Psychological and Physiological Human Responses of Rose Aroma

2006 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary

• Project/Area Number: 17580021
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Horticulture/Landscape architecture
• Research Institution: Chiba University
• Principal Investigator: OHGAMA Toshimasa Chiba University Center for Environment, Heals and Field Sciences, Professor, 環境健康都市園芸フィールド科学教育研究センター, 教授 (60093209)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): IKEGAMI Fumio Chiba University Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Professor, 環境健康都市園芸フィールド科学教育研究センター, 教授 (90159608) ; NODA Katsuji Chiba University Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Assistant, 環境健康都市園芸フィールド科学教育研究センター, 助手 (30361439) ; TERAUCHI Fumio Chiba University, Faculty of Engineering, Associate Professor, 工学部, 助教授 (30261887)
• Project Period (FY): 2005 – 2006
• Keywords: rose / volatile component / sensual test

Research Abstract

The scents of 6 modern roses were evaluated using 15 bi-pole and 2 mono-pole rating scales in semantic differential. As the result of factor analysis, following three factors were extracted : a) comprehensive valuation, b) quality and c) intensity. The blue scent is evaluated among them with a highest score in both sexes.
The effects of rose volatile components on stress built up the exercise responsibility were examined by measuring amylase activity in saliva. These results suggested that the activity was highest just after removing the exercise responsibility and decreased gradually in time-course, and that also observed to reduce than that of repose time.
Furthermore, the effects of rose volatile components on mental stress were examined by using an electrocardiogram and electroencephalogram. The effective, intensive, fatigue and tensional impressions were also subjectively measured. These results indicated that the ratio of alpha rhythm was significantly reduced and that of beta rhythm was increased in electroencephalogram, when the rose volatile component was given. The average of heart rate in electrocardiogram was independent of the presence of rose scents. There was statistically significant difference in the tensional impression of subjective evaluation scales.