The Effect of Frankincense Essential Oil Inhalation on Short-term Memory in Male University Students

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of frankincense essential oil inhalation on short-term memory (STM). The participants were 100 male students aged between 18-26 years. Before the experiment, measurements were taken for systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse rate (PR). Additionally, STM tests, such as memory of images, memory of numbers, and memory of words, were conducted. Participants were then rested in a treatment room that was scented with frankincense oil for 10 minutes. After that, the STM tests and physiological indicators were once again measured. DI water was utilized in place of frankincense oil in the control group. After frankincense oil inhalation, a significant decrease in SBP and improvements in STM test scores (P<0.05) compared to the control group were observed. Gas chromatography analysis demonstrated that frankincense oil is comprised of α-thujene, sabinene, α-pinene, and α-limonene, all of which have been shown to possess cognitive enhancing properties that are advantageous for brain function.