琥珀の生体に及ぼす有用性の生理学的解析

Amber is one of the first substances used by human as decoration and medicine for various disease. In the present study, we measured EEG, ECG, breathing and blood flow to investigate physiological effects of amber. We used foot-bath as stimulation from the body surface and incense as stimulation of the odor from the olfactory system. In the experiment of foot-bath, subjects (N.F., 33 years old and T.Y., 22 years old) put their feet for 20 min in the warm water (40±0.5°C) with and without the amber powder. The EEG was analyzed by meanFFT in 5 frequency bands (δ, θ, α, β, γ). The ECG were recorded by the first bipolar limb lead. Expiration and inspiration were recorded by using a thermister pick-up transducer. The blood flow in forehead was measured with laser flowmeter. The amplitude of δ wave decreased for 10 min after the stimulation of foot-bath, and this change was clearly observed on O1, O2. The decrease in the amplitude of δ wave continued for a longer time with amber, compared to the water without amber. The amplitude of α wave increased after foot-bath without amber on P7, P8 on both sides. The increase in the amplitude of α wave appeared on P8 with amber. On T7, the amplitude of β wave increased in foot-bath without amber. An increase in the amplitude of β wave appeared with amber on P8. No obvious changes were observed in heart rate, respiratory interval and blood flow. The present study showed that the amber induced stimulation influenced EEG and that α and β waves increased in the specific regions of the brain by amber. [Jpn J Physiol 54 Suppl:S194 (2004)]