Berlin, (SANA)- German Researchers said the jasmine fragrance can be used as a substitute of the drug valium.

Instead of a sleeping pill or a mood enhancer, a nose full of jasmine from Gardenia jasminoides could also help: in collaboration with Dr. Olga Sergeeva and Prof. Helmut Hass from the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, researchers from Bochum led by Prof. Dr. Hanns Hatt have discovered that the two fragrances Vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513) have the same molecular mechanism of action and are as strong as the commonly prescribed barbiturates or propofol.

Prof. Hatt said that the impact of the jasmine smell is similar to the sedatives since it can help remove the psychological tension rather than using sleeping pills and the anti-anxiety drugs.

In their research published at the German Biological Chemistry Magazine, the scientists stressed that the sedative, hypnotic and anti-anxiety drugs are the most used drugs in the psychological therapy, but the difference between the sedative and the hypnotic drugs is only the dose.

Hatt said that the tests conducted on the behavior of mice confirmed the quality of jasmine fragrance as a smoothing material and its calming effect.

He stressed that putting a bouquet of jasmine in the bedroom does not hurt, noting that the concentration of jasmine fragrance in the room is much lower than the concentration used in experiments on mice.

Damascus, the capital of Syria, is known for its Jasmine flowers, it is popular by the name of 'fragrant city'. Jasmine, a sweet smelling flower, has a special significance in Syrian history.

In order to increase the plantation of Jasmine, Syria has encouraged the citizens to plant at least one Jasmine plant in their houses. During the blossom season one can smell the sweet fragrance of jasmine in all parts of Damascus city.

Damascus jasmine is featured by its pristine white color along with its exquisite aroma. It is used to decorate the homes and mansions and even the streets of the city.

There is an annual event named "Damascus, City of Jasmine." The festival, launched for the first time in April 2007, aims at reviving the planting of Jasmine in Damascus, and encouraging people to take care of these flowers and planting them everywhere.

H.Zain/ Ghossoun