Males needed for research project

Men aged between 18 and 60 are being sought for a pilot study at Southern Cross University to investigate the effects of five essential oils on the immune system.

The study is being done by Michelle Standen, a medical practitioner and PhD student with the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research, a joint venture between the University of Queensland and Southern Cross University dedicated to exploring the science of complementary medicine.

Dr Standen said she would be looking at how a blend of five different essential oils, that are commonly used in aromatherapy, affect the immune system as reflected in a series of blood tests. If trends are detected in the pilot study a more extensive trial will be carried out.

"Essential oils are used by aromatherapists for their immune modulating and immune stimulating ability, but scientific evidence is lacking. This trial appears to be the first of its kind in this particular area," Dr Standen said.

To carry out the study she needs 20 male volunteers, 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers, aged between 18 and 60. The participants will be required to apply lotion once a day for 28 days and attend three clinic sessions at the Lismore campus between May 31 and June 30.

Dr Standen said she was including smokers in the pilot study because as a group they were recognised as having alterations to their immune systems.

"These changes could possibly have health consequences. Because they possess these alterations smokers may be more likely to show improvements during the study."

All participants will need to be healthy, with no significant medical problems and be taking no medications or supplements. The smokers are required to be regular smokers of 10 or more cigarettes per day.

For information about the trial contact Michelle Standen on 66269336 or email mstand10@scu.edu.au