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Orthonasal bioactive volatiles and their effects on salivation: a pilot study
Wiktoria Potocka1,2, Zainab Assy3,4, Marja L Laine4
1Department of Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan, 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. w.potocka@acta.nl.
Clinical Oral Investigations
|January 9, 2026
Summary
Nasal inhalers with basil and guaiacol volatiles increased saliva flow in healthy individuals. Basil also improved oral moisture, suggesting potential for dry mouth treatment.
Area of Science:
- Olfactory stimulation
- Salivary gland physiology
- Oral health
Background:
- Previous research indicated mastic resin volatiles stimulate salivary flow.
- A need exists for novel volatile sialagogues and standardized delivery methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sialagogic effects of α-pinene, basil, eugenol, and guaiacol volatiles.
- To assess these compounds using nasal inhalers for olfactory stimulation.
Main Methods:
- Healthy participants (n=12) inhaled α-pinene, basil, eugenol, and guaiacol via nasal inhalers.
- Salivary flow, spinnbarkeit, and mouthfeel were measured pre- and post-inhalation.
- Placebo inhalers were used to assess potential placebo effects.
Main Results:
- Basil and guaiacol inhalation significantly increased salivary flow (p ≤ 0.01).
- Basil inhalation improved subjective oral moisture sensation (p < 0.05).
- Placebo inhalers showed no significant effect on salivary flow.
Conclusions:
- Nasal inhalation of basil volatiles effectively enhances salivary secretion and oral moisture.
- Basil shows promise as a topical treatment for dry mouth.
- Further clinical trials in dry-mouth patients are warranted.
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