부산대학교 도서관

This randomized, controlled study investigated the effects of the inhalation of fennel oil on serum nitrite levels, blood pressure, and blood glucose concentrations in patients with chronic kidney disease receiving hemodialysis. Fifty-two patients with chronic kidney disease at a single center were randomized, 29 to inhalation of a 1% solution of fennel in almond oil and 23 to inhalation of pure almond oil (control) for 20 min. Serum nitrite and blood glucose levels, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, were measured before and after inhalation of essential oil. Systolic blood pressure (P=0.002) and blood glucose concentrations (P=0.017) were significantly lower after than before inhalation of fennel oil. Moreover, serum nitrite concentrations were significantly higher after inhalation of fennel oil than after inhalation of almond oil (P=0.009). This study showed that inhalation of fennel oil could effectively reduce blood pressure and blood glucose levels, reductions likely attributable to increased nitric oxide levels. Fennel oil may benefit patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.