Silexan is a specific, clinically studied oral extract of lavender oil, derived from Lavandula angustifolia flowers. This formulation has undergone rigorous scientific investigation to ensure consistent composition and demonstrated efficacy.
Understanding Silexan
Silexan is a pharmaceutical-grade extract of lavender oil, sourced from Lavandula angustifolia via steam distillation. It is a patented preparation, ensuring standardized composition and quality, unlike generic lavender oils. This standardization provides a consistent amount of its active components, primarily linalool and linalyl acetate, which make up about 71% of the oil. Silexan’s development builds on lavender’s long history of traditional use, now supported by modern scientific evidence.
How Silexan Supports Well-being
Silexan supports well-being by addressing symptoms of mild anxiety, restlessness, and associated sleep disturbances. Clinical trials show its effectiveness in reducing anxiety levels, with improvements observed after two weeks of use and continuing to build over three months. A large randomized controlled trial found Silexan significantly improved scores on anxiety rating scales, as well as secondary measures of depression, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.
Silexan has demonstrated efficacy in patients with subthreshold anxiety disorders and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and may also help with co-occurring depressive symptoms. While not directly sedating, Silexan’s ability to alleviate anxiety can indirectly lead to improved sleep quality, offering more restful sleep for those whose sleep is disrupted by anxious thoughts.
Silexan’s Action in the Body
The proposed mechanism of action for Silexan involves its interaction with specific targets in the brain. Research suggests Silexan moderately inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), which play a role in regulating the release of neurotransmitters and neuronal excitability. Silexan is thought to primarily inhibit T-type and N-type channels, reducing calcium influx into neurons. This reduction in calcium influx can lead to a decreased release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, resulting in stabilized neuronal activity.
Silexan may also influence neurotransmitter systems like serotonin. Studies indicate Silexan can increase extracellular serotonin levels in the prefrontal cortex. Prolonged treatment with Silexan might induce adaptive changes similar to those seen with certain antidepressant medications, such as reduced binding at serotonin-1A receptors.
Using Silexan Safely
Silexan is taken as an 80 mg capsule once daily, swallowed whole with liquid. Common side effects are mild, including lavender-flavored belching or mild gastrointestinal complaints.
Silexan is not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of adequate data. Individuals with known allergies to lavender oil or its ingredients should avoid use.
Consult a healthcare professional before taking Silexan, especially if symptoms worsen, if taking other medications, or if you have underlying health conditions, particularly liver impairment, as lavender oil components are largely metabolized by the liver.