Kaffir lime essential oil was obtained from fresh peels of Citrus hystrix (Rutaceae) by
hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC–MS. The effects of kaffir lime oil on human
autonomic and behavioural parameters after massage were investigated in this study.
Forty healthy volunteers participated in the experiments. Autonomic parameters
recorded were skin temperature, pulse rate, breathing rate and blood pressure.
Behavioural parameters were assessed by means of visual analogue scales (VAS). The
kaffir lime oil caused a significant increase in blood pressure and a significant decrease
in skin temperature. Regarding the behavioural parameters, subjects in the kaffir lime
oil group rated themselves more alert, attentive, cheerful and vigorous than subjects in
the control group. These findings are likely to represent stimulating/activating effects of
the kaffir lime oil and provide some evidence for the use of kaffir lime oil in
aromatherapy, such as causing relief from depression and stress in humans.