ACUTE EFFECT OF ZINGIBER MONTANUM ESSENTIAL OIL AROMATHERAPY ON MOOD IN HEALTHY MALE VOLUNTEERS

Background and Aims:Introduction: Inhalation of essential oils aromatherapy has been linked to the stimulation of olfactory cortex, results in serotonin release and modulation of mood status. Zingiber montanumor Phlai contains high level of essential oils and flavonoids such as sabinene, terpenoids, butanoids, and curcuminoids. It is well known for analgesic property but its effect on mood is unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of inhalation Zingiber montanum essential oil on mood in healthy young male volunteers.Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was conducted on 38 healthy male volunteers; 19 in Phlai group and 19 in control group. Olive oil was used in the control group. Single inhalation was provided continuously for 15 minutes via hot steam. Mood status was assessed pre- and post-intervention using the 150-mm Visual Analog Scales for Mood, Anxiety, Stress, and Alertness (MASA) and Rorschach tests. Results: One-way ANCOVA was used to determine a statistically difference of mood tests between Phlai and Olive on the mood variables controlling for pre-test scores. Both Phlai and Olive increased the post-test scores of positive mood and reduced the scores of negative mood. However, no difference between groups was found, except on the Rorschach-stress. There was significantly different between Phlai and Olive (F(1,38) = 6.486, p = 0.015). The variances of change explained by the model (R square) were 32.8%. The adjusted R Squared was 0.290.Conclusions: Single inhalation aromatherapy of Zingiber montanum (Phlai) essential oil or olive oil showed the immediate improvement of mood states in healthy young male volunteers by easing the negative emotions and enhancing the positive emotions. Phlai essential oil was more efficacious than olive oil in reducing the emotional stress.