TY - JOUR AU - Sayorwan, Winai AU - Rumruay, Vadee PY - 2017/07/11 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Chemical Compositions of Fingered Citron Peel (Citrus Medica L. var. Sarcodactylis) and Its Effect on the Autonomic Nervous System JF - Journal of Health Research JA - J Health Res VL - 31 IS - 4 SE - ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE DO - UR - https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhealthres/article/view/92306 SP - 307-313 AB - <p class="Body" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background: </strong>In Thailand, Fingered Citron (<em>Citrus medica</em> L. var. <em>sarcodactylis</em>) is used in folk medicine as a tonic for antispasmodic conditions and as an inhaler. According to published research, there are no comprehensive scientific researches on the chemical composition and physiological effects of fingered citron; thus, the present study was designed. We investigated the chemical composition of fingered citron peel oil by GC-MS and its effect on the autonomic nervous systems (blood pressure, heart rate, skin temperature, and respiratory rate) and mood responses after inhaling.</p><p class="Body" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> The hydrodistillation technique was used to extract the essential oil from the fruit of fingered citron. The major chemical composition of the essential oil was limonene (65.11%) and gamma terpinene (34.89%). There were 30 volunteer participants for this experiment. The parameters of assessment were measured before and after using a paired <em>t</em>-test statistical procedure.</p><p class="Body" style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> The results revealed that fingered citron oil caused a significant increase in blood pressure, and the respiratory rate also showed a significant increase upon exposure to the inhaled oil. Furthermore, the oil increased positive emotions including the feelings of well-being, activeness, and freshness. The oil also significantly reduced negative emotions such as drowsiness<strong>.</strong></p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: This finding provides evidence of the stimulating effects of inhaling fingered citron peel oil. ER -