The Anxiolytic Potential of Citrus Aurantium Essential Oil: A focused critical review

Abstract

Anxiety disorders rank among the most common mental health issues globally, prompting extensive research into both traditional and alternative treatments. In this context, Citrus aurantium essential oil (bitter orange) has attracted scientific interest due to its anxiolytic properties. This essential oil's pharmacological effects are attributed to its active components, which interact with key neurotransmitter systems, including the serotoninergic and GABAergic, to exert anxiolytic, antidepressant, and sedative effects. Recent studies have explored these properties in various models, demonstrating Citrus aurantium's ability to alleviate anxiety-like behaviors in animal models and manage preoperative anxiety in humans. Despite promising preliminary findings, research on Citrus aurantium essential oil's efficacy and safety in anxiety treatment presents considerable variability in study design, methodologies, and outcomes. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the anxiolytic effects of Citrus aurantium essential oil, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications and the need for further research to clarify its efficacy and safety in clinical settings. By critically evaluating existing literature, this paper contributes to a deeper understanding of Citrus aurantium essential oil as a potential non-pharmacological intervention for anxiety disorders, underscoring the importance of continued investigation in this promising area of complementary and alternative medicine.