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Objective: The oral intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) has been reported to be effective in preventing vascular disease and improving blood fat status. However, the effects of ALA-rich perilla oil consumption on individuals physiological indicators have not been appropriately investigated. This study therefore investigates the effects of the oral intake of perilla oil on physiological indicators. Design: A clinical study. Materials and Methods: 38 participants were recruited from Fukutomi-cho, Higashi-hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The participants each took 5 ml of perilla oil daily for eight months. We calculated the mean values of the physiological index before and after the intake period and applied a paired-sample t-test. Results: There was no change in body weight, body fat, blood lipid, or blood pressure. However, in addition to changes in the indicators of arteriosclerosis and anemia associated with aging, we observed a significant decrease---approximately 20%---in two kinds of blood oxidation markers and hormones related to bone metabolism. Participants scores on the self-rating depression scale also decreased significantly. Conclusion: The study provides evidence that daily intake of perilla oil may be useful in alleviating the effects of aging and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the operation and rehabilitation room, we use the background music. Design: A clinical study. Materials and methods: The subjects were young healthy women and men. We studied the autonomic nerve functions with listening to "Joyful-provoking music (J music)" or "Anxiety-provoking music (A music)". Accelerated plethysmography (APG) was performed using a pulsimeter. Heart rate variability (HRV) was determined using the spectral analysis. Maximum entropy method low (M-LF) and high frequency (M-HF) component powers, LF/HF and the coefficient of variation of A-A intervals (CVa-a, %) were estimated. Results: Sympathetic nervous system activities were decreased with J music. Conclusions: Because most of the patients hold mental stress. When rehabilitation is done, J music, such as classical music, is expected additional effect on rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]