Investigação do possível efeito ansiolítico do óleo essencial de Citrus aurantium dulcis no teste de simulação de falar em público

Abstract

The state of anxiety causes physical changes, such as tremors, nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, diarrhea, muscle tension and insomnia, and behavioral changes, such as excessive worry, negative thoughts, difficulty concentrating and nervousness. These signs and symptoms can impair the performance of individuals' daily activities, and it is important to seek control and, when necessary, treatment. Essential oils from species of the Citrus genus have shown important results in alleviating symptoms associated with anxiety disorders. Thus, considering the therapeutic effects of essential oils (EO) from species of the genus Citrus, the present study aimed to investigate anxiolytic activity of the essential oil of Citrus aurantium var. dulcis in the Public Speaking Simulation Test (TSFP). This is an experimental study, of the clinical pharmacological assay type, random acute and single-blind. The research was carried out at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), at the Health Sciences Center (CCS). The study population consisted of students from the health courses at the Federal University of Paraíba. The sample comprised 16 subjects, who were randomly divided into two groups that received the experimental substance and placebo. For analysis and classification of the level of anxiety, the Trait and State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Analog Mood Scale (EAH) were used, and the physiological parameters of Oxygen Saturation (SAO2), Heart Rate (HR) and Pressure were evaluated. Arterial (PA). To induce anxiety, the Public Speaking Simulation Test (TSFP) was used. The experiment was developed in single and individual sessions, divided into four stages (Basal, Pre-Test, Performance and Final) with the measurement of parameters at each moment. The sociodemographic profile of the study volunteers showed that 87.5% of the sample were aged between 18 and 25 years, 75% were female and 87.5% were single. As for religious practice, 62.50% were Catholic, 87.5% did not have any work and 68.75% of the volunteers lived with their parents. The results presented demonstrate high levels of trait anxiety among the evaluated students. The essential oil of Citrus aurantium var. dulcis, did not show statistical significance in the reduction of psychological and physiological parameters evaluated in the clinical model of anxiety TSFP. After inhaling Citrus aurantium dulcis EO, the students did not reduce the psychological parameters, in the dose and dosage used in this research. We found that the model was not robust enough to cause physiological changes in the studied sample. Thus, the study had some limitations in relation to the methodological procedures applied.