PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH

Phytother. Res. 20, 758–763 (2006)

758 Published online 28 June 2006 in
T. Wiley InterScience
HONGRATANAWORAKIT AND G. BUCHBAUER
(www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/ptr.1950

Relaxing Effect of Ylang ylang Oil on Humans

after Transdermal Absorption

Tapanee Hongratanaworakit1* and Gerhard Buchbauer2

1
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon-nayok 26120, Thailand
2
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Diagnostics, Center of Pharmacy, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna,
Austria

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ylang ylang oil (Cananga odorata, Annonaceae) on
human physiological parameters and self-evaluation after transdermal absorption. Forty healthy volunteers
participated in the experiments. Physiological parameters recorded were skin temperature, pulse rate, breath-
ing rate and blood pressure. Self-evaluation was assessed by means of visual analog scales (VAS). The ylang
ylang oil caused a significant decrease of blood pressure and a significant increase of skin temperature. At the
behavioral level, subjects in the ylang ylang oil group rated themselves more calm and more relaxed than
subjects in the control group. These findings are likely to represent a relaxing effect of the ylang ylang oil and
provide some evidence for the usage of the ylang ylang oil in aromatherapy such as causing a relief of
depression and stress in humans. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords: physiological parameters; relaxing effect; behavioral evaluation; Cananga odorata.

oil was studied (Fuchs et al., 1997; Jaeger et al., 2001).

INTRODUCTION
In medicine interest in the usage of essential ylang-
ylang oil (Cananga odorata, Annonaceae) as a thera-
peutically active agent has grown considerably.
Especially in aromatherapy, ylang-ylang oil has been
used as an antidepressant in cases of depression and
nervousness as well as used for reducing the blood
pressure in the case of hypertension. Clinical experi-
ence in aromatherapy suggests that beneficial effects
of essential oils are exerted by absorption of frag-
rance molecules through the skin. Topical application
of essential oils in a carrier lotion has been reported
by Macdonald (1995). This study demonstrated the
enhancement of conventional methods of arthritic pain
relief by the usage of essential oils. Wilkinson et al.
(1999) reported on the evaluation of aromatherapy
massage with essential oil in palliative care. In their
studies, Roman chamomile oil helped to improve physi-
cal and psychological symptoms. Soden et al. (2004)
showed that massage lavender oil caused a reduction in
depression of patients in a palliative care unit. In addi-
tion, clinical aromatherapy on agitated behavior in de-
mentia patients has been reported (Brooker et al., 1997;
Ballard et al., 2002; Snow et al., 2004). Percutaneous
absorption of lavender oil from massage oil was inves-
tigated by our group (Jaeger et al., 1992). They reported
that the main component of lavender oil, i.e. linalool,
could be detected in human blood samples 5 min after
massage of the oil. Moreover, systemic absorption of
topically applied monoterpene carvone from massage
Their results showed that carvone penetrated the skin
and exhibited a peak plasma concentration after about
30 min. Although many researchers attempted to prove
the scientific effects of aromatherapy, most of the
aromatherapy studies were not controlled studies and
their results are therefore possibly biased and not
scientific. In order to study the effects of fragrances
or odors researchers have taken a great variety of
approaches including measuring changes in physiolo-
gical parameters, e.g. heart rate, breathing rate, blood
pressure, eye movement, skin temperature and skin
conductance, in physical performance and in mood
(Bensafi et al., 2002a, b, 2004; Brauchli et al., 1995; Haze
et al., 2002; Ilmberger et al., 2001; Lorig and Schwartz,
1998; Miyazaki et al., 1991; Moss et al., 2003; Sugawara
et al., 1998; Van et al., 1993). Although massage with
essential oils is used increasingly for the improvement
of the quality of life as well as for the relief of various
symptoms in patients, scientific evaluation of the
effects of transdermal administration of fragrances in
healthy volunteers is rather scarce. Up to now, no
experiments on the effects of ylang ylang oil on human
physiological parameters and on behavioral patterns
after transdermal administration have been carried out.
Therefore, the main objective of the present study was
to investigate the effects of this fragrance compound
on physiological parameters as well as on behavioral
responses in healthy humans following transdermal
absorption.

* Correspondence to: Dr Tapanee Hongratanaworakit, Faculty of Phar- MATERIALS AND METHODS

macy, Srinakharinwirot University, Rangsit-ongkharak Rd., Nakhon-nayok
26120, Thailand.
E-mail: tapanee@swu.ac.th
Subjects and fragrance compound. Forty healthy vol-
Contract/grant sponsor: Srinakharinwirot University, Thailand; contract/ unteers aged between 19 and 48 years (mean age 23.05
grant number: 012/2005. ± 4.10 years) took part in the experiments. Demographic
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Received
Phytother. 27 December
Res. 20, 2005
758–763 (2006)
Revised 22 10.1002/ptr
DOI: April 2006
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Accepted 9 May 2006
 RELAXING EFFECTS OF YLANG YLANG OIL
Table 1. Demographic data for the control group and the experimental group
Parameter
Number of volunteers
Sex (M:F)
Height (mean ± SD) (cm) Male
Female
Weight (mean ± SD) (kg) Male
Female
data for the control group and the experimental group
are presented in Table 1. Subjects were tested in in-
dividual sessions and randomly assigned to either the
control group or the ylang ylang oil group. Each group
consisted of 20 subjects. They were fully briefed and
gave written informed consent to all aspects of the study
(Srinakharinwirot University Ethics Commission
permissions). The ylang ylang oil (fraction II) was ob-
tained by steam distillation of the dry, fresh picked
flowers of Cananga odorata (DC.) Hook. f. et Thoms.,
Annonaceae. The oil was identified by GC and GC/
MS. The oil mainly contains methyl benzoate (34.00%),
4-methylanisole (19.82%) and benzyl benzoate
(18.97%).
Fragrance administration. In the experimental group,
1 mL of a 20% (w/w) solution of ylang ylang oil in
sweet almond oil was applied to the skin of the lower
abdomen of each subject and the subjects massaged
the oil into the skin by themselves for 5 min. After-
wards the massage area was covered with a plastic film
in order to prevent evaporation of the oil. In the con-
trol group, 1 mL of the placebo substance, i.e. pure
sweet almond oil, was used. In both groups subjects
were supplied with pure air by breathing masks
(inhalation set for adult, product no.1500004020, B+P
Beatmungsprodukte GmbH, Neunkirchen, Germany)
in order to eliminate any olfactory stimulation by nose
or mouth.
Experimental design. The experimental design has been
previously used by our group (Heuberger et al., 2001;
Hongratanaworakit et al., 2004; Hongratanaworakit and
Buchbauer, 2004a, 2005). One session consisted of two
trials of 20 min each. At the beginning and at the end
of each trial, behavioral responses were assessed by
visual analogue scales (VAS). Physiological parameters
were recorded continuously during each trial. In the
first trial, which served as a control for influences of the
experimental set-up, the placebo substance was admin-
istered to all subjects. In the second trial the placebo
was again administered to the control group, whereas
in the experimental group the appropriate fragrance
was administered.
Procedure. All experiments were conducted in a bright
and quiet room. The ambient temperature was 24–26 °C.
Upon arrival, the volunteers were interviewed about
their personal data. In addition, they were asked about
the rating of behavioral responses. After completion of
the interview and the rating scales, systolic and diastolic
blood pressure (SBP, DBP) were measured. Subse-
quently, the subjects were informed about the proceed-
ings. Afterwards subjects were seated in a semi-reclined
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
759
Control group Ylang ylang group
20 20
12:8 12:8
172.75 ± 6.01 175.43 ± 5.77
159.91 ± 4.81 160.25 ± 3.77
63.12 ± 5.64 64.43 ± 4.44
55.66 ± 8.73 54.75 ± 6.29
position, providing easy access to attach the electrodes.
Electrodes were attached on suitable positions. The
inhalation set was fitted to the volunteer’s face to cover
the nose and mouth. The oxygen was then supplied
directly. The oil or the placebo substance were admin-
istered as described above. Then, the recording of the
physiological parameters was started. After completion
of the first trial, the subjects were asked to rate the
rating scales. The SBP and DBP were measured at the
end of the first trial. This procedure was repeated in
the second trial. At the end of each trial, the subjects
were asked if they had smelled any odor during the
experiment. All subjects stated that they did not smell
any odor during the experiment.
Acquisition of physiological parameters and statistical
analysis. Breathing rate (BR), pulse rate (PR) and skin
temperature (ST) were measured using Power Lab/4SP
hardware (ADInstruments, Inc., NSW, Australia). The
sampling rate was 100 Hz. Systolic and diastolic blood
pressure (SBP and DBP) were determined by
sphygmomanometry using an automated system (Dig-
ital Electronic Model DS-155E, Japan). Details of the
recording system and procedure have been described
elsewhere (Heuberger et al., 2001; Hongratanaworakit
et al., 2004; Hongratanaworakit and Buchbauer, 2004a,
2005). VAS, i.e., relaxation, vigor, calmness, attentive-
ness, mood and alertness, were used to assess behavioral
responses. All statistical calculations and data analyses
were performed with the Statistical Package for the
Social Sciences (SPSS version 11.5). The effects of
fragrances on physiological parameters and ratings
of behavioral responses were determined by Mann-
Whitney U-test analysis of variances.
RESULTS
Physiological parameters
The mean and SEM of physiological parameters of the
control group and the experimental group are presented
in Table 2. The SBP of subjects in the control group
increased at the end of the second trial compared with
the end of the first trial. In contrast, the SBP of sub-
jects in the ylang ylang oil group decreased at the end
of the second trial compared with the end of the first
trial. The difference scores of SBP between the second
trial and the first trial for the control group and the
ylang ylang oil group are shown in Fig. 1. Comparison
of these difference scores revealed a significantly larger
decrease of SBP in the ylang ylang oil group than in
the control group (p = 0.012). The DBP of subjects in
Phytother. Res. 20, 758–763 (2006)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr
760 T. HONGRATANAWORAKIT AND G. BUCHBAUER

Table 2. Mean and SEM of physiological parameters of the control group and the experimental group

Control (mean ± SEM) Ylang ylang (mean ± SEM)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 1 Trial 2

Systolic BP 99.35 ± 2.79 104.82 ± 3.89 107.18 ± 1.96 106.06 ± 2.14

Diastolic BP 58.06 ± 1.95 63.72 ± 2.37 58.56 ± 1.22 60.50 ± 1.48
Skin temperature 36.98 ± 0.20 36.55 ± 0.23 36.80 ± 0.19 36.97 ± 0.15
Breathing rate 17.00 ± 0.84 16.96 ± 0.90 17.10 ± 1.34 17.62 ± 1.81
Pulse rate 68.07 ± 1.76 66.20 ± 1.84 70.50 ± 3.45 66.25 ± 2.42

Figure 1. The difference scores and SEM of systolic blood Figure 2. The difference scores and SEM of diastolic blood
pressure for the control group and the ylang ylang oil group. pressure for the control group and the ylang ylang oil group.

the control group increased at the end of the second

trial compared with the end of the first trial. While the
DBP of subjects in the ylang ylang oil group only mar-
ginally changed at the end of the second trial compared
with the end of the first trial. The difference scores of
DBP between the second trial and the first trial for the
control group and the ylang ylang oil group are shown
in Fig. 2. Comparison of these difference scores re-
vealed a significantly smaller increase of DBP in the
ylang ylang oil group than in the control group (p =
0.033). The ST of subjects in the control group decreased
in the second trial compared with the first trial. In con-
trast, the ST of subjects in the ylang ylang oil group
increased in the second trial compared with the first
trial. The difference scores of ST between the second
trial and the first trial for the control group and the
ylang ylang oil group are shown in Fig. 3. Comparison
of these difference scores revealed a significantly larger
increase of ST in the ylang ylang oil group than in the
control group (p = 0.037). No significant effects of the
ylang ylang oil on BR and on PR were found (p > 0.05
for all).

Behavioral responses

The mean and SEM of behavioral responses of the Figure 3. The difference scores and SEM of skin temperature
control group and the experimental group are presented for the control group and the ylang ylang oil group.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 20, 758–763 (2006)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr
 RELAXING EFFECTS OF YLANG YLANG OIL 761

Table 3. Mean and SEM of behavioral responses of the control group and the experimental group

Control (mean ± SEM) Ylang ylang (mean ± SEM)

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 1 Trial 2

Attentiveness 25.50 ± 3.10 26.50 ± 3.47 28.10 ± 4.45 24.38 ± 3.04

Alertness 40.00 ± 3.00 39.65 ± 3.83 35.93 ± 4.71 33.83 ± 4.32
Calmness 20.82 ± 2.63 25.65 ± 3.80 28.29 ± 4.86 18.29 ± 2.53
Relaxation 28.28 ± 3.77 29.89 ± 3.82 31.88 ± 5.76 18.76 ± 2.55
Mood 32.47 ± 3.64 36.41 ± 3.94 33.18 ± 3.94 26.85 ± 3.24
Vigor 47.45 ± 3.38 45.65 ± 3.86 45.40 ± 5.31 40.14 ± 4.30

Figure 4. The difference scores and SEM of subjective Figure 5. The difference scores and SEM of subjective relaxa-
calmness for the control group and the ylang ylang oil group. tion for the control group and the ylang ylang oil group.

in Table 3. Subjects in the control group felt less calm

at the end of the second trial compared with the end of
the first trial. In contrast, subjects in the ylang ylang oil
group judged themselves more calm at the end of the
second trial compared with the end of the first trial.
The difference scores of subjective calmness between
the second trial and the first trial for the control group
and the ylang ylang oil group are shown in Fig. 4. Com-
parison of these difference scores revealed a significant
increase of subjective calmness in the ylang ylang oil
group compared with the control group ( p = 0.022). In
addition, subjects in the control group felt less relaxed
at the end of the second trial as compared to the end of
the first trial. On the other hand, subjects in the ylang
ylang oil group judged themselves more relaxed at the
end of the second trial compared with the end of the
first trial. The difference scores of subjective relaxation
between the second trial and the first trial for the con-
trol group and the ylang ylang oil group are shown in
Fig. 5. Comparison of these difference scores revealed
a significant increase of subjective relaxation in the
ylang ylang oil group as compared to the control group
(p = 0.021). No significant effects of the ylang ylang
oil on subjective alertness, attentiveness, mood or vigor
were found (p > 0.05 for all).
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DISCUSSION
In the present investigation ylang ylang oil was admin-
istered transdermally to healthy subjects. Physiological
parameters, i.e. blood pressure, pulse rate, breathing
rate and skin temperature, were recorded as indicators
of the arousal level of the autonomic nervous system
(ANS). In addition, subjects had to rate their mental
and emotional condition in terms of relaxation, vigor,
calmness, attentiveness, mood and alertness in order to
assess subjective behavioral arousal. The ylang ylang
oil caused a significant decrease of blood pressure. Since
blood pressure is determined by the activity of the
sympathetic branch of the ANS, a decrease of blood
pressure shows a decrease of sympathetic tone, i.e. a
decrease of physiological arousal. A significantly larger
increase of skin temperature in the ylang ylang oil group
compared with the control group was found. Skin
temperature is controlled indirectly by the sympathetic
division of the ANS via the contraction or relaxation of
the smooth muscles which surround the blood vessels
and regulate blood supply to distinct skin areas. When
these muscles are contracted skin temperature is lower
because less blood reaches there. On the other hand,
Phytother. Res. 20, 758–763 (2006)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr
762 T. HONGRATANAWORAKIT AND G. BUCHBAUER
when these muscles are relaxed skin temperature is
higher because more blood is supplied there. There-
fore, the increase of skin temperature in the ylang ylang
oil group indicates a decrease of ANS arousal. At the
behavioral level, subjects in the ylang ylang oil group
rated themselves more calm and more relaxed than
subjects in the control group. This finding points to-
wards a decrease of arousal in terms of self-evaluation.
Transdermal absorption of ylang ylang oil reduced the
level of arousal of the ANS and led to deactivation at
the behavioral level, i.e. subjects felt more calm and
more relaxed than before the administration of the oil.
Thus, the effects of ylang ylang oil by means of
percutaneous administration may be characterized
by the concept of relaxation which has also been
described for the sandalwood essential oil (Hongra-
tanaworakit et al., 2004). However, our previous study
(Hongratanaworakit and Buchbauer, 2004a) reported
that inhalation of ylang ylang oil reduced the level of
arousal of the ANS but led to activation at the
behavioral level, i.e. subjects felt more attentive and
more alert than before the administration of the oil.
Thus, the effects of ylang ylang oil by means of inhala-
tion may be characterized by the concept of harmoni-
zation rather than relaxation/sedation. All our findings
REFERENCES
Ballard CG, O’Brien JT, Reichelt K, Perry EK. 2002. Aromatherapy
as a safe and effective treatment for the management of
agitation in severe dementia: the results of a double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial with Melissa. J Clin Psychiatry 63:
553 – 558.
Bensafi M, Rouby C, Farget V, Bertrand B, Vigouroux M, Holley
A. 2002a. Autonomic nervous system responses to odors:
the role of pleasantness and arousal. Chem Senses 27: 703 –
709.
Bensafi M, Rouby C, Farget V, Bertrand B, Vigouroux M, Holley
A. 2002b. Influence of affective and cognitive judgments on
autonomic parameters during inhalation of pleasant and
unpleasant odors in humans. Neurosci Lett 319: 162–166.
Bensafi M, Tsutsui T, Khan R, Levenson RW, Sobel N. 2004.
Sniffing a human sex-steroid derived compound affects
mood and autonomic arousal in a dose-dependent manner.
Psychoneuroendocrinology 29: 1290–1299.
Brauchli P, Ruegg PB, Etzweiler F, Zeier H. 1995. Electrocortical
and autonomic alteration by administration of a pleasant
and an unpleasant odor. Chem Senses 20: 505 – 515.
Brooker DJ, Snape M, Ward D, Payne M. 1997. Single case
evaluation of the effects of aromatherapy and massage on
disturbed behaviour in severe dementia. Br J Clin Psychol
36: 287–296.
Fuchs N, Jaeger W, Lenhardt A, Boehm L, Buchbauer I,
Buchbauer G. 1997. Systemic absorption of topically
applied carvone: influence of massage technique. J Soc
Cosmet Chem 48: 277–282.
Haze S, Sakai K, Gozu Y. 2002. Effect of fragrance inhalation on
sympathetic activity in normal adults. Jpn J Pharmacol 90:
247–253.
Heuberger E, Hongratanaworakit T, Boehm C, Weber R,
Buchbauer G. 2001. Effects of chiral fragrances on human
autonomic nervous system parameters and self-evaluation.
Chem Senses 26: 281–292.
Heuberger E, Ilmberger J, Hartter E, Buchbauer G. 1999. Effects
of fragrances on attentional and physiological processes:
evidence for a pharmacological mechanism. In 30th ISEO,
September 5–8, Leipzig, Germany, book of abstracts
A-09. Buch & Offset GmbH., Leipzig, Germany.
Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G. 2004a. Evaluation of the
harmonizing effect of ylang-ylang oil on humans after in-
halation. Planta Med 70: 632–636.
Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G. 2004b. The effects of Ylang
ylang oil on humans: evidence for aromatherapy. In
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
indicate that the differential effects of the essential oils
depend on the mode/route of administration. Both phar-
macological and psychological effects are active simul-
taneously when the oils are administered by means of
inhalation and olfactory processing occurs. In contrast,
percutaneous administration gives evidence of the pure
pharmacological effect and exclusion of olfactory
processing. Therefore, in order to differentiate between
pharmacological and psychological effects of fragrances,
a subjective evaluation of the odors must be prevented
(Heuberger et al., 1999; Heuberger et al., 2001;
Hongratanaworakit et al., 2000; Hongratanaworakit and
Buchbauer, 2004b, 2005; Ilmberger et al., 2001). In con-
clusion, our investigation is likely to represent a relax-
ing effect of ylang ylang oil and provide some evidence
for the usage of ylang ylang oil in medicines such as
causing a reduction of blood pressure or for the relief
of depression and stress in humans.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by grants from Srinakharinwirot Univer-
sity, Thailand. The author is grateful to Dr E. Heuberger, University
of Vienna, Austria, for experimental designs suggestion.
Proceedings in the 23rd International Federal Society
Cosmetics Chemists (IFSCC 2004), October 24 –27, Orlando,
USA, P188. Society of Cosmetic Chemists, New York,
USA.
Hongratanaworakit T, Buchbauer G. 2005. Human behavioral
and physiological reactions to inhalation of sweet orange
oil. Acta Hort 679: 75 – 81.
Hongratanaworakit T, Heuberger E, Buchbauer G. 2000. Effects
of sandalwood oil and α-santalol on humans I: Inhalation.
In 31st ISEO, September 10–13, Hamburg, Germany,
book of abstracts A-37. Buch & Offsetdruckerej, Guenter,
Stubbenmann GmbH, Hamburg, Germany.
Hongratanaworakit T, Heuberger E, Buchbauer G. 2004.
Evaluation of the effects of East Indian sandalwood oil
and α-santalol on humans after transdermal absorption.
Planta Med 70: 3–7.
Ilmberger J, Heuberger E, Mahrhofer C, Dessovic H, Kowarik
D, Buchbauer G. 2001. On the influence of essential oils on
human attention I: Alertness. Chem Senses 26: 239 –245.
Jaeger W, Buchbauer G, Jirovetz L, Fritzer M. 1992. Percutaneous
absorption of lavender oil from a massage oil. J Soc Cosmet
Chem 43: 49 – 54.
Jaeger W, Mayer M, Reznicek G, Buchbauer G. 2001.
Percutaneous absorption of the monoterpene carvone
implication of stereoselective metabolism on blood levels.
J Pharm Pharmacol 53: 637–642.
Lorig TS, Schwartz GE. 1998. Brain and odor: I. Alteration of
human EEG by odor administration. Psychobiology 16: 281–
284.
Macdonald EML. 1995. Aromatherapy for the enhancement of
the nursing care of elder people suffering from arthritic
pain. Aromatherapist 2: 26 –31.
Miyazaki Y, Takenchi S, Yatagai M, Kobayashi S. 1991. The
effect of essential oil on mood in humans. Chem Senses
16: 198.
Moss M, Cook J, Wesnes K, Duckett P. 2003. Aromas of
rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect
cognition and mood in healthy adults. Int J Neurosci 113:
15 –38.
Snow LA, Hovanec L, Brandt J. 2004. A controlled trial of
aromatherapy for agitation in nursing home patients with
dementia. J Altern Complement Med 10: 431–437.
Soden K, Vincent K, Craske S, Lucas C, Ashley S. 2004. A
randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a
hospice setting. Palliat Med 18: 87– 92.
Phytother. Res. 20, 758–763 (2006)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr
 RELAXING EFFECTS OF YLANG YLANG OIL 763

Sugawara Y, Hara C, Tamaru K et al. 1998. Sedative effects on
humans of inhalation of essential oil of linalool: sensory
evaluation and physiological measurements using optically
active linalools. Anal Chem 365: 293–299.
Van TS, Behan J, Howells P, Kendal-Reed M, Richardson A.
1993. An analysis of spontaneous human cortical EEG
activity to odors. Chem Senses 18: 1–16.
Wilkinson S, Aldridge J, Salmon I, Cain E, Wilson B. 1999. An
evaluation of aromatherapy massage in palliative care.
Palliat Med 13: 409–417.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Phytother. Res. 20, 758–763 (2006)
DOI: 10.1002/ptr