Elucidation of the action mechanism to nerve cells of the essential oil to use for aromahterapy

2014 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24593423
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Lifelong developmental nursing
• Research Institution: Fukuyama Heisei University
• Principal Investigator: MISAE SHINOMIYA 福山平成大学, 看護学部, 教授 (80215996)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): KANOU Yosio 吉備国際大学, 保健科学部・作業療法学科, 教授 (70116200) ; JINBO Daiki 昭和大学, 医学部, その他 (60601317) ; KITAMURA Mayumi 広島国際大学, 助産学専攻科, 准教授 (90521815) ; TUMA Fumiko 福山平成大学, 看護学部・看護学科, 講師 (30572987) ; JINTA Ai (内垣戸 愛) 福山平成大学, 看護学部・看護学科, 助手 (30615927)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2015-03-31
• Keywords: 精油 / アロマセラピー / 看護援助

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The mechanism of action of essential oils was investigated using PC12m3 cells, i.e., mutant cells susceptible to certain chemicals and stress, and orange essential oil, demonstrating that the orange essential oil activated the PC12m3 cells and promoted neurite outgrowth with favorable effects and without cytotoxicity in humans. The pain was alleviated by essential oil used to reduce menstrual symptoms. Autonomic balance was tested in patients hospitalized in palliative care units, who took an aromatic bath supplemented with essential oil, demonstrating sedative and relaxation effects with reduced physical fatigue. The effects of an aromatic bath on the cumulative fatigue symptoms of nurses working on a psychiatric ward were examined, showing significantly reduced mental symptoms and generally increased autonomic nervous activities.

Free Research Field

看護学