The effect of lavender on stress in individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The role of tele-herbal consultations in workplace wellness

BACKGROUND

 Musculoskeletal disorders are widespread among sedentary office workers, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. There is increasing interest in incorporating herbal interventions as part of a holistic approach to address these challenges, blending traditional and culturally relevant treatments with modern techniques to enhance overall health and wellness.

OBJECTIVE

 This commentary aims to highlight the role of utilizing electronic platforms to provide consultations regarding herbal medicine (or tele-herbal consultations) in managing musculoskeletal disorders and impacting pain relief, changes in psychological well-being, and improvements in workplace productivity among sedentary office workers.

METHODS

 This study discusses the influence of herbal treatments on both physical and psychological dimensions of musculoskeletal disorders, offering insights into holistic healing approaches, based on previously published papers. It also highlights the feasibility and acceptance of tele-herbal consultations.

RESULTS

 The data gathered from previous studies shows that herbal interventions can enhance both subjective physical performance and psychological well-being in office workers. Tele-herbal consultation may be a culturally sensitive solution to provide pain relief and improvements in workplace productivity.

CONCLUSION

 Although the findings of previous studies are encouraging, further research is needed to establish standardized tele-herbal protocols that can effectively relieve pain, boost well-being, and promote a more active, health-conscious lifestyle for office workers. Ultimately, these interventions could lead to improvements in workplace productivity.

Towards a Greener Future: Sustainable Innovations in the Extraction of Lavender (Lavandula spp.) Essential Oil

Lavender is one of the most appreciated aromatic plants, with high economic value in food, cosmetics, perfumery, and pharmaceutical industries. Lavender essential oil (LEO) is known to have demonstrative antimicrobial, antioxidant, therapeutic, flavor and fragrance properties. Conventional extraction methods, e.g., steam distillation (SD) and hydro-distillation (HD), have been traditionally employed to extract LEO. However, the low yield, high energy consumption, and long extraction time of conventional methods have prompted the introduction of novel extraction technologies. Some of these innovative approaches, such as ohmic-assisted, microwave-assisted, supercritical fluid, and subcritical water extraction approaches, are used as substitutes to conventional extraction methods. While other methods, e.g., sonication, pulsed electric field, and cold plasma, can be used as a pre-treatment that is preceded by conventional or emerging extraction technologies. These innovative approaches have a great significance in reducing the energy consumption, shortening the extraction time, and increasing the extraction yield and the quality of EOs. Therefore, they can be considered as sustainable extraction technologies. However, the scale-up of emerging technologies to an industrial level should also be investigated from the techno-economic points of view in future studies.

Recent developments in the encapsulation of lavender essential oil

The unregulated and extensive application of synthetic compounds, such as preservatives, pesticides, and drugs, poses serious concerns to the environment, food security, and global health. Essential oils (EOs) are valid alternatives to these synthetic chemicals due to their therapeutic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Lavender essential oil (LEO) can be potentially applied in food, cosmetic, textile, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. However, its bioactivity can be compromised by its poor stability and solubility, which severely restrict its industrial applications. Encapsulation techniques can improve the functionality of LEO and preserve its bioactivity during storage. This review reports recent advances in the encapsulation of LEO by different methods, such as liposomes, emulsification, spray drying, complex coacervation, inclusion complexation, and electrospinning. It also outlines the effects of different processing conditions and carriers on the stability, physicochemical properties, and release behavior of encapsulated LEO. Moreover, this review focuses on the applications of encapsulated LEO in different food and non-food products.

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.

Psychological interventions to promote self-forgiveness: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Being able to forgive one's own wrongdoings improves the health and well-being of a person. People find it difficult to forgive themselves due to different reasons. It is essential to enhance the ability to accept one's deeds and thereby enhance self-forgiveness. The current systematic review's objective is to comprehend the application and efficiency of numerous interventions that improve self-forgiveness.

METHODS

The search was done on electronic databases such as PubMed, ERIC, Web of Science, PsycNet, Science Direct, and Google Scholar. The initial search yielded 399 articles. After the duplicate removal, 19 articles met the eligibility criteria. Two studies were identified through related references. Thus, 21 articles were finalized for review. The study adhered to the PRISMA recommendations for systematic reviews.

RESULTS

The 21 finalized articles varied in method, participants, research design, duration, measurement tools used, and observed outcomes. Thirteen of the 21 finalized articles followed interventions specifically designed to promote self-forgiveness. Interventions are seen to be applied at both individual and group levels.

CONCLUSION

The review categorizes the interventions into self-directed and group. The self-directed interventions, notably those based on Enright's process model, demonstrate its efficiency in nurturing self-forgiveness. Self-forgiveness interventions are also found to be effective in promoting other positive psychological and clinical variables. Further implications and future research avenues are outlined.

Mindfulness-based interventions for body image dissatisfaction among clinical population: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) are well-validated interventions to enhance the favourable body image of individuals. Despite their wide application, the efficacy of MBIs in reducing body image dissatisfaction (BID) among various clinical populations remains unclear. This study aims to expand the literature on MBIs for BID and identify effective types of MBIs for reducing BID in diverse clinical populations for future research and practice.

METHODS

A systematic search for studies published in English on the effectiveness of MBIs for BID among the clinical population was done on APA PsycNet, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases in August 2023. Of the 1962 articles initially identified, 17 were found eligible and evaluated based on the JBI checklist.

RESULTS

Random effects meta-analyses on six MBIs revealed their effectiveness in reducing BID among the clinical population (SMD = -.59 and 95% CI = -1.03 to -.15, p = .009), with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (SMD = -1.29, 95% CI = -2.06 to -.52, p = .001) and My Changed Body (MyCB) (SMD = -.24, 95% CI = -.46 to -.01, p = .04) reporting significant effect sizes. Among the patients with breast cancer, MyCB (SMD = -.24, 95% CI = -.46 to -.01, p = .04) showed a significant effect size.

CONCLUSIONS

MBIs appear to be promising interventions in reducing BID among the clinical population. However, findings should be considered cautiously due to the possible publication bias, high heterogeneity and fewer available studies.

Effects of lavender essential oil inhalation aromatherapy on depression and sleep quality in stroke patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Post-stroke depression (PSD) has major implications for rehabilitation, motor recovery, activities of daily living, social and interpersonal functioning, and mortality. In view of the side effects of antidepressants, aromatherapy, a widely used non-pharmacological therapy, has received growing attention in recent years for its benefits of reduced complications, accessibility, and effectiveness. This study was designed to assess the effects of inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil on depression and sleep quality in patients with PSD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty patients with PSD were enrolled and randomized into experimental and placebo groups. Experimental-group patients inhaled microencapsulated lavender essential oil every night at bedtime over a period of 4 weeks. A nonwoven bag containing 2.3 g of microcapsules with about 1.5 g of lavender essential oil was placed on or under the patient's pillow, depending on the patient's scent sensitivity. Placebo-group patients used the empty nonwoven bags for the same period as the experimental group. The 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used to measure outcomes.

RESULTS

The HAMD-17 score, SDS score, and PSQI score showed statistically significant differences between both groups before and after intervention (P ≤ 0.01). The improvement in the experimental group was more marked than in the placebo group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lavender essential oil inhalation aromatherapy may help reduce depression and improve sleep quality in patients with PSD.

Inhalation effect of lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly: a pilot randomized controlled study

[Purpose] This pilot study aims to investigate the effects of inhaling lychee-scented candles on stress and sleep quality among adults and the elderly. [Participants and Methods] Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the control (n=15) or experimental (n=15) groups. The experimental group inhaled the scent from the lychee soy wax candle prior to going to bed for four weeks (20 minutes/session, three days/week). Perceived stress was assessed using the Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20), while sleep quality was assessed using the Thai-Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI). All outcomes were determined at the baseline two weeks to four weeks after scent inhalation. [Results] The results indicated significant differences in sleep quality between the two groups. The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in sleep quality compared to the control group. Although, there was no difference between groups, the experimental group presented significant decrease in stress as time passed whereas the opposite trend was seen for the control group. [Conclusion] This preliminary study suggests that the inhalation of lychee soy wax candles over a four-week period improved sleep quality in adults and the elderly but had no effect on reducing stress.

Effects of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lavender oil on odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy. Specifically, the study aims to compare the outcomes of an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention with those of a control group.

METHODS

A randomized controlled trial design was employed, including an experimental group receiving lavender oil intervention and a control group receiving standard care. The study participants were patients with permanent colostomy. Various variables were assessed, including odor scale, work and social functioning, sexuality and body image, stoma function, financial concerns, acceptance, anxiety/preoccupation, social engagement and anger.

RESULTS

The post-scores assessment showed significant differences between the experimental and control groups in all variables. The experimental group exhibited significantly more positive outcomes concerning the reduction of odor (p<0.001), performance in the workplace (p<0.001), body image connected to sexuality (p<0.001), stoma functionality (p<0.001), financial worries (p=0.005), acceptance levels (p<0.001), anxiety levels (p<0.001), social involvement (p<0.001), and irritability (p<0.001). Effect sizes were substantial (=0.88-0.98 in all variables but one), indicating significant differences in average scores before and after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that lavender oil intervention effectively improved odor elimination, ostomy adjustment and quality of life outcomes in patients with permanent colostomy.

Effectiveness of psychological interventions for compassion fatigue: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Constant exposure to trauma and death adversely affects the physical, emotional, and mental stability of the helping professionals, leading to compassion fatigue (CF). Although research has explored the effect of various psychological interventions (PIs) on CF, no studies have quantitatively synthesized their effectiveness. Thus, the current systematic review and meta-analysis address this gap by examining the efficacy of PIs in reducing CF among helping professionals.

METHODS

Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were searched to identify studies published between 2004 and 2023. Quantitative studies published in English that used any PI to reduce CF of helping professionals were selected for analysis. The risk of bias in studies was evaluated using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tool.

RESULTS

Of the 1995 records identified from databases, 82 intervention studies were included in the systematic review, and 11 randomized controlled trials were chosen for meta-analysis. Post-intervention means and SDs of the intervention group and the control group were used to run the meta-analysis. Random effects meta-analysis results revealed that PIs are highly effective in reducing CF (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.95; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.27; P = .006).

CONCLUSION

Evidence suggests that PIs, especially online-delivered PIs, could reduce the CF of helping professionals. Health policymakers, concerned authorities, and intervention designers should focus on reducing the CF of helping professionals, as they need to work with vulnerable populations efficiently.

The Impact of Aromatherapy Gelatin Cold Compresses on the Concentration Level of Students in the Covid-19 Pandemic Online Class

Introduction

Stressful circumstances presented by the Covid-19 pandemic led to reduced levels of study concentration among students, and these conditions had been linked with dopamine levels.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of aromatherapy gelatin cold compress in increasing the study concentration of students by decreasing stress levels and elevating dopamine levels during the Covid-19 pandemic online class.

Methods

The study participants consisted of 42 students, who were selected using the simple random sampling method. Subsequently, the participants were comparably divided into control and treatment groups. Compress intervention was given to the treatment group on the forehead for 10 min before studying online. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Stroop test were then used to determine stress and concentration levels of the students, respectively. The catecholamine fractionated urine was used to measure dopamine levels. Analysis was carried out using Paired T-test and Independent T-test with α = 0.05 and CI = 95%.

Results

The mean value of the VAS before and after treatment was 5.81 ± 2.48 and 5.28 ± 2.61 in the control (p = 0.205), as well as 6.28 ± 1.62 and 4.38 ± 1.89 in the treatment group (p = 0.000). The mean interference score of the Stroop test before and after treatment was 13.16 ± 1.05 and 13.22 ± 1.31 among the controls (p = 0.947), while 13.35 ± 6.94 and 8.92 ± 5.91 were recorded in the treatment group (p = 0.000). The average dopamine levels before and after the intervention were 145.50 ± 7.94 mg/mL and 146.65 ± 8.23 mg/mL creatinine among the controls (p = 0.542), while 145.35 ± 1.03 mg/mL and 265.18 ± 1.27 mg/mL creatinine were obtained in the treatment group (p = 0.01). Furthermore, the results showed that the creatinine levels were within the normal ranges. The Independent T-test of stress, concentration, and dopamine levels obtained p = 0.024, p = 0.010, and p = 0.090, respectively.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy gelatin cold compress was effective in increasing study concentration by decreasing stress levels and increasing dopamine levels during the Covid-19 pandemic online class.

The Effects of Oral Lavender Therapy on Wounding in Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Lavender administration in humans has been shown to promote calmness without the side effects often observed with benzodiazepines. Studies in both humans and rodents have found that ingestion of oral lavender capsules resulted in significantly decreased anxiety. Additionally, mice developed an anti-conflict effect and humans increased socially inclusive behaviors. Given the safety of oral lavender oil and the observed benefits, we administered daily lavender capsules to six chimpanzees who exhibited conflict-instigating behaviors in an effort to further decrease our already low levels of wounding. We compared the total number of wounds in 25 chimpanzees housed with the six lavender-treated chimpanzees in five different social groups (1) prior to administration of daily oral lavender capsules to (2) total wounds during daily oral lavender capsule treatment. We hypothesized that lavender therapy treatment would reduce overall wounding in the social groups. Surprisingly, overall wounding was higher during the lavender treatment period (p = 0.01), yet the percentage of wounds requiring treatment significantly decreased during the lavender therapy period (36% vs. 21%, p = 0.02).

The effect of exercise on anti-Mullerian hormone levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is considered as the most common endocrinopathy among women of childbearing age and the most important cause of anovulatory infertility. The present study aimed to estimate the pooled effect of exercise on anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in PCOS women using systematic review and meta-analysis.

Main body

The present study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines from 2011 to October 2021. All published studies, which met the inclusion criteria, were searched in SID, MagIran, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) databases, and Google Scholar motor engine using related MeSH/Emtree terms, which were combined with free text word. Finally, 12 articles were included in the meta-analysis. As a result of the combination of the studies, after exercise, AMH level in the intervention group significantly decreased up to 0.517 ± 0.169 more than that in the control group (P ˂ 0.05). The results of subgroup analysis demonstrated that the effect of resistance training for 16 weeks was higher on women with body mass index (BMI) (≥ 25 kg/m2) and AMH (≥ 10 ng/mL) before the intervention. GRADEpro software was used to grade the level of evidence.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that either strength exercise or aerobic exercise decrease the AMH level in PCOS women. It seems more duration of the exercise has a more potential advantage to reduce the AMH levels in women with PCOS. Although the results graded by very low-quality evidence, it is recommended to include exercise in the treatment programs of PCOS patients.