The effect of aromatherapy with bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) extract on anxiety and fatigue in type 2 diabetic patients

Abstract

ObjectiveStudies have shown some complementary therapies to be effective in the management of diabetes and its comorbidities. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an aromatherapy extract on anxiety and fatigue in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods60 type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned in two groups: patients in the intervention group received bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) extract inhalation aromatherapy for three consecutive nights before sleeping, whereas patients in the control group received usual care. Patients’ level of anxiety and fatigue was recorded before and after intervention using Visual Analog Scale (VAS). ResultsThe mean score of anxiety in patients in the intervention group before and after intervention were 63.13 ± 40.42 and 52.9 ± 3.57, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean score of anxiety in patients in control group before and after intervention were 56.73 ± 39.52 and 56.6 ± 3.93, respectively (P = 0.468). The mean score of fatigue in patients in intervention group before and after intervention were 65.7 ± 39.63 and 63 ± 3.93, respectively. The mean score of fatigue in patients in control group before and after intervention were 56.5 ± 43.15 and 56.26 ± 4.28, respectively (P = 0.436). ConclusionThe use of bitter orange extract inhalation aromatherapy is a potentially effective intervention to relive type 2 diabetics’ anxiety and fatigue. Further study in this regards are recommended.