Examination AnxietyAROMA-MEDNCT07922278
Aromatherapy Effects of Juniper and Thyme on Exam-Related Anxiety in Medical Students
A study testing Juniper Essential Oil Inhalation and Thyme Essential Oil Inhalation in people with Examination Anxiety and Test Anxiety, run by Gulbahar Boyuk Ozcan at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This clinical study investigates whether inhalation of juniper and thyme essential oils can reduce anxiety and related physiological symptoms in medical students during exam periods. Eighty healthy university students, aged 18 to 25, will participate in this trial. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 25 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Examination Anxiety, Test Anxiety, Situational Anxiety
- What is being tested?
- Juniper Essential Oil Inhalation and Thyme Essential Oil Inhalation
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 7 Jul 2024to 10 Oct 2024
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 25 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Being willing to participate in the research, being a first-year medical student, being over 18 years old, being healthy
Who cannot join
- Having a communication barrier, incomplete form filling, menstruation in girls, allergies to thyme and juniper oil scents, any side effects during the application, having a cardiovascular disease, being pregnant, having any respiratory system disease (asthma, COPD, etc.), having a condition that prevents smelling, using any medication that affects heart rate and blood pressure, or having a psychiatric disease.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Ankara Medipol University
Ankara, Ankara, 06050
About this study
Official title: Assessing the Effectiveness of Juniper and Thyme Essential Oils in Mitigating Physiological Symptoms of Examination-Induced Anxiety in Medical Students
This clinical study investigates whether inhalation of juniper and thyme essential oils can reduce anxiety and related physiological symptoms in medical students during exam periods.
Eighty healthy university students, aged 18 to 25, will participate in this trial. Participants will inhale either juniper or thyme oil via aromatherapy before taking an academic examination.
Read more
The study will assess the effects on anxiety-related hormones (asprosin, cortisol, CREB) using saliva samples, and will measure physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature before and after aroma inhalation.
This study aims to determine whether short-term exposure to essential oils can safely and effectively reduce exam-induced anxiety.
Read the detailed description
Exam anxiety is a common challenge among university students, particularly those in high-pressure fields like medicine. Anxiety negatively impacts cognitive performance and physiological balance, often raising stress hormone levels and affecting cardiovascular indicators.
This interventional study is designed to explore the therapeutic potential of aromatherapy using two essential oils-juniper (Juniperus communis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris)-which are known for their anxiolytic and calming properties.
The study will be conducted at a medical faculty in Turkey during final examination periods. Participants will serve as their own controls, undergoing saliva collection and physiological monitoring before and after a brief aroma inhalation session.
Salivary samples will be analyzed for asprosin, cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and cortisol concentrations using ELISA. Physiological measures such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, SpO₂, and body temperature will be monitored to assess autonomic nervous system response.
The findings of this study may provide new insights into non-pharmacological interventions for managing situational anxiety in academic and clinical settings. No serious risks are anticipated, as essential oils will be administered via inhalation in low concentrations for a limited duration under controlled conditions.
- Being tested
- Juniper Essential Oil Inhalation, Thyme Essential Oil Inhalation
- Keywords
- Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Juniper Oil, Thyme Oil, Exam Stress, Cortisol, Asprosin, CREB, Salivary Biomarkers, Medical Students, Physiological Response, Stress Reduction, Non-pharmacological Intervention
- Medical subject headings
- Stress, Psychological, Arachnodactyly
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Juniper Essential Oil InhalationOther
Participants inhale 2 drops of juniper essential oil via an inhaler for 15 minutes prior to the exam session to evaluate effects on anxiety-related parameters.
Thyme Essential Oil InhalationOther
Participants inhale 2 drops of thyme essential oil via an inhaler for 15 minutes prior to the exam session to evaluate effects on anxiety-related parameters.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Juniper Aromatherapy Group | Experimental | Participants inhale juniper essential oil for 15 minutes prior to the exam. Physiological and hormonal measurements are taken immediately before and after the inhalation. Receives: Other: Juniper Essential Oil Inhalation |
| Arm 2: Thyme Aromatherapy Group | Experimental | Participants inhale thyme essential oil for 15 minutes prior to the exam. Physiological and hormonal measurements are taken immediately before and after the inhalation. Receives: Other: Thyme Essential Oil Inhalation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Salivary Cortisol Levels
Saliva samples will be collected immediately before and 15 minutes after aroma inhalation to measure cortisol levels using the ELISA method.
Measured: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation
Change in Salivary Asprosin Levels
Saliva samples will be analyzed using the ELISA method to measure asprosin levels, serving as a physiological stress indicator.
Measured: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation
Change in Salivary CREB Levels
Salivary CREB concentrations will be measured using the ELISA method to evaluate biochemical stress responses.
Measured: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation
Secondary outcomes (2)
Change in Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
Blood pressure will be measured using an automated cuff to evaluate autonomic responses to aromatherapy.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-inhalation
Change in Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation
Heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) will be monitored using a pulse oximeter.
Measured: Baseline and immediately post-inhalation
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Nov 2026
- Study start7 Jul 2024
- Primary completion20 Jul 2024
- Study completion10 Oct 2024
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Examination AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- Participants serve as their own controls. Salivary biomarkers and vital signs are measured before and after essential oil inhalation
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Gulbahar Boyuk Ozcan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Gulbahar Boyuk Ozcan, Ankara Medipol University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07922278
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AROMA-MED-2025-01
- Other IDs
- E-81477236-604.01.01-3329
- Acronym
- AROMA-MED
- Status last verified
- Nov 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Jul 2025
- Last updated
- 6 Nov 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: The individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to ethical considerations and institutional restrictions.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 6 Nov 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Assessing the Effectiveness of Juniper and Thyme Essential Oils in Mitigating Physiological Symptoms of Examination-Induced Anxiety in Medical Students
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07922278
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AROMA-MED / AROMA-MED-2025-01
- Keywords
- Aromatherapy, Essential Oils, Juniper Oil, Thyme Oil, Exam Stress, Cortisol, Asprosin, CREB
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Gulbahar Boyuk OzcanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 7 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Study completion
- 10 Oct 2024 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Nov 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This clinical study investigates whether inhalation of juniper and thyme essential oils can reduce anxiety and related physiological symptoms in medical students during exam periods.
Eighty healthy university students, aged 18 to 25, will participate in this trial. Participants will inhale either juniper or thyme oil via aromatherapy before taking an academic examination.
The study will assess the effects on anxiety-related hormones (asprosin, cortisol, CREB) using saliva samples, and will measure physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature before and after aroma inhalation.
This study aims to determine whether short-term exposure to essential oils can safely and effectively reduce exam-induced anxiety.
Detailed description
Exam anxiety is a common challenge among university students, particularly those in high-pressure fields like medicine. Anxiety negatively impacts cognitive performance and physiological balance, often raising stress hormone levels and affecting cardiovascular indicators.
This interventional study is designed to explore the therapeutic potential of aromatherapy using two essential oils-juniper (Juniperus communis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris)-which are known for their anxiolytic and calming properties.
The study will be conducted at a medical faculty in Turkey during final examination periods. Participants will serve as their own controls, undergoing saliva collection and physiological monitoring before and after a brief aroma inhalation session.
Salivary samples will be analyzed for asprosin, cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and cortisol concentrations using ELISA. Physiological measures such as systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, SpO₂, and body temperature will be monitored to assess autonomic nervous system response.
The findings of this study may provide new insights into non-pharmacological interventions for managing situational anxiety in academic and clinical settings. No serious risks are anticipated, as essential oils will be administered via inhalation in low concentrations for a limited duration under controlled conditions.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants serve as their own controls. Salivary biomarkers and vital signs are measured before and after essential oil inhalation
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm 1: Juniper Aromatherapy Group | Experimental | Other: Juniper Essential Oil InhalationParticipants inhale juniper essential oil for 15 minutes prior to the exam. Physiological and hormonal measurements are taken immediately before and after the inhalation. |
| Arm 2: Thyme Aromatherapy Group | Experimental | Other: Thyme Essential Oil InhalationParticipants inhale thyme essential oil for 15 minutes prior to the exam. Physiological and hormonal measurements are taken immediately before and after the inhalation. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Being willing to participate in the research, being a first-year medical student, being over 18 years old, being healthy
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Having a communication barrier, incomplete form filling, menstruation in girls, allergies to thyme and juniper oil scents, any side effects during the application, having a cardiovascular disease, being pregnant, having any respiratory system disease (asthma, COPD, etc.), having a condition that prevents smelling, using any medication that affects heart rate and blood pressure, or having a psychiatric disease.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Juniper Essential Oil InhalationParticipants inhale 2 drops of juniper essential oil via an inhaler for 15 minutes prior to the exam session to evaluate effects on anxiety-related parameters. | Other | Arm 1: Juniper Aromatherapy Group |
| Thyme Essential Oil InhalationParticipants inhale 2 drops of thyme essential oil via an inhaler for 15 minutes prior to the exam session to evaluate effects on anxiety-related parameters. | Other | Arm 2: Thyme Aromatherapy Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Salivary Cortisol Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation
Saliva samples will be collected immediately before and 15 minutes after aroma inhalation to measure cortisol levels using the ELISA method.
Change in Salivary Asprosin Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation
Saliva samples will be analyzed using the ELISA method to measure asprosin levels, serving as a physiological stress indicator.
Change in Salivary CREB Levels
Time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation
Salivary CREB concentrations will be measured using the ELISA method to evaluate biochemical stress responses.
2 secondary outcomes
Change in Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-inhalation
Change in Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation
Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-inhalation
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 6 Nov 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. The individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to ethical considerations and institutional restrictions.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Juniper Essential Oil Inhalation and Thyme Essential Oil Inhalation in people with Examination Anxiety and Test Anxiety, run by Gulbahar Boyuk Ozcan at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 6 Nov 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Salivary Cortisol Levels (time frame: Baseline and 15 minutes post-inhalation). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 6 Nov 2026.