Effects of Bergamot (<b><i>Citrus bergamia</i></b> (Risso) Wright &#38; Arn.) Essential Oil Aromatherapy on Mood States, Parasympathetic Nervous System Activity, and Salivary Cortisol Levels in 41 Healthy Females

Abstract

Background: Bergamot essential oil (BEO) is commonly used against psychological stress and anxiety in aromatherapy. The primary aim of the present study was to obtain first clinical evidence for these psychological and physiological effects. A secondary aim was to achieve some fundamental understanding of the relevant pharmacological processes. Methods: Endocrinological, physiological, and psychological effects of BEO vapor inhalation on 41 healthy females were tested using a random crossover study design. Volunteers were exposed to 3 experimental setups (rest (R), rest + water vapor (RW), rest + water vapor + bergamot essential oil (RWB)) for 15 min each. Immediately after each setup, saliva samples were collected and the volunteers rested for 10 min. Subsequently, they completed the Profile of Mood States, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Fatigue Self-Check List. High-frequency (HF) heart rate values, an indicator for parasympathetic nervous system activity, were calculated from heart rate variability values measured both during the 15 min of the experiment and during the subsequent 10 min of rest. Salivary cortisol (CS) levels in the saliva samples were analyzed using ELISA. Results: CS of all 3 conditions R, RW, and RWB were found to be significantly distinct (p = 0.003). In the subsequent multiple comparison test, the CS value of RWB was significantly lower when compared to the R setup. When comparing the HF values of the RWB setup during the 10 min of rest after the experiment to those of RW, this parameter was significantly increased (p = 0.026) in the RWB setup for which scores for negative emotions and fatigue were also improved. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that BEO inhaled together with water vapor exerts psychological and physiological effects in a relatively short time.

Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review

“…A recently conducted double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial study on aromatherapy has suggested that citrus oil is good in relieving the first stage labor pain. It is effective in controlling the nausea and vomiting along with its mood elevating properties [58][59][60] .…”

Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) Essential Oil Inhalation Improves Positive Feelings in the Waiting Room of a Mental Health Treatment Center: A Pilot Study

“…Several clinical studies on aromatherapy with BEO, in combination with other essential oils, have shown promising results: anxiety and stress reduction, anti‐depression, pain relief, and blood pressure and heart rate reduction. Further human studies with BEO inhalation alone have also shown significant effects on anxiety reduction (Watanabe et al , ), depression reduction (Watanabe et al , ), and blood pressure (Chang and Shen, ; Ni et al , ) and heart rate reduction (Chang and Shen, ; Ni et al , ). In addition, BEO has minimal side effects, if any (Navarra et al , ), suggesting BEO inhalation may have potential therapeutic benefits including improving overall mental health and anxiety.…”

Increase in subjective well‐being and psychological health after application of C8‐silk lipoamino acid functionalized pigments included in a foundation

“…Watanabe et al . noted that during emotional improvement after relaxation, cortisol levels are also reduced. Because cortisol levels rise during stress, this hormone is sometimes found to be associated with negative affect .…”

“…Recently, Watanabe et al . reported a link between essential oil aromatherapy, mood states and salivary cortisol concentration in 41 healthy females. In a current research project on 35 female subjects inhaling the odour of saffron volatile oil for 20 min led to a decrease in both cortisol and anxiety level .…”