Effect of inhalation of Taiwan Hinoki Wood Oils of different concentrations on autonomic nervous reflex and performance

Abstract

To investigate an effect of inhalation of Taiwan Hinoki ( Chamaecyparis taiwanensis Matum. et Suzuki ) wood oil of 3 different concentrations on mood, we measured pupillary light reflex, blood pressure, R - R interval, and performance indicating changes in mood. Six female students were used as subjects of the study. Control experiments were conducted similarly without odor. The results indicated that 1) maximum constriction acceleration of the pupil increased and blood pressure decreased after inhalation of the Taiwan Hinoki oil, 2) the speed of performing " letter cancellation " increased after inhalation of Taiwan Hinoki oil, and 3) maximum constriction acceleration of the pupil increased and blood pressure decreased along with increase in the intensity of the odor. We concluded that inhalation of the Taiwan Hinoki oil caused a physiological change and the change differed by the intensity of the odor.