Conifer-Derived Monoterpenes and Forest Walking

Abstract

Conifer and broadleaf trees emit volatile organic compounds in the summer. e major components of these emissions are volatile monoterpenes. Using solid phase microextraction ber as the adsorbant, monoterpenes were successfully detected and identi ed in forest air samples. Gas chromatography/mass chromatogram of monoterpenes in the atmosphere of a conifer forest and that of serum from subjects who were walking in a forest were found to be similar each other. e amounts of α-pinene in the subjects became several folds higher a er forest walking. e results indicate that monoterpenes in the atmosphere of conifer forests are transferred to and accumulate in subjects by inhalation while they are exposed to this type of environment.Please cite this article as: Mass Spectrom (Tokyo) 2015; 4(1): A0042

Human Breathable Air in a Mediterranean Forest: Characterization of Monoterpene Concentrations under the Canopy

“…To our knowledge, only one study has analyzed the absorption of monoterpenes in blood after forest exposure, by identifying the monoterpene species present in a coniferous forest atmosphere in serum samples of individuals after walking in the forest [30]. The study demonstrated an increase in the amount of α-pinene in the serum after the individuals walked in the forest as well as differences in monoterpene composition and abundance between coniferous and broad-leaved forest air [30].…”

“…To our knowledge, only one study has analyzed the absorption of monoterpenes in blood after forest exposure, by identifying the monoterpene species present in a coniferous forest atmosphere in serum samples of individuals after walking in the forest [30]. The study demonstrated an increase in the amount of α-pinene in the serum after the individuals walked in the forest as well as differences in monoterpene composition and abundance between coniferous and broad-leaved forest air [30]. In addition, Lee et al (2018) reported that the mean atmospheric concentration of monoterpenes at a 1.5-m height was higher in a natural than a tended forest [8], suggesting that vegetation characteristics derived from management may affect terpenes' concentrations under the canopy.…”

How Should Forests Be Characterized in Regard to Human Health? Evidence from Existing Literature

“…Another study found that inhaling oils containing terpenes significantly decreased SBP, DBP and cortisol levels [86]. Surprisingly, as far as we know, only one study has analyzed the absorption of terpenes in blood after forest exposure [87]. The authors of this study identified the monoterpenes species present in coniferous-forest atmosphere in serum samples of the subjects who were walking in the forest [87].…”

“…Surprisingly, as far as we know, only one study has analyzed the absorption of terpenes in blood after forest exposure [87]. The authors of this study identified the monoterpenes species present in coniferous-forest atmosphere in serum samples of the subjects who were walking in the forest [87]. They also identified an increase in the amount of alpha-pinene in the serum after the subjects walked in the forest as well as differences in monoterpene composition and abundance between coniferous and broad-leaved forests air [87].…”

“…The authors of this study identified the monoterpenes species present in coniferous-forest atmosphere in serum samples of the subjects who were walking in the forest [87]. They also identified an increase in the amount of alpha-pinene in the serum after the subjects walked in the forest as well as differences in monoterpene composition and abundance between coniferous and broad-leaved forests air [87]. Lee et al (2018) reported that the mean atmospheric concentration of phytoncides was higher in a natural than a tended forest (25.58 vs 18.44 ng/m 3 , respectively) [25].…”