Prima Body

This study provides further evidence for the impact of the aromas of plant essential oils on aspects of cognition and mood in healthy participants.

One hundred and forty-four volunteers were randomly assigned to conditions of ylang-ylang aroma, peppermint aroma, or no aroma control. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research computerized assessment battery, with mood scales completed before and after cognitive testing. The analysis of the data revealed significant differences between conditions on a number of the factors underpinning the tests that constitute the battery.

Peppermint was found to enhance memory whereas ylang-ylang impaired it and lengthened processing speed. In terms of subjective mood, peppermint increased alertness and ylang-ylang decreased it, but significantly increased calmness.

These results provide support for the contention that the aromas of essential oils can produce significant effects on both subjective and objective assessments of aspects of human behavior. They are discussed with reference to possible pharmacological and psychological modes of influence.

Moss, M.; Hewitt, S.; Moss, L.; Wesnes, K.; Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Division of Psychology, University of Northumbria, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.   The International Journal of Neuroscience, 2008 Jan;118(1):59-77.

Frankincense May Be Wise Choice For Bladder Cancer

Frankincense, an aromatic tree oil and in Christian tradition one of the three wise men's gifts to the baby Jesus, may be a helpful treatment for bladder cancer, according to a study published Wednesday (3/18/2009).

US scientists tested an enriched extract of the frankincense herb boswellia carteri on both human bladder cancer cells and normal bladder cells in laboratory experiments.

The oil suppressed cancer growth and activated mechanisms which kill the
dangerous cells, they said.

"Frankincense oil can discriminate bladder cancer cells and normal urothelial cells in culture. The oil suppresses cell survival and induces apoptosis in cultured bladder cancer cells," said the study.

Lead researcher Doctor Hsueh-Kung Lin of the University of Oklahoma added:
"Frankincense oil may represent an inexpensive alternative therapy for patients currently suffering from bladder cancer."

The study noted that the oil originated from Africa, India and the Middle East and has been "important both socially and economically as an ingredient in incense and perfumes for thousands of years."

According to the Bible, it was presented to the infant Jesus by the three wise men, along with gold and myrrh.

The study was published in the online British Medical Council Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Wed Mar 18, 2009, LONDON (AFP) 
 http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090318/hl_afp/britainsciencehealthreligioncancer