Instead of a sleeping pill or a mood enhancer, a nose full of jasmine scent could replace barbituates like valium, researchers at German universities have discovered.

Prof. Hanns Hatt of Ruhr University in Bochum in coperation with researchers at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf 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 - they soothe, relieve anxiety and promote sleep.

The surprising effects of the Gardenia jasminoides scent include aiding sleep and anxiety relief, according to the “Journal of Biological Chemistry” report.

The researchers tested hundreds of fragrances on humans and mice to see how they effected the function of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which is enhanced by conventional drugs like Valium.

The two fragrances vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513), derived from jasmine flowers, were the strongest, amping up GABA response “as strongly as the known drugs,” the study said.

To eliminate their last doubts about the viability of jasmine as a sedative substitute, the researchers performed behavioral tests on mice. The animals showed evidence of the scent’s calming effects through both injection and inhalation.

Now the scientists plan to experiment with altering the scent’s chemical structure to achieve even stronger effects, the statement said.