Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 85-96 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 87 extracts. By employing these methods, researchers can ensure the efficacy and safety of aromatic medicinal plants in clinical applications, providing reference for their integration into modern therapeutic practices. 3 Clinical Applications of Aromatic Medicinal Plants 3.1 Use in respiratory diseases Aromatic medicinal plants have shown significant potential in treating asthma. Essential oils derived from plants have been found to modulate cytokine responses, which are crucial in managing asthma. These oils can regulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10), thereby reducing airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness (Gandhi et al., 2020). Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine, such as Farfarae flos, has been used to treat asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties (Liu et al., 2020). Aromatic plants are also effective in treating bronchitis and colds. For instance, Eupatorium lindleyanumhas been traditionally used in China to treat chronic bronchitis and lobar pneumonia due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive properties (Wang et al., 2020). Moreover, essential oils from plants like menthol, eucalyptus, and camphor have been shown to provide symptomatic relief for upper respiratory tract infections, enhancing sleep quality and aiding recovery (Smith and Matthews, 2022). These oils help in decongestion and provide a cooling effect, which is beneficial for patients suffering from colds and bronchitis. 3.2 Dermatological applications Aromatic medicinal plants have long been used to treat various skin infections. For example, Plectranthus madagascariensis has demonstrated antibacterial activity against bacteria associated with wound infections, making it an important plant for treating skin infections. Extracts and essential oils from this plant contain multiple active compounds, such as polyphenols and diterpenes like rosmarinic acid, which have inhibitory effects on bacteria related to wound infections, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (Lambrechts and Lall, 2021). Additionally, aromatic plants are used to promote wound healing. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of Plectranthus madagascariensis make it particularly effective in enhancing wound healing. The main components in the plant’s essential oil, such as monoterpene oxides and diterpenes, exhibit strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which help reduce inflammation and free radical production during the wound healing process, thereby accelerating recovery (Mohammed et al., 2022). 3.3 Applications in mental health Aromatic plants are widely used in aromatherapy to alleviate anxiety and stress. As an alternative therapy, aromatherapy utilizes essential oils extracted from plants, such as frankincense, myrrh, ginger, and turmeric, and is extensively applied to relieve anxiety and stress. Research has found that aromatherapy not only improves mental health but also transmits signals through the olfactory system, acting on the brain to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress (Kieliszek et al., 2020; Nema et al., 2021). Essential oils extracted from plants, such as frankincense and ginger oil, have shown significant anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects. Studies suggest that aromatherapy can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and promote mental relaxation through interactions with the nervous system (Kumar et al., 2018). Multiple studies have indicated that essential oils from plants like lavender and myrtle are widely used in aromatherapy, with notable calming and mood-soothing effects, particularly effective in managing anxiety in postoperative patients (Moradifar et al., 2021). Frankincense and myrrh have also gained attention for their antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. Some research has further shown that long-term use of aromatic essential oils, such as inhalation through a diffuser, can significantly reduce stress hormone levels, such as cortisol, thereby effectively relieving stress (Siska et al., 2023). 4 Mechanisms of Action 4.1 Interaction with the central nervous system Aromatic medicinal plants have shown significant potential in modulating neurotransmitter activity, which is crucial for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and depression. For instance,
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