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Evaluation of the effects of essential oils on the reduction of stress: a rapid narrative review

Authors:

Abstract

The present narrative review focuses on exploring the role of essential oils as a significant intervention in stress management. Stress, defined as an adaptive response to challenging stimuli, manifests in various spheres, with its approach being essential for the preservation of physical and emotional well-being. Essential oils present themselves as bioactive agents whose impact occurs on the nervous system through olfactory and cutaneous pathways, directly influencing emotional processes, memories, mood, and behavior. Notable among these essential oils are lavender, chamomile, and bergamot, recognized for their anti-stress properties. The application of these essential oils, whether through inhalation or cutaneous administration, demonstrates efficacy in promoting beneficial physiological and psychological effects. Individualization of treatment is emphasized, considering synergies, affinities, and personal preferences. The diversity of products, including diffusers and creams, amplifies application options, offering a flexible and personalized approach. In the clinical realm, the inclusion of essential oils in the stress management protocol is supported by their ability to modulate emotional responses and promote states of relaxation. In summary, essential oils emerge as a prominent and customizable strategy in stress treatment, contributing significantly to the promotion of physical and emotional balance in individuals.
Brazilian Journal of Aromatherapy and Essential Oils 2024, 1, bjhae4 https://bjhealtharomatherapyessentialoil.com.br/
Mini-Review
Evaluation of the effects of essential oils on the reduction of
stress: a rapid narrative review
Camilla Teixeira Pinheiro Gusmão 1, *
1 Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil.
* Correspondence: camillatpgusmao@gmail.com.
Abstract: The present narrative review focuses on exploring the role of essential oils as a significant
intervention in stress management. Stress, defined as an adaptive response to challenging stimuli,
manifests in various spheres, with its approach being essential for the preservation of physical and
emotional well-being. Essential oils present themselves as bioactive agents whose impact occurs on
the nervous system through olfactory and cutaneous pathways, directly influencing emotional pro-
cesses, memories, mood, and behavior. Notable among these essential oils are lavender, chamomile,
and bergamot, recognized for their anti-stress properties. The application of these essential oils,
whether through inhalation or cutaneous administration, demonstrates efficacy in promoting ben-
eficial physiological and psychological effects. Individualization of treatment is emphasized, con-
sidering synergies, affinities, and personal preferences. The diversity of products, including diffus-
ers and creams, amplifies application options, offering a flexible and personalized approach. In the
clinical realm, the inclusion of essential oils in the stress management protocol is supported by their
ability to modulate emotional responses and promote states of relaxation. In summary, essential oils
emerge as a prominent and customizable strategy in stress treatment, contributing significantly to
the promotion of physical and emotional balance in individuals.
Keywords: Essential Oils; Stress Management; Individualized Treatment.
1. Introduction
Stress, an organism's adaptive response to challenges, can serve as both a motivating
force and a source of significant negative impacts on physical and mental health. This
multifactorial phenomenon manifests in a complex manner, affecting everything from the
immune system to reproductive health. Its ramifications encompass an extensive range of
physical and psychological symptoms, compromising overall quality of life. Within the
realm of stress, two scenarios stand out: acute stress, related to specific events, and chronic
stress, associated with persistent situations. Chronic stress, in particular, is linked to var-
ious medical conditions, ranging from cardiovascular diseases to psychiatric disorders
[1].
The innovative approach proposed in this article seeks to explore an alternative for
dealing with persistent stress: the use of essential oils. These volatile compounds extracted
from plants, known not only for their pleasant fragrances but also for therapeutic proper-
ties, can influence the human nervous system. Understanding how essential oils interact
with the nervous system opens avenues for practical strategies to integrate them into daily
life with the goal of alleviating chronic stress symptoms [1, 2]. Recent studies have high-
lighted the potential of these oils not just as pleasant fragrances but as effective mood,
anxiety, and stress modulators. The olfactory pathway through which essential oils are
inhaled connects to the brain's limbic system, responsible for emotional and behavioral
Citation: Gusmão CTP. Evaluation of
the effects of essential oils on the re-
duction of stress: a rapid narrative re-
view. Brazilian Journal of Aroma-
therapy and Essential Oil. 2024;1:
bjhae4.
doi: https://doi.org/10.62435/2965-
7253.bjhae.2024.bjhae4
Received: 1 February 2024
Accepted: 18 February 2024
Published: 2 March 2024
Copyright: This work is licensed
under a Creative Commons
Attribution 4.0 International License
(CC BY 4.0).
Gusmão CTP 2 of 7
processes. This direct link between essential oils and the emotional center suggests that
these compounds can play a significant role in stress management [2, 3].
By exploring essential oils recognized for their anti-stress properties, this article aims
to provide not only a theoretical review but also practical insights on how to choose, com-
bine, and apply these resources effectively. Thus, this narrative review aims to offer a
comprehensive perspective on the role of essential oils as a potential tool in stress man-
agement, highlighting not only the diversity of available oils but also their practical appli-
cations to promote physical and mental well-being.
2. Materials and Methods
The conduction of this narrative review followed a rigorous methodological protocol,
aiming to compile and critically analyze studies investigating the role of essential oils in
stress control. A literature search was conducted across various scientific databases, in-
cluding PubMed and Scopus, using search terms such as "essential oils," "stress," "stress
management," "anxiety," and "well-being." Article selection was guided by inclusion cri-
teria prioritizing thematic relevance, methodological quality, and recentness of publica-
tions. Titles and abstracts of identified articles were reviewed, followed by a comprehen-
sive analysis of articles meeting the initial criteria. Experimental studies, systematic re-
views, and meta-analyses were prioritized to ensure a comprehensive and evidence-based
approach.
The categorization and organization of selected studies were based on their method-
ological approaches, main focus, and presented results. This classification allowed for a
detailed analysis of different perspectives and approaches present in the literature on es-
sential oils and stress. The critical analysis of studies included evaluating methodological
quality and the consistency of presented results. This phase aimed to identify patterns,
discrepancies, and gaps in the literature, contributing to a deeper understanding of the
current state of knowledge in this area.
Essential oils recognized for their anti-stress properties were identified and charac-
terized regarding their chemical composition and aromatic note. This step allowed map-
ping the specific properties of each oil, indicating their potential applications for different
aspects of stress.
3. Review
3.1. Stress: Causes and Consequences
Stress is a physiological and psychological response to situations demanding adap-
tation or change, and it can be either positive or negative depending on its intensity, du-
ration, and coping mechanisms. The causes of stress vary among individuals but are gen-
erally related to environmental, social, personal, professional, or health-related factors.
The consequences of stress can impact both the body and mind, leading to alterations in
the immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, respiratory, muscular, nervous, and re-
productive systems. It can also result in anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, diffi-
culty concentrating, low self-esteem, among other issues [4].
Acute stress occurs in response to specific events, such as a shock, an exam, an argu-
ment, or a dangerous situation, and it lasts for a short duration, potentially benefiting
attention, motivation, and performance. Chronic stress, on the other hand, persists for
weeks, months, or years due to ongoing situations like financial, family, work, or health-
related problems. Chronic stress can significantly harm physical and mental health, lead-
ing to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, ulcers, asthma, heart attack,
stroke, cancer, and more [5].
Physical symptoms of stress include headaches, chest pain, palpitations, rapid heart-
beat, sweating, tremors, muscle tension, back pain, fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gastritis, ulcers, reflux, allergies, infections, hair
loss, acne, and herpes. Psychological symptoms may involve anxiety, fear, nervousness,
Gusmão CTP 3 of 7
distress, sadness, depression, irritability, anger, aggression, impatience, frustration, inse-
curity, low self-esteem, guilt, pessimism, apathy, discouragement, lack of motivation, dif-
ficulty concentrating, memory and learning issues, decision-making challenges, creativity
problems, isolation, and interpersonal conflicts. Clinical approaches to stress involve iden-
tifying specific causes in a given context, assessing individual risk factors, and implement-
ing management strategies. Clinical interventions may include cognitive-behavioral ther-
apies, pharmacological treatments when necessary, relaxation techniques, lifestyle
changes, and psychosocial support. Recognizing the complexity of stress and its clinical
ramifications is crucial for providing a comprehensive approach that considers both the
physical and psychological aspects of this condition. Personalized and multidisciplinary
treatment is essential to mitigate the impacts of stress on an individual's overall health [6].
Stress can negatively impact health and quality of life in various ways, influencing
the body's balance and impairing the ability to cope with daily challenges. Complications
associated with stress encompass a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular
problems like hypertension, arrhythmias, angina, heart attack, and stroke. Additionally,
stress affects the endocrine system, contributing to the development of conditions such as
diabetes, obesity, and thyroid and adrenal dysfunctions [6].
In the gastrointestinal realm, stress is linked to disorders like gastritis, ulcers, gas-
troesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn's disease. In the respiratory
system, stress can trigger or worsen conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, and
rhinitis. In the immune system, stress increases susceptibility to allergies, infections, in-
flammations, and even cancer. Beyond physical manifestations, stress also impacts the
musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric, dermatological, and reproductive domains. It
can result in back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, headache, migraine, epilepsy, Alzheimer's,
anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, acne, psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, erectile dysfunction, premature ejacula-
tion, anorgasmia, vaginismus, infertility, miscarriage, premature birth, and early meno-
pause. Moreover, stress can affect emotional and psychosocial aspects, diminishing satis-
faction, well-being, pleasure, self-esteem, self-confidence, self-efficacy, self-image, self-ex-
pression, autonomy, creativity, productivity, achievement, cooperation, communication,
socialization, affection, sexuality, spirituality, and the sense of life. This interconnection
between stress and multiple health domains underscores the importance of integrated ap-
proaches in stress management to preserve overall well-being [6, 7].
3.1. The use of essential oils in stress control and relief
3.1.1. Mechanisms of action of essential oils in the nervous system
Essential oils can affect the nervous system through two main pathways: olfactory
and cutaneous. Through the olfactory pathway, essential oils are inhaled and reach the
olfactory receptors in the nasal mucosa, sending electrical signals to the olfactory bulb.
This bulb, in turn, connects to the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emo-
tions, memories, mood, learning, and behavior. Thus, essential oils can influence emo-
tional state, stress levels, anxiety, depression, motivation, attention, concentration, crea-
tivity, and other psychological aspects. Through the cutaneous pathway, essential oils are
applied to the skin, usually diluted in a carrier oil, and penetrate tissues, reaching the
bloodstream and organs. Consequently, essential oils can exert physiological effects, such
as relaxing or stimulating muscles, nerves, blood vessels, glands, organs, the immune sys-
tem, the endocrine system, the digestive system, the respiratory system, the reproductive
system, and other organic systems [8, 9].
3.1.2. The main essential oils with anti-stress properties
There are several essential oils that have anti-stress properties, but some of the most
commonly used and studied ones include: lavender, chamomile, bergamot, ylang-ylang,
jasmine, sage, valerian, orange, lemon, geranium, rose, marjoram, vetiver, cedarwood,
Gusmão CTP 4 of 7
sandalwood, frankincense, among others. Each essential oil has a unique chemical com-
position, determining its therapeutic effects, and an aromatic note, indicating its volatility
and persistence [10].
Essential oils can be classified into high, middle, and low notes, where high notes are
lighter, refreshing, stimulating, and antidepressant; middle notes are more balanced, har-
monizing, calming, and anxiolytic; and low notes are heavier, relaxing, sedative, and hyp-
notic. Examples of high-note oils include lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit, eucalyptus,
peppermint, rosemary, and thyme. Lavender, chamomile, geranium, ylang-ylang, jas-
mine, sage, marjoram, and tea tree are notable middle-note oils, while valerian, vetiver,
cedarwood, sandalwood, frankincense, patchouli, and myrrh fall into the low-note cate-
gory. High-note essential oils are recommended for combating stress caused by fatigue,
lack of motivation, apathy, depression, lack of concentration, memory, and creativity is-
sues, as they help revitalize, energize, uplift, cheer, clarify, stimulate, and awaken the
mind and body [11]. They can also assist in detoxification, immunity, digestion, respira-
tion, circulation, and infection prevention. Examples of how to use high-note essential oils
include:
Inhale the scent of lemon, orange, or bergamot in the morning to start the day with
more energy, optimism, and confidence;
Drop a few drops of eucalyptus, mint, or rosemary into a diffuser, an air freshener, or
a tissue, and breathe deeply to relieve fatigue, drowsiness, headache, and nasal con-
gestion;
Massage the temples, neck, shoulders, and back with a carrier oil mixed with grape-
fruit, thyme, or tea tree to stimulate circulation, eliminate toxins, strengthen the im-
mune system, and prevent flu and colds [12, 13].
Middle-note essential oils are recommended for combating stress caused by anxiety,
nervousness, anguish, fear, panic, phobia, irritability, anger, aggression, impatience, frus-
tration, insecurity, low self-esteem, guilt, pessimism, among others, as they help calm,
relax, balance, harmonize, tranquilize, comfort, console, and pacify the mind and body.
They can also assist in hormonal regulation, healing, inflammation, pain relief, insomnia,
PMS, menopause, and sexuality. Some examples of how to use middle-note essential oils
are:
Inhale the scent of lavender, chamomile, or geranium in moments of tension, anxiety,
nervousness, fear, or anger to reduce stress, blood pressure, heart rate, and respira-
tory rate, inducing a state of relaxation, peace, and well-being;
Drop a few drops of ylang-ylang, jasmine, or sage into a diffuser, an air freshener, or
a pillow, and breathe deeply before bedtime to facilitate sleep, alleviate nightmares,
improve mood, self-esteem, self-confidence, and sexuality;
Massage the abdomen, chest, breasts, arms, and legs with a carrier oil mixed with
marjoram, rose, or geranium to relieve cramps, swelling, pain, mood swings, hot
flashes, and other symptoms of PMS and menopause [13, 14].
Low-note essential oils are recommended for combating stress caused by insomnia,
restlessness, hyperactivity, difficulty relaxing, letting go, surrendering, connecting, ex-
pressing, feeling, loving, forgiving, healing, liberating, transforming, and transcending, as
they help sedate, comfort, envelop, protect, nurture, embrace, caress, love, forgive, heal,
liberate, transform, and transcend the mind and body. They can also assist in meditation,
prayer, contemplation, introspection, reflection, intuition, inspiration, creativity, spiritu-
ality, and transcendence. Some examples of how to use low-note essential oils are:
Gusmão CTP 5 of 7
Inhale the scent of valerian, vetiver, or cedarwood in moments of insomnia, restless-
ness, hyperactivity, or difficulty relaxing, to induce deep, restorative sleep and phys-
ical, mental, and emotional relaxation;
Drop a few drops of sandalwood, frankincense, or patchouli into a diffuser, an air
freshener, or an aromatherapy necklace and breathe deeply during meditation,
prayer, contemplation, introspection, reflection, intuition, inspiration, creativity, spir-
ituality, or transcendence, to facilitate contact with the inner self, the higher self, the
divine, the sacred, the infinite, the eternal, the absolute;
Massage the heart, solar plexus, sacral, coccyx, base of the spine, coccyx, perineum,
feet, hands, ears, head, with a carrier oil mixed with myrrh, sandalwood, or frankin-
cense, to balance, harmonize, activate, unblock, cleanse, purify, energize, illuminate,
expand, elevate, the chakras, meridians, nadis, energy fields, subtle bodies, aura,
kundalini, consciousness [12-14].
3.1.3. How to choose, blend, and apply essential oils for stress?
To choose the most suitable essential oils for stress, it is important to consider the
type, cause, intensity, duration, and symptoms of stress, as well as personal preferences,
sensitivity, tolerance, compatibility, and the availability of essential oils. A simple and
practical way to choose essential oils is to follow intuition, instinct, taste, smell, attraction,
repulsion, emotion, sensation, reaction, the response that each essential oil evokes in each
person. Another way is to consult an aromatherapist, a book, a website, an app, a chart, a
guide, a manual, a recipe, a recommendation, a reference, a source that provides infor-
mation on the properties, indications, contraindications, precautions, dosages, forms of
use, benefits, effects, results of essential oils [8, 15].
To blend essential oils, it is important to respect the synergy, affinity, complementa-
rity, harmony, potentiation, modulation, balance, personalization, creativity, diversity,
originality, singularity, identity, essence of each essential oil and each person. A simple
and practical way to combine essential oils is to follow the rule of aromatic notes, which
involves mixing essential oils of different notes that blend well together, creating a pleas-
ant, balanced, and lasting aroma. A common ratio is to use 30% high-note essential oils,
50% middle-note essential oils, and 20% low-note essential oils. Another way is to consult
an aromatherapist, a book, a website, an app, a chart, a guide, a manual, a recipe, a rec-
ommendation, a reference, a source that provides information on synergies, blends, com-
positions, formulas, recipes, blends, perfumes, aromas of essential oils [17].
To apply essential oils, it is important to respect the route, form, method, location,
time, frequency, quantity, quality, safety, effectiveness, efficiency, convenience, practical-
ity, simplicity, ease of each essential oil and each person. A simple and practical way to
apply essential oils is to use a diffuser, an air freshener, a humidifier, a vaporizer, a nebu-
lizer, a spray, a tissue, cotton, a necklace, a pendant, an earring, a ring, a bracelet, a watch,
a keychain, a sachet, a candle, a lamp, a filter, a purifier, an air freshener, a deodorizer, an
odorizer, a perfume, an aroma that allows inhaling the aroma of essential oils in the envi-
ronment, car, bedroom, bathroom, office, living room, kitchen, garden, balcony, balcony,
pool, gym, school, work, leisure, rest, relaxation, meditation, prayer, contemplation, in-
trospection, reflection, intuition, inspiration, creativity, spirituality, transcendence [18].
There is a variety of products, such as vegetable oils, creams, gels, soaps, shampoos,
conditioners, among others, that allow the application of essential oils in various parts of
the body. These areas include skin, hair, nails, lips, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, throat, as well
as internal organs such as heart, liver, kidneys, among others. The application ranges from
external regions, such as arms and legs, to more specific areas, such as chakras, meridians,
energy fields, subtle bodies, aura, and even consciousness. In summary, these items have
significant versatility in promoting well-being and care in various parts of the body, both
physical and energetic [16-18].
Gusmão CTP 6 of 7
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the review comprehensively addresses the causes and consequences
of stress, highlighting the complexity of the body's response to challenging situations.
Stress can manifest acutely or chronically, impacting both the body and the mind, contrib-
uting to a variety of physical and mental health conditions. By exploring the clinical im-
plications of stress, the importance of a personalized and multidisciplinary approach in
managing this condition is emphasized. Clinical strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral
therapies, pharmacological interventions, when necessary, relaxation techniques, and life-
style changes, are presented as crucial components to mitigate the negative impacts of
stress on an individual's overall health.
The second part of the review focuses on the use of essential oils as a complementary
approach for stress control and relief. The mechanisms of action of essential oils on the
nervous system are discussed, highlighting the olfactory and cutaneous pathways. The
review also emphasizes the key essential oils with anti-stress properties, categorizing
them based on their aromatic notes. By providing practical guidance on how to choose,
blend, and apply essential oils, the review underscores the importance of considering in-
dividual preferences and the diversity of responses to different aromas. Specific strategies
for each type of oil, along with usage examples, are presented, offering readers a useful
guide to incorporating these practices into their daily lives.
Ultimately, the review not only highlights the complexity of stress and its clinical
ramifications but also the diversity of approaches available for managing this condition.
The combination of clinical interventions and complementary therapies, such as the use
of essential oils, underscores the importance of a holistic approach in promoting physical
and mental well-being in the face of life's stressful challenges.
Funding: None.
Research Ethics Committee Approval: None.
Acknowledgments: None.
Conflicts of Interest: None.
Supplementary Materials: None.
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... The addition of phytogenic feed additives, such as essential oils, to fish feeds is accepted as a potentially valuable and promising alternative to antibiotics (Yang et al. 2015;Valdivieso-Ugarte et al. 2019;Wang et al. 2024). Moreover, many studies have reported that essential oils also provide anti-inflammatory (Zhao et al. 2023), anti-stress (Gusmão 2024), antitumor (Machado et al. 2022), and antioxidant (Kong et al. 2022) properties. For instance, the main volatile components of bergamot essential oil (BEO), one of the citrus essential oils (CEO), are limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, γ-terpinene, and β-pinene (Costa et al. 2010). ...
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Hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from neurological disorders or have experienced them intermittently, which has significantly reduced their quality of life. The common treatments for neurological disorders are relatively expensive and may lead to a wide variety of side effects including sleep attacks, gastrointestinal side effects, blood pressure changes, etc. On the other hand, several herbal medications have attracted colossal popularity worldwide in the recent years due to their availability, affordable prices, and few side effects. Aromatic plants, sage (Salvia officinalis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and rosemary (Salvia Rosmarinus) have already shown anxiolytics, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. They have also shown potential in treating common neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, migraine, and cognitive disorders. This review summarizes the data on the neuroprotective potential of aromatic herbs, sage, lavender, and rosemary.
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Essential oils (EOs) are extracted from plants and contain active components with therapeutic effects. Evidence shows that various types of EOs have a wide range of health benefits. In our previous studies, the potential of lavender EO for prevention and even treatment of depression and anxiety symptoms was demonstrated. The favourable outcomes may be due to multiple mechanisms, including the regulation of monoamine level, the induction of neurotrophic factor expression, the regulation of the endocrine system and the promotion of neurogenesis. The molecules of EOs may reach the brain and exert an effect through two distinctive pathways, namely, the olfactory system and the respiratory system. After inhalation, the molecules of the EOs would either act directly on the olfactory mucosa or pass into the respiratory tract. These two delivery pathways suggest different underlying mechanisms of action. Different sets of responses would be triggered, such as increased neurogenesis, regulation of hormonal levels, activation of different brain regions, and alteration in blood biochemistry, which would ultimately affect both mood and emotion. In this review, we will discuss the clinical effects of EOs on mood regulation and emotional disturbances as well as the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action. Emphasis will be put on the interaction between the respiratory and central nervous system and the involved potential mechanisms. Further evidence is needed to support the use of EOs in the clinical treatment of mood disturbances. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms may provide insight into the future therapeutic use of EO components treatment of psychiatric and physical symptoms.
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Background In the case of people who carry an increased number of anxiety traits and maladaptive coping strategies, psychosocial stressors may further increase the level of perceived stress they experience. In our research study, we aimed to examine the levels of perceived stress and health anxiety as well as coping styles among university students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online-based survey at the University of Debrecen during the official lockdown in Hungary when dormitories were closed, and teaching was conducted remotely. Our questionnaire solicited data using three assessment tools, namely, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), and the Short Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). Results A total of 1320 students have participated in our study and 31 non-eligible responses were excluded. Among the remaining 1289 participants, 948 (73.5%) and 341 (26.5%) were Hungarian and international students, respectively. Female students predominated the overall sample with 920 participants (71.4%). In general, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between perceived stress and health anxiety. Health anxiety and perceived stress levels were significantly higher among international students compared to domestic ones. Regarding coping, wishful thinking was associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety among international students, while being a goal-oriented person acted the opposite way. Among the domestic students, cognitive restructuring as a coping strategy was associated with lower levels of stress and anxiety. Concerning health anxiety, female students (domestic and international) had significantly higher levels of health anxiety compared to males. Moreover, female students had significantly higher levels of perceived stress compared to males in the international group, however, there was no significant difference in perceived stress between males and females in the domestic group. Conclusion The elevated perceived stress levels during major life events can be further deepened by disengagement from home (being away/abroad from country or family) and by using inadequate coping strategies. By following and adhering to the international recommendations, adopting proper coping methods, and equipping oneself with the required coping and stress management skills, the associated high levels of perceived stress and anxiety could be mitigated.
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Background: The demand for essential oils (EOs) has been steadily growing over the years. This is mirrored by a substantial increase in research concerned with EOs also in the field of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The purpose of this present systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate the preclinical evidence in favor of the working hypothesis of the analgesic properties of EOs, elucidating whether there is a consistent rational basis for translation into clinical settings. Methods: A literature search has been conducted on databases relevant for medical scientific literature, i.e., PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science from database inception until November 2, 2020, following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) criteria for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Results: The search was conducted in order to answer the following PICOS (participants/population, interventions, comparisons, outcomes, and study design) question: are EOs efficacious in reducing acute nociceptive pain and/or neuropathic pain in mice experimental models? The search retrieved 2,491 records, leaving 954 studies to screen after the removal of duplicates. The title and abstract of all 954 studies were screened, which left 127 records to evaluate in full text. Of these, 30 articles were eligible for inclusion. Conclusion: Most studies (27) assessed the analgesic properties of EOs on acute nociceptive pain models, e.g. the acetic acid writhings test, the formalin test, and the hot plate test. Unfortunately, efficacy in neuropathic pain models, which are a more suitable model for human conditions of chronic pain, had fewer results (only three studies). Moreover, some methodologies raised concerns in terms of the risk of bias. Therefore, EOs with proven efficacy in both types of pain were corroborated by methodologically consistent studies, like the EO of bergamot, which should be studied in clinical trials to enhance the translational impact of preclinical modeling on clinical pain research.
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