[S.T.] Confirmed the soothing effect of the scent of Sakhalin fir essential oil on premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
*ST Co., Ltd.*
Press release: September 2, 2024
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[S.T.] Confirmed the soothing effect of the scent of Sakhalin fir essential oil on premenstrual symptoms (PMS)
In a joint study, S.T. Co., Ltd. and Kinki University Institute of Oriental Medicine scientifically confirmed the soothing effect of the scent of Sakhalin fir essential oil on premenstrual symptoms (PMS) using a global standard symptom evaluation method.
Physical and mental symptoms that occur before menstruation are called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
It is increasingly recognized as having the potential to affect women’s social lives. PMS includes a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, physical discomfort, swelling, appetite changes, and mood changes such as irritability and anxiety.
Figure 1: [When PMS appears and main symptoms]
In a research presentation in December 2023 (*1), we evaluated three types of scents: verbena-like, mint-like, and lavender-like, using stick-shaped perfume pastes, and used any of the perfume pastes. It was also confirmed that PMS symptoms were significantly alleviated. It has been reported that the scent of coniferous trees has
stress-relieving effects1,2), so in this study we investigated whether there would be a difference in the effect of relieving PMS by adding fir (a type of coniferous tree) essential oil to kneaded perfume. I verified it.
(*1) Confirmed the soothing effect of scent on premenstrual symptoms (PMS) https://www.st-c.co.jp/news/newsrelease/2023/20231208_002000.html
In this study, 100 women between the ages of 20 and 39 with subjective symptoms of PMS were given a stick-type perfume (lavender-like fragrance or a fragrance containing the same fragrance and Sakhalin fir essential oil) during the premenstrual period. Please use the Japanese version DRSP3) approximately 4 times a day.
(*2) was answered.
As a result, it was confirmed that PMS symptoms were significantly less severe when a lavender-like perfume was used, regardless of the presence or absence of Sakhalin pine essential oil, than when nothing was used (blank) (Figure 2). Furthermore, when comparing the presence and absence of Todomatsu essential oil, it was shown that the rate of improvement in PMS symptoms was significantly higher in the perfume paste containing Todomatsu essential oil (Figure 3).
(※2)
DRSP is a PMS consisting of questions regarding mental symptoms (depressed mood, anxiety, anger, concentration, etc.), questions regarding physical symptoms (hunger, sleep, breast enlargement, headache, etc.), and questions regarding the impact on social activities. It is a world standard tool for scientifically evaluating and recording various symptoms. It is also used in the strict evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic drugs.
Figure 2 [Comparison of PMS symptoms/overall evaluation (score) by adding Sakhalin fir essential oil to perfume paste]
Figure 3 [Comparison/improvement rate of PMS symptoms by adding Sakhalin fir essential oil to perfume paste]
In order to compare the symptoms when using and not using Neri Perfume, we conducted an evaluation using DRSP for two menstrual cycles each. Among the 100 women aged 20 to 39 to whom we distributed the perfume, those with PMS symptoms (monitors whose DRSP scores for each analysis item had a difference of 30% or more before and after menstruation) and within the specified 5 days Monitors who responded correctly for 4 days or more were included in the analysis.
This study suggested that fir essential oil may enhance the effect of relieving PMS symptoms. In the future, we would like to utilize this information to develop products in the wellness field that use scents and are easy to incorporate.
These results were announced at the 52nd Academic Meeting of the Japanese Society of Women’s Psychosomatic Medicine (August 31st to September 1st, 2024) held at Hitotsubashi University.
[References]
1) Doi, Takumu, et al. “Reduction of salivary cortisol after” Mokuiku” activities and exposure to the fragrance of sakhalin spruce (Picea glehnii) essential oil.” (2020): 332-338.
2) Ikei, Harumi, Chorong Song, and Yoshifumi Miyazaki. “Physiological effect of olfactory stimulation by Hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) leaf oil.” Journal of Physiological Anthropology 34 (2015): 1-7. 3) Takeda T., et al. (2021) Psychometric Testing of the Japanese Version of the Daily Record of Severity of Problems Among Japanese Women. * Int J Women’s Health. 13* , 361-367.
* ■Dr. Takashi Takeda, Director and Professor, Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kindai University *
PMS has a variety of symptoms related to the mind and body, and there are over 150 types of symptoms, including small ones. Survey data shows that only 5.3% of Japanese women between the ages of 20 and 49 with moderate to severe PMS or PMDD (*3) symptoms receive treatment. are considered untreated (*4). The cause is different from menstrual irregularities, which are affected by hormonal balance, and in fact, people with regular menstrual cycles are more likely to experience PMS symptoms than those with irregular menstrual cycles. It has also been reported that the severity of symptoms is higher in adolescents than in adults, and even if symptoms are present, they are often not recognized as PMS.
In addition, stress and irregular lifestyles can easily trigger PMS, and as more women are working these days, it is thought that the number of women suffering from PMS is also increasing. Mental symptoms such as irritability, sudden anger, and anxiety can easily cause friction in interpersonal relationships, and in severe cases, it can interfere with work and family life.
First of all, it is important to be aware of the PMS symptoms and patterns that tend to occur to you. Many people are not aware that they have PMS, so check your condition by using the PMS self-check and recording the symptoms that occur before menstruation.
As a countermeasure, the first thing to do is to adjust your lifestyle habits, such as regular living, sleeping, and eating. Additionally, it is important to reduce daily stress. If your symptoms are mild, it may be helpful to incorporate scented items to help you relax mentally. There have been reports on the effectiveness of aroma oils for PMS, but the stick-shaped perfume oil used in this joint research can be easily used anytime and anywhere, and strict evaluation methods have confirmed its effectiveness in improving symptoms. Therefore, I think it is a good idea to try this as the first method to try to improve the symptoms. If you feel that your symptoms are severe and are interfering with your social life, please do not hesitate and consult a gynecologist.
In the workplace, there are many cases where there is a lack of understanding of those around you, regardless of gender. It is important that society as a whole understands PMS correctly.
(*3) Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. A severe form of PMS that is mainly characterized by psychotic symptoms.
(*4) Source: Arch Womens Ment Health; 9(4): 209-212, 2006
* ■PMS check sheet *
Director and Professor, Institute of Oriental Medicine, Kindai University We created a PMS check sheet under the supervision of Professor Takeda. If you are feeling irritable or anxious before menstruation, or are experiencing physical problems such as headaches or abdominal pain, please use the PMS Check Sheet to check your own condition.