제29회 국제개별화의료학술집회

 

제29회국제개별화의료학회 발표

발표자: 도쿄종양내과, 의료법인 박심후생회 Minako Abe(의학박사)부이사장, 의학박사 Hiroyuki Abe(이사장)

 

Forest Aromatherapy Effects on Immune Cell Cytokine Activity 

Forest Aromatherapy’s Effects on Immune Cell Cytokine Activity: A Pilot Study

Forest therapy or “shinrin-yoky” in Japanese is known to have health benefits by increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity and lowering cortisol levels. It also has a positive impact on the immune system, significantly enhancing natural killer (NK) cell numbers and activity. This immune-modulating effect is thought to be due to phytoncides, bioactive compounds released by trees and plants, such as α-pinene, limonene, and other plant-derived terpenes.

Nk cell activity is associated with the induction of immune-related cytokines, proteins that facilitate communication beteen immune cells. Notably, forest bathing has been shown to increase cytotoxic mediators like perforin and granzymes A and B

Given that forest Phytoncides influence immunity, we questioned whether similar benefits could be achieved through exposure to essential oils containing these compounds. We hypothesized that aroma-therapy using volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from forest air and essential oils derived from forest woods containing phytoncides like α-pinene, 3-carene, and limonene, would have a measurable effect on immune-modulating cytokines.

Fifteen healthy volunteers participated in this study where they first experienced a 30-minute control phase, followed by 30 minutes of forest aromatherapy via electronic diffuser in a clinical setting. Blood samples were collected at three time point: at the start, after the control phase (30 minutes), and after aromatherapy (60 minutes), to measure changes in immunomodulatory cytokines.

While the expected increases in perforin and granzymes were observed in only a few participants, and many did not find the aroma reminiscent of the forest, the majority reported feeling relazed during the experience. Possible explanations for the lack of a significant immune response include the short exposure time (30 minutes), insufficient phytonicide concentration, the small number of participants, or the possibility that the physical experience of being in nature is essential for immune activation, rather than exposure to phytonicides alone.

Despite these results, we believe that phytoncides and aromatherapy may still have potential as part of personalized medicine and supportive care particularly for individuals unable to spend time Innature. However, further research is needed to better understand the biological effects optimal exposure time, and dosage of specific phytoncides before firm conclusions can be drawn regarding forest aromatherapy’s impact on the immune system.