A Clinical Study of Decrease Appetite Effects by Aromatherapy Using Foeniculum vulgare Mill(Fennel) to Female Obese Patients

여성비만환자에게 소회향(小茴香) 정유를 사용한 향기요법의 식욕억제효과에 관한 임상적 연구

Objectives : This study was performed to investigate the effect of Aromatherapy using Foeniculum vulgare Mill(Fennel) for decrease in the appetite of female obese patients. Methods : We analyzed 32 obese patients who had been hospitalized in Kirin Oriental Hospital from October 1, 2004 to January 30, 2005. The patient were classified in two groups, aroma inhalation group(IH group), and non-inhalation group(NIH group). Test was applied 2 times a week(Inhalation and Non-inhalation test) for 4 weeks. The effect of both groups was analyzed by using VAS scores about appetite. The scores were checked before inhalation, and 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes after inhalation. Results : The VAS appetite scores decreased more significantly in inhalation group than non-inhalation group on every checked time(15, 30, 45, 60 minutes after inhalation)(p<0.05). And VAS scores of aroma inhalation group decreased more significantly on every checked time(0, 15, 30, 45, 60 minutes after inhalation) than pre-inhalation(p<0.05), and morbid obesity group is more sensitive than obesity group shortly after the inhalation(0 minute after inhalation)(p<0.05). Conclusions : In this study, we can conclude that aromatherapy using Foeniculum vulgare Mill(Fennel) has an effect on decreasing appetite of female obese patients.