Investigation of essential oils on patients for chronic pain management in Parkinson’s disease

This study investigates the effectiveness of essential oils in relieving chronic pain in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Chronic pain affects around 22.5 % of the Japanese population, and its prevalence is rising due to an aging population. Traditional pharmacological treatments often fail to provide sufficient relief, which is leading to interest in alternative therapies such as aromatherapy. In this study, gas chromatography was used to analyze the chemical composition of four domestically produced essential oils: lemongrass, eucalyptus, bergamot, and kuromoji. Active compounds with potential pain-relieving and calming effects were identified. The suitability of these oils for the Japanese population was assessed by comparing their aromatic profiles with those of foreign produced oils. The analysis revealed several bioactive compounds in the essential oils. Lemongrass and eucalyptus oils contained significant amounts of citral and 1,8-cineole, both known for their pain-relieving properties. Bergamot and kuromoji oils had high levels of linalool, associated with calming effects. Additionally, the domestically produced oils showed aromatic profiles that were more in line with the preferences of the Japanese population compared to foreign produced oils. The essential oils studied contain compounds with potential analgesic and calming effects, indicating their potential for managing chronic pain in PD patients. The oils’ alignment with aromatic preferences of the Japanese population may improve acceptance and adherence to aromatherapy. Further clinical studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the therapeutic potential of these oils in chronic pain management.