ABSTRACT
<i>Objective</i>: The effects of essential oils on the formation of superoxide radicals during UVA (365 nm) irradiation were investigated.<br> <i>Methods</i>: ESR (electron spin resonance) spin-trapping experiments were performed on a reaction mixture containing 15 μM riboflavin, 0.10 M DMPO (5,5-dimethyl-l-pyrroline-<i>N</i>-oxide), 23 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and 6.3% (v/v) DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) (standard reaction mixture) during UVA (365 nm) irradiation.<br> <i>Results</i>: On addition of various concentrations of tea tree oil (<i>or</i> lavender super oil <i>or</i> grapefruit oil <i>or</i> peppermint oil <i>or</i> wintergreen oil) to the standard reaction mixture, the ESR peak height decreased dose-dependently.<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: This result shows that antioxidant activities increase as follows: lavender super oil<grapefruit oil<peppermint oil<tea tree oil<wintergreen oil.<br>
ABSTRACT
<i>Objective</i>: It has been reported that essential oils used in aromatherapy effect the nervous, immune and endocrine systems. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of essential oils on the cardiovascular system in healthy human subjects.<br> <i>Methods</i>: Rosemary essential oil, which reportedly has a vasopressor-like effect, and lavender essential oil which reportedly has a depressor-like effect, were administered to sixty subjects divided into rosemary, lavender, or control groups. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured after two-minutes of smelling. Data were compared among the three groups.<br> <i>Result</i>: Heart rate increased in the rosemary group. In addition to blood pressure and heart rate increased in subjects who expressed a negative impression from smelling a specific essential oils.<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: The results suggest that fragrance preference affects the therapeutic effects of aromatherapy.<br>
ABSTRACT
<i>Objective</i>: In order to assess usefulness, applicability and problems of aromatherapy in the modern medical practice.<br> <i>Method</i>: We conducted a questionnaire survey on the recognition and utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and medical aromatherapy in a professional school of acupuncture and Judo-therapy in Osaka City. The respondents were 866 students at the school.<br> <i>Results</i>: We found that 97.1% of the respondents had experienced at least one CAM therapy and 25.8% had aromatherapy. Compared to male students, more female students used aromatherapy. Perceived effectiveness of aromatherapy for purpose of the use ranged between 73.8% and 89.2%. Approximately 70.0% of the respondents were interested in medical aromatherapy, and 89.4% expected this therapy for psychosomatic/mental diseases. Main problems pointed out were collecting more scientific evidence and reducing the costs.<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: The results suggest that aromatherapy may become more widespread and one of the options to make the current clinical practice more satisfactory for patients.<br>