The effects of aromatherapy and music on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in palliative care patients.

AIM: Pain and anxiety levels in palliative care patients negatively impact their quality of life, highlighting the need for research on non-pharmacological methods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music and aromatherapy interventions on pain, anxiety, and stress levels in these patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was designed as a single-blind, four-group, randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 88 patients hospitalized in a palliative care center (receiving palliative care services with terminal or advanced diseases). Patients were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 22, music, aromatherapy, music and aromatherapy, and control group). Patients in the experimental groups received the intervention to which they were assigned for 20 min each day for three consecutive days: music, aromatherapy, or music accompanied by aromatherapy. No intervention was applied to the control group. The patients' levels of pain, anxiety, and stress were assessed before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Facial Anxiety Scale (FAS), and the Distress Thermometer. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics of the groups (p > 0.05). The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated statistically significant differences in pre- and post-intervention scores for VAS, FAS, and Distress across all experimental groups on all follow-up days (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Implementing music, aromatherapy, and their combination effectively reduced pain, anxiety, and stress levels in palliative care patients, suggesting these non-pharmacological interventions can improve their quality of life. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrails.gov (Registration number: NCT06024954) at 05-SEP-2024.

Novel non-pharmacological strategies for managing dentophobia in adult patients - literature review.

Dentophobia concerns a substantial portion of the adult population, often leading to avoidance of dental care and subsequent deterioration in oral health. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted nature of odontophobia and examines various non-pharmacological strategies aimed at its management in adult patients. Factors contributing to dentophobia, including past traumatic experiences, feelings of vulnerability, and mistrust in dental professionals, are discussed, highlighting the complex interplay of psychological, physiological, and environmental influences. Novel approaches such as Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy offer promising avenues for systematically desensitising patients to their fears and enhancing treatment acceptance. Aromatherapy utilising essential oils like chamomile, orange, and lavender, as well as dog-assisted therapy, have shown potential in creating calming environments and reducing patient anxiety during dental procedures. Muscle relaxation therapy, biofeedback techniques, and process simulations provide additional tools for addressing the physiological and cognitive aspects of odontophobia. Cognitive-behavioural therapy interventions, including brief sessions focused on cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy, demonstrate efficacy in reducing fear of dentists and improving treatment outcomes. By incorporating these diverse non-pharmacological strategies into dental practice, clinicians can enhance patient experiences, increase treatment acceptance and adherence, and ultimately improve oral health outcomes. While these interventions show promising results, further research is needed to refine their implementation, optimize their effectiveness, and ensure accessibility to patients with dentophobia. By addressing the multifaceted nature of dental anxiety and adopting a patient-centred approach, clinicians can provide holistic care, fostering better oral health and overall well-being in their patients.

Como tirar o mau cheiro dos sapatos

Sabia que é possível usar a aromaterapia até para tirar o mau cheiro dos sapatos? No Saúde Zen, desta segunda-feira (4), você aprende a fazer um sachê para colocar dentro dos sapatos, gavetas e armários. ▶️​Dê play no vídeo e confira!

Impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among ICU nurses: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy with an essential oil blend containing lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange, compared with placebo, on perceptions of anxiety in ICU RNs. METHODS: Nurses recruited from six adult ICUs and a neonatal ICU participated in this blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, which took place over a 30-day intervention period. RESULTS: Although there were no statistically significant changes in anxiety pre- to postintervention or between the intervention and placebo groups, there were also no adverse events or untoward effects. CONCLUSION: The results of this study may support aromatherapy as an evidence-based strategy to reduce anxiety in ICU nurses. Additional research is needed.

Exploring the aroma profile and biomedical applications of Scutellaria nuristanica Rech. F.: A new insight as a natural remedy.

BACKGROUND: The Scutellaria genus has promising therapeutic capabilities as an aromatherapy. Based on that and local practices of S. nuristanica Rech. F. The essential oil was studied for the first time for its diverse biomedical applications. PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate and validate their therapeutic capabilities by screening the essential oil ingredients and examining their antimicrobial, antioxidant, carbonic anhydrase, and antidiabetic using further In silico assessment and In vivo anti-inflammatory and analgesic capabilities to devise novel sources as natural remedies alternative to the synthetic drugs. METHODS: Essential oil was obtained through hydrodistillation, and the constituents were profiled using GC-MS. The antimicrobial assessment was conducted using an agar well diffusion assay. Free radical scavenging capabilities were determined by employing DPPH and ABTS assay. The carbonic anhydrase-II was examined using colorimetric assay, while the antidiabetic significance was performed using α-Glucosidase assay. The anti-inflammatory significance was examined through carrageenan-induced paw edema, and the analgesic features of the essential oil were determined using an acetic acid-induced writhing assay. RESULTS: Fifty constituents were detected in S. nuristanica essential oil (SNEO), contributing 95.93 % of the total EO, with the predominant constituents being 24-norursa-3,12-diene (10.12 %), 3-oxomanoyl oxide (9.94 %), methyl 7-abieten-18-oate (8.85 %). SNEO presented significance resistance against the Gram-positive bacterial strains (GPBSs), Bacillus atrophaeus and Bacillus subtilis, as compared to the Salmonella typhi and Klebsiella pneumoniae, Gram-negative bacterial strains (GNBSs) as well as two fungal strains Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus niger associated with their respective standards. Considerable free radical scavenging capacity was observed in DPPH compared to the ABTS assay when correlated with ascorbic acid. In addition, when equated with their standards, SNEO offered considerable in vitro carbonic anhydrase II and antidiabetic capabilities. Additionally, the antidiabetic behavior of the 9 dominant compounds of SNEO was tested via In silico techniques, such as molecular docking, which assisted in the assessment of the significance of binding contacts of protein with each chemical compound and pharmacokinetic evaluations to examine the drug-like characteristics. Molecular dynamic simulations at 100 ns and binding free energy evaluations such as PBSA and GBSA models explain the molecular mechanics and stability of molecular complexes. It was also observed that SNEO depicted substantial anti-inflammatory and analgesic capabilities. CONCLUSION: Hence, it was concluded that the SNEO comprises bioactive ingredients with biomedical significance, such as anti-microbial, antioxidant, CA-II, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents. The computational validation also depicted that SNEO could be a potent source for the discovery of anti-diabetic drugs.

Flower Power: An Overview on Chemistry and Biological Impact of Selected Essential Oils from Blossoms.

Natural raw materials such as essential oils have received more and more attention in recent decades, whether in the food industry, as flavorings and preservatives, or as insecticides and insect repellents. They are, furthermore, very popular as fragrances in perfumes, cosmetics, and household products. In addition, aromatherapy is widely used to complement conventional medicine. This review summarizes investigations on the chemical composition and the most important biological impacts of essential oils and volatile compounds extracted from selected aromatic blossoms, including Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria recutita, Rosa x damascena, Jasminum grandiflorum, Citrus x aurantium, Cananga odorata, and Michelia alba. The literature was collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Blossom essential oils discussed in this work are used in a wide variety of clinical issues. The application is consistently described as safe in studies and meta-analyses, although there are notes that using essential oils can also have side effects, especially dermatologically. However, it can be considered as confirmed that essential oils have positive influences on humans and can improve quality of life in patients with psychiatric disorders, critically ill patients, and patients in other exceptional situations. Although the positive effect of essential oils from blossoms has repeatedly been reported, evidence-based clinical investigations are still underrepresented, and the need for research is demanded.

Sex differences in the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety and salivary oxytocin levels.

Objective: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing method to promote health and well-being by using natural plant extracts. However, its precise mechanism of action and influence on the endocrine system remains unclear. Since recent studies reported that a neuropeptide, oxytocin, can attenuate anxiety, we hypothesized that if oxytocin secretion is promoted through aromatherapy, it may improve mood and anxiety. The present study is aimed to investigate the relationship between oxytocin and the effects of aromatherapy with lavender oil on anxiety level, by measuring salivary oxytocin levels in healthy men and women. Methods: We conducted a randomized open crossover trial in 15 men and 10 women. Each participant received a placebo intervention (control group) and aromatherapy with lavender oil (aromatherapy group). For the aromatherapy group, each participant spent a 30-min session in a room with diffused lavender essential oil, followed by a 10-min hand massage using a carrier oil containing lavender oil. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the intervention, 30-min after the start of intervention, and after hand massage, in both groups. Saliva samples were collected at the same time points of the STAI. Results: In women, either aromatherapy or hand massage was associated with a reduction in anxiety levels, independently. Moreover, salivary oxytocin levels were increased after aromatherapy. On the other hand, in men, anxiety levels were decreased after aromatherapy, as well as after hand massage, regardless of the use of lavender oil. However, there were no significant differences in changes of salivary oxytocin levels between the control and aromatherapy groups during the intervention period. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between anxiety levels and salivary oxytocin levels before the intervention, but a negative correlation was observed after hand massage with lavender oil. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that in women, aromatherapy with lavender oil attenuated anxiety with increase in oxytocin level in women, whereas in men, there was no clear relationship of aromatherapy with anxiety or oxytocin levels but, there was a change in correlation between anxiety and oxytocin. The results of the present study suggest that the effect of aromatherapy can vary depending on sex.

The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender Essential Oil on the Sleep and Fatigue Level of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is one of the most serious symptoms of the disease. Although many factors play a role in the etiology of fatigue in patients with MS, it has been reported that fatigue is caused by irregular or disrupted sleep patterns. AIM: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on the sleep and fatigue of MS patients. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the Patient Description Form, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: The mean FSS score in the experimental group was 6.86 ± 0.94 before the procedure and 3.42 ± 0.85 after the procedure, the mean PSQI score was 9.45 ± 1.23 before the procedure and 6.68 ± 2.87 after the procedure, and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has significant impacts on fatigue and sleep in MS patients. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy can be used by nurses as an independent nursing practice. It is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and reliable technique to manage fatigue in individuals with MS.

Scenting serenity: influence of essential-oil vaporization on dental anxiety - a cluster-randomized, controlled, single-blinded study (AROMA_dent).

Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is known as an immense challenge in oral healthcare, which can result in compromised oral health, pain, and uncomfortable treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of essential-oil vaporization on acute anxiety of patients in dental practices. Four dental practices used five weekly cycles of vaporization with each scent: Orange (Citrus sinensis), Swiss Pine (Pinus cembra), Good Mood (blended essential oils: Citrus sinensis, Citrus aurantifolia, Citrus limon, Osmanthus fragrance (5%)), Forest Walk (blended essential oils: Abies grandis, Pinus cembra, Myrtus communis c. t. 1,8-cineol, Abies alba, Citrus paradisi, Abies sibirica, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Vetiveria zizanoides), and water. Acute anxiety was the primary outcome (state-trait-anxiety inventory (STAI-S)). Secondary outcomes were trait anxiety (STAI-T), dental anxiety (Kleinknecht dental fear survey), and pain perception in treatment (numeric rating scale). Across all patients (n = 486), STAI-S was slightly higher in the control group (40.7 ± 11.6) than in the intervention groups (38.4 ± 10.5). Post-hoc analyses revealed that the effect is only robust for the subgroup of female patients (n = 296, p = 0.044). We also conducted a post-hoc additional analysis on a subpopulation with an increased level of STAI-T ≥ 42 (n = 131 patients). For this group the difference in acute anxiety between the control group (51.1 ± 11.9, n = 30) vs. the intervention groups (46.8 ± 9.6, n = 118) was significant (T = 4.39, p = 0.0379). The results of the study indicate a promising potential of essential-oil vaporization to alleviate dental anxiety, particularly in the subgroups of patients with a high level of trait anxiety, and particularly in female patients. The calming effects of the essential-oil vaporization were also highlighted by the anecdotical statements of the dental-practice staff. The anxiety-reducing role of essential-oil vaporization alone and as one part of combined techniques to counter DFA should be further explored using multi-perspective methodological approaches in research.

Effect of aromatic massage on brain waves and physiological indices of older adults.

BACKGROUND: Massage and aromatherapy are frequently used by older adults as alternative interventions to enhance immunity and induce relaxation. This pilot study evaluated the effect of massage therapy with oil and aromatherapy alone and in combination using objective biological indices. METHODS: Twenty-eight participants recruited by convenience sampling included adults aged between 25 and 65 years (Group 1), elderly individuals over 65 years without nursing care (Group 2), and older adults over 65 needing long-term nursing support (Group 3). A multiple-group pretest-post-test design was employed, and the effect among the three groups was compared. Interventions included: (i) oil massage therapy; (ii) aromatherapy; and (iii) aroma oil massage therapy. Each therapy session lasted 5 min, with 3 min of observation before and after the session and 10 min interval between sessions. Group 3 omitted one therapy (2: aromatherapy) to reduce their physical burden. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded for α, ß, and θ activities of brain waves. EEG data were collected at three points: before, during, and after each treatment. Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) concentration, oxygen saturation (SPO2), and pulse rate were measured before and after each session. RESULTS: Across all therapy modalities, there was a noticeable increase in the α wave, indicative of relaxation, during the treatment. Significant differences were observed before and during the oil massage in both Group 1 and Group 2. Aromatherapy demonstrated a significant difference before and during treatment in Group 1. Among the biological parameters, s-IgA levels indicated no significant changes. The pulse rate decreased with oil massage. Significant differences were noted before and after therapy in all cases for SPO2 and in Group 2 for pulse rate. CONCLUSIONS: Three therapies induced EEG and physiological changes in the adult group and older adults without nursing care. However, these effects are limited in older adults requiring nursing care.

Effect of olfactory stimulation from aromatherapy on the autonomic nervous activity during aerobic exercises.

Variations in the autonomic nervous system activity during exercise therapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases may lead to adverse events. Aromatherapy may reduce these adverse events by enhancing parasympathetic nervous activity (PNA). However, the effects of aromatherapy during exercise remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on autonomic nervous activity during exercise and recovery. This randomized crossover study included 20 healthy men subjected to both aroma and placebo conditions which involved rest and moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer, followed by recovery. Blood pressure, heart rate variability indices, and SpO2 were measured during the rest, exercise, and recovery phases. Moreover, aroma preferences and emotional changes in response to the aroma were assessed. Under the placebo condition, high frequency (HF), root mean square of successive differences indices, and heart rate showed delayed recovery (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation was identified between aroma preference, pleasant emotions induced by aromatherapy, and the HF index (P < 0.05). These results indicate that aromatherapy facilitates the recovery of PNA after exercise. Furthermore, these effects were more pronounced among individuals who exhibited a stronger preference for and more positive emotions toward aromas.

The effect of aromatherapy during urodynamic testing on patients anxiety and cortisol levels: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: During urodynamic testing (UT), patients may experience emotions such as embarrassment, discomfort, irritability, and tension, which can cause anxiety. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative treatment that may be employed in clinical settings to alleviate patients' anxiety before invasive procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on patients' anxiety and cortisol levels during UT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of this single-center, prospective, two-armed, randomized controlled clinical study consisted of 98 patients undergoing UT. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 49) and the control group (n = 49). The anxiety level was assessed using the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and measured with physiological responses to anxiety, such as changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and cortisol levels, pre and post-UT. Aromatherapy was applied to the intervention group starting 5 min before UT and continuing throughout the testing. The control group received routine treatment and care. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2, dependent samples t-tests, and independent samples t-tests. RESULTS: In the study, post-UT anxiety in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001), while SpO2 was higher (p = 0.021). In the study group, post-UT anxiety (p < 0.001), HR (p = 0.000), and cortisol levels (p = 0.005) decreased compared to pre-UT, whereas in the control group, anxiety (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.000) decreased, and SBP (p = 0.010) and RR (p = 0.004) increased. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy during UT positively influenced both the psychological and physiological responses to anxiety.

Essential oils for clinical aromatherapy: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aromatherapy, a holistic healing practice utilizing the aromatic essences of plant-derived essential oils, has gained significant attention for its therapeutic potential in promoting overall well-being. Use of phytoconstituent based essential oil has played a significant role in the evolving therapeutic avenue of aromatherapy as a complementary system of medicine. AIM OF THE STUDY: This comprehensive review article aims to explore the usage of essential oils for aromatherapy, shedding light on their diverse applications, scientific evidence, and safety considerations. Furthermore, the growing interest in using essential oils as complementary therapies in conjunction with conventional medicine is explored, underscoring the significance of collaborative healthcare approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search was performed from databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Bentham using keywords like Aromatherapy, Aromatic Plants, Essential oils, Phytotherapy, and complementary medicine. The keywords were used to identify literature with therapeutic and mechanistic details of herbal agents with desired action. RESULTS: The integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific research has led to a renewed interest in essential oils as valuable tools in contemporary healthcare. Various extraction methods used to obtain essential oils are presented, emphasizing their impact on the oil's chemical composition and therapeutic properties. Additionally, the article scrutinizes the factors influencing the quality and purity of essential oils, elucidating the significance of standardization and certification for safe usage. A comprehensive assessment of the therapeutic effects of essential oils is provided, encompassing their potential as antimicrobial, analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-inflammatory agents, among others. Clinical trials and preclinical studies are discussed to consolidate the existing evidence on their efficacy in treating diverse health conditions, both physical and psychological. Safety considerations are of paramount importance when employing essential oils, and this review addresses potential adverse effects, contraindications, and best practices to ensure responsible usage. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review provides valuable insights into the exploration of essential oils for aromatherapy, emphasizing their potential as natural and potent remedies for a wide range of ailments. By amalgamating traditional wisdom and modern research, this article aims to encourage further investigation into the therapeutic benefits of essential oils while advocating for their responsible and evidence-based incorporation into healthcare practices.

The Use of Coffee Aroma for Stress Reduction in Postgraduate Dental Students.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the potential reduction of academic stress related to a graded oral presentation in postgraduate dental students using coffee aromatherapy. METHODS: Healthy postgraduate dental students in a seminar class were divided into coffee (n = 32) and control (n = 26) groups. There were 3 modes of aroma distribution: personal distribution with a coffee pad attached to a lanyard, a lanyard plus a personal fan for ventilation of the aroma, and the typical method of the diffuser to spread the aroma in the ambient air. Stress markers comprised levels of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol (sCort), and chromogranin A (sCgA). Pulse rates were also measured. RESULTS: Levels of sAA increased 176.62% ± 30.26% between pre- and postpresentation in the control group. Inhaling coffee aroma during the presentation period significantly ameliorated sAA increase at 81.02% ± 14.90% (P = .015). sCort levels tended to decrease in the coffee group, but not significantly. Surprisingly, sCgA levels increased more in the coffee group. Also, pulse rates decreased in the coffee group (-2.07 ± 2.81 bpm) and increased in the control group (6.90 ± 3.22 bpm; P = .035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal differences in salivary markers amongst the 3 aroma distribution modes. CONCLUSIONS: Coffee aroma could have an anxiolytic effect on postgraduate dental students, as evidenced by changes in sAA levels and pulse rates. Personal aroma distribution was also a useful and effective mode of aromatherapy.

Exploring Aromatherapy as a Complementary Approach in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review.

Background: Palliative care, a cornerstone of comprehensive healthcare, prioritizes quality of life for individuals with life-threatening illnesses. Aromatherapy, with its holistic approach and patient-reported benefits, emerges as a promising complementary therapy for managing symptoms and enhancing well-being in palliative care. Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions in symptom management, with a focus on pain, anxiety, nausea, and sleep disturbances among palliative care patients. Design: A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases to identify relevant studies. Eligibility criteria were applied, resulting in the inclusion of eight studies for analysis. The review assessed the efficacy of aromatherapy interventions, primarily through massage, in symptom management. Variations in intervention procedures and outcome measures were noted, necessitating a critical examination of the findings. Results: The review's findings suggest promising outcomes associated with aromatherapy in palliative care. Aromatherapy interventions demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing pain, anxiety, nausea, and improving sleep quality among patients. However, considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies, highlighting the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale trials. Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the potential of aromatherapy as a complementary intervention in palliative care. While the findings support its efficacy in symptom management, methodological inconsistencies across studies warrant further research. Standardized approaches and larger trials are essential to validate the tailored effectiveness of aromatherapy for different symptoms encountered in palliative care, ultimately enhancing its clinical utility and integration into therapeutic practices.

Contrasting Effects of Music Therapy and Aromatherapy on Perioperative Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Music therapy and aromatherapy have been demonstrated effective for perioperative anxiety. However, the available studies have indicated discordant results about which adjunct treatment is better for perioperative anxiety. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis to explore the contrasting effects between them. METHODS: Six electronic databases were searched for clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of music therapy compared with aromatherapy in alleviating perioperative anxiety. The primary outcome was the postintervention anxiety level. Secondary outcomes included differences in blood pressure and heart rate before and after the intervention as well as pain scores at intraoperative and postoperative time points. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021249737). RESULTS: Twelve studies (894 patients) were included. The anxiety level showed no statistically significant difference (SMD, 0.28; 95% CI: -0.12, 0.68; p = 0.17). The analysis of blood pressure and heart rate also did not identify statistically significant differences. Notably, the pain scores at the intraoperative time point suggested that aromatherapy was superior to music therapy (WMD, 0.29 cm; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.52; p = 0.02), while those at 4 h after surgery indicated the opposite results (WMD, -0.48 cm; 95% CI: -0.60, -0.36; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Low-to-moderate quality evidence suggests that music therapy and aromatherapy have similar potential to relieve perioperative anxiety. The potential data indicate that the two therapies have different benefits in intervention duration and age distribution. More direct high-quality comparisons are encouraged in the future to verify this point.Musik- und Aromatherapie haben sich bei perioperativen Angstzuständen als wirksam erwiesen. Die verfügbaren Studien zeigten jedoch widersprüchliche Ergebnisse zur Frage, welche adjuvante Therapie bei perioperativen Angstzuständen besser ist. Daher führten wir die vorliegende Metaanalyse durch, um die unterschiedlichen Effekte der beiden Therapien zu untersuchen.Sechs (6) elektronische Datenbanken wurden nach klinischen Studien zur Wirksamkeit von Musiktherapie im Vergleich zur Aromatherapie bei der Linderung perioperativer Angstzustände durchsucht. Primäres Zielkriterium war das Angstniveau nach der Intervention. Die sekundären Zielkriterien umfassten die Unterschiede bei Blutdruck und Herzfrequenz vor und nach der Intervention sowie die Schmerz-Scores zu intra- und postoperativen Zeitpunkten. Das Studienprotokoll wurde auf PROSPERO (CRD42021249737) registriert.Zwölf (12) Studien (894 Patienten) wurden eingeschlossen. Das Angstniveau zeigte keinen statistisch signifikanten Unterschied (SMD, 0,28; 95%-KI: −0,12, 0,68, p = 0,17) und auch die Analyse von Blutdruck und Herzfrequenz ergab keine statistisch signifikanten Unterschiede. Insbesondere die Schmerz-Scores zum intraoperativen Zeitpunkt sprachen dafür, dass die Aromatherapie gegenüber der Musiktherapie überlegen war (WMD, 0,29 cm; 95%-KI: 0,05, 0,52; p = 0,02), während die Werte 4 Stunden nach der Operation gegenteilige Ergebnisse zeigten (WMD, −0,48 cm; 95%-KI: −0,60, −0,36, p < 0,001).Evidenzen von geringer bis mässiger Qualität deuten darauf hin, dass Musik- und Aromatherapie ein vergleichbares Potenzial bei der Linderung perioperativer Ängste besitzen. Die potenziellen Daten zeigen, dass die beiden Therapien unterschiedliche Vorteile hinsichtlich Interventionsdauer und Altersverteilung haben. Künftig sollten mehr direkte und qualitativ hochwertige Vergleiche durchgeführt werden, um diesen Aspekt zu überprüfen.

Use of a Combination Lavender/Peppermint Aromatherapy Patch During Port Catheter Placement Under Monitored Anesthesia Care Does Not Reduce Time to Discharge Readiness: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Intraoperative anxiety is a common problem when Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) is used instead of general anesthesia during minor surgical procedures such as port catheter placement. Nonpharmacological anxiolytics such as aromatherapy have been studied for their effects on preoperative anxiety, but no placebo-controlled study of aromatherapy during surgeries under MAC has yet been performed. Methods: After IRB approval, 70 patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either a lavender/peppermint aromatherapy patch (Elequil Aromatabs®; Beekley Corporation) or a matching placebo patch. The primary outcome, time to readiness for discharge from postoperative acute care units (PACU; min), was assessed every 15 min until a modified postanesthesia recovery score for ambulatory patients (PARSAP) score of 18 or higher was reached. In the preoperative holding area, the assigned patch/placebo was activated and affixed to a folded towel placed aside the subject's head, contralateral to the side of the planned surgery. The towel and patch/placebo were discarded when the subject left the operating room (OR). Results: No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups on the primary outcome of time to discharge readiness (mean [standard deviation, SD]: 82 [15] vs. 89 [21] min, respectively, p = 0.131). No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups on the secondary outcomes of intraoperative midazolam dose, intraoperative opioid dose, intraoperative ondansetron dose, or intraoperative promethazine dose. No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups in the proportion of subjects requiring rescue postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) medication in the PACU or the proportion of subjects requiring opioids in the PACU. No difference was found between the treatment and placebo groups in pain intensity in PACU, average PONV score in PACU, or patient satisfaction in PACU. PACU patient satisfaction was high for both the patch and placebo groups (35/35 [100%] vs. 32/34 [94%] "very satisfied," p = 0.239). Conclusions: Aromatherapy treatment is not indicated intraoperatively to reduce anxiety or the use of antiemetics in patients requiring Port catheter placement. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05328973.

Effects of Phytoncide Fragrance on Resting-State Brain Activity in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study.

Introduction: The therapeutic potential of phytoncide fragrances may be optimal for patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that display complex symptomatology. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of phytoncide by evaluating its electrophysiological effects in patients with MCI. Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. A total of 24 community-dwelling patients were randomly assigned to either a phytoncide or no-odor group. Participants wore a dental mask, for 30 min at rest that had either the fragrance stimulus or water added to it. The quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) during the resting state was recorded before and after a single intervention. Results: There were significant interaction effects in absolute EEG-power values in the occipital (F = 6.52, p = 0.018) and parietal (F = 5.41, p = 0.030) left hemisphere at ß frequency. Phytoncide odor significantly decreased low and high ß activity in the occipital (corrected p = 0.009) and parietal (corrected p = 0.047) left hemisphere, respectively. In source localization, phytoncide odor significantly decreased deep source activation in the left inferior and middle frontal gyri at ß 2 frequency band compared with the no-odor group (threshold = 4.25, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Reductions in ß, indicative of anxiety, depression, and stress, suggest relief from emotion-related symptoms that are common in patients with MCI. Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry Korea (registration: KCT0007317).

Effects of Aromatherapy on Physical and Mental Health of Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy and/or Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUP: Currently, aromatherapy is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice, particularly in managing the side effects associated with radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. However, it remains to be established whether aromatherapy can effectively alleviate these symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of aromatherapy on the physical and mental health of patients with cancer undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. METHODS: Seven databases were researched from inception until September 29, 2023, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, China Biology Medicine disc and VIP Chinese Medical Journal Database. Review Manager version 5.3 was utilized for data analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2 was employed to evaluate the quality of the literature included in the study. Evidence quality rating was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach through the GRADEpro GDT online tool. RESULTS: Nineteen studies involving 1,541 patients were included. Aromatherapy can alleviate nausea [relative risk (RR)=0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53 to 0.78, P<0.05, I2=46%; standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.86, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.51, P<0.05, I2=64%] and vomiting (RR=0.54, 95% CI: 0.42 to 0.69, P<0.05, I2=35%; SMD=-1.28, 95% CI: -1.52 to -1.03, P<0.05, I2=92%), improve sleep disorders [mean difference (MD)=-3.39, 95% CI: -3.95 to -2.84, P<0.05, I2=0%], relieve pain (SMD=-1.58, 95% CI: -1.96 to -1.21, P<0.05, I2=0%), mitigate fatigue (SMD=-1.28, 95% CI: -2.44 to -0.11, P<0.05, I2=93%) and enhance quality of life (SMD=0.50, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.79, P<0.05, I2=0%) in cancer patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but it may not have a significant effect on anxiety. The risk of bias was high in the included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2, and no studies were considered to be of high grade according to the GRADE system. CONCLUSIONS: Aromatherapy is an efficacious, safe and economic adjunctive therapy for cancer patients, which can mend the physical symptoms and mental health of cancer patients. However, more high-quality studies are needed to verify it. (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42023390171).