Abstract
Effects of the scent and/or appearance of Kinome (Sanshou: Japanese pepper leaf) and lemon peel on human whole saliva secretion were studied using absorbant cotton. Whole saliva weights were significantly higher than the control when the scent of lemon peel (=3g) was perceived for 30 sec before saliva collection or for 30 sec simultaneously with saliva collection. The scent of lemon peel (0-3g) increased the whole saliva weight dose-dependently. However, at over 4.5g of lemon peel, no dosedependence was observed. Whole saliva weight was also significantly higher than the control when the scent of Kinome was perceived for 30 sec before saliva collection. The sight of Kinome alone did not produce a change in whole saliva weight. However, when Kinome was seen and smelt simultaneously, whole saliva weight was significantly higher than that obtained by smelling of Kinome alone. In conclusion, the scents from Kinome and lemon peel are considered to increase human whole saliva secretion, and both smelling and sight of Kinome have conbined effects on saliva secretion.
