Evaluation of the Effect of Plant-derived Odors Based on Fatigue Investigation

Abstract

Generally, the effects of odors on humans are evaluated by focusing on odor-exposure methods, adjusting the concentration of the odorant while stabilizing environmental conditions in an artificial weather chamber, and measuring various functions of autonomic nerves and brain waves in the subjects. However, many of these methods are often carried out under conditions that are very different from the actual living environment, and the experiments themselves may be a great burden to the subject. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide an evaluation method in which the mental and physical burden of the experimental investigation is small, and in which experimental results follow practical life more closely, with respect to a group living in an environment where behaviors are controlled to some extent. In line with these ideas, this study was conducted to examine the effects of several plant-derived odors on humans. The method used was based on the investigation of fatigue. The usefulness of this investigation method was evaluated.