Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang)

Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang)

Product Name: Иланг-иланг душистый, Cananga odorata, Ylang-Ylang-Baum, Cananga, flor de ylang-ylang, Canang odorant, كانانجا عطرية, กระดังงาไทย, Кананга, Кананга, Кананга, Кананга, Кананга, Кананга, Иланг-Иланг, אילנג אילנג

Synonyms: иланг-иланг, кананга душистая, ананга, perfumed cananga, ylang-ylang tree, fragrant cananga, Parfüm-Cananga, Duft-Cananga, cananga perfumada, cananga olorosa, cananga odorante, شجرة الإيلانج, كنانجا, กระดังงา, กระดังงาไทย

Used Parts: flowers, leaves, fruits, seeds, bark, wood, essential oil.

Main Indications for the Use of Cananga odorata: arterial hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insomnia, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, superficial bacterial skin infections, superficial fungal skin infections, sexual dysfunction of psychogenic origin, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome.

Use of Cananga odorata in Mixtures and Complexes: chronic ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, fibromyalgia, migraine, chronic stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, climacteric depression, post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pharmacological Properties of Cananga odorata: sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant, hypotensive, antiarrhythmic, analgesic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, repellent, insecticidal.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Cananga odorata

Powder — Cananga odorata

Indications (Powder): arterial hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insomnia, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, superficial bacterial skin infections, superficial fungal skin infections, sexual dysfunction of psychogenic origin, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1.0–1.5 grams of powder once daily after meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 1.5–2.0 grams of powder once daily after meals; recommended for pronounced arterial hypertension, generalized anxiety disorders, severe forms of insomnia.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 2.5 grams of powder once daily; acceptable for resistant forms of depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, in the absence of side effects.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5–0.8 grams of powder once daily; recommended for patients with stage I chronic arterial hypertension, mild anxiety disorders, premenstrual syndrome; course of administration — 14 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 12 years old and body weight over 40 kg: 0.3–0.5 grams of powder once daily; for children under 12 years, scientific data on use are not registered.

Contraindications (Powder): allergy to plant components, severe hypotension, bradycardia; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose, possible pronounced decrease in blood pressure, dizziness, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, use the minimum dosage (0.8–1.0 grams); for body weight above 90 kg, use the maximum allowable (2.0–2.5 grams).

Preparation method (Powder): take 100 grams of thoroughly dried flower petals, grind in a mill to a fine powder, sift through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 millimeters, pack in an airtight container; the temperature during grinding should not exceed 35 °C to preserve essential oils.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in a tightly closed container, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Cananga odorata

Indications (Dry Extract): arterial hypertension, tachycardia, generalized anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insomnia, sexual dysfunction of psychogenic origin, menopausal syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 200–300 milligrams of dry extract once daily after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 400–500 milligrams of dry extract once daily for pronounced arterial hypertension, severe forms of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 600 milligrams of dry extract once daily for resistant forms of insomnia and psychoemotional disorders.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 100–150 milligrams of dry extract once daily; recommended for patients with mild forms of anxiety disorders, chronic stress; course — 21 days every 3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): for children over 14 years old and body weight over 45 kg: 50–100 milligrams of dry extract once daily; for children under 14 years, scientific data are not registered.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): allergy to plant components, severe hypotension, bradycardia; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose, possible sharp decrease in blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, use the lower limit of dosage; for body weight above 90 kg, use the upper limit of dosage.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): grind 500 grams of dry petals, pour 5 liters of 70% ethanol, infuse for 7 days at a temperature of 20–25 °C, shaking periodically; strain, filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a viscous mass, dry in a drying cabinet at 40 °C to a dry state; residual ethanol content should not exceed 500 ppm; use only after complete removal of alcohol odor.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in a tightly closed container, in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15–20 °C, away from heat and moisture sources. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Cananga odorata

Indications (Tincture): arterial hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insomnia, sexual dysfunction of psychogenic origin, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 15–20 drops of tincture, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, once daily after meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25–30 drops of tincture once daily; recommended for pronounced arterial hypertension, generalized anxiety disorders, severe forms of insomnia.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 35 drops of tincture once daily; acceptable for resistant forms of depressive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of side effects.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops of tincture once daily; recommended for patients with stage I chronic arterial hypertension, mild anxiety disorders; course of administration — 14 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): for children over 14 years old and body weight over 45 kg: 5–7 drops, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, once daily; for children under 14 years, scientific data are not registered.

Contraindications (Tincture): allergy to plant components, severe hypotension, bradycardia, alcoholism; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose, possible sharp decrease in blood pressure, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, use the lower limit of dosage; for body weight above 90 kg, use the upper limit of dosage.

Preparation method (Tincture): pour 100 grams of dry petals with 500 milliliters of 40% ethyl alcohol, infuse in a sealed glass container for 14 days at a temperature of 20–25 °C, shaking daily; strain through multi-layer gauze; if necessary, concentrate the tincture by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C, monitoring the residual ethanol content (not more than 500 ppm), use only after complete disappearance of alcohol odor.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in a dark place at a temperature of 15–20 °C, in a tightly closed glass container, away from heat sources and open flame. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 90 days.

Oil Infusion — Cananga odorata

Indications (Oil Infusion): anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insomnia, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, superficial bacterial skin infections, superficial fungal skin infections, sexual dysfunction of psychogenic origin, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): external use: apply 2–3 milliliters of infusion to the skin or hair once daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): external use: apply 4–5 milliliters of infusion twice a day; recommended for pronounced forms of seborrheic dermatitis, resistant forms of acne, pronounced psychoemotional tension.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): external use: apply 6 milliliters of infusion twice a day for severe forms of skin inflammation, chronic fungal skin infections, provided there are no side effects.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): external use: apply 1–2 milliliters of infusion to the scalp or hair once a week; recommended for the prevention of dry skin, brittle hair, chronic stress conditions.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): external use for children over 7 years old: 0.5–1.0 milliliters of infusion 1–2 times a week; scientific data on use in children under 7 years are not registered.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): allergy to plant components; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose, possible skin irritation, redness, allergic dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is used externally.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): take 20 grams of fresh petals, dry slightly at a temperature of 35 °C in the shade, pour 100 milliliters of coconut oil, place in a glass jar with a tightly closing lid, infuse for 14 days at a temperature of 25–28 °C, shaking daily; filter through gauze, pour into a dark glass bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 10–18 °C, away from heat sources and sunlight. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 90 days.

Essential Oil — Cananga odorata

Indications (Essential Oil): arterial hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, insomnia, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, superficial bacterial skin infections, superficial fungal skin infections, sexual dysfunction of psychogenic origin, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): aromatherapy: 2–3 drops per 10 square meters of room in an aroma lamp; inhalation: 1–2 drops per 200 milliliters of hot water; external use: 1 drop per 5 milliliters of carrier oil, apply 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): external use: 2 drops per 5 milliliters of carrier oil, apply 2 times a day; recommended for pronounced arterial hypertension, severe forms of insomnia, generalized anxiety disorders.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): external use: 3 drops per 5 milliliters of carrier oil, apply 2 times a day for severe forms of depressive disorders, resistant forms of skin infections; inhalation: 3–4 drops per 200 milliliters of water.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): aromatherapy: 1–2 drops in an aroma lamp 2–3 times a week; recommended for patients with chronic stress, mild forms of anxiety disorders, mild insomnia; course 4 weeks with a 2-week break.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): for children over 7 years old: 1 drop per 10 milliliters of carrier oil for external use, no more than once a day; for children under 7 years, scientific data are not registered.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): allergy to essential oils, severe hypotension, bradycardia; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): in case of overdose, possible dizziness, nausea, sharp decrease in blood pressure, skin allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, the minimum dosage is recommended; for body weight above 90 kg, an increase of 20% from the standard is acceptable.

Preparation method (Essential Oil): use fresh flower petals (5 kg), place in a steam distillation apparatus, add sufficient water, heat until steam forms at a temperature of about 100 °C, distill for 14–18 hours; separate the essential oil from the hydrosol; store only after filtration; when using organic solvents for concentration (e.g., hexane, ethanol), remove the solvent by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C or by vacuum evaporation, monitor the complete disappearance of solvent odor; residual content should not exceed 10 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): store in dark glass bottles at a temperature of 10–15 °C, away from sunlight and heat sources. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Ointment — Cananga odorata

Indications (Ointment): seborrheic dermatitis, acne, superficial bacterial skin infections, superficial fungal skin infections, dry skin, skin irritation, mild burns, skin cracks, premenstrual syndrome (for topical application to the lumbar region).

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply 2–3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory skin processes or severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): apply up to 4 times a day in the acute stage of fungal and bacterial skin infections, provided there are no side effects.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply 1–2 times a week to the skin of the face or body to prevent dryness, irritation, cracks; recommended for chronic dermatoses, increased dry skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): for children over 7 years old: apply a thin layer once daily; scientific data on use in children under 7 years are not registered.

Contraindications (Ointment): allergy to plant components; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose, possible skin irritation, itching, allergic dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is used externally.

Preparation method (Ointment): take 5 grams of ylang-ylang essential oil, 95 grams of base (coconut oil 70 g, beeswax 25 g); melt coconut oil and wax in a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 °C, add essential oil, mix until homogeneous, pour into sterile jars, cool at room temperature.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of 8–15 °C, in a tightly closed container, away from heat sources. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Cream — Cananga odorata

Indications (Cream): seborrheic dermatitis, acne, dry skin, skin irritation, superficial fungal skin infections, superficial bacterial skin infections, skin photoaging, fine wrinkles, reduced skin turgor, premenstrual syndrome (for topical application to the lumbar region).

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer to clean skin 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply 2–3 times a day for pronounced dry skin, clear signs of inflammation or reduced turgor.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): apply up to 4 times a day for severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis, chronic inflammatory skin diseases, provided there are no side effects.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply 1–2 times a week to the skin of the face and neck to prevent photoaging and loss of skin elasticity; recommended for patients with chronic dermatoses, dry skin, as well as for premenopausal women.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): for children over 7 years old: apply a thin layer once daily; scientific data on use in children under 7 years are not registered.

Contraindications (Cream): allergy to plant components; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose, possible skin irritation, itching, allergic dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is used externally.

Preparation method (Cream): take 5 grams of ylang-ylang essential oil, 50 grams of coconut oil, 40 grams of lavender hydrosol, 5 grams of beeswax; melt the wax and coconut oil in a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 °C, heat the hydrosol to the same temperature, mix both phases with intensive stirring until an emulsion forms, add essential oil, mix thoroughly, pour into sterile jars and cool.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store in a tightly closed container, in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4–8 °C, away from sunlight. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 45 days.

Cosmetics — Cananga odorata

Indications (Cosmetics): seborrheic dermatitis, acne, dry skin, skin irritation, skin photoaging, brittle hair, hair loss, dandruff, decreased skin elasticity, brittle nails.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetics): shampoos, conditioners: use 2–3 times a week; lotions, toners: apply 1–2 times a day to clean skin; hair masks: once a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetics): hair and scalp masks 2 times a week, lotions and toners 3 times a day for pronounced dry skin and hair, shampoos 4 times a week for abundant dandruff.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetics): external use as part of cosmetics up to 5 times a day for acute forms of seborrheic dermatitis or pronounced hair loss, provided there are no side effects.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetics): shampoos 1–2 times a week, lotions once a day; recommended for patients with chronic dry skin, brittle hair, tendency to photoaging; course 2 months every six months.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetics): external use for children over 7 years old as part of mild shampoos and lotions no more than once a week; scientific data on use in children under 7 years are not registered.

Contraindications (Cosmetics): allergy to essential oils or other cosmetic components; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Cosmetics): in case of overdose or excessively frequent use, possible skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, oily skin and hair.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required.

Preparation method (Cosmetics): example for shampoo: 60 grams of mild soap base, 30 grams of chamomile hydrosol, 5 grams of coconut oil, 3 grams of ylang-ylang essential oil, 2 grams of vegetable glycerin; mix hydrosol and soap base at a temperature of 30–35 °C, add coconut oil and glycerin, mix, add ylang-ylang essential oil, mix thoroughly, pour into sterile bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetics): store in tightly closed containers, at a temperature of 10–20 °C, away from sunlight and heat sources. Shelf life — 6–12 months depending on the form. After opening, use within 60 days.

Serum — Cananga odorata

Indications (Serum): skin photoaging, decreased skin elasticity, fine wrinkles, dry skin, skin irritation, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, brittle hair, hair loss.

Standard Dosage (Serum): apply 2–3 drops of serum to clean, dry skin of the face or scalp 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): apply 3–4 drops of serum 2 times a day; recommended for pronounced signs of photoaging, decreased skin turgor, active hair loss.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): apply up to 5 drops of serum 2 times a day for severe forms of dry skin, resistant forms of acne and seborrheic dermatitis.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): apply 2 drops of serum to facial skin once daily before bed; recommended for patients with chronic dry skin, photoaging, tendency to inflammatory skin diseases; course — 2 months every six months.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): for children over 12 years old: apply 1 drop to the scalp or face once daily; scientific data on use in children under 12 years are not registered.

Contraindications (Serum): allergy to plant components; scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years are not registered.

Side Effects (Serum): in case of overdose, possible skin irritation, itching, allergic dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is used externally.

Preparation method (Serum): take 10 grams of jojoba oil, 10 grams of coconut oil, 2 grams of ylang-ylang essential oil, 78 grams of rose hydrosol; mix the oils, heat to 35 °C, slowly pour in the hydrosol with constant stirring, add essential oil, stir until a homogeneous texture is obtained, pour into sterile bottles with a dropper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): store in tightly closed dark glass bottles at a temperature of 8–15 °C, away from sunlight. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Cananga odorata

In animal studies, Cananga odorata essential oil demonstrated low acute toxicity. With oral administration to mice, the LD₅₀ was more than 5000 mg/kg body weight, which is classified as practically non-toxic. With topical application in diluted form, the oil did not cause skin damage or sensitization, except in cases of individual hypersensitivity. With inhalation exposure at therapeutic doses, no signs of cumulative toxicity were detected in animals and humans. Long-term use in doses exceeding therapeutic ones may lead to a decrease in blood pressure and dizziness.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacodynamics of Cananga odorata

The pharmacodynamic activity of Cananga odorata is due to a complex of volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes, phenolic compounds, aliphatic esters, and secondary metabolites. The main effects are realized at systemic and local levels, involving the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, and skin systems. Volatile aromatic components, in particular monoterpene alcohols and esters, interact with olfactory receptors and indirectly influence the limbic system of the brain, which leads to modulation of neurotransmitter metabolism and a decrease in the level of sympathetic activity. This is manifested in sedative, anxiolytic, and vegetative tone-normalizing effects.

Sesquiterpenes and phenolic derivatives exhibit antimicrobial activity by disrupting the integrity of bacterial membranes, altering the permeability of cytoplasmic structures, and inhibiting the enzyme systems of pathogens. The antifungal effect is associated with damage to the cell wall and inhibition of ergosterol synthesis in fungi. Essential oil components also possess moderate anti-inflammatory activity, realized through a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of cyclooxygenase activity.

Phenolic compounds and terpenoids exhibit antioxidant properties, neutralizing free radicals and suppressing lipid peroxidation processes in cell membranes, which contributes to the protection of tissues from oxidative stress. On the skin and mucous membranes, a softening and restorative effect is noted, associated with the enhancement of epidermal barrier functions and normalization of the lipid layer.

In relation to the cardiovascular system, a mild hypotensive and antiarrhythmic effect is observed, presumably due to peripheral vasodilation and modulation of myocardial ion channels. In endocrine regulation, a mild adaptogenic and harmonizing effect is recorded, associated with an influence on the stress response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacokinetics — Cananga odorata

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Cananga odorata are limited, so the assessment is based on the generalized properties of its constituent biologically active substances, such as mono- and sesquiterpenes, phenolic compounds, and aliphatic esters. With oral administration, lipophilic components are absorbed in the small intestine via passive diffusion processes and partially undergo biotransformation by the intestinal microflora. Hydrophilic fractions containing phenolic metabolites are absorbed faster but are subject to the first-pass effect through the liver.

With transdermal administration, volatile and lipophilic components penetrate the stratum corneum of the skin, accumulate in the lipid structures of the epidermis and dermis, and then slowly diffuse into the systemic bloodstream. Absorption through mucous membranes occurs faster, especially for low-molecular-weight aromatic compounds. With the inhalation route of administration, absorption occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, from where active substances enter the systemic circulation with practically no metabolic inactivation at the first stage.

The distribution of active substances is characterized by their tendency to bind to lipid fractions of tissues, especially the skin, adipose tissue, and nervous system. Metabolism occurs primarily in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzymes, as well as through hydrolysis of esters by esterases. Metabolic products are excreted mainly in urine and bile, volatile fractions — partially through the lungs with exhaled air, and some hydrophilic metabolites — through the skin with sweat.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Cananga odorata

The pharmacological activity of Cananga odorata is determined by a complex of volatile mono- and sesquiterpenes (linalool, geraniol, β-caryophyllene, benzyl benzoate), aliphatic esters, phenolic compounds, and secondary metabolites possessing multi-level action. At the level of the central nervous system, aromatic components act on olfactory receptors and, through afferent pathways, activate structures of the limbic system, including the amygdala and hippocampus, which modulates the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and dopamine, contributing to the normalization of neurotransmitter balance. These effects are confirmed by studies on animal models demonstrating the interaction of essential fractions with GABAergic and serotonergic pathways.

Sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds affect the membrane structures of microorganisms, increasing the permeability of cytoplasmic membranes, which leads to ion leakage and inhibition of key enzymes. At the same time, suppression of ergosterol biosynthesis in fungi is recorded, indicating the possibility of action through inhibition of enzymes involved in sterol metabolism. The anti-inflammatory effect is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes, as well as with blocking the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which leads to a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α).

The antioxidant activity of C. odorata is realized through phenolic metabolites and terpenoids, which neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and also induce the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) through activation of the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway. In endothelial tissue, a modulating effect on nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and improvement of endothelial function have been recorded.

Volatile aromatic components, when administered by inhalation, influence the autonomic regulation of the cardiovascular system, which is expressed in a mild vasodilatory effect through activation of NO-dependent pathways and a decrease in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Topical application of essential oil stimulates epidermal regeneration, enhances the synthesis of skin barrier lipids, and suppresses the activity of pathogenic skin microflora.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Synergy — Cananga odorata

Data from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate a pronounced synergistic activity of Cananga odorata when combined with other plant and natural substances. The combination of C. odorata essential oil with lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) demonstrates a potentiating anxiolytic and sedative effect due to an additive influence on GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Combined use with tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) enhances the antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria due to cumulative destruction of cell membranes and inhibition of bacterial enzymes.

The combination with green tea (Camellia sinensis) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts increases antioxidant activity, which is associated with a synergistic increase in free radical scavenging capacity and joint activation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway. In combination with damask rose oil (Rosa damascena), potentiation of the anti-inflammatory effect is noted due to joint inhibition of NF-κB and cyclooxygenase pathways.

C. odorata essential oil also exhibits synergistic properties with menthol, enhancing the local cooling and vasodilating effect, which is associated with a combined effect on TRPM8 receptors and peripheral vasodilation. In dermatological formulations, combined use with jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) and shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) improves the penetration of active substances through the stratum corneum and prolongs their action, due to optimization of the epidermal lipid matrix.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Cananga odorata

Cananga odorata is traditionally used in the countries of Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as in Indian Ocean countries — Madagascar, the Comoros, and coastal areas of East Africa. In Indonesia and the Philippines, fresh flowers are used to prepare infusions and aromatic oils, used in traditional medicine for relaxation, for cosmetic purposes, and in hygiene procedures. In Malaysia, practices of steam inhalation with ylang-ylang flowers are known as part of postpartum care and in purification rituals.

In Thai folk medicine, C. odorata is part of aromatic compresses and massage oils used in traditional "nuad boran" procedures. In Madagascar and the Comoros, cananga essential oil has long been used as an aromatic component in ointments and salves, as well as an integral part of incense. In some Polynesian cultures, flowers are woven into garlands and wreaths, which serve as a symbol of hospitality and are used in holiday rituals and initiation ceremonies.

The first mentions of the use of Cananga odorata in written sources date back to the 17th century and are found in the records of Dutch colonial herbalists, describing methods of distilling essential oil on Java. Ethnobotanical descriptions of the peoples of the Maluku Islands record the use of flowers in ritual fumigations aimed at expelling evil spirits and purifying space. In the Comoros, cananga essential oil was used in wedding ceremonies as a symbol of harmony and prosperity.

In the ritual practice of some peoples of Southeast Asia and Oceania, ylang-ylang was considered a "plant of power" and was used to enhance personal charm and attract attention. In some regions of Africa, aromatic compositions with ylang-ylang were used in initiation rites and in the preparation of amulets, which was associated with its persistent and bright smell, associated with protection and attracting good luck.