Page 80 - IMO-2-1

Innovative Medicines & Omics Impact of lemon essential oil on anthropometrics

modeling massage, during which a carefully blended criteria were established to ensure the inclusion of eligible
oil of sweet almond and lemon essential oil was applied. individuals meeting specific criteria related to BMI,
In contrast, the control group received an identical physical activity levels, medical history, and lifestyle habits.
procedure, except the massage oil did not include lemon Recruitment procedures were conducted transparently,
essential oil. In each session, objective measurements with an emphasis on obtaining voluntary participation and
were recorded, encompassing body weight, abdominal informed consent from all eligible individuals.
perimeter, and skinfold measurements at various sites,
including the abdominal area, tricep, supra iliac, and thigh. 2.4. Participants
These assessments were conducted consistently across The controlled trial sample consisted of 26 female
6-weekly sessions, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation volunteers, selected through a questionnaire and divided
of the intervention’s impact over time. To provide a robust randomly into treatment (TG, n = 13) and control (CG,
scientific basis for investigating the impact of lemon n = 13) groups. Volunteers were chosen with a BMI ranging
essential oil, this study selected anthropometric parameters from 18.5 to 34.9, corresponding to the normal weight
– such as skinfold thickness, BMI, and abdominal and obese categories. Exclusion criteria included regular
perimeter – as primary outcomes. These measures are physical activity, disease, or risk factors that may influence
widely used in clinical and wellness settings to assess lipid metabolism, contraindications for the treatments,
changes in body composition, which are particularly and regular smoking or alcohol consumption.
relevant to interventions involving topical applications.
2.5. Instruments
The 6-week intervention period was selected based
on a review of prior studies and practical considerations Height and perimeters were measured using a non-
for observing changes in anthropometric parameters. stretchable measuring tape (COMED, France). Bioelectrical
Previous research on body composition and therapeutic impedance Tanita UM-076 (Tanita, Japan) was used to
massage has demonstrated that significant, measurable register weight. Skinfolds were determined using a Digital
effects often emerge within a 4 – 8 week timeframe, Skinfold Analyzer (COMED, France).
particularly in interventions targeting localized fat 2.6. Preparation of exfoliant
reduction or improvements in skinfold thickness. For
30
example, studies investigating the impact of essential oils The exfoliant used in this research was prepared by
or massage therapies on body contouring frequently adopt combining 28 mL of sweet almond oil (Plena Natura,
similar durations to balance the need for observable results Portugal), 80 g of dead sea salt (AromaZone, France),
with participant retention and compliance. 31 ten drops of lemon (citrus lemon peel oil distilled), and
lavender (Aromazone, Paris, France) essential oils. The
In addition, the 6-week duration was deemed feasible essential oil used in this study was derived from the Citrus
for participants, minimizing the risk of dropouts while limon variety sourced from AromaZone, France, known
ensuring consistent exposure to the intervention. Weekly for its high limonene content. The lemon essential oil was
sessions allowed standardized data collection and gradual obtained using a cold-press extraction method, a standard
changes to be assessed without overburdening participants. practice for citrus oils. This technique preserves volatile
compounds, such as limonene and β-pinene, critical to
2.2. Site identification and access
the oil’s therapeutic potential. Including this detail ensures
The research was conducted at Clínica Áurea – Esthetic reproducibility and offers insights into the quality of the oil
Biomedicine Clinic in Vila Real, Portugal, between used in this intervention.
September 2021 and December 2021. Access to the research
site was facilitated through collaboration with the clinical 2.7. Preparation of massage oil
facility, which operates as a commercial venue specializing The massage oil utilized in this study was meticulously
in biomedical esthetics. Prior approval was obtained from prepared by combining 20 mL of sweet almond oil with
the facility management to conduct the study on-site, and 12 drops of lemon essential oil, adhering to precise
participant recruitment was facilitated through established measurements. Sweet almond oil, a widely recognized
communication channels with clinic staff. carrier oil in aromatherapy, was chosen for its gentle
and nourishing properties, making it a suitable base for
2.3. Recruitment process
massage oil. In contrast, lemon essential oil, with its
32
Participants were recruited through a systematic process distinctive citrus aroma and potential therapeutic benefits,
involving the distribution of questionnaires to potential was incorporated to provide both olfactory delight and
volunteers attending Clínica Áurea. Clear selection possible physiological effects. This specific ratio of carrier
33

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 74 doi: 10.36922/imo.5893