Abstract (eng)
The aim of this work was to record the physiological and psychological effects of Swiss stone pine essential oil on humans after inhalation, in comparison with the fragrance of orange absolute and the control group without scent. In the present study, a total of 90 participants took part. There were 30 study participants in each group (Swiss stone pine oil group, the orange absolute group and the control without fragrance). Before and after inhalation, blood pressure and well-being parameters were determined. During the scenting, the adaptability of the test persons to the fragrance was evaluated by an intensity rating. At the end of the study, the pine scent was evaluated in terms of hedonics, familiarity and effect. The statistical data evaluation was carried out with the t-test and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced after inhalation of Swiss stone pine oil and orange absolute, compared to the control group. No significant differences were recorded in diastolic blood pressure between the three groups. The Swiss stone pine group showed a much more calming effect compared to the orange absolute. The test persons in the Swiss stone pine and orange groups felt awake and relaxed after inhaling the essential oil, while the participants in the control group became tired. The parameter of mood did not show any significant difference between the three fragrance groups, whereby the Swiss stone pine group tended to feel better and more contented compared to the control group.
The participants rated the orange scent as more pleasant and more familiar than the pine scent, but they found both fragrances equally calming.