It has been discovered by researchers in Germany that the scent of jasmine calms mice as much as tranquilizers or sleeping pills and without the side effects.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that Hanns Hatt, a professor at the Ruhr University in Bochum, said the study is "evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy."

The ancient Egyptians first used jasmine for its relaxing effect. The name comes from the Persian word "yasmin" and means "a gift from God."

It has also been reported that Hatt and his team found that mice would sit quietly after breathing jasmine-scented air. They discovered the scent appears to stimulate receptors for the chemical GABA in the brains of both humans and mice and does so more strongly than tranquilizing drugs.

Hatt said, "We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parentally and through the respiratory air. Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable."

The Journal of Biological Chemistry has published the study. (With Inputs from Agencies)