The Effects of Lavender Oil Inhalation on Emotional States, Autonomic Nervous System,and Brain Electrical Activity Winai Sayorwan MPham*,Vorasith Siripornpanich MD** Teerut Piriyapunyaporn BSc***,Tapanee Hongratanaworakit Dr rer nat**** Naiphinich Kotchabhakdi PhD*****Nijsiri Ruangrungsi PhD* *College of Public Health Sciences,Chulalongkorn University,Bangkok,Thailand **Research Center for Neuroscience,Institute of Molecular Biosciences. Mahidol University.Salaya.Nakhonpathom.Thailand **Salaya Stem Cell Research and Development Project.Research Center for Neuroscience.Institue of Molecular Biosciences. Mahidol University.Salava.Nakhonpathom.Thailand ***Faculty of Pharmacy.Srinakharinwirot University.Nakhon-nayok.Thailand Objective:Investigate the effects of lavender oil on the central nervous system,autonomic nervous system,and mood responses in humans after inhalation. Material and Method:Twenty healthy volunteers participated in the experiments.The present study assessed autonomic parameters such as blood pressure,heart rate,respiratory rate,and skin temperature to determine the arousal level of the autonomic nervous system.In addition,subjects were asked to estimate their mood responses such as feeling pleasant or unpleasant,uncomfortable,sensuality,relaxation,or refreshing in order to assess subjective behavioral arousal.Finally. electroencephalogram (EEG)was recorded from 31 electrodes on the scalp according to the international 10 to 20 system, and EEG power spectra were calculated by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT).Data was analyzed by comparing the effects of lavender oil on physiological and mood states with sweet almond oil.These assessments were measured before and after using paired t-test statistical procedure. Results:The results revealed that lavender oil caused significant decreases ofblood pressure,heart rate,and skin temperature. which indicated a decrease of autonomic arousal.In terms of mood responses,the subjects in the lavender oil group categorized themselves as more active,fresher:relaxed than subjects just inhaling base oil.Compared with base oil,lavender oil increased the power of theta(4-8 H=)and alpha (8-13 H=)brain activities.The topographic map showed obviously more scattering power in alpha range waves particularly in bilateral temporal and central area. Conclusion:The findings provided evidence the relaxing effect of inhaling lavender oil Keywords:Lavandula angustifolia Mill,Physiological parameters,EEG Relaxation J Med Assoc Thai 2012;95 (4):598-606 Full text.e-Journal:http://www.jmat.mat.or.th Aromatherapy can be defined as the use of massage.It is also the best-selling essential oil, essential oils to balance mind.body,and spirit.The particularly in Bangkok2) word is derived from two words:aroma and therapy. Lavenders are members ofa genus Lavendula "Aroma"means smell or fragrance and"therapy"means and belong to the mint family,Lamiaceae,which is treatment.Complementary and alternative medicines native to the Mediterranean.In general,the essential usually use aromatherapy in their treatments by using oil of lavender (Lavendula angustifolia Mill)consists essential oils usually derived from volatile liquid plant of linalyl acetate,B-linalool,and B-caryophyllene) materials and other aromatic compounds from plants). The general properties of lavender oil are antibacterial. In Thailand,lavender is a popular essential oil in antifungal,carminative (smooth muscle relaxant), aromatherapy and administered by inhalation or sedative,antidepressant,promoting wound healing, and increasing the detoxification of enzymes Correspondence to: associated with insecticide resistance(4).A number of Ruangrungsi S.College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University.Bongkok 10300,Thailand. researchers report the sedative effects of lavender oil Phone:0-2218-8158 caused by the major components linalyl acetate and E-mail:nijsiri.r@chula.ac.th B-linalool(5.6).These compounds can be rapidly 598 J MedAssoc Thai Vol.95 No.4 2012
598 J Med Assoc Thai Vol. 95 No. 4 2012 Correspondence to: Ruangrungsi S, College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bongkok 10300, Thailand. Phone: 0-2218-8158 E-mail: nijsiri.r@chula.ac.th The Effects of Lavender Oil Inhalation on Emotional States, Autonomic Nervous System, and Brain Electrical Activity Winai Sayorwan MPham*, Vorasith Siripornpanich MD**, Teerut Piriyapunyaporn BSc***, Tapanee Hongratanaworakit Dr rer nat****, Naiphinich Kotchabhakdi PhD**, ***, Nijsiri Ruangrungsi PhD* * College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand ** Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom, Thailand *** Salaya Stem Cell Research and Development Project, Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhonpathom, Thailand **** Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon-nayok, Thailand Objective: Investigate the effects of lavender oil on the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, and mood responses in humans after inhalation. Material and Method: Twenty healthy volunteers participated in the experiments. The present study assessed autonomic parameters such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and skin temperature to determine the arousal level of the autonomic nervous system. In addition, subjects were asked to estimate their mood responses such as feeling pleasant or unpleasant, uncomfortable, sensuality, relaxation, or refreshing in order to assess subjective behavioral arousal. Finally, electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from 31 electrodes on the scalp according to the international 10 to 20 system, and EEG power spectra were calculated by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). Data was analyzed by comparing the effects of lavender oil on physiological and mood states with sweet almond oil. These assessments were measured before and after using paired t-test statistical procedure. Results: The results revealed that lavender oil caused significant decreases of blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature, which indicated a decrease of autonomic arousal. In terms of mood responses, the subjects in the lavender oil group categorized themselves as more active, fresher, relaxed than subjects just inhaling base oil. Compared with base oil, lavender oil increased the power of theta (4-8 Hz) and alpha (8-13 Hz) brain activities. The topographic map showed obviously more scattering power in alpha range waves particularly in bilateral temporal and central area. Conclusion: The findings provided evidence the relaxing effect of inhaling lavender oil Keywords: Lavandula angustifolia Mill, Physiological parameters, EEG, Relaxation Aromatherapy can be defined as the use of essential oils to balance mind, body, and spirit. The word is derived from two words: aroma and therapy. “Aroma” means smell or fragrance and “therapy” means treatment. Complementary and alternative medicines usually use aromatherapy in their treatments by using essential oils usually derived from volatile liquid plant materials and other aromatic compounds from plants(1). In Thailand, lavender is a popular essential oil in aromatherapy and administered by inhalation or massage. It is also the best-selling essential oil, particularly in Bangkok(2). Lavenders are members of a genus Lavendula and belong to the mint family, Lamiaceae, which is native to the Mediterranean. In general, the essential oil of lavender (Lavendula angustifolia Mill) consists of linalyl acetate, β-linalool, and β-caryophyllene(3). The general properties of lavender oil are antibacterial, antifungal, carminative (smooth muscle relaxant), sedative, antidepressant, promoting wound healing, and increasing the detoxification of enzymes associated with insecticide resistance (4). A number of researchers report the sedative effects of lavender oil caused by the major components linalyl acetate and β-linalool(5,6). These compounds can be rapidly J Med Assoc Thai 2012; 95 (4): 598-606 Full text. e-Journal: http://www.jmat.mat.or.th
absorbed through the body by inhalation with plasma Material and Method level reaching a maximum peak in approximately seven Subiects minutes after administration,which can cause a Twenty selected participants equal number depression of nervous system.Linalyl acetate has a of male and female aged between 18 and 35 years narcotic action and linalool acts as a sedative(5.6) (mean age 23.25+4.52 years)with normal body mass Diego et al(found that individuals felt more relaxed indices(mean 20.86+1.91)were enrolled in the present and an improved mood after inhaling lavender oil. study.A summary of the demographic data of the Moreover,an increase of mid frontal(F3,F4)alpha participants is presented in Table 1.All participants power on their EEG was found after inhalation of the were right-handed as determined by the Edinburgh oil(s).Motomura()suggests that lavender has been Handedness Inventory(4).None of the subjects had demonstrated to decrease stress scores and increase abnormalities affecting smell,cardiovascular diseases. Theta 1 (3.5-5.5Hz)brain wave activity and decrease or a history of smoking or drug addiction.Subjects Betal(13.5-20 Hz)which is associated with relaxation were screened for a normal sense of smell using the In contrast,Masago1)found that there was a partial n-butyl alcohol test method(s)(mean score10+0.77). decrease in alphal (8-11Hz)activity and a significant Twelve hours prior to testing subjects were asked to decrease in posterior temporal lobe activity after wash their hair without any spray.They were also asked receiving lavender oil.Some researchers studying not to use antiperspirants,perfumes and refrain from autonomic nervous system activity also showed consuming alcohol,cigarettes,or caffeinated drinks. contrasting results.For example,Tongnit et al found Women who were menstruating were not included a significantly decreased blood pressure,heart rate in the sample(16).They were requested to try to sleep and respiratory rate caused by three minutes inhalation well before the day of the experiment to avoid of lavender essential oils,whereas Sriboon(2)found feeling fatigued or drowsy.Subjects were given a full inhalation lavender oil by aroma lamp caused a explanation of the research and a written informed significant decrease in respiratory rate and subjective consent of all aspects of the present study,and were calmness and relaxation,but diastolic blood pressure free to withdraw at any time. and heart rate increased.These results might be due to The present study was approved by the hedonic effect (pleasant and unpleasant).In the Ethical Review Committee for Research Involving research by Brauchli et al)they reported that heart Human Research Subjects,Health Science Group, rate is an autonomic variable that can be affected by Chulalongkorn University,Permissions No.COA pleasant and unpleasant oils.For example,valeric acid NO.0092011. (judged unpleasant)can increase heart rate,while the heart rate decreases with phenylethyl alcohol(rated Essential oil administration pleasant).Therefore,the differences between stimulant The oil of lavender was obtained from the aromas and sedative aromas that can affect the pattern Thai China Flavours and Fragrances Company.The oil ofheart rate are affected by two important factors,the composition was identified by gas chromatography/ characteristic of the essential oil and its pleasantness. mass spectrometry (GC/MS)(Thermo Finnigan Many researchers studied the effect of model Trace GC Ultra equipped with Finnigan DSQ lavender oil on the brain wave activity,the autonomic MS detector.USA).The constituent of the oil were nervous system,and mood states(5).However,these identified matching their mass spectra and retention findings were often contradictory.Furthermore,some times indicated with NISTO5 MS library and the studies only investigated the activities in just two percentage compositions were computed from GC peak dimensions(10-12).Investigations of the effects of lavender oil in the three dimensions of brain wave Table1.Demographic data for the volunteers activity,the autonomic activity,and mood responses have rarely conducted.Consequently,the present Parameters Minimum Maximum Mean SD study seems to be the first experiment to examine the effects of lavender on central nervous system, Age 20 18 38 23.254.52 autonomic nervous system,such as heart rate,blood Height(cm) 20 152 17 167.436.82 pressure,breathing rate,and skin temperature,and Weight(kg) 20 46 771 58.576.38 an assessment of mood states using an inhalation Body mass index 20 17.85 24.71 20.861.91 Smell test 20 9 11 10.000.77 technique J Med Assoc Thai VoL 95 No.4 2012 599
J Med Assoc Thai Vol. 95 No. 4 2012 599 absorbed through the body by inhalation with plasma level reaching a maximum peak in approximately seven minutes after administration(7), which can cause a depression of nervous system. Linalyl acetate has a narcotic action and linalool acts as a sedative(5,6). Diego et al (8) found that individuals felt more relaxed and an improved mood after inhaling lavender oil. Moreover, an increase of mid frontal (F3, F4) alpha power on their EEG was found after inhalation of the oil(8). Motomura(9) suggests that lavender has been demonstrated to decrease stress scores and increase Theta 1 (3.5-5.5Hz) brain wave activity and decrease Beta1 (13.5-20 Hz) which is associated with relaxation In contrast, Masago(10) found that there was a partial decrease in alpha1 (8-11Hz) activity and a significant decrease in posterior temporal lobe activity after receiving lavender oil. Some researchers studying autonomic nervous system activity also showed contrasting results. For example, Tongnit et al(11) found a significantly decreased blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate caused by three minutes inhalation of lavender essential oils, whereas Sriboon(12) found inhalation lavender oil by aroma lamp caused a significant decrease in respiratory rate and subjective calmness and relaxation, but diastolic blood pressure and heart rate increased. These results might be due to hedonic effect (pleasant and unpleasant). In the research by Brauchli et al(13), they reported that heart rate is an autonomic variable that can be affected by pleasant and unpleasant oils. For example, valeric acid (judged unpleasant) can increase heart rate, while the heart rate decreases with phenylethyl alcohol (rated pleasant). Therefore, the differences between stimulant aromas and sedative aromas that can affect the pattern of heart rate are affected by two important factors, the characteristic of the essential oil and its pleasantness. Many researchers studied the effect of lavender oil on the brain wave activity, the autonomic nervous system, and mood states(5). However, these findings were often contradictory. Furthermore, some studies only investigated the activities in just two dimensions(10-12). Investigations of the effects of lavender oil in the three dimensions of brain wave activity, the autonomic activity, and mood responses have rarely conducted. Consequently, the present study seems to be the first experiment to examine the effects of lavender on central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and skin temperature, and an assessment of mood states using an inhalation technique. Material and Method Subjects Twenty selected participants equal number of male and female aged between 18 and 35 years (mean age 23.25 + 4.52 years) with normal body mass indices (mean 20.86 + 1.91) were enrolled in the present study. A summary of the demographic data of the participants is presented in Table 1. All participants were right-handed as determined by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory(14). None of the subjects had abnormalities affecting smell, cardiovascular diseases, or a history of smoking or drug addiction. Subjects were screened for a normal sense of smell using the n-butyl alcohol test method(15) (mean score10 + 0.77). Twelve hours prior to testing subjects were asked to wash their hair without any spray. They were also asked not to use antiperspirants, perfumes and refrain from consuming alcohol, cigarettes, or caffeinated drinks. Women who were menstruating were not included in the sample(16). They were requested to try to sleep well before the day of the experiment to avoid feeling fatigued or drowsy. Subjects were given a full explanation of the research and a written informed consent of all aspects of the present study, and were free to withdraw at any time. The present study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee for Research Involving Human Research Subjects, Health Science Group, Chulalongkorn University, Permissions No. COA NO.009/2011. Essential oil administration The oil of lavender was obtained from the Thai China Flavours and Fragrances Company. The oil composition was identified by gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry (GC/MS) (Thermo Finnigan model Trace GC Ultra equipped with Finnigan DSQ MS detector, USA).The constituent of the oil were identified matching their mass spectra and retention times indicated with NIST05 MS library and the percentage compositions were computed from GC peak Parameters n Minimum Maximum Mean SD Age 20 18 38 23.25 4.52 Height (cm) 20 152 17 167.43 6.82 Weight (kg) 20 46 771 58.57 6.38 Body mass index 20 17.85 24.71 20.86 1.91 Smell test 20 9 11 10.00 0.77 Table1. Demographic data for the volunteers
area.Two main components oflavender oil comprised spectrum of the respective frequency bands derived linalyl acetate (32.46%)and linalool (31.91%). by Fast Fourier Transformation(FFT)were expressed A one-milliliter mixture of either undiluted as follows:Delta(0-3.99 Hz).Theta(4-7.99 Hz).Alphal sweet almond oil or 10%(v/v)of lavender in base oil (8-9.99Hz).Alpha2(10-12.99Hz)and Beta(13-30Hz) was delivered using an oxygen pump system through a plastic tube via respiratory masks in an inhalation Procedure set for adults that permitted selective routine air An A-B design was used,so that each flow(2 L/min).Before the experiment,they were individual session consisted of two trails.This design asked to inhale base oil and lavender oil to rate the was chosen because,with olfactory stimulation,the pleasantness of the smell on a five-point Likert scale.times court of stimulatory effects is unknown.which The participants.who indicated oil pleasantness might make results obtained from other designs,such within the target level range of 2-4 were chosen to as A-B-A,difficult to interpret(19).All experiments were participate in the present study conducted in a quiet room with ambient temperature (24+1C)and 40 to 50%humidity.The experiments Autonomic nervous system (ANS)and mood measure- were performed between 8.00 and 12.00 a.m.to minimize ment circadian variation.All participants attended to Mood state and ANS parameters.blood this research for two times,firstly,to measure the pressure,heart rate,skin temperature,and respiratory autonomic nervous system and mood change, rate.were recorded at the same time.The ANS secondly,to measure brain wave.Before ANS parameters were measured using life scope 8 bedside measurement beginning,the researcher clearly monitors (Nihon Kohden.Japan).The assessment of informed the procedure,then participants signed an mood state was based on the conceptual model Informed Consent Form describing the present study proposed by the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale and their rights.In addition to ANS measurement, (GEOS)(17.This scale described their subjective the ANS electrodes were attached to the appropriate affective feelings by al00 mm visual analog scale positions;the ANS parameters,i.e.heart rate,skin based on the following five factors,pleasant feeling temperature,and respiratory rate,were recorded at (feel good),unpleasant feeling (feel bad,uncomfortable, one-minute intervals.Systolic and diastolic blood disgusted,frustrated,and/or stressed),sensuality pressure was recorded every five minutes.The tests (romantic),relaxation(relax,serene,and drowsy),and consisted of three trials:first session served as a refreshing(refresh,energetic). base line (resting period)and took ten minutes.After completion of the first session,subjects were asked to Electroencephalogram(EEG)recording rate their mood state scales.The second and third The set of 31 electrodes with 1 additional session took 20 minutes each.In the second.the sweet ground which was placed according to the international almond oil was inhaled to the subjects,then mood state 10-20 system at FP1,FP2.FZ,F3,F4,F7,F8,FT7,FC3, was measured after sweet almond oil inhalation.In the FCZ.FC4.FT8.T3.T4.T5.T6.TP7.TP8.C3.CP3. third trial.10%(v/v)lavender oil in sweet almond oil C4.CZ.CPZ.CP4.P3.P4.PZ.Ol.02 and OZ.Both was applied and mood state was measured after its mastoids would be used as the recording reference inhalation.Participants were required to measure their (average of both mastoids,Al +A2/2).The electro- brainwave again after the experiment no less than oculogram(EOG)was monitored with four electrodes seven days.The EEG experimental conditions were placed in both external acanthi(HEOL and HEOR). the same as autonomic nervous system experiment. left supraorbital (VEOU)and infraorbital (VEOL) The experimental procedure was divided into four regions.Electro-Caps are made of an elastic spandex- sessions of seven minutes each.Baseline EEG type fabric with recessed,silver/silverchloride recording was done with both eyes opened and eyes (Ag/AgCl)electrodes attached to the fabric.Electrode closed respectively.After that participants would be impedances were set below five kOhms(18).The inhaled undiluted sweet almond oil.Finally,10% recording system is Acquire Neuroscan version 4.3 Lavender in sweet almond oil was inhaled. (Neurosoft,INC).The online filter was set to a band pass with low pass is equal 70 Hz and high pass is Data and statistical analysis equal DC.A/D rate was 500 Hz.Gain was set at 19. The SPSS statistical package 17 was used Notch filter was open at 50 Hz.The relative power for data analysis on the effects of lavender oil on 600 J MedAssoc Thai Vol 95 No.4 2012
600 J Med Assoc Thai Vol. 95 No. 4 2012 area. Two main components of lavender oil comprised linalyl acetate (32.46%) and linalool (31.91%). A one-milliliter mixture of either undiluted sweet almond oil or 10% (v/v) of lavender in base oil was delivered using an oxygen pump system through a plastic tube via respiratory masks in an inhalation set for adults that permitted selective routine air flow (2 L/min). Before the experiment, they were asked to inhale base oil and lavender oil to rate the pleasantness of the smell on a five-point Likert scale. The participants, who indicated oil pleasantness within the target level range of 2-4 were chosen to participate in the present study. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) and mood measurement Mood state and ANS parameters, blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, and respiratory rate, were recorded at the same time. The ANS parameters were measured using life scope 8 bedside monitors (Nihon Kohden, Japan). The assessment of mood state was based on the conceptual model proposed by the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale (GEOS)(17). This scale described their subjective affective feelings by a100 mm visual analog scale based on the following five factors, pleasant feeling (feel good), unpleasant feeling (feel bad, uncomfortable, disgusted, frustrated, and/or stressed), sensuality (romantic), relaxation (relax, serene, and drowsy), and refreshing (refresh, energetic). Electroencephalogram (EEG) recording The set of 31 electrodes with 1 additional ground which was placed according to the international 10-20 system at FP1, FP2,FZ, F3, F4, F7, F8, FT7, FC3, FCZ, FC4, FT8, T3, T4, T5, T6, TP7, TP8, C3, CP3, C4, CZ, CPZ, CP4, P3, P4, PZ, Ol, O2 and OZ. Both mastoids would be used as the recording reference (average of both mastoids, Al + A2/2). The electrooculogram (EOG) was monitored with four electrodes placed in both external acanthi (HEOL and HEOR), left supraorbital (VEOU) and infraorbital (VEOL) regions. Electro-Caps are made of an elastic spandextype fabric with recessed, silver/silverchloride (Ag/AgCl) electrodes attached to the fabric. Electrode impedances were set below five kOhms(18). The recording system is Acquire Neuroscan version 4.3 (Neurosoft, INC). The online filter was set to a band pass with low pass is equal 70 Hz and high pass is equal DC. A/D rate was 500 Hz. Gain was set at 19. Notch filter was open at 50 Hz. The relative power spectrum of the respective frequency bands derived by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) were expressed as follows: Delta (0-3.99 Hz), Theta (4-7.99 Hz), Alpha1 (8-9.99 Hz), Alpha2 (10-12.99 Hz) and Beta (13-30 Hz). Procedure An A-B design was used, so that each individual session consisted of two trails. This design was chosen because, with olfactory stimulation, the times court of stimulatory effects is unknown, which might make results obtained from other designs, such as A-B-A, difficult to interpret(19). All experiments were conducted in a quiet room with ambient temperature (24 + 1°C) and 40 to 50% humidity. The experiments were performed between 8.00 and 12.00 a.m. to minimize circadian variation. All participants attended to this research for two times, firstly, to measure the autonomic nervous system and mood change, secondly, to measure brain wave. Before ANS measurement beginning, the researcher clearly informed the procedure, then participants signed an Informed Consent Form describing the present study and their rights. In addition to ANS measurement, the ANS electrodes were attached to the appropriate positions; the ANS parameters, i.e. heart rate, skin temperature, and respiratory rate, were recorded at one-minute intervals. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded every five minutes. The tests consisted of three trials: first session served as a base line (resting period) and took ten minutes. After completion of the first session, subjects were asked to rate their mood state scales. The second and third session took 20 minutes each. In the second, the sweet almond oil was inhaled to the subjects, then mood state was measured after sweet almond oil inhalation. In the third trial, 10% (v/v) lavender oil in sweet almond oil was applied and mood state was measured after its inhalation. Participants were required to measure their brainwave again after the experiment no less than seven days. The EEG experimental conditions were the same as autonomic nervous system experiment. The experimental procedure was divided into four sessions of seven minutes each. Baseline EEG recording was done with both eyes opened and eyes closed respectively. After that participants would be inhaled undiluted sweet almond oil. Finally, 10% Lavender in sweet almond oil was inhaled. Data and statistical analysis The SPSS statistical package 17 was used for data analysis on the effects of lavender oil on
physiological and mood states in two steps before decreased heart and breathing rates(p-value 0.05) and after treatments by a paired t-test on blood during the sweet almond oil treatment compared pressure,heart rate.skin temperature,power of brain with those of resting.Moreover,when subjects wave and rating of mood state.The respiratory rate inhaled the lavender the systolic and diastolic blood was analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon sign rank pressures,heart rate and skin temperature were test.A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. significantly decreased compared with sweet almond Mann Whitney U-test was performed to determine the oil inhalation. gender different of physiological and mood effect. Mood state response Results The mean and SD of mood state response Autonomic nervous system parameters are shown in Table 3.Subjects felt unpleasant when The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) sweet almond oil was applied,with data showing values of autonomic parameters in the experiment decreased scores in good,active,fresh and relaxed are presented in Table 2.The data were compared on feelings.After a lavender inhalation,subjects felt they various autonomic parameters during resting and had significant increases in pleasant emotions;good, inhaling sweet almond oil.Subjects had significantly active,fresh,and relaxed (p-value<0.05).Furthermore, Table 2.Mean and SD ofANS parameter change during resting,sweet almond oil and lavender Parameters Rest SO LO p-value p-value rest and SO SO and LO Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD (t-test) (t-test) Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 20 109.91 9.74110.27 9.51108.00 8.41 0.588 <0.001* Diastolic blood pressure(mmHg) 20 69.32 8.7670.26 8.96 68.52 8.43 0.527 <0.001* Heart rate (bpm) 20 71.2011.69 68.4312.86 65.68 10.73 0.001* <0.001* Skin temperature (C) 20 31.141.64 31.25 1.9631.001.94 0.296 0.001* Respiratory rate (bpm) 20 18.44 9.34 15.70 2.9116.36 6.71 0.029* 0.148 *Significant difference,p-value<0.05 SO=sweet almond oil:LO lavender oil Table 3.Mean and SD ofemotional state change during resting,sweet almond oil and lavender Emotion Rest SO LO p-value p-value rest and SO SO and LO Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD (t-test) (t-test) Good 20 61501120 50.05 17.22 73.1514.78 0.010* <0.001* Bad 20 15.5012.77 23.5518.57 15.1218.71 0.046* 0.085 Active 50.8016.18 44.0513.83 64.2013.66 0.104 <0.001* Drowsy 20 26.55 19.47 40.9024.47 30.0520.22 0.003* 0.047* Fresh 20 53.4512.68 43.3511.12 59.4018.18 0.004* 0.001* Relax 0 59.1520.97 51.5519.26 73.6521.41 0.243 0.004* Stress 20 12.55 8.75 16.2512.38 16.4511.35 0.086 0.948 Uncomfortable 20 16.85 13.45 24.0016.94 18.70 15.22 0.627 0.206 Romantic 20 28.7817.4331.35 22.86 40.55 24.38 0.709 0.151 Frustrated 20 12.5110.1516.4014.77 16.5518.38 0.094 0.976 Clam 20 62.0018.96 54.8519.98 61.60 20.18 0.112 0.276 Disgust 20 8.60 7.60 12.35 11.60 10.85 14.11 0.092 0.712 Significant difference,p-value<0.05 SO=sweet almond oil:LO lavender oil J Med Assoc Thai VoL 95 No.4 2012 601
J Med Assoc Thai Vol. 95 No. 4 2012 601 physiological and mood states in two steps before and after treatments by a paired t-test on blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, power of brain wave and rating of mood state. The respiratory rate was analyzed by the nonparametric Wilcoxon sign rank test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Mann Whitney U-test was performed to determine the gender different of physiological and mood effect. Results Autonomic nervous system parameters The mean and Standard Deviation (SD) values of autonomic parameters in the experiment are presented in Table 2. The data were compared on various autonomic parameters during resting and inhaling sweet almond oil. Subjects had significantly decreased heart and breathing rates (p-value < 0.05) during the sweet almond oil treatment compared with those of resting. Moreover, when subjects inhaled the lavender the systolic and diastolic blood pressures, heart rate and skin temperature were significantly decreased compared with sweet almond oil inhalation. Mood state response The mean and SD of mood state response are shown in Table 3. Subjects felt unpleasant when sweet almond oil was applied, with data showing decreased scores in good, active, fresh and relaxed feelings. After a lavender inhalation, subjects felt they had significant increases in pleasant emotions; good, active, fresh, and relaxed (p-value < 0.05). Furthermore, Parameters n Rest SO LO p-value p-value rest and SO SO and LO Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD (t-test) (t-test) Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 20 109.91 9.74 110.27 9.51 108.00 8.41 0.588 <0.001* Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) 20 69.32 8.76 70.26 8.96 68.52 8.43 0.527 <0.001* Heart rate (bpm) 20 71.20 11.69 68.43 12.86 65.68 10.73 0.001* <0.001* Skin temperature (°C) 20 31.14 1.64 31.25 1.96 31.00 1.94 0.296 0.001* Respiratory rate (bpm) 20 18.44 9.34 15.70 2.91 16.36 6.71 0.029* 0.148 * Significant difference, p-value < 0.05 SO = sweet almond oil; LO = lavender oil Table 2. Mean and SD of ANS parameter change during resting, sweet almond oil and lavender Emotion n Rest SO LO p-value p-value rest and SO SO and LO Mean SD Mean SD Mean SD (t-test) (t-test) Good 20 61.50 11.20 50.05 17.22 73.15 14.78 0.010* <0.001* Bad 20 15.50 12.77 23.55 18.57 15.12 18.71 0.046* 0.085 Active 20 50.80 16.18 44.05 13.83 64.20 13.66 0.104 <0.001* Drowsy 20 26.55 19.47 40.90 24.47 30.05 20.22 0.003* 0.047* Fresh 20 53.45 12.68 43.35 11.12 59.40 18.18 0.004* 0.001* Relax 20 59.15 20.97 51.55 19.26 73.65 21.41 0.243 0.004* Stress 20 12.55 8.75 16.25 12.38 16.45 11.35 0.086 0.948 Uncomfortable 20 16.85 13.45 24.00 16.94 18.70 15.22 0.627 0.206 Romantic 20 28.78 17.43 31.35 22.86 40.55 24.38 0.709 0.151 Frustrated 20 12.51 10.15 16.40 14.77 16.55 18.38 0.094 0.976 Clam 20 62.00 18.96 54.85 19.98 61.60 20.18 0.112 0.276 Disgust 20 8.60 7.60 12.35 11.60 10.85 14.11 0.092 0.712 * Significant difference, p-value < 0.05 SO = sweet almond oil; LO = lavender oil Table 3. Mean and SD of emotional state change during resting, sweet almond oil and lavender
the bad and drowsy feelings were significantly to sweet almond oil and lavender.There was no decreased (p-value <0.05). significant asymmetry(p-value >0.05)as Fig.1.The topographic map shows obviously more scattering EEG data power in alpha brain,particularly in bilateral temporal The EEG power was calculated for each and central area after smelling lavender compared frequency band among resting,sweet almond oil, with resting and sweet almond oil as shown in Fig.2. and lavender oil inhalation.The studied areas were divided into the left anterior(Fpl,F3,F7),right anterior The analysis of male and female groups (Fp2,F4,F8),right posterior(P4,T6,02),left posterior Mean different score of autonomic nervous (P3,T5,O1),and middle(Fcz,Cz,Cpz)20)shown each system,mood state and power of brain during lavender band power with theta,alphal,alpha2,Beta(Table 4)oil inhalation when compare to sweet almond oil from and expressed by topographic maps in Fig.1.There 10 male and 10 female group demonstrated that there were noticeable changes of band power in theta and were no significant change observed between both alpha waves that significantly increased during the gender groups(p-value >0.05,data not shown). lavender inhalation in all brains areas(p-value <0.05) However,band powers in beta waves were not Discussion significantly different(p-value>0.05,data not shown). In the present research,lavender oil was The present study examined changes in the anterior, administered by inhalation to healthy subjects.Brain posterior alpha asymmetry(left and right side)response wave activity and ANS parameters (blood pressure, Table 4.Mean power values in eyes closed during sweet almond oil and lavender Area Eye close (n=20) S0(n=20) L0(n=20) p-value p-value mean mean mean eye close and SO SO and LO (t-test) (t-test) Theta power(uV凸 Left anterior 1.91 1.54 2.16 0.590 0.001* Right anterion 2.00 1.62 2.27 0.090 0.001* Center 2.68 2.10 3.05 0.030* 0.006* Left posterior 1.13 1.08 1.34 0.550 0.002* Right posterior 1.15 1.10 1.38 0.025* 0.025* Alphal power(uV2) Left anterior 3.44 3.71 6.94 0.218 0.001* Right anterior 4.02 4.38 7.70 0.218 0.001* Center 4.78 4.83 9.40 0.156 0.001* Left posterior 4.16 4.56 6.86 0.218 0.001* Right posterior 4.29 4.46 8.79 0.001* 0.001* Alpha2 power (uv2) Left anterior 1.51 1.43 2.09 0.911 0.011* Right anterion 1.63 1.50 2.23 0.575 0.006* Center 2.28 1.96 3.09 0.179 0.003* Left posterior 2.37 2.31 3.41 0.823 0.008* Right posterior 2.76 2.51 4.10 0.002* 0.002* Beta power(uV2) Left anterior 0.31 0.35 0.33 0.167 0.351 Right anterior 0.32 0.36 0.35 0.156 0.433 Center 0.36 0.41 0.41 0.086 0.627 Left posterior 0.31 0.37 0.36 0.156 0.852 Right posterior 0.31 0.36 0.37 0.794 0.794 Significant difference,p-value<0.05 SO=sweet almond oil;LO lavender oil 602 J MedAssoc Thai Vol 95 No.4 2012
602 J Med Assoc Thai Vol. 95 No. 4 2012 the bad and drowsy feelings were significantly decreased (p-value <0.05). EEG data The EEG power was calculated for each frequency band among resting, sweet almond oil, and lavender oil inhalation. The studied areas were divided into the left anterior (Fp1, F3, F7), right anterior (Fp2, F4, F8), right posterior (P4, T6, O2), left posterior (P3, T5, O1), and middle (Fcz, Cz, Cpz) (20) shown each band power with theta, alpha1, alpha2, Beta (Table 4) and expressed by topographic maps in Fig. 1. There were noticeable changes of band power in theta and alpha waves that significantly increased during the lavender inhalation in all brains areas (p-value <0.05). However, band powers in beta waves were not significantly different (p-value > 0.05, data not shown). The present study examined changes in the anterior, posterior alpha asymmetry (left and right side) response to sweet almond oil and lavender. There was no significant asymmetry (p-value > 0.05) as Fig. 1. The topographic map shows obviously more scattering power in alpha brain, particularly in bilateral temporal and central area after smelling lavender compared with resting and sweet almond oil as shown in Fig. 2. The analysis of male and female groups Mean different score of autonomic nervous system, mood state and power of brain during lavender oil inhalation when compare to sweet almond oil from 10 male and 10 female group demonstrated that there were no significant change observed between both gender groups (p-value > 0.05, data not shown). Discussion In the present research, lavender oil was administered by inhalation to healthy subjects. Brain wave activity and ANS parameters (blood pressure, Area Eye close (n = 20) SO (n = 20) LO (n = 20) p-value p-value mean mean mean eye close and SO SO and LO (t-test) (t-test) Theta power (μV2 ) Left anterior 1.91 1.54 2.16 0.590 0.001* Right anterior 2.00 1.62 2.27 0.090 0.001* Center 2.68 2.10 3.05 0.030* 0.006* Left posterior 1.13 1.08 1.34 0.550 0.002* Right posterior 1.15 1.10 1.38 0.025* 0.025* Alpha1 power (μV2 ) Left anterior 3.44 3.71 6.94 0.218 0.001* Right anterior 4.02 4.38 7.70 0.218 0.001* Center 4.78 4.83 9.40 0.156 0.001* Left posterior 4.16 4.56 6.86 0.218 0.001* Right posterior 4.29 4.46 8.79 0.001* 0.001* Alpha2 power (μV2 ) Left anterior 1.51 1.43 2.09 0.911 0.011* Right anterior 1.63 1.50 2.23 0.575 0.006* Center 2.28 1.96 3.09 0.179 0.003* Left posterior 2.37 2.31 3.41 0.823 0.008* Right posterior 2.76 2.51 4.10 0.002* 0.002* Beta power (μV2 ) Left anterior 0.31 0.35 0.33 0.167 0.351 Right anterior 0.32 0.36 0.35 0.156 0.433 Center 0.36 0.41 0.41 0.086 0.627 Left posterior 0.31 0.37 0.36 0.156 0.852 Right posterior 0.31 0.36 0.37 0.794 0.794 * Significant difference, p-value < 0.05 SO = sweet almond oil; LO = lavender oil Table 4. Mean power values in eyes closed during sweet almond oil and lavender