Orthonasal bioactive volatiles and their effects on salivation: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: Previous findings showed that nasal exposure to mastic resin volatiles stimulated salivary flow both in healthy volunteers and dry-mouth patients. This prompted the search for new volatile sialagogic compounds as well as other, more standardized delivery methods. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the sialagogic effects of α-pinene, basil, eugenol, and guaiacol volatiles using nasal inhalers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: α-Pinene, basil, eugenol, and guaiacol volatiles were administered using nasal inhalers to act as an olfactory stimulus in healthy individuals (n = 12). Salivary flow, spinnbarkeit, and subjective mouthfeel were assessed before and after the use of the compounds. Furthermore, the possible effect of placebo nasal inhalers on salivary flow was also assessed.

RESULTS: Stimulation with basil and guaiacol applied with nasal inhalers resulted in an increase in salivary flow (p ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, basil improved the feeling of moistness in the oral cavity (p < 0.05). The use of nasal inhalers did not reveal any placebo effect in healthy individuals.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate that nasal inhalation of basil volatiles can effectively enhance salivary secretion and improve the sensation of oral moisture. This suggests basil in particular being a promising candidate for developing new topical treatment for dry mouth. Further studies with larger cohorts and clinical trials in dry-mouth patients are necessary to confirm and extend these results.