The effects of d-camphor inhalation on psychophysiological parameters among healthy participants

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of d-camphor inhalation on psychophysiological parameters among healthy participants. Twenty-four healthy volunteers participated in the trials. d-Camphor was administered to determine the effects on autonomic nervous system (ANS), central nervous system (CNS) through electroencephalography (EEG) recordings as well as psychological parameters through emotional states. EEG recordings were conducted based on 10-20 system and EEG band power was calculated by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT). For data analysis, d-camphor was inhaled and compared with sweet almond oil as base oil. Paired t-test was employed to measure the oil inhalation. The findings indicated that d-camphor inhalation caused significant changes in ANS parameters, psychological parameters through emotional states and central nervous system (CNS) through electroencephalography (EEG) recordings. After d-camphor inhalation, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and the respiratory rate decreased significantly. Relaxed and calm feelings increased significantly while active and stressed feelings decreased significantly. The power of the alpha wave over all the brain areas including left anterior, right anterior, center, left posterior and right posterior brain areas increased significantly. d-Camphor caused significant changes in psychophysiological parameters indicating its sedative effects.