Effects of olfactory stimulation from the fragrance of the Japanese citrus fruit Yuzu
This study investigated the soothing effects of the fragrance from yuzu, a Japanese citrus fruit (Citrus junos Sieb. ex Tanaka), using salivary chromogranin A (CgA) as an endocrinologic stress marker to reflect sympathetic nervous system activity. A total of twenty healthy women (mean age, 20.5±0.1 years) participated in a randomized, controlled, crossover study. The participants were examined on two separate occasions during the follicular phase: once with the yuzu scent and once with unscented water as a control. Salivary CgA levels and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) were measured as psychological indices before and after aromatic stimulation.
The results demonstrated that a ten-minute inhalation of the yuzu scent significantly decreased salivary CgA levels, with further decreases observed at 30 minutes post-inhalation. Additionally, the POMS results indicated that inhaling yuzu oil significantly reduced total mood disturbance and four subscores of emotional symptoms: tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, and confusion. These reductions in negative emotional symptoms persisted for up to 30 minutes after olfactory stimulation.
In conclusion, the aromatic effects of yuzu may help alleviate negative emotional stress, contributing to the suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity. This finding suggests that yuzu fragrance inhalation could be a beneficial strategy for managing stress and improving overall emotional well-being.
TITLE:
Effects of olfactory stimulation from the fragrance of the Japanese citrus fruit Yuzu (Citrus junos Sieb. Ex Tanaka) on mood states and salivary chromogranin A as an endocrinologic stress marker
RESEARCHERS:
Matsumoto T
JOURNAL:
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2014
