Method for determining the relaxing or stimulating properties of a fragrance or scent - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of aromas and fragrances. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for determining the medium-term effect of an odor or fragrance using an index that reveals the relaxing / stimulating (encouraging, invigorating) properties of the odor or fragrance on the autonomic nervous system.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fragrances and aromas. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for determining the medium-term effect of an odor or aroma using an index that reveals the relaxing / stimulating (energizing, invigorating) properties of the odor or aroma on the autonomic nervous system.

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention Aromas and the feelings and affective states induced by them are important factors in enhancing consumer satisfaction. Tools that rely on consumer verbal reports have been used to characterize the conscious aspects of aroma-induced emotions.

[0003] Methods have been attempted to reveal the unconscious aspects of aroma-induced emotions, especially by observing physiological parameters. As measurements of aroma-induced physiological parameters, changes in electrical brain activity by EEG, cardiac rhythm by ECG, skin conductance, etc. have been proposed. These event-related methods are often unsatisfactory for the evaluation of odors due to the low time resolution offered by most olfactory stimulation techniques. Moreover, these studies in olfaction make use of inverse inference, i.e., emotional states are identified based on physiological readouts obtained in very limited studies. Existing published scientific studies report investigations into the relationship between the relaxing / encouraging properties of odors and physiological states reported verbally when subjects smelled the odors under study. For example, Loos et al., (2020) described event-related responses that represent the immediate physiological adaptation to the stimulus. However, previous attempts have failed to provide information on the medium-term effects of odors, and there is no reliable information on whether the relaxing or stimulating effects of a certain odor persist even after the odor has disappeared. There is a need to obtain this information since the persistence of such relaxing and / or stimulating effects has important implications for the consumer experience, e.g., whether the relaxing or stimulating effects of a scented shower gel are maintained after the shower (i.e., during intermediate, event-free periods following the event of showering), and thus for the creation and formulation of corresponding perfumed compositions and perfumed consumer products. To date, there is no reliable method for measuring such physiological effects during intermediate (event-free) periods.

[0004] Furthermore, the literature has disclosed that physiological responses (e.g., average heart rate, electromyography, electrodermal activity) are different for pleasant odors compared to unpleasant odors. However, it has not been demonstrated that odors judged as pleasant and strong in the same way can be differentiated based on physiological responses. There is a need to obtain this information because odors judged as pleasant and strong in the same way may have different physiological stimulating or relaxing effects, which affects the creation and formulation of corresponding perfumed compositions and perfumed consumer products.

[0005] It is therefore necessary to reliably determine the relaxing and stimulating (invigorating, invigorating) properties of odorous substances event-independently, i.e. not immediately after smelling, but in the medium term, in order to provide a solid basis for designing, in particular, relaxing and stimulating (invigorating, invigorating) fragrances, perfumed compositions and perfumed consumer products.

[0006] The present invention provides a reliable method for identifying the relaxing and stimulating (encouraging, invigorating) properties of odorous substances in an event-independent and medium-term manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates the sequence of events during the presentation of an odor. [Diagram 2] Graph of (A) raw PPG signal (blue circle = peak, green circle = minimum), (B) beat-to-beat interval (ms), and (C) PPG amplitude time series (arbitrary units). [Diagram 3] 1 is a graph showing the correlation between the rating of the relaxing / encouraging properties of odors (horizontal axis) and the ANS index value. [Figure 4] Graph showing mean (±SD) distribution density and individual data points of ANS index values ​​for lavender and peppermint. [Diagram 5] Graph showing the mean (±SD) distribution density and individual data points of ANS index values ​​for peppermint and odorless conditions.

[0008] Detailed Description of the Invention Rather than focusing on short-term effects (event-related) over the few seconds following olfactory stimulation, the present invention is directed to medium-term effects using indices that reveal the relaxing / encouraging (stimulating, invigorating) properties of odors that are similar in pleasantness and intensity. Thus, the present invention provides a reliable method for measuring the physiological invigorating or relaxing effects of odors and scents in the medium term after subjects have smelled the fragrance.

[0009] The term mid-term is understood herein as a period of preferably at least 25 seconds. In certain embodiments, the term mid-term is understood herein as a period of at least 40 seconds, preferably at least 90 seconds. In certain embodiments, the term mid-term is understood herein as a period of not more than 600 seconds, preferably not more than 300 seconds, more preferably not more than 150 seconds, even more preferably not more than 90 seconds. In certain embodiments, the term mid-term is understood herein as a period of 25 seconds to 600 seconds, preferably 40 seconds to 300 seconds, even more preferably 90 seconds to 150 seconds. In certain embodiments, this term is understood herein as a period of 90 seconds.

[0010] The present invention is applicable to perfume and fragrance compositions, including blends, ingredients and essential oils. The present invention applies to the emotional benefits of a scent or fragrance and allows for the measurement of associated physiological changes.

[0011] The present invention provides a method for identifying a substance having an odor that increases a relaxed or stimulated physiological state in a subject, comprising: a. having a subject smell a device containing an odorous substance; b. measuring at least one physical parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system in the subject during a resting state; c. correlating said at least one physical parameter to an indicator of a first state of the subject's autonomic nervous system (first ANSind); d. performing steps a. through c. at least two more times, Having the subject smell at least one device containing a substance that has no odor; Correlating the at least one measured physical parameter to an indicator of a second state of the subject's autonomic nervous system (second ANSind); process, e. identifying the odorous substance as relaxing or stimulating if the first ANSind of the odorous substance indicates that it is more relaxing or stimulating than the second ANSind of the second substance; The present invention relates to a method comprising the steps of:

[0012] According to the present invention, in step a., a subject is made to smell a device containing an odorous substance.

[0013] It is thereby understood that the subject is made to smell a device containing a (first) substance having an odor.

[0014] By subject, it is understood herein that preferably it is a human being. In a particular embodiment, the subject is a healthy human being. In a particular embodiment, the subject is a healthy human being, and has no psychiatric or neurological history. In a particular embodiment, the subject has a normal sense of smell. In a particular embodiment, the subject is a healthy human being, and has no psychiatric or neurological history, and has a normal sense of smell. In a particular embodiment, the subject has not eaten or drunk within 4 hours, preferably 3 hours, more preferably 2 hours before carrying out the method.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the subject is preferably a group of subjects comprising at least 5, preferably at least 10, more preferably at least 15, even more preferably at least 18, at least 20. The group of subjects preferably comprises females and males in a ratio of 5:1 to 1:5, preferably 4:1 to 1:4, more preferably 3:1 to 1:3, more preferably 2:1 to 1:2.

[0016] A device is understood herein as a means for presenting a substance to a subject so that the subject can smell it. The device can be, for example, a container, a glass or plastic tube, a pen, a stripe, a probe, an olfactometer, etc.

[0017] In a particular embodiment, step a. is carried out using an olfactometer. Any olfactometer can be used as long as it is compatible with the measurement of parameters in step a. and can provide a precise, controlled, and reproducible olfactory stimulus to the nose without tactile or thermal stimuli.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the subject is allowed to sniff the device for a segment of at least 1 second, preferably at least 5 seconds, more preferably at least 10 seconds, and even more preferably at least 15 seconds. In certain embodiments, the subject is allowed to sniff the device for a segment of 45 seconds or less, preferably 35 seconds or less, more preferably 25 seconds or less, and even more preferably 15 seconds or less. In certain embodiments, the subject is allowed to sniff the device for a segment of 1-45 seconds, preferably 5-35 seconds, more preferably 10-25 seconds, and even more preferably 12-20 seconds, and even more preferably 15 seconds.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the subject sniffs the device several times, each independently across the segments as described above. In certain embodiments, the subject sniffs the device at least once, preferably at least twice, more preferably three times. In certain embodiments, the subject sniffs the device no more than five times, preferably no more than four times, more preferably no more than three times. In certain embodiments, the subject sniffs the device 1-5 times, preferably 2-4 times, more preferably 3 times.

[0020] In certain embodiments, during each segment in which the subject sniffs the device, the odor is evaluated for intensity, liking, familiarity, and / or relaxing / encouraging properties. In certain embodiments, the evaluation of intensity, liking, familiarity, and / or relaxing / encouraging properties follows a protocol such as that described in, for example, Porcherot et al., Food Quality and Preference, 2010;21(8):938-947.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the subject is allowed to sniff the device for a total of at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 20 seconds, more preferably at least 30 seconds, and even more preferably at least 40 seconds. In certain embodiments, the subject is allowed to sniff the device for 90 seconds or less, preferably 80 seconds or less, more preferably 60 seconds or less, and even more preferably 50 seconds or less. In certain embodiments, the subject is allowed to sniff the device for 10-90 seconds, preferably 20-80 seconds, more preferably 30-60 seconds, even more preferably 40-50 seconds, and even more preferably 45 seconds.

[0022] An odoriferous substance is understood herein preferably as a perfuming ingredient, a fragrance, a perfuming composition or a perfumed consumer product, preferably a perfuming ingredient.

[0023] By "perfume" (or also "perfume oil") herein is meant an ingredient or composition that is liquid, solid or semi-solid at about 20°C. According to any one of the above embodiments, said perfume oil may be a perfuming ingredient alone or a mixture of ingredients in the form of a perfume composition. By "perfuming ingredient" herein is meant a compound that is used for the primary purpose of imparting or modulating an odor. In other words, such an ingredient must be recognized by the skilled artisan as being at least capable of imparting, enhancing or modifying the odor of the composition in order to be considered a perfuming ingredient. For the purposes of the present invention, perfume oil also includes combinations of perfuming ingredients and substances that both improve, enhance or modify the delivery of the perfuming ingredient, such as perfume precursors, emulsions or dispersions, and combinations that provide additional benefits beyond modifying or imparting an odor, such as persistence, blooming, deodorization, antibacterial action, microbial stability, pest control.

[0024] The nature and type of perfuming ingredients do not require a more detailed description here, and are in any case not comprehensive, and a person skilled in the art can select them based on his general knowledge according to the intended use or application and the desired organoleptic effect.Generally, these perfuming ingredients belong to various chemical classes, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, nitriles, terpenoids, nitrogen-containing or sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds, and essential oils, and said perfuming co-ingredients can be of natural or synthetic origin.Many of these co-ingredients are described in any case in reference literature, for example in the book by S. Arctander, Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, 1969, Montclair, New Jersey, USA, or its more recent editions, or other treatises of the same kind, and in the abundant patent literature in the field of perfumery.It is also understood that said ingredients may be compounds known to release various kinds of perfuming compounds in a controlled manner.

[0025] The perfuming ingredients can be dissolved in solvents currently used in the perfume industry. Examples of such solvents are dipropylene glycol (DIPG), diethyl phthalate, isopropyl myristate, Abalyn® (a rosin-based resin available from Eastman), benzyl benzoate, ethyl citrate, limonene or other terpenes, or isoparaffins. Preferably, the solvent is very hydrophobic and highly sterically hindered, such as Abalyn® or benzyl benzoate. Preferably, the perfume contains less than 30% solvent. More preferably, the perfume contains less than 20%, even more preferably less than 10%, all of these percentages being defined by weight relative to the total weight of the perfume. Most preferably, the perfume is essentially solvent-free.

[0026] According to the invention, in step b., at least one physical parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system in the subject is measured in a resting state.

[0027] Thereby it is understood that at least one physical parameter related to the subject's unconscious autonomic nervous system is measured in a resting or task-negative state, i.e. when no explicit task is being performed.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter is at least one parameter indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and / or the parasympathetic nervous system.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system in the subject is: i. at least one physical parameter of the sympathetic nervous system (BP(SNS)), and / or ii. At least one physical parameter of the parasympathetic nervous system (BP(PNS)) where BP(SNS) is a physical parameter of the sympathetic nervous system and BP(PNS) is a physical parameter of the parasympathetic nervous system.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system includes at least one parameter indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least one parameter of the parasympathetic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes at least one parameter indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least two parameters of the parasympathetic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes at least two parameters indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least one parameter of the parasympathetic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes at least two parameters indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least two parameters of the parasympathetic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes at least three parameters indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least two parameters of the parasympathetic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes at least two parameters indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least three parameters of the parasympathetic nervous system.

[0031] In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes at least one physical parameter indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, at least two physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, at least three physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, at least four physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, and at least five physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes no more than nine physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, at least eight physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, at least seven physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, at least six physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, and at least five physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system. In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter includes 1-9, preferably the at least one physical parameter includes 2-8 physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, preferably the at least one physical parameter includes 3-7 physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, preferably the at least one physical parameter includes 4-6 physical parameters indicative of the subject's autonomic nervous system, and more preferably the at least one physical parameter includes about 5 physical parameters indicative of the autonomic nervous system.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter is selected from the list consisting of heart rate (HR), low frequency variation of heart rate variability (LF), non-specific skin conductance response (nsSCR), photoplethysmographic amplitude of pulse (PPGa), root mean square of successive differences in beat-to-beat intervals (RMSSD), blood pressure (BP), pulse rate (PPGr), tonic level of skin conductance (SCL), pre-ejection time (PEP), pulse transit time (PTT), pupil diameter, laser contrast imaging (LSCI) or analysis (LASCA), infrared thermography, skin temperature, or any combination thereof.

[0033] Heart rate (HR) is understood herein as the number of beats per minute of a subject. HR is influenced by both the parasympathetic nervous system (through cholinergic muscarinic receptors) and the sympathetic nervous system (through β-adrenergic receptors). Heart rate can be measured by photoplethysmography (PPG). The total period between successive pulse waves (beat-to-beat interval in seconds) is inverted and multiplied by 60 to obtain the instantaneous heart rate in beats per minute. These values ​​are then averaged over the period of interest.

[0034] Pulse amplitude (PPGa) is understood herein as the total height of the photoplethysmographic pulse wave. PPGa reflects the vasodilation / vasoconstriction of the peripheral vasculature (via α-adrenergic receptors). PPGa can be measured using a photoplethysmograph. The amplitude (PPGa) of all pulse waves is calculated (local maximum-previous minimum). The obtained PPGa is averaged over the period of interest.

[0035] The root mean square of successive differences in heartbeat intervals (RMSSD) is understood herein as the root mean square of successive differences between normal heartbeats (RMSSD). RMSSD specifically characterizes parasympathetic respiratory-mediated influences (via cholinergic receptors) and is obtained by first calculating all successive time differences between pulse intervals during a period of interest in ms. Then, each value is squared, the results are averaged, and then the square root of the sum is obtained. RRSMD can be measured and calculated using a photoplethysmograph (PPG).

[0036] Low-frequency (LF) heart rate variability refers to low-frequency oscillations (characteristic frequencies between 0.04 and 0.15 Hz) in the time series of PPG pulse intervals. LF specifically characterizes parasympathetic baroreflex-mediated fluctuations (via α,β-adrenergic receptors). LF is calculated by applying frequency decomposition to the time series of pulse intervals measured by a photoplethysmograph and extracting the coefficients of the 0.04–0.15 Hz frequency band over the period of interest.

[0037] Nonspecific skin conductance response (nsSCR) refers to the electrodermal activity that occurs in the absence of a discernible eliciting stimulus. The number of nsSCRs is derived from the electrodermal activity and characterizes sympathetic fluctuations (cholinergic muscarinic receptors, Boucsein, 2014). nsSCRs can be measured by any electrodermal recording device using the direct constant voltage method.

[0038] Tonic Level of Skin Conductance (SCL): Electrodermal activity reflects both slowly changing tonic sympathetic activity and rapidly changing phasic sympathetic activity. Tonic activity can be expressed in units of electrodermal level (SCL) and phasic activity in units of electrodermal response (EDR).

[0039] Pre-ejection period (PEP) is the time elapsed from the electrical depolarization of the left ventricle (QRS on the ECG) to the onset of ventricular ejection and represents the period of left ventricular contraction with the heart valves closed. PEP is influenced by sympathetic nerve activity through β1-adrenergic receptors and shortens under stimulation. PEP can be derived non-invasively from impedance cardiography, which converts changes in thoracic impedance (measured by chest and neck electrodes) into changes in volume over time, allowing tracking of volume changes as they occur during the cardiac cycle.

[0040] Pulse transit time (PTT): a surrogate for blood pressure change, sympathetic control. Pulse transit time (PTT) is a measure of the time it takes for an arterial pulse wave to reach the periphery. PTT can be calculated from finger photoplethysmographs (PPG) in oxygen saturation monitors and the R-wave of the electrocardiogram (ECG) during polysomnography.

[0041] Pupil diameter: The pupillary response is the physiological response that changes pupil size via the optic nerve and oculomotor cranial nerves. Parasympathetic activation induces constriction. Sympathetic activation induces dilation.

[0042] Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) or analysis (LASCA). Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is a novel non-invasive microvascular imaging modality. Sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction is measured.

[0043] Skin temperature is a measure of sympathetically mediated peripheral vasoconstriction.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the at least one physical parameter is one of the following parameters: i. Heart rate (HR), ii. Low frequency (LF) heart rate variability; iii. non-specific skin conductance response (nsSCR); iv. Pulse photoplethysmography amplitude (PPGa), and / or v. Root mean square of successive differences in beat-to-beat intervals (RMSSD) Regarding.

[0045] Thus, the present invention preferably includes physical parameters for indicators reflecting the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), thereby identifying the body's relaxed / encouraged state in response to odor.When a subject moves from a relaxed state to a stimulated state, for example, the values ​​of HR and nSCR increase, and the values ​​of PPGa, RMSSD and LF decrease.

[0046] A resting state is understood herein as a resting or task-negative state, i.e., a state of a subject occurring when no explicit task is being performed. A resting state is an operational definition that refers to a constant state in which no stimuli or other behaviorally salient events are imposed. In certain embodiments, the subject is sitting or lying down, and no stimuli or other behaviorally salient events are imposed by the environment. In certain embodiments, the subject is sitting or lying down in a dark room.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the measurement during the resting state relates to the task negative time until the subject reaches the resting state, which can be determined, for example, by asking the subject if they did not comply with the task, or by EEG or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

[0048] In certain embodiments, the measurements during the resting state relate to a task negative period of at least 25 seconds, preferably at least 40 seconds, more preferably at least 90 seconds. The measurements during the resting state relate to a task negative period of 600 seconds or less, preferably 300 seconds or less, more preferably 150 seconds or less, even more preferably 90 seconds or less. In certain embodiments, the measurements during the resting state relate to a task negative period of 25 seconds to 600 seconds, preferably 40 seconds to 300 seconds, even more preferably 90 seconds to 150 seconds. In certain embodiments, the measurements during the resting state relate to a task negative period of 90 seconds.

[0049] According to the invention, in step c., at least one physical parameter is associated with an index of a first state of the subject's autonomic nervous system (first ANSind).

[0050] Thereby it is understood that at least one physical parameter is used as a measure of the state of the subject's autonomic nervous system.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the indices of the autonomic nervous system may be based on the calculation and averaging of physical parameters, preferably including standard deviation.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the compound of formula (I):

number

number

number

number

[0053] In certain embodiments, step c. comprises reacting a compound of formula (II):

number

number

[0054] Calculation of ANSind allows assessment of the subject's relaxed and stimulated physiological state; the more activated the PNS and the corresponding physiological state is relaxed, the lower the ANSind; the more activated the SNS and the more energized the state is, the higher the ANSind.

[0055] According to the present invention, in step d., steps a. to c. are carried out at least two more times.

[0056] It is understood that in step d, steps a, b and c are performed at least two more times with the same subject and the same set of body parameters and the same settings for measuring the body parameters as mentioned. In a specific embodiment, the set of steps a to c is performed at least two more times.

[0057] The same definitions and embodiments as described herein above for steps a., b. and c. apply mutatis mutandis to step d.

[0058] Steps a., b. and c. are used at least two more times to obtain at least two data sets that allow normalization of the data to provide a reliable assessment of whether an odorous substance is stimulating or relaxing.

[0059] In certain embodiments, steps a.-c. are performed at least 3 more times, 5 more times, 7 more times, or 9 more times. The more times steps a.-c. are performed, the more robust the assessment of whether the substance is relaxing or stimulating.

[0060] When steps a.-c. are performed at least three more times, the subject is made to smell at least one device containing a substance having no odor and at least two substances having an odor. Alternatively, when steps a.-c. are performed at least three more times, the subject is made to smell at least two devices containing a substance having no odor and at least one substance having an odor.

[0061] When steps a.-c. are performed at least five more times, the subject is exposed to at least one device containing a substance with no odor and at least four substances with an odor. Alternatively, when steps a.-c. are performed at least three more times, the subject is exposed to at least two devices containing a substance with no odor and at least three substances with an odor.

[0062] When steps a.-c. are performed at least seven more times, the subject is exposed to at least one device containing a substance with no odor and at least six substances with an odor. Alternatively, when steps a.-c. are performed at least three more times, the subject is exposed to at least two devices containing a substance with no odor and at least five substances with an odor.

[0063] If steps a.-c. are performed at least 9 more times, the subject is exposed to at least one device containing a substance with no odor and at least 8 substances with odor. Alternatively, if steps a.-c. are performed at least 3 more times, the subject is exposed to at least 2 devices containing a substance with no odor and at least 7 substances with odor.

[0064] The definitions and embodiments of odorless and odorous substances are the same as below.

[0065] According to the present invention, in step d, the subject is made to smell at least one device containing a substance having no odor. It is understood that, in step d, when steps a to c are performed at least two more times, one of the steps a is made to smell at least one device containing a substance having no odor.

[0066] It is understood herein that the subject is made to smell at least one device (probe) that contains a substance that does not have an odor, and another device (probe) that contains a substance that has an odor (second) or does not have an odor.Therefore, at least two data sets are obtained by the present invention, namely a data set for the substance that has an odor (first), at least one data set for the substance that does not have an odor, and optionally at least one further data set for the substance that has an odor (second).This allows the normalization of data to provide a reliable assessment of whether the substance that has an odor is stimulating or relaxing.

[0067] The subject is made to smell the device containing the odorless substance and to evaluate its physiological effect in particular to determine whether the odorous substance measured in steps a.-c. has a high or low stimulating or relaxing effect. This is mainly because the odorless probe serves as a reference for the subject's resting state where no task in the form of an odor is imposed. In a particular embodiment, the odorless substance is air, preferably odorless air.

[0068] The subjects are then asked to smell the additional devices containing either the scented or non-scented substances and evaluate, among other things, their physiological effects. This additional testing generates additional data points for either the scented or non-scented substances, which allows for normalization of the data to make a reliable assessment of whether the scented substance is stimulating or relaxing.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the odorous (second) substance is the same as the odorous (first) substance, i.e. the odorous substance used in steps a.-c. In certain embodiments, the odorous (second) substance is not the same as the odorous (first) substance, i.e. the odorous substance used in steps a.-c. If the odorous (second) substance is not the same as the odorous (first) substance, the (first) and (second) substances are similar in strength, liking, familiarity and / or their relaxing / encouraging properties, as determined, for example, in Porcherot et al., Food Quality and Preference, 2010;21(8):938-947. In certain embodiments, the (second) substance is not odorous.

[0070] For clarity, the order of step d in the method of the present invention in which steps a. to c. are performed on a substance having no odor is interchangeable with steps a. to c. on a (first) substance having an odor, whereby it is understood that steps a. to c. with step d. on a substance having no odor can be performed before or after steps a. to c. on a (first) substance having an odor.

[0071] In certain embodiments, steps a.-c. for the non-scented substance are performed before steps a.-c. for the scented (first) substance. In certain embodiments, steps a.-c. for the non-scented substance are performed after steps a.-c. for the scented (first) substance.

[0072] In certain embodiments, steps a.-c. for the non-scented material are performed before steps a.-c. for the scented or non-scented (second) material. In certain embodiments, steps a.-c. for the non-scented material are performed after steps a.-c. for the scented or non-scented (second) material.

[0073] According to the invention, in step d., the at least one measured physical parameter is correlated with an index of a second state of the subject's autonomic nervous system (second ANSind).

[0074] It is thereby understood that at least one measured physical parameter of either the odorless substance or a measured physical parameter of the odorous or odorless (second) substance is associated with a second state of the subject's autonomic nervous system (second ANSind) using the same scale as the first ANSind.

[0075] It is thereby understood that a second state of the subject's autonomic nervous system (second ANSind) is associated with at least one physical parameter obtained by measurement for an odorless substance, or a measured physical parameter of an odorless or odorless (second) substance.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the second ANSind is calculated according to formula (I) or (II).

[0077] It is thereby understood that the same formula (I) or (II) according to step b. is used together with parameters obtained by measurement on an odorless substance or with measured physical parameters of an odorous or odorless (second) substance.

[0078] The same definitions and embodiments as described above in this specification for an odorous (first) substance apply mutatis mutandis to the association of at least one measured physical parameter for an odorless substance or a measured physical parameter of an odorous or odorless (second) substance.

[0079] According to the present invention, in step e., a substance is identified as having a relaxing or stimulating odor if the first ANSind of the odorous substance indicates that it is more relaxing or stimulating than the second ANSind of the substance obtained in step d.

[0080] It is thereby understood that when comparing a first ANSind with a second ANSind, the comparison indicates whether the (first) substance having an odor is more stimulating or relaxing than a (second) substance having an odor or no odor, or whether the (first) substance having an odor is absolutely more stimulating or relaxing than a substance having no odor.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the odorous substance is identified as relaxing if the first ANSind is lower than the second ANSind.

[0082] Thereby, it is understood that the (calculated) values ​​of the first ANSind and the second ANSind are compared and the odor is classified as relaxing depending on whether the second ANSind is higher than the first ANSind.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the odorous substance is identified as pungent if the first ANSind is higher than the second ANSind.

[0084] Thereby, it is understood that the (calculated) values ​​of the first ANSind and the second ANSind are compared and the odor is classified as irritating depending on whether the second ANSind is lower than the first ANSind.

[0085] In a particular embodiment for determining the relaxing or stimulating properties of an odor according to the present invention, - conducting tests on a set of subjects; - Present a minimum of five pleasant test odors to be tested; - The odors were exposed to each subject once in random order, in 15-second segments for a total of 45 seconds; - During each segment, have subjects rate the odors for intensity, liking, familiarity, and then their relaxing / encouraging properties using a 10 cm linear scale [where 0 = not at all applicable, 10 = very applicable]. Porcherot et al., Food Quality and Preference, 2010;21(8):938-947; - These presentations and assessments will be followed by a 90 second rest period; - Measuring the autonomic nervous system with photoplethysmography and electrodermal activity of the non-dominant hand during resting state; - Extraction of HR, nsSCR, PPGa, RMSSD and LF from physiological signals during a 90 second resting state; - calculating ANSind according to formula (II); and - assigning the relaxing / encouraging properties of the odor by ANSind according to formula (II); or - conducting tests on a set of subjects; - Present the odor and odorless conditions to be tested; - Each odorant was smelled once, counterbalanced across subjects, in 15-second segments for a total of 45 seconds; - During each segment, the odors are rated for intensity, liking, familiarity, and then for their relaxing / encouraging properties using a 10 cm linear scale [where 0 = not at all applicable, 10 = very applicable]; - These presentations and assessments will be followed by a 90 second rest period; - Measuring the autonomic nervous system with photoplethysmography and electrodermal activity of the non-dominant hand during resting state; - Extraction of HR, nsSCR, PPGa, RMSSD and LF from physiological signals during a 90 second resting state; - using one or several of the above scales to estimate SNS / PNS; and - Assigning the relaxing / encouraging properties of odors compared to an odorless condition Includes:

[0086] The present invention relates to a method for making a fragrance, perfumed composition or perfumed consumer product comprising a relaxing or stimulating substance or accord, the method comprising the steps of: a. identifying a substance having an odor that increases a relaxed or stimulated physiological state in a subject, as described herein above; b. Incorporating the substance into a fragrance, fragrance composition, or fragranced consumer product. The present invention also relates to a method, comprising:

[0087] The same definitions and embodiments as described herein above for identifying substances having an odor that increases a state of relaxation in a subject apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the invention.

[0088] Substances that are identified as increasing a state of relaxation in a subject may be included in a fragrance, perfumed composition or perfumed consumer product by standard means known to those skilled in the art.

[0089] The present invention also relates to a method for increasing the level of a relaxing or stimulating substance or accord in a fragrance, perfumed composition or perfumed consumer product, comprising replacing a first substance having an odor and a first ANSind with a second substance having an odor and a second ANSind, the first ANSind and the second ANSind being measured according to the method as described herein above, and the second ANSind of the second substance being more relaxing or stimulating than the first ANSind of the first substance.

[0090] It is thereby understood that as a first substance is replaced in a fragrance, fragrance composition or perfumed consumer product with a second substance having an odor whose ANSind is greater than the first ANSind of the first substance, the resulting fragrance, fragrance composition or perfumed consumer product comprising the second substance will have an increased pungent odor compared to the fragrance, fragrance composition or perfumed consumer product comprising the first substance.

[0091] The same definitions and embodiments described herein above for identifying an odorous substance that enhances a stimulated state in a subject more than another odorous substance apply mutatis mutandis to this aspect of the invention.

[0092] The present invention also relates to the use of the Autonomic Nervous System Index (ANSind) and / or the methods described herein above to identify substances as relaxing or stimulating.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the present invention is used to identify peppermint as stimulating, hi certain further embodiments, the present invention is used to identify lavender as relaxing.

[0094] The present invention may also be used to identify certain ingredients as increasing a stimulated or relaxed physiological state in a subject.

[0095] Thus, the present invention also relates to the use of peppermint to increase a stimulated physiological state in a subject.

[0096] The present invention also relates to a fragrance, a perfumed composition or a perfumed consumer product comprising the relaxing or stimulating substances or accords identified by the methods described herein above.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the perfumed consumer product is in the form of a fine fragrance product, a laundry care product, a home care product, a body care product, a skin care product, an air care product, or a hygiene product. EXAMPLES

[0098] Example 1 Eighteen subjects (11 females), aged 18-45 years (M = 26.5, SD = 6.59), were recruited for the study. Subjects were right-handed, self-reported a normal sense of smell, and had no history of psychiatric or neurological illness. Subjects were instructed not to eat or drink for 2 hours prior to the study.

[0099] procedure The order of odors was pseudorandomized for each subject. One odor was presented for a total of 45 seconds in each trial (Figure 1), followed by a 15-second break every 15 seconds during which odorless air was blown through a valve. During the breaks, subjects were asked to answer questions about the odor's properties. During the first two breaks, subjects were asked to answer four odor-related questions using a linear scale: how pleasant, familiar, intense, and relaxing / encouraging the odor was. During the final 15 seconds, subjects were asked to rate how relaxed or energized they felt. All ratings were made on a sliding scale from 0 to 100. After this period of sniffing and answering questions, subjects were asked to mindlessly wander during a 90-second resting state. At the end of the resting state, the screen flashed briefly to inform subjects that the study was resuming. In 50% of trials, subjects were asked to rate what they were thinking during the resting state. The answers were: 1- thoughts evoked by the smell; 2- personal life; 3- real environments such as noise or MRI; and 4- fighting drowsiness. This procedure was repeated for each of the 10 smells, in addition to one trial with air instead of the smell as a control condition. See Figure 1.

[0100] stimulation A total of six different odors were selected based on similar levels of pleasantness and intensity (how strong the subjects considered the odor). Airflow from the olfactometer served as a neutral control condition. The odors used in the study are presented in Table 1 along with their average intensity, valence and relaxing / encouraging ratings.

[0101] [Table 1]

[0102] stimulus presentation Odors were delivered by an MRI-compatible olfactometer. Ischer, et al., Frontiers in Psychology, 2014;5(JUL). Glass tubes containing the odors were placed on a plastic support near the participant. The odors were connected to tubing attached to an intranasal cannula. Each glass vial was pressurized by a computer-controlled air valve that was switched on and off to deliver the different odorant stimuli. In the neutral condition, where no odor was present, an additional air valve delivered clean air to the nose between stimuli. The system was connected to an independent air source for the building, providing a constant supply of clean air with no detectable flow rate fluctuations when delivering odors.

[0103] Physiological recordings and preprocessing Physiological activity was recorded (sampling frequency 1000 Hz) using a Biopac Systems Inc. (BIOPAC Systems Inc, CA, USA) data acquisition system (MP150). Pulse pulse (PPG) was measured using a plethysmograph attached to the distal phalanx of the ring finger of the left hand. PPG signals were filtered offline using a Blackman -61 dB octave / slope filter (high pass = 0.5 Hz, low pass = 4 Hz). Electrodermal activity (EDA) was measured using Beckman Ag-AgCl electrodes (8 mm diameter active area) filled with skin conductance paste (Biopac) attached to the volar aspects of the middle phalanges of the second and third fingers on the subjects' non-dominant hand. EDA signals were filtered offline using a Blackman -61 dB octave / slope filter (low pass = 5 Hz).

[0104] Extracting measurements From the filtered PPG signal (Figure 2A), the peaks and the interval between two successive peaks (in seconds) were calculated by standard software available, for example, from Biopac Systems Inc. or Kubios, generating the time series of the interbeat interval (IBI, Figure 2B) and the amplitude separating the peak and the previous minimum (PPGa, Figure 2C). The IBI time series obtained for each 90-second resting state were then analyzed with the HRVAS software to obtain RMSSD, LF and HR values. The mean PPGa was obtained by averaging each PPGa value during the 90-second resting state. See Figure 2.

[0105] Each 90 second EDA signal was analyzed using Ledalab software to obtain the number of non-specific galvanic skin responses (nsSCRs) during the resting state.

[0106] The relationship between the relaxing / stimulating properties of odors reported by subjects and physiological measures of relaxation / encouragement was examined by correlating subjects' ratings, measured using a 10 cm linear scale [where 0 = not at all applicable and 10 = very applicable], with ANS indices.

[0107] This index is particularly useful when odors judged to be similar in pleasantness / liking and intensity show statistical differences in subjects' ratings of physiological ANS activation and relaxing / encouraging properties.To this end, paired measures t-tests were performed to test for statistical differences between the different variables.

[0108] result Correlation between ratings of relaxation / encouragement and ANS indices To assess the extent to which the physiological measures of relaxation / encouragement related to judgments about the relaxing / encouraging properties of odors, correlations were calculated between the ANS indices and subjects' ratings of relaxation / encouragement obtained using a 10 cm linear scale [where 0 = not at all applicable and 10 = very applicable] (Figure 3).

[0109] The results (Table 2) show a strong correlation between the ANS indices and the ratings of the relaxing / stimulating properties of the odors.

[0110] [Table 2]

[0111] We then performed partial correlations (Table 3), controlling for the potential effects of odor valence and intensity, which also showed a strong positive relationship between the two variables, thus ruling out the possibility that the results were due to odor pleasantness and odor intensity.

[0112] [Table 3]

[0113] Relaxing / encouraging properties of odors similar in intensity and valence The following analysis shows that the present invention can distinguish between odors that are similar in strength and preference, but differ in relaxing / encouraging properties. Subject ratings and physiology of peppermint and lavender odors were used for comparison.

[0114] As shown in Tables 4 and 5, the odors of peppermint and lavender were not differentiated by subjects based on preference or intensity ratings. The t-tests were not significant and the Bayes factors (BF 01 =1 / BF 10 ) Calculations revealed that the probability of no difference in these variables was at least twice as high as the probability of there being a difference.

[0115] [Table 4]

[0116] [Table 5]

[0117] A t-test performed on the ratings of relaxing / stimulating substances was statistically significant (Table 6), indicating that subjects rated peppermint as more invigorating than lavender.

[0118] [Table 6]

[0119] ANS indices during the resting state after lavender presentation were statistically lower than after peppermint presentation (Table 7 and Figure 4).

[0120] [Table 7]

[0121] The results show that by combining the resting state protocol, physiological measurements and calculation of ANS indices according to the invention, it is possible to characterize the emotional and physiological benefits of aromas in terms of relaxation / stimulation in the medium term for odors of similar pleasantness and intensity.

[0122] Furthermore, ANS indices during the resting state after odorless presentation were statistically lower than after peppermint presentation (Table 8 and Figure 5).

[0123] [Table 8]

[0124] The results show that by combining the resting state protocol, physiological measurements and calculation of the ANS index according to the invention, the emotional and physiological benefits of aromas can be characterized in the medium term in absolute terms of relaxation / stimulation.

Claims

1. 1. A method for identifying a substance having an odor that increases a relaxed or stimulated physiological state in a subject, comprising: a. having the subject smell a device containing an odorous substance; b. measuring at least one physical parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system in said subject during a resting state; c. relating the at least one physical parameter to an indicator of a first state of the autonomic nervous system of the subject (first ANSind); d. performing steps a. through c. at least two more times, having the subject smell at least one device containing an odorless substance; correlating the at least one measured physical parameter to an indicator of a second state of the autonomic nervous system of the subject (a second ANSind); process, e. Identifying the odorous substance as relaxing or stimulating if the first ANSind of the odorous substance indicates a greater relaxation or stimulating effect than the second ANSind of the odorous substance obtained in step d. A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one physical parameter indicative of the autonomic nervous system in the subject includes at least one parameter indicative of the sympathetic nervous system and at least one parameter indicative of the parasympathetic nervous system.

3. The following physical parameters indicative of the autonomic nervous system in a subject: iii. at least one physical parameter of the sympathetic nervous system, and / or iv. At least one physical parameter of the parasympathetic nervous system measuring at least one of Formula (I): [Equation 1] [wherein o is an odor, s is a subject, [Equation 2] is the mean of XX, σ is the standard deviation of XX values ​​across all odors for a particular panelist, [Equation 3] is a physical parameter whose value increases with sympathetic activation (under sympathetic influence) and / or decreases with parasympathetic activation (under parasympathetic influence); [Equation 4] is a physical parameter whose value decreases with sympathetic activation (under sympathetic influence) and / or increases with parasympathetic activation (under parasympathetic influence), n is the number of different physical parameters of the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system, each independently, and N is the total number of n's.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measured physical parameters are related to the indices of the first and second states of the autonomic nervous system by calculating an autonomic nervous system index (ANSind) according to:

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step b., at least three physical parameters indicative of the autonomic nervous system are measured.

5. The following physical parameters indicative of the autonomic nervous system in a subject: i. Heart rate (HR), ii. Low frequency (LF) heart rate variability; iii. Non-specific skin conductance response (nsSCR), iv. Photoplethysmographic amplitude of the pulse (PPGa); v. Root mean square of successive differences in beat-to-beat intervals (RMSSD) Measure Formula (II): [Equation 5] [wherein o is an odor, s is a subject, [Equation 6] is the mean of XX and σ is the standard deviation of XX values ​​across all scents for a particular panelist.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the physical parameter is related to the indices of the first and second states of the autonomic nervous system by calculating an autonomic nervous system index (ANSind) according to:

6. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substance is identified as relaxing if the first ANSind is lower than the second ANSind, and the substance is identified as stimulating if the first ANSind is higher than the second ANSind.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the resting state measurement in step b. relates to task-negative time until the subject reaches the resting state.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the resting state measurement in step b. relates to a task-negative period of 25 seconds to 600 seconds, preferably 40 seconds to 300 seconds, even more preferably 90 seconds to 150 seconds, and most preferably about 90 seconds.

9. 1. A method for making a fragrance, perfume composition or perfumed consumer product comprising a relaxing or stimulating substance or accord, the method comprising: a. identifying a substance having an odor that increases a relaxed or stimulated physiological state in a subject according to any one of claims 1 to 8; b. Incorporating said substance into a fragrance, a perfume composition, or a perfumed consumer product. A method comprising:

10. A method for increasing the level of a relaxing or stimulating substance or accord in a fragrance, perfume composition or perfumed consumer product, comprising replacing a first substance having an odor and a first ANSind with a second substance having an odor and a second ANSind, wherein the first ANSind and the second ANSind are measured according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, and the second ANSind of the second substance is shown to be more relaxing or stimulating than the first ANSind of the first substance.

11. 10. Use of an autonomic nervous system index (ANSind) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for identifying substances as relaxing or stimulating.

12. 12. Use according to claim 11 for identifying peppermint as stimulating.

13. Use of peppermint to increase a stimulated physiological state in a subject.

14. 9. A fragrance, perfumed composition or perfumed consumer product comprising a relaxing or stimulating substance or accord identified by the method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. 15. The perfume, perfume composition or perfumed consumer product of claim 14, wherein the perfume, perfume composition or perfumed consumer product is in the form of a fine fragrance product, laundry care product, home care product, body care product, skin care product, air care product or hygiene product.

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