We electrophysiologically investigated the effect of some fragrant compounds in oolong tea on the response of ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors (GABA_A receptors) which were expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Of the tested fragrances in oolong tea, cis-jasmone, jasmine lactone, linalool oxide and methyl jasmonate significantly potentiated the response. Among these, cis-jasmone and methyl jasmonate potently potentiated the response, having a respective dissociation constant of the compound (K_p) and maximum potentiation (V_m) of 0.49 mM and 322% for cis-jasmone, and 0.84 mM and 450% for methyl jasmonate. Inhalation of 0.1% cis-jasmone or methyl jasmonate significantly increased the sleeping time of mice induced by pentobarbital, suggesting that these fragrant compounds were absorbed by the brain and thereby potentiated the GABA_A receptor response. Both of these compounds may therefore have a tranquillizing effect on the brain.

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