Effect of inhalation aromatherapy on physical and psychological problems in cancer patients: Systematic review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of inhalation aromatherapy on physical and psychological problems in cancer patients.

Methods

We searched relevant randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINHAL, CNKI, CBM, Wan Fang, and VIP databases, and then evaluated the quality and extracted data from these studies. The publication date was from the establishment of each database until May 2021.

Results

We ultimately included 16 publications that examined 636 patients and 636 controls. Inhalation of aromatherapy had no effect on pain and depression; mixed results on nausea and vomiting; reduced sleep disorders and anxiety; and improved quality of life.

Conclusions

Although inhalation aromatherapy may benefit cancer patients, more high-quality evidence is needed to support its clinical usefulness.

Keywords:

• Cancer
• inhalation aromatherapy
• meta-analysis
• physical
• psychological
• systematic review

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.