Essential oil composition with depression relieving and sleep aiding functions, microcapsule and application of microcapsule in textiles

Abstract

The invention provides an essential oil composition. The essential oil composition is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 1-2 parts of ligusticum wallichii essential oil, 1-4 parts of fingered citron essential oil and 1-2 parts of rhizoma cyperi essential oil. The invention also provides a preparation method and application of the essential oil composition. The microcapsule wall material constructed by a complex coacervation method or a spray drying method can effectively inhibit the volatility of essential oil, significantly improve the stability of the essential oil applied to cotton fabrics, reduce the irritation of the essential oil to contact parts, and prolong the action time of the essential oil by controlling a release mechanism, thereby improving the drug action effect. The prepared compound essential oil microcapsule product has the characteristics of lasting fragrance release and excellent slow release performance, successfully overcomes the original application defects of the essential oil, completely retains the active components of the essential oil, and ensures that the compound essential oil microcapsule product stably plays the effects of relieving depression and helping sleep for a long time in textile products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an essential oil composition with antidepressant and sleep-aiding effects, microcapsules, and their application in textiles. Background Technology

[0002] Depression is a common ailment in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), often caused by emotional distress and stagnation of Qi (vital energy). Symptoms commonly include low mood, irritability, and chest tightness. In modern medicine, these symptoms are frequently seen in mood disorders such as depression, and are often accompanied by sleep disturbances (such as insomnia and fragmented sleep). Current treatments primarily involve chemical antidepressants, but long-term use can lead to side effects and dependence, and some medications can even worsen sleep problems. Therefore, developing a natural, safe alternative with depressive and sleep-aiding effects is of great significance.

[0003] Plant essential oils are characterized by high volatility, good transdermal absorption, and rapid action, making them suitable for adjunctive treatment of emotional disorders. Hu Jing et al., "Aromatherapy for Depression," *Journal of Applied Technology*, September 2022, pointed out that aromatherapy can regulate the limbic system through the olfactory pathway, alleviating depression and improving sleep. Research on aromatherapy has guiding significance for the treatment of diseases and the development of new drugs. However, plant essential oils generally suffer from high volatility, poor chemical stability, easy oxidation and deterioration, and potential irritation to the skin or mucous membranes when used directly or alone. In particular, their sleep-aiding effects are difficult to sustain due to rapid evaporation, limiting their application effectiveness and scope. While Chuanxiong essential oil alone has the effect of promoting blood circulation and regulating Qi, its strong aroma can easily deplete Qi when used alone; Bergamot essential oil is effective in soothing the liver and regulating Qi, but its nature is warm and drying; Cyperus rotundus essential oil has a good effect in regulating Qi and relieving depression, but its effect is weak when used alone. The individual use of these three oils not only suffers from the aforementioned instability and irritation defects, but their effects are also difficult to synergize, and they cannot simultaneously address the Qi stagnation and sleep disorders associated with depression. (Feng Ziwei, et al., Research progress on the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of the Ligusticum chuanxiong-Cyperus rotundus herb pair. Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, October 2025; Wang Pengyun, et al., Research progress on aromatic substances in the treatment of depression. Chemistry of Life, April 2024); Furthermore, traditional methods of essential oil application (such as direct inhalation or application) are difficult to achieve long-term sustained release, limiting their convenience in daily life. Textiles, as materials in close contact with the human body during sleep (such as pillowcases, pajamas, etc.), are ideal carriers for the sustained release of essential oils. However, existing technologies for combining essential oils with textiles suffer from problems such as rapid evaporation of essential oils due to traditional spraying and limited product efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an essential oil composition that integrates antidepressant and sleep-aiding effects through microencapsulation technology and optimizes its combination with textiles to solve the problems of rapid release and limited efficacy in traditional technologies, and to meet the long-term needs in sleep scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an essential oil composition with antidepressant and sleep-aiding effects, its preparation method, and its uses.

[0005] This invention provides an essential oil composition, which is composed of the following raw materials in the indicated weight ratios: 1-2 parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 1-4 parts of Citrus medica essential oil, and 1-2 parts of Cyperus rotundus essential oil.

[0006] It is composed of raw materials in the following weight ratio: One part of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, four parts of Citrus medica essential oil, and one part of Cyperus rotundus essential oil.

[0007] It is prepared into a commonly used inhaled formulation by adding acceptable excipients or auxiliary ingredients to the aforementioned raw materials as active ingredients.

[0008] The inhaled preparations mentioned above are microcapsules, aerosols, powder inhalers, nebulized inhalers, and inhalation sprays.

[0009] The wall material of the microcapsules is gum arabic or gelatin; the core material is an essential oil composition, and the ratio of the core material to the wall material is (1-3):(1-3). The weight ratio of the gelatin and gum arabic is as follows: Gelatin 0.5-1.5 parts, gum arabic 0.5-1.5 parts; Preferably, The ratio of core material to wall material is 1:2; the weight ratio of gelatin and gum arabic is: 1 part gelatin, 1 part gum arabic.

[0010] The microcapsules are prepared using a complex coagulation method, consisting of a mixture of gelatin, gum arabic, and an essential oil composition, emulsified, and then further prepared by adding 25% glutaraldehyde and tannic acid to form a composite essential oil microcapsule. The weight ratio of 25% glutaraldehyde to tannic acid is 0.27-5.33 parts 25% glutaraldehyde and 0.25-5 parts tannic acid; preferably, the weight ratio is 2.13 parts 25% glutaraldehyde and 1 part tannic acid; or... The microcapsules are prepared by spray drying. They are made by mixing and emulsifying a composition of gelatin, gum arabic and essential oils, and then conveying it to a spray dryer by a peristaltic pump for spray drying.

[0011] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the essential oil composition, wherein the method for preparing the microcapsules includes the following steps: a. Preparation of microcapsule emulsion: Weigh gelatin and gum arabic into ultrapure water and dissolve them completely in a 40°C water bath. Weigh chuanxiong essential oil, bergamot essential oil, and cyperus essential oil and add them to the mixed capsule material solution. Homogenize and emulsify for 15 min. Adjust the pH of the system to 4 with 10% acetic acid solution. After stirring and coagulating at 7000 rpm / min for a certain period of time, transfer the mixture to a low-temperature reaction bath and cool it to 0~5°C at 7000 rpm / min. Adjust the pH of the system to 9 with 10% NaOH solution and stir at room temperature at 7000 rpm / min for 20 min to obtain the composite essential oil microcapsule emulsion. b. Microcapsule solidification: Add 25% glutaraldehyde to the above emulsion, stir at 500 rpm for 30 min, then stir in a 40℃ water bath for 3.5 h, add 10 g / L tannic acid solution, stir at room temperature for 4 h, centrifuge at 10000 rpm for 10 min, wash the surface with ultrapure water to remove residual glutaraldehyde, filter, and dry at room temperature to obtain composite essential oil microcapsules; Preferably, the emulsification speed in step a is 6000 rpm / min, and the coagulation stirring time is 30 min; the amount of glutaraldehyde used in step a is 1.5%.

[0012] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the essential oil composition, which includes the following steps: dissolving gelatin and gum arabic in ultrapure water, adding the essential oil composition according to claim 1 or 2, homogenizing and emulsifying at 6000 rpm / min for 15 minutes, and then conveying it to a spray dryer by a peristaltic pump, setting the inlet air temperature to 180°C, the material flow rate to 9 mL / min, and the atomization pressure to 40 MPa, and performing spray drying, and collecting the dried microcapsule powder.

[0013] This invention provides the use of the aforementioned essential oil composition in the preparation of topical inhaled medicines or health products with antidepressant and sleep-aiding effects; Preferably, the medicine is a medicine for treating depression and insomnia.

[0014] The present invention also provides a textile product which is a microcapsule loaded with the aforementioned essential oil composition.

[0015] This invention's formulation follows the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "principal, assistant, adjuvant, and guide" in its formulation. The principal ingredient is bergamot essential oil, used in the largest quantity, specifically for soothing the liver, regulating qi, harmonizing the stomach, and relieving pain, targeting the primary cause of depression: liver qi stagnation. The assistant ingredient is chuanxiong essential oil, which invigorates blood circulation, promotes qi flow, dispels wind, and relieves pain, assisting bergamot in regulating qi and treating qi stagnation and blood stasis. The adjuvant ingredient is cyperus essential oil, which soothes the liver, relieves depression, regulates qi, and soothes the stomach, harmonizing the other ingredients and enhancing the overall qi-regulating and depression-relieving effects of the formula. The three ingredients work together to soothe the liver, regulate qi, invigorate blood, and relieve depression, providing a more comprehensive approach to the pathogenesis of depression. Specifically, bergamot essential oil's aroma awakens the spleen and calms the mind, promoting sleep; chuanxiong essential oil opens the orifices and promotes qi circulation, calming the mind; and cyperus essential oil regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach, aiding sleep and calming the mind. The three ingredients work synergistically to achieve a dual effect of relieving depression and promoting sleep.

[0016] Furthermore, to address the technical bottlenecks of using essential oil formulations as inhalers, this invention innovatively employs microencapsulation technology to encapsulate the essential oil composition. The microcapsule wall material, constructed using complex coagulation or spray drying methods, effectively inhibits the volatility of essential oils, significantly improves their stability under different environments, reduces irritation to contact sites, and prolongs their duration of action through controlled release mechanisms, thereby enhancing bioavailability. The prepared composite essential oil microcapsule product features long-lasting aroma release and excellent sustained-release performance, successfully overcoming the original application defects of essential oils, fully preserving their active ingredients, and ensuring their long-lasting and stable liver-soothing and mood-lifting effects in the final product. Especially when applied to textiles, microencapsulation technology enables sustained release of essential oils in sleep scenarios, providing a convenient and stable application method for relieving depression and aiding sleep. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 Compound essential oil microcapsules Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following are the sources of the raw and auxiliary materials used in this invention: Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil: Available for purchase commercially, or refer to: Yu Haishuai, GC-MS analysis of the effects of different extraction methods on the volatile oil components of Ligusticum chuanxiong, Journal of Jilin Medical College, December 2022, Vol. 43, No. 6; Buddha's Hand essential oil: Available for purchase in the market, or refer to: Wang Yihe, et al., Optimization of extraction process of Buddha's Hand peel essential oil and analysis of its components and antioxidant activity, Food Industry Technology, February 2023, Vol. 44, No. 3. Cyperus rotundus essential oil: Available commercially, or refer to: Liu Chunhai, et al., Preparation and physicochemical properties of Cyperus rotundus oil-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex [J]. China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information. C57BL / 6J mice were purchased from Spiford (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Gum arabic, gelatin, tannic acid, and glutaraldehyde were purchased from Chengdu Kelong Chemical Co., Ltd. Example 1: Preparation of the microcapsules of the present invention Complex condensation method: Weigh 1g each of gelatin and gum arabic and dissolve them in 100mL of ultrapure water. Add 1g of essential oil composition (Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil: Citrus medica essential oil: Cyperus rotundus essential oil = 1:4:1) and homogenize and emulsify for 15min (emulsification speed set to 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500 rpm / min). Adjust the pH of the system to 4 with 10% acetic acid solution. After coagulation and stirring at room temperature for a certain period of time (coagulation stirring time set to 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 min), transfer the emulsion to a low-temperature reaction bath and stir at 7000 rpm / min to cool down to 0~5℃. Adjust the pH of the system to 9 and continue stirring at low temperature for 20min. Add 25% glutaraldehyde to the obtained emulsion and stir at room temperature for 30 min, then stir at 40℃ for 3 h. Add 10 g / L tannic acid solution and stir at room temperature for 4.5 h. Centrifuge at 10000 rpm / min for 10 min. Wash the precipitate three times with ultrapure water to remove residual glutaraldehyde on the surface. Filter and dry to obtain the compound essential oil microcapsules (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0019] Spray drying method: Weigh 1g each of gelatin and gum arabic and dissolve them in 100mL of ultrapure water. Add 1g of essential oil composition (Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil: Citrus medica essential oil: Cyperus rotundus essential oil = 1:4:1) and homogenize and emulsify at 6000rpm / min for 15min. Then, transport the mixture to a spray dryer using a peristaltic pump. Set the inlet air temperature to 180℃, the material flow rate to 9mL / min, and the atomization pressure to 40MPa for spray drying. Collect the dried microcapsule powder.

[0020] Example 2: Single-factor investigation of the preparation of Ligusticum chuanxiong-Citrus medica-Cyperus rotundus composite essential oil microcapsules using the complex coagulation method. Prepare 10% acetic acid and sodium hydroxide solutions in advance. Weigh out the wall material (gelatin, gum arabic) and dissolve it in ultrapure water (1g wall material to 100mL ultrapure water). Add an appropriate amount of core material (essential oil composition) and homogenize and emulsify for 15min (emulsification speed set to 4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500 rpm / min). Adjust the pH of the system to 4 with 10% acetic acid solution. After coagulation and stirring at room temperature for a certain time (coagulation stirring time set to 20, 25, 30, 35, 40min), transfer the emulsion to a low-temperature reaction bath and stir at 7000 rpm / min to cool down to 0~5℃. Adjust the pH of the system to 9 and continue stirring at low temperature for 20min. Add 25% glutaraldehyde to the obtained emulsion and stir at room temperature for 30 min, then stir at 40℃ for 3 h. Add 10 g / L tannic acid solution and stir at room temperature for 4.5 h. Centrifuge at 10000 rpm / min for 10 min. Wash the precipitate three times with ultrapure water to remove residual glutaraldehyde on the surface. Filter and dry to obtain the composite essential oil microcapsules.

[0021] Table 1. Single-factor experimental variables for the preparation of essential oil microcapsules by complex condensation method.

[0022]

[0023] Note: Wall material ratio: mass ratio of gum arabic to gelatin Core-to-wall ratio: The mass ratio of the essential oil composition (core material) to gum arabic and gelatin (wall material). Experimental results: Table 2. Results of single-factor investigation on the preparation of essential oil microcapsules by complex condensation method

[0024]

[0025] Experimental conclusion: The encapsulation rate is highest when the wall material ratio is 1:1, the core-to-wall ratio is 1:2, the emulsification speed is 6000 rpm / min, the re-setting time is 30 min, and the glutaraldehyde dosage is 1.5%.

[0026] Example 3: Single-factor investigation of the preparation of Ligusticum chuanxiong-Citrus medica-Cyperus rotundus composite essential oil microcapsules by spray drying method Gelatin and gum arabic were weighed and dissolved in ultrapure water. An appropriate amount of core material was added, and the mixture was homogenized and emulsified at 6000 rpm for 15 min. The emulsion was then transported to a spray dryer via a peristaltic pump for spray drying, and the dried microcapsule powder was collected. The effects of four single factors—inlet air temperature, material flow rate, core-to-wall ratio, and wall material composition—on the quality of the microcapsules were investigated, with encapsulation efficiency as the indicator.

[0027] Table 3 Single-factor experimental variables for the preparation of essential oil microcapsules by spray drying method

[0028]

[0029] Experimental results: Table 4. Results of single-factor investigation on the preparation of essential oil microcapsules by spray drying method

[0030]

[0031] Experimental conclusion: The encapsulation rate is at its highest level when the wall material ratio is 1:1, the core-to-wall ratio is 1:2, the inlet air temperature is 180℃, the material flow rate is 9 mL / min, and the atomization pressure is 40 MPa.

[0032] Example 4: Combination of the essential oil composition microcapsules of the present invention with cotton fabric Microcapsule powder was evenly sprinkled onto pure cotton fabric and pressed 1-2 times using a small roller press (pressure 0.3 MPa, roller speed 1 m / min). The fabric was then placed in a sealed container. The microcapsule-loaded textile was cut into 1 cm × 1 cm pieces and placed in 50 mL of PBS (containing 10% ethanol for dissolution). The mixture was incubated at 37°C with constant shaking (100 rpm). 1 mL of the supernatant was sampled at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h, with an equal volume of fresh PBS added. The supernatant was centrifuged at 5000 rpm / min, and the absorbance was measured using UV spectrophotometry to calculate the essential oil concentration. The cumulative release rate (%) was then calculated (cumulative release rate (%) = released amount / total microcapsule loading × 100%). Table 5 Results of the binding degree of microcapsule cotton fabrics

[0033]

[0034] Experimental conclusion: Compared with essential oil compositions, microcapsules can significantly reduce the release of essential oils from cotton fabrics, and microcapsules prepared by spray drying have better sustained-release efficiency.

[0035] The following efficacy tests demonstrate the beneficial effects of this invention.

[0036] Test Example 1: Synergistic Effect Test of the Essential Oil Composition of the Present Invention The purpose of this experiment was to explore whether a compound essential oil composed of Ligusticum chuanxiong, Citrus medica, and Cyperus rotundus is superior to its single-ingredient essential oils in relieving depression and insomnia. The experimental methods referenced those used in pharmacological experiments for sedative-hypnotic and antidepressant drugs, investigating the extent to which different ratios of essential oils prolonged the sleep induced by sodium pentobarbital. Mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to induce depressive behavior, and each group of mice was inhaled with a certain concentration of essential oil for 30 minutes. Behavioral tests, including tail suspension, sucrose preference, and forced swimming, were conducted. Differences between the different essential oil inhalation groups and the blank control group were compared, and statistical significance was tested. A p-value < 0.05 indicated that the compound essential oil had a better effect on relieving depression and promoting sleep than the single-ingredient essential oils.

[0037] Experimental animals: Healthy male C57BL / 6J mice, weighing 19-25g, were selected and randomly divided into groups of 8. The depression-relieving experiment included 4 essential oil inhalation groups, 1 blank control group, and 1 model group; the sleep-aiding experiment included 4 essential oil inhalation groups and 1 blank control group. Throughout the experiment, the animals received sufficient food and water. The feeding environment had a 12-hour light-dark cycle (lights on at 07:00), a room temperature of 21℃±1℃, and a humidity of 55%±5%. The experimental groups are as follows: (1) Blank control group: No essential oil was added as a control.

[0038] (2) Model group (only depression relief experiment) (3) The compound essential oil composition for relieving depression is composed of the following components in the indicated weight ratios: 0.5 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 0.5 g of Citrus medica essential oil, and 0.5 g of Cyperus rotundus essential oil; (4) Single essential oil: 1.5 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil; (5) Single essential oil: 1.5 g of bergamot essential oil; (6) Single essential oil: Cyperus rotundus essential oil 1.5 g; Experimental procedure: Anti-depression experiment: After a week of acclimatization feeding, mice were individually housed. Mice in the essential oil inhalation group were randomly exposed to CUMS (chronic unpredictable mild stress) from different stressors (fasting, water deprivation, 45°C cage tilt, damp bedding, restraint, tail clamping, diurnal cycle, ice water swimming, etc.). Two different stressors were applied daily, and the stressor sequence was changed every 7 days for 4 consecutive weeks. In the third week, mice were placed in a nebulizer, one mouse per chamber, with 5 mice per test. After 5 minutes of acclimatization, essential oil was placed in the nebulizer for inhalation for 30 minutes. After 3 consecutive days of inhalation, behavioral tests such as sucrose preference and forced swimming were immediately conducted.

[0039] (1) Sucrose preference: Before CUMS stimulation, mice were acclimatized with two water bottles in each cage to eliminate the influence of animal habits on the experiment. Before the test, all mice were fasted and dehydrated for 24 hours. On the day of the test, drinking water and 1% sucrose solution were placed in the cages for 2 hours, and the positions of the water bottles were switched every hour to avoid positional preference. After the test, the consumption of drinking water and 1% sucrose solution before and after the test was recorded, and the sucrose preference rate was calculated using the following formula.

[0040]

[0041] (2) Forced swimming test: The mice were placed in a cylindrical container (water depth 20cm, 24±1℃) and allowed to adapt for 2 minutes. The static time within 4 minutes was recorded (defined as maintaining the state of only keeping the head above water) to reflect the despair behavior.

[0042] Sleep-inducing experiment: After one week of acclimatization, mice were directly placed in the nebulizer. The sniffing method was the same as in the depression-relieving experiment, and the time of sniffing end was recorded. Using a 1ml disposable sterile syringe, the first mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 0.44% (44mg / kg) sodium pentobarbital solution (prepared with sterile physiological saline) at a rate of 0.1ml / 10g of mouse body weight. The injection time was recorded. After injection, the mice were placed in a separate enclosure. The time when the righting reflex disappeared for 1 minute within 30 minutes was recorded, the time when the mouse fell asleep was recorded, and the time when the righting reflex returned was recorded, as well as the time when the mouse woke up. The sleep latency and sleep duration for each mouse were calculated. (Sleep latency = time to sleep onset - time of injection; sleep duration = time to wake up - time to sleep onset) Experimental results: Table 6 Results of the mouse depressive-relieving test Group Sugar preference rate Forced swimming immobility time (min) Blank control group 75.48±7.58 100.27±13.11 Model group <![CDATA[55.58±7.17 ** ]]> <![CDATA[155.23±18.26 ** ]]> Chuanxiong essential oil set <![CDATA[66.62±5.33 # ]]> <![CDATA[131.25±13.78 # ]]> Buddha's Hand Essential Oil Set <![CDATA[69.26±3.79 # ]]> <![CDATA[129.08±16.57 # ]]> Cyperus rotundus essential oil group <![CDATA[72.60±7.35 # ]]> <![CDATA[120.05±14.97 # ]]> Compound essential oil group <![CDATA[82.83±7.95 ## ]]> <![CDATA[97.03±7.53 ## ]]> Table 7 Results of the mouse sleep aid test Group Sleep latency (min) Sleep duration (min) Blank control group 26.10±1.95 29.30±3.25 Chuanxiong essential oil set <![CDATA[21.99±1.53 * ]]> <![CDATA[38.88±4.55 * ]]> Buddha's Hand Essential Oil Set <![CDATA[21.93±2.72 * ]]> <![CDATA[44.41±5.63 * ]]> Cyperus rotundus essential oil group <![CDATA[20.64±3.39 * ]]> <![CDATA[41.41±4.35 * ]]> Compound essential oil group <![CDATA[16.89±2.94 ** ]]> <![CDATA[64.01±9.97 ** ]]> Note: All experimental data were statistically processed using GraphPad Prism software, expressed as X±SD, and analyzed by unpaired two-tailed t-tests or one-way ANOVA. "*" indicates comparison with the control group, P<0.05; "**" indicates comparison with the control group, P<0.01; # "Indicates a comparison with the model group, P < 0.05;" ## "" indicates a comparison with the model group, P<0.01.

[0043] Experimental conclusions: The CUMS model group mice showed a significantly lower sucrose preference rate and a significantly prolonged immobility time during forced swimming compared to the control group (P < 0.01), indicating a successful establishment of the depression model. The compound essential oil group reversed the behavioral abnormalities in the model group, significantly reduced sleep latency and prolonged sleep time in the blank group mice (P < 0.01), and the effect was superior to that of each single-ingredient group. This demonstrates that the synergistic effect of the combination of Ligusticum chuanxiong, Citrus medica, and Cyperus rotundus essential oils in relieving depression and promoting sleep is superior to that of single essential oils.

[0044] Experimental Example 2: Screening Test for the Optimal Ratio of the Essential Oil Composition of the Present Invention for Relieving Depression Animal models and experimental animals were prepared according to the method in Experiment Example 1. Healthy male C57BL / 6J mice, weighing 19-25g, were selected and randomly divided into groups of 8. The depression-relieving experiment included 6 essential oil inhalation groups, 1 blank control group, and 1 model group; the sleep-aiding experiment included 6 essential oil inhalation groups and 1 blank control group. Throughout the experiment, the animals received sufficient food and water. The feeding environment had a 12-hour light-dark cycle (lights on at 07:00), a room temperature of 21℃±1℃, and a humidity of 55%±5%. The experimental groups are as follows: (1) Blank control group: No essential oil was added as a control.

[0045] (2) Model group (only depression relief test) (3) Depression-relieving compound essential oil composition: 0.5 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 0.5 g of Citrus medica essential oil, and 0.5 g of Cyperus rotundus essential oil; (4) Depression-relieving compound essential oil composition: 0.75 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 0.375 g of Citrus medica essential oil, and 0.375 g of Cyperus rotundus essential oil; (5) Depression-relieving compound essential oil composition: 0.25 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 1 g of Citrus medica essential oil, and 0.25 g of Cyperus rotundus essential oil; (6) Depression-relieving compound essential oil composition: 0.375 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 0.375 g of Citrus medica essential oil, and 0.75 g of Cyperus rotundus essential oil; (7) Depression-relieving compound essential oil composition: 0.25 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil, 0.75 g of Citrus medica essential oil, and 0.5 g of Cyperus rotundus essential oil; (8) Compound essential oil control group: 0.9 g of Ligusticum chuanxiong essential oil and 0.6 g of Citrus medica essential oil. Table 8 Results of the mouse depressive-relieving test

[0046]

[0047] Table 9 Results of the mouse sleep-inducing test

[0048]

[0049] Note: All experimental data were statistically processed using GraphPad Prism software, expressed as X±SD, and analyzed by unpaired two-tailed t-tests or one-way ANOVA. "*" indicates comparison with the control group, P<0.05; "**" indicates comparison with the control group, P<0.01; # "Indicates a comparison with the model group, P < 0.05;" ## "" indicates a comparison with the model group, P<0.01.

[0050] Experimental conclusion: The 1:4:1 compound essential oil group showed the most significant improvement in all behavioral indicators compared to the model group (P<0.01), and its effect in relieving depression and promoting sleep was superior to the compound control group and other compound essential oil groups with different ratios. This demonstrates that the optimal ratio of the compound essential oil composition is 1:4:1.

Claims

1. An essential oil composition characterized in that: It is composed of the following raw materials in the following weight ratio: Chuanxiong essential oil 1-2 parts, bergamot essential oil 1-4 parts, and Xiangfu essential oil 1-2 parts.

2. The essential oil composition of claim 1, wherein: It is composed of the following raw materials in the following weight ratio: Chuanxiong essential oil 1 part, bergamot essential oil 4 parts, and Xiangfu essential oil 1 part.

3. The essential oil composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It is prepared from the active ingredients of the raw materials, with acceptable adjuvants or auxiliary ingredients into the commonly used inhalation preparations.

4. The essential oil composition of claim 3, wherein: The inhalation preparation is a microcapsule, an aerosol, a powder spray, an atomized inhaler, or an inhalation spray.

5. The essential oil composition of claim 4, wherein: The wall material of the microcapsule is gum arabic or gelatin; the core material is the essential oil composition, and the ratio of the core material to the wall material is (1-3):(1-3). The weight ratio of the gelatin to the gum arabic is: Gelatin 0.5-1.5 parts, and gum arabic 0.5-1.5 parts. Preferably, The ratio of the core material to the wall material is 1:2; and the weight ratio of the gelatin to the gum arabic is: Gelatin 1 part, and gum arabic 1 part.

6. The essential oil composition of claim 5, wherein: The microcapsule is prepared by complex coagulation, in which gelatin, gum arabic, and the essential oil composition are mixed and emulsified, and then 25% glutaraldehyde and tannic acid are added to prepare the complex essential oil microcapsule; the weight ratio of the 25% glutaraldehyde to the tannic acid is 25% glutaraldehyde 0.27-5.33 parts and tannic acid 0.25-5 parts; preferably, the weight ratio of the 25% glutaraldehyde to the tannic acid is 25% glutaraldehyde 2.13 parts and tannic acid 1 part; or, The microcapsule is prepared by spray drying, in which gelatin, gum arabic, and the essential oil composition are mixed and emulsified, and then delivered to a spray dryer by a peristaltic pump for spray drying.

7. A method of preparing the composition of essential oils as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that: The preparation method of the microcapsule comprises the following steps: a. Preparation of microcapsule emulsion: weigh gelatin and gum arabic in ultrapure water, dissolve thoroughly under the condition of a 40℃ water bath, weigh Chuanxiong essential oil, bergamot essential oil, and Xiangfu essential oil, add to the mixed capsule material solution, homogenize and emulsify for 15 min, adjust the system pH to 4 with 10% acetic acid solution, stir at 7000 rpm / min for a certain time, then transfer to a low-temperature reaction bath, cool to 0-5℃ at 7000 rpm / min, adjust the system pH to 9 with 10% NaOH solution, and stir at 7000 rpm / min for 20 min at room temperature to obtain the complex essential oil microcapsule emulsion; b. Microcapsule solidification: add 25% glutaraldehyde to the above emulsion, stir at 500 rpm for 30 min, then stir in a 40℃ water bath for 3.5 h, add 10 g / L tannic acid solution, stir at room temperature for 4 h, centrifuge at 10000 rpm / min for 10 min, wash the surface residual glutaraldehyde with ultrapure water, filter, and dry at room temperature to obtain the complex essential oil microcapsule; Preferably, the emulsification rotation speed in step a is 6000 rpm / min, and the complex coagulation stirring time is 30 min; the amount of glutaraldehyde used in step a is 1.5%.

8. A method of preparing the essential oil composition of claim 6, characterized by: It comprises the following steps: dissolving gelatin and gum arabic in ultrapure water, adding the essential oil composition of claim 1 or 2, homogenizing and emulsifying at 6000 rpm / min for 15 minutes, and then delivering into a spray dryer through a peristaltic pump, setting the inlet air temperature at 180℃, the material flow rate at 9 mL / min, and the atomization pressure at 40 Mpa, and then performing spray drying, and collecting the dried microcapsule powder.

9. Use of the essential oil composition of any one of claims 1-6 in the preparation of an external use inhalation medicine or health care product with the effects of relieving depression and helping sleep. Preferably, the medicine is a medicine for treating depression or insomnia.

10. A textile, characterized by: It is a microcapsule loaded with the essential oil composition of any one of claims 4-6.

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