Quantitative analysis of cardiorespiratory response to odor stimulation by inhaling grapefruit and sweet maejoram essential oils

Abstract

Background. Heart failure(HF) is a complex syndrome with an autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Although some fragrances are known to induce inhibitory or stimulant effects on autonomic nervous functions, the quantitative cardiorespiratory function of inhaling fragrance induced-autonomic nerve activation remains unknown. Methods. Twenty seven healthy subjects inhaled air containing sweet marjoram and grapefruit essential oils through a face mask, and beat-to-beat heart rate(HR), blood pressure(BP) and respiratory variables were recorded for 6 min. Results. Inhalation of sweet marjoram essential oil induced a significant decrease in HR and BP. In contrast, inhalation of grapefruit essential oil induced transient hypertensive response(P<0.05), while gas-exchange variables did not differ in both conditions. conclusion. We demonstrated the cardiovascular effect of inhaling fragrance essential oil, which may provide important insight into the potential role of aromatherapy for treatment of HF with autonomic imbalance.