Ylang Ylang

What Is Ylang Ylang?

Ylang ylang is a fast-growing tropical tree grown for its drooping, intensely fragrant yellow flowers. The essential oil distilled from them is a major raw material of the perfume industry and one of the best-known oils in aromatherapy ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

Cananga odorata belongs to the custard-apple family (Annonaceae). It is native from India and mainland Southeast Asia through Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines to northeastern Australia, and is now cultivated throughout the tropics ^{35,36Reference 35Li et al. · 2011Cananga odorata (Lamarck) JView study →Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}. Across that range the flowers, leaves and bark have long been used in folk medicine, and the flowers to scent coconut oil ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

The oil is rich in linalool and the benzenoid esters benzyl acetate and methyl benzoate ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}. Small human trials have looked at its effects on blood pressure, pulse and anxiety after inhalation or application to the skin, with mostly positive but not uniform results ^{2,3,4,5,6,7,13,14Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →Reference 4Moss et al. · 2008RCTModulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 5Gnatta et al. · 2014RCTAromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 6Sriboonlert et al. · 2023RCTCananga odorata Aromatherapy Reduces Anxiety in Unexperienced Patients Hospitalized for Interventional Neuroradiology Procedures: A Randomized Control Trial — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 7Patil et al. · 2025RCTYlang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy for paediatric dental anxiety — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 13Jung et al. · 2013Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — controlled trialView study →Reference 14Napavichayanun et al. · 2024RCTEffect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata sticker pads on blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers — randomized controlled trialView study →}.

Two grades of oil come from the same species: true ylang-ylang oil from one cultivated form, and the coarser cananga oil from another ^{36Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}.

How Is Ylang Ylang Used?

• Essential oil, inhaled — a few drops in a diffuser or inhaler, or on paper or a pad worn on clothing. This is the form used in most of the human trials ^{2,6,13,14Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 6Sriboonlert et al. · 2023RCTCananga odorata Aromatherapy Reduces Anxiety in Unexperienced Patients Hospitalized for Interventional Neuroradiology Procedures: A Randomized Control Trial — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 13Jung et al. · 2013Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — controlled trialView study →Reference 14Napavichayanun et al. · 2024RCTEffect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata sticker pads on blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers — randomized controlled trialView study →}.
• Essential oil on the skin — diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin for relaxation, or used in massage oils and cosmetics ^{1,3Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →}.
• Flowers — fresh flowers scent coconut oil in the Pacific, and fresh or dried flowers are used in Southeast Asian folk medicine ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.
• Leaves and bark — applied to the skin, or taken as a decoction of the bark, in the folk medicine of India, the Indian Ocean islands and the Pacific ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

The oil is also a food flavouring, used in tiny amounts ^{30Reference 30Burdock et al. · 2008ReviewSafety assessment of ylang-ylang (Cananga spp.) as a food ingredient — reviewView study →}.

Traditional Uses

Southeast Asian Folk Medicine

In Java the dried flowers are used for malaria and malaria-like fevers, and the tree is also a traditional malaria remedy in Vietnam. A paste of pounded fresh flowers is used for asthma ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

In Indonesia the oil is used to heighten pleasure and ease anxiety during sex ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

Pacific Islands Folk Medicine

Polynesians use the flowers to scent coconut oil before massage ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

In the Northern Mariana Islands the flowers and bark are used for pneumonia and stomach ache. Healers in Papua New Guinea give a decoction of the heated inner bark for gout. In Tonga and Samoa the bark is used for stomach complaints and as a laxative ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

Indian Folk Medicine

In India, as among the islanders of the Indian Ocean, the leaves are applied directly to the skin for itching and used for dandruff ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

The oil is used in India for headaches, eye inflammation and gout, and a decoction of the bark for rheumatism, phlegm, ophthalmia, ulcers and fevers ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

Modern Aromatherapy

In modern aromatherapy the steam-distilled oil is diffused or applied diluted to the skin for relaxation, low mood, nervous tension and high blood pressure ^{1,2,3Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →}.

Indications

• Situational anxiety and stress [essential oil, inhaled] ⚠Caution: Results are mixed. A pilot trial found no effect on anxiety scores, and in another trial the aroma increased calmness but slowed memory and reaction time ^4,5,6,7.
• Short-term rises in blood pressure and pulse [essential oil, inhaled or on the skin] ⚠Caution: The single-oil trials measured a short-term drop after one exposure in healthy volunteers. The only trial in people with high blood pressure used a lavender and ylang-ylang blend ^2,3,13,14.
• Relaxation and low mood [essential oil; aromatherapy]
• Labour pain [essential oil, inhaled]
• Malaria and fevers [dried flowers; Javanese and Vietnamese folk use]
• Asthma [fresh flower paste; Southeast Asian folk use]
• Itching skin and dandruff [leaves; Indian folk use]
• Stomach complaints and constipation [bark; Pacific folk use]
• Gout and rheumatism [inner bark decoction; Papua New Guinea and Indian folk use]

Botany

Ylang ylang is a fast-growing evergreen tree that can reach 3–30 m in height. Its branches droop in long, leafy sprays up to 6 m long ^{36Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}.

The leaves grow in two ranks along the twigs. They are ovate to broadly elliptic, 9–23 cm long and 4–14 cm wide, with a base that is often lopsided ^{35Reference 35Li et al. · 2011Cananga odorata (Lamarck) JView study →}.

The flowers hang from stalks 1–5 cm long. Each has six narrow petals, 5–8 cm long, that start green and turn yellow, with a purplish-brown blotch at the base inside ^{1,35Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →Reference 35Li et al. · 2011Cananga odorata (Lamarck) JView study →}. The flowers become strongly fragrant only once the petals have turned yellow, and their scent is strongest at night ^{36Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}.

The fruit is a cluster of nearly black, pulpy fruitlets 1.5–2.3 cm long, each holding 2–12 pale brown seeds ^{35Reference 35Li et al. · 2011Cananga odorata (Lamarck) JView study →}.

Two cultivated forms are distinguished. The ylang-ylang group, with more drooping branches and smaller leaves, is the source of ylang-ylang oil. The cananga group, with branches held at right angles to the trunk and leaves about 20 cm long, is the source of cananga oil. A dwarf form, var. fruticosa, is a bush 1–1.5 m tall with very curly petals that never sets fruit ^{36Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}.

Distribution

Ylang ylang grows wild from India, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos through Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea to northeastern Australia ^{35,36Reference 35Li et al. · 2011Cananga odorata (Lamarck) JView study →Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}. It grows in moist evergreen and teak forests and along forest edges, from sea level to mid-mountain elevations ^{36Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}.

It is cultivated throughout the tropics, including southern China, and has naturalised in some areas outside its range ^{35,36Reference 35Li et al. · 2011Cananga odorata (Lamarck) JView study →Reference 36Fern · 2024Cananga odorata — habit, range, habitat, cultivated forms and cultivation — species databaseView study →}. The Comoros, Madagascar and Mayotte in the western Indian Ocean are today’s main producers of the essential oil ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

Growing Conditions

Cultivation snapshot for Ylang Ylang

LifeperennialZoneUSDA 10–12

• Strictly tropical and frost-tender — thrives only in warm, humid, frost-free climates (roughly USDA zones 10–12).
• Fast-growing and sun-loving, tolerating light shade when young.
• Prefers rich, well-drained soil with steady moisture and warmth year-round.
• On plantations trees are routinely topped and pruned low so the fragrant flowers stay within reach for hand harvesting.

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Phytochemistry

Ylang-ylang oil is distilled from the fresh flowers with water or steam. Its fragrant, oxygenated fraction is led by linalool, which made up 28% of that fraction in one analysis of Madagascan oil. The same fraction holds p-cresyl methyl ether, methyl benzoate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate and geranyl acetate ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}. The flower oil also contains benzyl alcohol ^{1,9Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →Reference 9Zhang et al. · 2016AnimalThe anxiolytic effect of essential oil of Cananga odorata exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents — animal modelView study →}. Linalyl acetate has been reported from the leaf oil ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

The hydrocarbon fraction is mostly sesquiterpenes. Germacrene D and β-caryophyllene together made up 63% of it in the same analysis ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}.

The oil is collected in successive fractions, sold as Extra, First, Second and Third grades. The Extra grade is richest in the fragrant esters, the ether and linalool, and is used in fine perfumes. The later grades hold more of the heavier sesquiterpenes, including α-farnesene; the First and Second grades are used in cosmetics and the Third in soap ^{1Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →}. Composition also varies with flower maturity and with where the trees are grown ^{1,21Reference 1Tan et al. · 2015ReviewTraditional uses, phytochemistry, and bioactivities of Cananga odorata (Ylang-Ylang) — reviewView study →Reference 21Lebanov et al. · 2021In vitroRadical scavenging activity and metabolomic profiling of ylang-ylang essential oils by HPTLC — in vitroView study →}.

The international standard for the oil (NF ISO 3063, 2005) sets a composition range for each grade, and adds an Extra Superior grade for oil from the Comoros. The ranges for Comoros oil, as percentages of the oil ^{37Reference 37Chakira A et al. · 2025Improving the quality of ylang-ylang essential oils [Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson] through microwave-assisted extraction compared to conventional extraction methods — analytical; Table A1 reproduces the NF ISO 3063 (AFNOR, 2005) grade specificationsView study →}:

Compound	Extra Superior	Extra	First	Second	Third
Benzyl acetate	14–20%	11–17.5%	6–14%	4–8.8%	0.5–3%
p-Cresyl methyl ether	7–13%	5–13%	3–8.5%	2–5%	0.1–1%
Linalool	8–13%	7–12%	3–10%	2–6%	0.1–2%
Methyl benzoate	4.5–8%	4–6.5%	1.5–5.5%	1–3.5%	0.1–0.8%
Geranyl acetate	2–6%	2.5–6%	2–5%	1.7–6%	0.4–3%
Benzyl benzoate	3–6%	4–6%	4.2–9.2%	4.5–7.8%	4–8%
Germacrene D	9–15%	14–20%	10–24%	16–28%	20–35%
α-Farnesene	2–6%	6.5–15%	7–18%	14–21%	12–29%
β-Caryophyllene	2–6%	2.5–8%	4–10%	4.8–14%	5–15%

Oil from Madagascar has its own ranges under the same standard. It carries more linalool and geranyl acetate and less benzyl acetate than Comoros oil of the same grade ^{37Reference 37Chakira A et al. · 2025Improving the quality of ylang-ylang essential oils [Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson] through microwave-assisted extraction compared to conventional extraction methods — analytical; Table A1 reproduces the NF ISO 3063 (AFNOR, 2005) grade specificationsView study →}.

Other parts of the tree carry different chemistry. Cananodine, a sesquiterpene alkaloid, comes from the fruit ^{24Reference 24Hsieh et al. · 2001In vitroCytotoxic constituents of the fruits of Cananga odorata — in vitroView study →}. The flower buds contain lignans and terpenoids, including canangaterpene I ^{25Reference 25Matsumoto et al. · 2014In vitroLignan dicarboxylates and terpenoids from the flower buds of Cananga odorata and their inhibitory effects on melanogenesis — in vitroView study →}.

Constituent Summary

The oil’s main compounds, and where each is concentrated:

Pharmacology & Research

A small group of human trials has tested the inhaled or skin-applied oil, mostly for blood pressure, pulse and anxiety ^{2,3,4,5,6,7,8,13,14Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →Reference 4Moss et al. · 2008RCTModulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 5Gnatta et al. · 2014RCTAromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 6Sriboonlert et al. · 2023RCTCananga odorata Aromatherapy Reduces Anxiety in Unexperienced Patients Hospitalized for Interventional Neuroradiology Procedures: A Randomized Control Trial — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 7Patil et al. · 2025RCTYlang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy for paediatric dental anxiety — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 8Sirkeci et al. · 2023RCTEffect of ylang ylang oil and lemon oil inhalation on labor pain and anxiety — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 13Jung et al. · 2013Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — controlled trialView study →Reference 14Napavichayanun et al. · 2024RCTEffect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata sticker pads on blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers — randomized controlled trialView study →}. Several Korean trials used blends of ylang-ylang with other oils ^{15,16,17Reference 15Hwang · 2006RCTEffects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses in essential hypertension — randomized controlled trial (oil blend)View study →Reference 16Cha et al. · 2010Clinical trialEffects of aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system, aortic pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in essential hypertension — controlled clinical trial (oil blend)View study →Reference 17Song et al. · 2018RCTEffects of aromatherapy on stress responses, autonomic activity and blood pressure in patients undergoing coronary angiography — non-randomized controlled trial (oil blend)View study →}.

The rest is preclinical. Rodent studies link the calming effect to changes in serotonin and dopamine ^{9,10,11Reference 9Zhang et al. · 2016AnimalThe anxiolytic effect of essential oil of Cananga odorata exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents — animal modelView study →Reference 10Zhang et al. · 2018AnimalCananga odorata essential oil reverses m-CPP-induced anxiety via the MAPK pathway and serotonin system in mice — animal modelView study →Reference 11Zhang et al. · 2023AnimalInhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via serotonin and dopamine metabolism — animal modelView study →}. In vitro work covers antimicrobial, insect-repellent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and skin-lightening activity ^{18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29Reference 18Alaoui Mrani et al. · 2024In vitroChemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and hemolytic properties of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil — in vitroView study →Reference 19Nguena-Dongue et al. · 2025In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical profiling of Cananga odorata, Terminalia catappa and Terminalia mantaly — in vitroView study →Reference 20Upadhyay et al. · 2021In vitroNanoencapsulated Cananga odorata essential oil in chitosan nanopolymer against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus — in vitroView study →Reference 21Lebanov et al. · 2021In vitroRadical scavenging activity and metabolomic profiling of ylang-ylang essential oils by HPTLC — in vitroView study →Reference 22Zhao et al. · 2019In vitroChemical components of the volatile oil from leaves of Cananga odorata and its antioxidant activity — in vitroView study →Reference 23Han et al. · 2017In vitroChemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ylang-ylang oil in a pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast system — in vitroView study →Reference 24Hsieh et al. · 2001In vitroCytotoxic constituents of the fruits of Cananga odorata — in vitroView study →Reference 25Matsumoto et al. · 2014In vitroLignan dicarboxylates and terpenoids from the flower buds of Cananga odorata and their inhibitory effects on melanogenesis — in vitroView study →Reference 26Sukkanon et al. · 2022In vitroCananga odorata essential oil produces significant avoidance behavior in mosquitoes — in vitro/animalView study →Reference 27Soonwera · 2015In vitroEfficacy of essential oil from Cananga odorata against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus — in vitro/animalView study →Reference 28Chaiphongpachara et al. · 2020In vitroComparative larvicidal efficacy of commercial ylang-ylang essential oils — in vitro/animalView study →Reference 29Zhang et al. · 2026In vitroAcaricidal efficacy and biochemical effects of Cananga odorata essential oil and selected compounds against Haemaphysalis ticks — in vitro/animalView study →}.

1. Anxiolytic & Relaxation

In a controlled inhalation study in 24 healthy volunteers, the oil lowered blood pressure and pulse while raising self-rated attentiveness and alertness. The authors described the effect as “harmonisation” rather than sedation ^{2Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →}. Applied to the skin in 40 volunteers, it lowered blood pressure, and participants rated themselves calmer and more relaxed ^{3Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →}.

Two later single-oil trials found benefits in patient settings. In 44 patients admitted for a first interventional neuroradiology procedure, oil on paper pinned to the gown overnight lowered salivary alpha-amylase and trait-anxiety scores against placebo ^{6Reference 6Sriboonlert et al. · 2023RCTCananga odorata Aromatherapy Reduces Anxiety in Unexperienced Patients Hospitalized for Interventional Neuroradiology Procedures: A Randomized Control Trial — randomized controlled trialView study →}. In 60 children aged 6–10 at a first dental filling, ylang-ylang produced the largest fall in pulse of the three groups ^{7Reference 7Patil et al. · 2025RCTYlang-ylang and lavender aromatherapy for paediatric dental anxiety — randomized controlled trialView study →}.

⚠ Not all human data are positive. A pilot trial in 34 nursing staff found no difference between groups in anxiety scores, and self-esteem improved in all three groups, including placebo ^{5Reference 5Gnatta et al. · 2014RCTAromatherapy with ylang ylang for anxiety and self-esteem: a pilot randomized controlled trialView study →}. In a trial of 144 volunteers, the aroma increased calmness but reduced alertness, impaired memory and slowed processing speed compared with peppermint and no aroma ^{4Reference 4Moss et al. · 2008RCTModulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang — randomized controlled trialView study →}.

Rodent work supports a calming effect. The inhaled oil was anxiolytic in the elevated-plus-maze and light–dark tests in male mice and changed brain serotonin and dopamine levels; benzyl benzoate, linalool and benzyl alcohol were each anxiolytic alone ^{9Reference 9Zhang et al. · 2016AnimalThe anxiolytic effect of essential oil of Cananga odorata exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents — animal modelView study →}. It reversed drug-induced anxiety in mice, with reduced ERK1/2 and CREB phosphorylation in the hippocampus ^{10Reference 10Zhang et al. · 2018AnimalCananga odorata essential oil reverses m-CPP-induced anxiety via the MAPK pathway and serotonin system in mice — animal modelView study →}, and eased anxiety in an autism-model rat ^{11Reference 11Zhang et al. · 2023AnimalInhalation of Cananga odorata essential oil relieves anxiety behaviors in autism-like rats via serotonin and dopamine metabolism — animal modelView study →}.

Gap: the human trials are small and short, and the direction of effect (relaxing or alerting) varies between studies. No standard dose or oil grade has been established.

2. Hypotensive (Blood Pressure)

Blood pressure is the most consistently measured outcome. In healthy volunteers, both inhalation (n=24) and application to the skin (n=40) of the single oil lowered blood pressure ^{2,3Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →}. A controlled trial in 29 healthy men found lower systolic and diastolic pressure and heart rate after inhaling the aroma ^{13Reference 13Jung et al. · 2013Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — controlled trialView study →}.

In people with high blood pressure the oil has been tested only in blends. In a randomised trial of 34 volunteers with high blood pressure, sticker pads of lavender and ylang-ylang oil worn on the shirt for 14 days lowered blood pressure more than placebo pads ^{14Reference 14Napavichayanun et al. · 2024RCTEffect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata sticker pads on blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers — randomized controlled trialView study →}. Korean nursing trials using lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot or lemon blends reported lower blood pressure, cortisol and catecholamines ^{15,16,17Reference 15Hwang · 2006RCTEffects of the inhalation method using essential oils on blood pressure and stress responses in essential hypertension — randomized controlled trial (oil blend)View study →Reference 16Cha et al. · 2010Clinical trialEffects of aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system, aortic pulse wave velocity and augmentation index in essential hypertension — controlled clinical trial (oil blend)View study →Reference 17Song et al. · 2018RCTEffects of aromatherapy on stress responses, autonomic activity and blood pressure in patients undergoing coronary angiography — non-randomized controlled trial (oil blend)View study →}.

Gap: the effects are acute and modest. No single-oil trial has been run in diagnosed hypertension, and the blended trials cannot isolate ylang-ylang’s contribution.

3. Antimicrobial

Extracts of C. odorata were active against most of a bacterial and yeast panel, with MICs from about 62.5 µg/mL, and also showed antibiofilm effects ^{19Reference 19Nguena-Dongue et al. · 2025In vitroIn vitro antimicrobial activities and phytochemical profiling of Cananga odorata, Terminalia catappa and Terminalia mantaly — in vitroView study →}.

A 2024 study reported antioxidant and antibacterial activity for the oil ^{18Reference 18Alaoui Mrani et al. · 2024In vitroChemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and hemolytic properties of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil — in vitroView study →}. A nanoencapsulated chitosan formulation of the oil suppressed a toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain and its aflatoxin B production ^{20Reference 20Upadhyay et al. · 2021In vitroNanoencapsulated Cananga odorata essential oil in chitosan nanopolymer against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus — in vitroView study →}.

All of it is in vitro, often at concentrations far above what aromatherapy delivers, with no clinical infection endpoint.

4. Insect Repellent & Larvicidal

Flower oil showed high oviposition-deterrent, ovicidal, larvicidal and repellent activity against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus ^{27Reference 27Soonwera · 2015In vitroEfficacy of essential oil from Cananga odorata against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles dirus and Culex quinquefasciatus — in vitro/animalView study →}. An excito-repellency chamber study found strong contact-irritant and repellent effects in four mosquito species ^{26Reference 26Sukkanon et al. · 2022In vitroCananga odorata essential oil produces significant avoidance behavior in mosquitoes — in vitro/animalView study →}.

Commercial ylang-ylang oils are larvicidal at sub-ppm concentrations ^{28Reference 28Chaiphongpachara et al. · 2020In vitroComparative larvicidal efficacy of commercial ylang-ylang essential oils — in vitro/animalView study →}. The oil and its constituents, including linalool, show contact and fumigant toxicity against livestock ticks ^{29Reference 29Zhang et al. · 2026In vitroAcaricidal efficacy and biochemical effects of Cananga odorata essential oil and selected compounds against Haemaphysalis ticks — in vitro/animalView study →}.

Gap: no human field-repellency trial. Protection time on skin at safe dilutions is untested, and volatile oils evaporate quickly.

5. Antioxidant

Profiling of 52 oil samples found that radical-scavenging activity rose with distillation time, and tentatively linked it to germacrene D, α-farnesene, eugenol and linalool ^{21Reference 21Lebanov et al. · 2021In vitroRadical scavenging activity and metabolomic profiling of ylang-ylang essential oils by HPTLC — in vitroView study →}.

The leaf volatile oil inhibited nitric oxide production as well as scavenging radicals ^{22Reference 22Zhao et al. · 2019In vitroChemical components of the volatile oil from leaves of Cananga odorata and its antioxidant activity — in vitroView study →}, and a 2024 study measured antioxidant capacity in the flower oil ^{18Reference 18Alaoui Mrani et al. · 2024In vitroChemical composition, antioxidant, antibacterial and hemolytic properties of ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil — in vitroView study →}.

Almost all of it is in vitro chemistry, with no cellular or clinical endpoint. Activity depends heavily on grade, so results do not carry over between products.

6. Anti-Inflammatory

In a pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast model, ylang-ylang oil modulated proteins involved in inflammation and tissue remodelling ^{23Reference 23Han et al. · 2017In vitroChemical composition analysis and in vitro biological activities of ylang-ylang oil in a pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast system — in vitroView study →}. The leaf oil inhibited nitric oxide production, a pro-inflammatory mediator ^{22Reference 22Zhao et al. · 2019In vitroChemical components of the volatile oil from leaves of Cananga odorata and its antioxidant activity — in vitroView study →}.

In mice with nerve injury, the oil reduced pain behaviour and the anxiety and depression that accompanied it ^{12Reference 12Borgonetti et al. · 2022AnimalYlang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil reduced neuropathic pain and associated anxiety in mice — animal modelView study →}.

No dedicated in vivo anti-inflammatory model has been run, and the mechanism is inferred from adjacent endpoints.

7. Analgesic

The main direct evidence is a mouse spared-nerve-injury study, in which the oil reduced neuropathic pain behaviour and the mood changes that came with it ^{12Reference 12Borgonetti et al. · 2022AnimalYlang-ylang (Cananga odorata) essential oil reduced neuropathic pain and associated anxiety in mice — animal modelView study →}.

In a randomised trial of 45 first-time mothers in labour, women who inhaled ylang-ylang oil (n=15) or lemon oil (n=15) reported lower pain at 5–7 cm dilatation than controls. Neither oil changed anxiety scores ^{8Reference 8Sirkeci et al. · 2023RCTEffect of ylang ylang oil and lemon oil inhalation on labor pain and anxiety — randomized controlled trialView study →}.

Gap: one animal model and one small human trial, with pain measured by self-report.

8. Anticancer

From the fruits, the sesquiterpene alkaloid cananodine was cytotoxic to human hepatocarcinoma cell lines ^{24Reference 24Hsieh et al. · 2001In vitroCytotoxic constituents of the fruits of Cananga odorata — in vitroView study →}. No finding has advanced to in vivo or clinical testing.

These are isolated compounds tested on cell lines, with no whole-oil in vivo work and no selectivity or pharmacokinetic data.

9. Anti-Melanogenic

A methanolic flower-bud extract inhibited melanin production in theophylline-stimulated mouse B16 melanoma cells. Isolated terpenoids, including canangaterpene I, suppressed melanin production more strongly than the reference agent arbutin without cytotoxicity ^{25Reference 25Matsumoto et al. · 2014In vitroLignan dicarboxylates and terpenoids from the flower buds of Cananga odorata and their inhibitory effects on melanogenesis — in vitroView study →}.

That is one cell-line study on isolated constituents, with no human skin data, and no evidence that the essential oil (as opposed to the methanolic extract) carries the effect.

Mechanisms

In rodents, the inhaled oil changes serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain and reduces ERK1/2 and CREB signalling in the hippocampus. Three of its constituents, benzyl benzoate, linalool and benzyl alcohol, are each anxiolytic on their own ^{9,10Reference 9Zhang et al. · 2016AnimalThe anxiolytic effect of essential oil of Cananga odorata exposure on mice and determination of its major active constituents — animal modelView study →Reference 10Zhang et al. · 2018AnimalCananga odorata essential oil reverses m-CPP-induced anxiety via the MAPK pathway and serotonin system in mice — animal modelView study →}. In people, the oil lowers blood pressure and pulse after a single exposure ^{2,3,13Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →Reference 13Jung et al. · 2013Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — controlled trialView study →}.

Its antimicrobial, antioxidant and insect-repellent activity has been studied only in vitro. Linalool is also the main constituent of lavender and several other calming oils.

Clinical Trials

The single ongoing trial (NCT06425237) is counted under “Planned”.

Last checked: July 2026.

Dosage

• Inhaled oil — the trials used a single inhaled exposure, or oil on paper or a pad worn on clothing ^{2,6,13,14Reference 2Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2004RCTEvaluation of the harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after inhalation — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 6Sriboonlert et al. · 2023RCTCananga odorata Aromatherapy Reduces Anxiety in Unexperienced Patients Hospitalized for Interventional Neuroradiology Procedures: A Randomized Control Trial — randomized controlled trialView study →Reference 13Jung et al. · 2013Effects of ylang-ylang aroma on blood pressure and heart rate in healthy men — controlled trialView study →Reference 14Napavichayanun et al. · 2024RCTEffect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata sticker pads on blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers — randomized controlled trialView study →}.
• On the skin — always diluted in a carrier oil and patch-tested first. Most allergic reactions to essential oils follow the use of pure oil or high-concentration products ^{32Reference 32de Groot et al. · 2016ReviewEssential oils, part IV: contact allergy — reviewView study →}.
• Not taken internally. As a food flavouring the oil is used in trace amounts only ^{30Reference 30Burdock et al. · 2008ReviewSafety assessment of ylang-ylang (Cananga spp.) as a food ingredient — reviewView study →}.

Traditional Dosage

Safety & Pregnancy

Ylang-ylang oil has a long record as a perfume and a food flavouring. Its main risk is an allergic skin reaction.

Full Safety & Interactions Detail

Skin allergy is the main risk. Ylang-ylang was one of nine essential oils that produced positive patch-test reactions in more than 2% of patients tested for contact dermatitis ^{32Reference 32de Groot et al. · 2016ReviewEssential oils, part IV: contact allergy — reviewView study →}. In German-led clinic network data from 2010–2019 it was one of six oils, out of twelve tested, to produce positive reactions in more than 1% of patients, at 3.9%. Masseurs and cosmeticians were at higher risk ^{33Reference 33Geier et al. · 2022ObservationalContact sensitization to essential oils: IVDK data 2010–2019 — observationalView study →}. Allergic contact dermatitis from the oil has been reported, including at work ^{31,34Reference 31Kenerva et al. · 1995Case reportOccupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by ylang-ylang oil — case reportView study →Reference 34Sindle et al. · 2021ReviewArt of prevention: essential oils — natural products not necessarily safe — reviewView study →}.

Most reactions to essential oils follow the use of pure oils or high-concentration products ^{32Reference 32de Groot et al. · 2016ReviewEssential oils, part IV: contact allergy — reviewView study →}. Dilute the oil in a carrier, patch-test before first use, and keep it off damaged skin.

Food use. The oil is a food flavouring, at an estimated intake of 0.0001 mg/kg a day. That use has caused no reported allergic reactions or other harm, but it says nothing about undiluted oil on the skin ^{30Reference 30Burdock et al. · 2008ReviewSafety assessment of ylang-ylang (Cananga spp.) as a food ingredient — reviewView study →}.

Blood pressure. Single-oil and blended trials both show a short-term fall in blood pressure ^{3,14Reference 3Hongratanaworakit et al. · 2006Clinical trialRelaxing effect of ylang ylang oil on humans after transdermal absorption — clinical trialView study →Reference 14Napavichayanun et al. · 2024RCTEffect of Lavandula angustifolia and Cananga odorata sticker pads on blood pressure in high blood pressure volunteers — randomized controlled trialView study →}, so the oil may add to antihypertensive drugs. No herb–drug interaction has been studied.

References

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