Abstract
To evaluate effects of frankincense odor to human, we analyzed one of the event-related potentials of electroencephalogram (EEG), i.e. contingent negative variation (CNV), electrocardiogram (ECG), heart beat, fluctuation of heart rate and pneumogram. Frankincense odor was applied as vapor to healthy subjects from heated aroma pot onto which 30 maicro-L of the essential oil was dropped. EEG was recorded almost 30 min (5 min control, the first CNV as a control condition for about 6 min, then odor stimulation was started, after 10 min the second CNV as a stimulated condition for 6 min) by Neurofax EEG-1100 (Nihonkohden, Tokyo). Electrode configuration of 25 points on scalp of subjects was based on the 10-10 electrode method by the IEF, International Encephalogram Federation. Averaging of summated EEG data was performed by Eplyzer (Kissei Comtec, Matsumoto). We found that areas of CNV in odor condition were increased on the central region (C3, Cz, and C4) and parietal region (P3, Pz and P4). Heart rate was slightly reduced just after the beginning the odor stimulation. High frequency of heart rate fluctuation (about 4 sec interval, HF) corresponds to an activity of parasympathetic nervous activities. Low frequency of the fluctuation (about 10 sec interval, LF) per HF shows sympathetic activities. We found that the odor activated the parasympathetic activities. Intervals of respiratory ventilation changed depending on each subject during the stimulation. Present results suggested that frankincense odor stimulated concentration and/or expectation of mind in accompanying with an enhanced relaxation. [J Physiol Sci. 2008;58 Suppl:S145]
