Lung function and exercise performance assessment after inhalation of naturally essential oils: A descriptive observational study

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Published: Aug 15, 2019
Keywords:
Clinopodium serpyllifolium Cymbopogon citratus essential oil lung function athletic performance

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Hamzeh Al Zabadi
Public Health Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
Azmi Hussein
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
Jamal Shaker
Faculty of Physical Education, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
Belal Rahhal
Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
Nidal Amin Jaradat
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
Malik Al Qub
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine

Abstract

Background: Essential oils have gained massive attention. We aimed to assess the effects of inhalation of
Clinopodium serpyllifolium and Cymbopogon citratus volatile oils on exercise performance and lung function.


Methods: Twenty physical education students were randomly assigned into two groups: Clinopodium
serpyllifolium and Cymbopogon citratus (10 participants each). One group was nebulized with Clinopodium
serpyllifolium oil and the other by Cymbopogon citratus oil at a concentration of (0.02 ml/kg of body mass)
which was mixed with 2 ml of normal saline before 800 m running tests. Lung function tests were measured using
a spirometer pre and post nebulization.


Results: There was a significant increase in Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second and Forced Vital Capacity
after inhalation of both oils. The normal spirometry after inhalation of C. serpyllifolium oil increased by 30%.
A sharp decrease in mild spirometry (50% before to 10% after inhalation of the C.citratus oil) was observed.
Significant reductions in the means of the running time were observed.


Conclusion: Our findings support the effectiveness of C. serpyllifolium and C. citratus essential oils on exercise
performance and respiratory function parameters.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 63 No. 4 (2019): October - December 2019
Section
Original article