1,2,4Department of Pharmacy, M.J.P. Rohilkhand University, Bareilly, 243006, Uttar Pradesh, India
3Faculty, College of Pharmacy, Teerthankar Mahaveer University, Moradabad, 244001, Uttar Pradesh, India
1*Corresponding Author Email: researchermjpru@gmail.com
ORCID: 0000-0003-3851-2987
Received: 16th Dec, 2025; Revised: 8th Feb, 2026; Accepted: 12th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 28th Feb, 2026
Depression is a multifactorial mental health disorder characterized by persistent low mood, anhedonia, cognitive impairment, and emotional dysregulation, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Although conventional antidepressant therapies are effective, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects, delayed onset of action, and variable patient compliance. Consequently, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapeutic approaches, particularly those derived from natural sources. Essential oils (EOs), concentrated volatile extracts obtained from aromatic plants, have gained considerable attention for their potential antidepressant properties and favorable safety profiles. This article reviews the antidepressant effects of commonly used essential oils, including lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), and peppermint (Mentha piperita). Lavender oil is widely recognized for its anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects, mediated through modulation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system and reduction of stress-induced cortisol levels. Bergamot oil exhibits significant mood-enhancing and anxiolytic activities, primarily through regulation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Rosemary oil has been shown to improve cognitive performance, alertness, and emotional state by influencing cholinergic activity and cerebral blood flow. Chamomile oil possesses calming and antidepressant properties attributed to its flavonoids and terpenoids, which exert mild sedative and neuroprotective effects. Peppermint oil demonstrates stimulating and energizing properties, contributing to improved mood, mental clarity, and reduced fatigue. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these essential oils exert antidepressant effects via multiple mechanisms, including neurotransmitter modulation, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis regulation, antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Collectively, essential oils represent promising adjunctive agents in the management of depression, offering holistic benefits for emotional well-being. Further well-designed clinical trials are required to establish standardized formulations, optimal dosing, and long-term safety profiles.
Keywords: Essential oil, Depression, Lavender oil, Chamomile oil, Rosemary oil, Mental well-being.
How to cite this article: Asif D, Shakya S, Verma A, Maheshwari KK, Verma AK. Exploring the Antidepressant Properties of Essential Oils: A Natural Approach to Mental Well-Being. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(5s): 561-578; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.5s.74
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None