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Innovative Medicines & Omics Impact of lemon essential oil on anthropometrics

drainage, making the effects more noticeable in later anthropometric measurements or the standardization
sessions. of massage techniques across sessions. Addressing these
Future recommendations for research include factors in future research could reduce variability and
conducting more detailed analyses of individual clarify the conditions for consistent results.
responses to identify characteristics associated with These findings suggest that lemon essential oil
greater effectiveness. Ensuring stricter standardization interventions may benefit from extended durations or
of procedures, potentially through automated massage optimized application protocols to achieve consistent
devices or detailed therapist training, is also crucial. results. Future studies could explore varying concentrations,
Investigating whether external factors (e.g., hydration, session frequencies, or durations to identify the most
diet) significantly influence session-specific results and effective regimen. In addition, integrating adjunctive
controlling for these variables in future studies would be strategies, such as dietary adjustments or physical activity,
beneficial. For wellness centers, these findings suggest that may enhance the outcomes of such interventions.
clients may need multiple sessions to achieve noticeable
results aligning with practical guidance for long-term 4.3. Wilcoxon test results
intervention planning. To further explore the effects of lemon essential oil,

The lack of statistically significant reductions in skinfold Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied to paired
thickness and abdominal perimeter during sessions 1, 2, skinfold measurements and various anthropometric
and 4 suggests important considerations about the efficacy variables (Table 3). The analysis identifies significant
of lemon essential oil when combined with massage. These differences between paired samples for tricep skinfold
findings may reflect the need for specific conditions or measurements and abdominal perimeter, with P<0.05.
cumulative exposure for the observed effects to manifest These findings provide additional evidence of the
consistently. influence of lemon essential oil on specific anthropometric
parameters.
The significant changes observed in later sessions
(3, 5, and 6) suggest that lemon essential oil may require 4.4. Comparison with other studies
a particular duration of repeated application to exert Our findings align with previous research indicating the
measurable effects. This delay could be attributed to potential of essential oils to influence body composition. For
the time needed for the bioactive compounds, such instance, some studies demonstrated citrus essential oils’
as limonene, to modulate lipid metabolism, improve antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, including lemon,
circulation, and reduce oxidative stress in adipose tissues. which may contribute to their overall health benefits. 33,45 In
It is also possible that the 3% concentration of lemon addition, research on the anti-inflammatory properties of
essential oil used in this study, while safe and within essential oils highlights the potential mechanisms through
recommended topical application guidelines, may need to be which lemon essential oil might influence adipose tissue
optimized for greater efficacy. Higher concentrations might and skinfold thickness. 46,47
enhance the penetration and activity of key compounds, Another study reviewed the therapeutic properties of
provided safety and tolerability are maintained. lemon essential oil and found it beneficial in various health
Early sessions may represent a period of physiological contexts, supporting its application in aromatherapy and
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adjustment where the effects of the massage and skincare. These studies, combined with our findings,
essential oil are not yet pronounced. Over time, repeated suggest a broader applicability of lemon essential oil in
stimulation could amplify circulation, lymphatic drainage, wellness practices.
and lipolysis, contributing to the significant outcomes 4.5. Limitations
observed in later sessions.
This study has several limitations. First, the sample size
Differences in skinfold thickness and fat distribution was relatively small, with only 26 participants, which may
among participants may also influence the timeline restrict the findings’ generalizability. A larger sample size
and magnitude of response. Those with higher baseline would provide more robust statistical power and allow for a
adiposity or slower metabolic rates might require more broader application of the results. In addition, the study was
prolonged exposure or additional sessions to experience conducted over a short duration of 6 weeks. While this period
significant changes.
is sufficient to observe some changes, longer-term studies are
Variability in non-significant sessions may also highlight necessary to evaluate lemon essential oil’s sustainability and
limitations in study protocols, such as the sensitivity of long-term effects on anthropometric measurements.

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 78 doi: 10.36922/imo.5893