. Magnesium

    Magnesium supplementation has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. It's proposed to positively influence neurotransmitter function, including dopamine signaling

  5. SAM-e

    SAM-e is involved in methylation processes including COMT methylation of catecholamines. Supplementing with SAM-e could potentially optimize COMT enzyme function

  6. Ginkgo biloba

    Ginkgo extracts contain terpenes that act as MAO inhibitors, allowing more dopamine and norepinephrine to remain circulating in the brain, which could benefit emotion regulation.

  7. Vitamin D

    Low vitamin D levels have been associated with depression. Optimizing vitamin D may support dopaminergic function and healthy mood/stress response.

  8. Lavender essential oil

    Lavender contains linalool which has anxiolytic effects. One study found lavender oil decreased anxiety symptoms more in met/met genotypes, possibly by increasing dopamine availability.

  9. Resveratrol

    Found in grapes, resveratrol has COMT-inhibiting effects similar to curcumin according to some research. It may boost dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex.

  10. Passionflower

    Traditionally used for anxiety, passionflower increases GABA activity in the brain. It may also inhibit MAO enzymes leading to higher dopamine and norepinephrine.

  11. Probiotics

    Emerging research shows gut-brain connections. Probiotics may reduce inflammation, support neurotransmitter precursors, and improve mood/stress response.

It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any of these supplements. They can have side effects, and some may interact with medications or other supplements you're already taking.
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