Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants, such as lavender and coriander. Its use to support the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system is justified by scientific research, primarily in preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies. Linalool has been shown to exert anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and sedative effects, which are believed to be mediated through the modulation of the GABAergic system. For example, studies have demonstrated that linalool can enhance the action of GABA at GABA_A receptors, leading to increased inhibitory neurotransmission and subsequent calming effects (Linck et al., 2010).

Importantly, while these results are promising, most of the evidence comes from animal experiments and cell-based assays, rather than large-scale human clinical trials. Linalool’s anxiolytic and sedative effects in rodents have been blocked by GABA_A antagonists, providing further mechanistic support for its action via the GABA system. However, direct evidence in humans is limited, and clinical trials are needed to confirm both efficacy and safety for this specific use.

In summary, there is scientific—though mostly preclinical—evidence that linalool can modulate the GABAergic system, supporting its potential use for relaxation and anxiety, but the strength of the evidence is moderate due to limited human research.