This article is intended to give a flavour of what scientists do and how they think, in short, to demystify the subject of scientific research for aromatherapists. It describes the essence of the scientific method, what is special about scientific evidence compared to other evidence, the limitations of scientific explanation, pure and applied science and common lay misunderstandings of science.
An investigation of the in vitro mutagenic potential of a variety of commercially available and widely used tea tree essential oils was performed. The mutagenic potential of tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) was examined using the Histidine Reversion Assay (Ames Test). One of the major components, the monoterpenoid terpinen-4-ol, was also examined to determine if it demonstrated any mutagenic potential. Salmonella typhimurium (TA102, TA100 and TA98) was utilised in the Ames test.
Commercially available tea tree oils were tested. Despite a previous report demonstrating a possible mutagenic trend in a single commercially available tea tree product, no mutagenic effect was determined in any of the brands of tea tree oil on any of the strains of Salmonella examined with or without metabolic activation. The same negative results were obtained for the terpinen-4-ol component examined. There was a clear evidence of toxicity of tea tree oil on all Salmonella strains and also by terpinen-4-ol at higher dose levels. It is suggested that terpinen-4-ol may contribute significantly to the widely reported antibacterial activity of tea tree oil.
The hydrodistilled essential oil of Lavandula dentata L. growing spontaneously in Cherchel (north-west of Algiers region, Algeria) was analysed by GC and GC/MS. Sixty-seven compounds, comprising 76.5% of the total oil were identified. The major components of 1,8-cineole (38.4%), cis-verbenol (4.3%), p-cymen-8-ol (3.8%) and fenchone (2.3%) were found.
The third part of this paper continues suggestions for the use of essential oils and other aromatherapy preparations that can bring relief to many of the problems experienced by patients diagnosed with disorders in the rheumatoid family. The general symptoms most frequently brought to the attention of doctors and therapists are discussed initially, followed by detailed listings of less common problems associated with the more rare syndromes.
There is a pressing need for sustainability of the ecology and environment of Africa. Deforestation is taking place at an alarming rate, and this situation will continue to escalate unless local communities can be given a sufficiently attractive and viable reason to look after their forests and animals. The development of international markets for the tree seed oils is a major step towards solving this growing dilemma. In Zambia the development of sustainable harvest systems and market outlets for the highly valued indigenous tree seed oils, along with the establishment of sustainable wild harvest for ‘non-timber forest products’ to accredited international certification criteria has enable sustainable livelihoods for large numbers of disadvantaged rural communities from indigenous plant products at the same time as helping to maintain the natural environment.
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：