Effects of marjoram essential oil on lower limb circulation in older adults at high-risk for peripheral vascular disease: A crossover randomized controlled trial

A BSTRACT Objectives: This study assessed the effects of marjoram essential oil (EO) on lower limb blood circulation in elderly residents of long-term care facilities. Materials and Methods: A single-blinded, 2 × 2 crossover randomized controlled trial was conducted with 42 participants aged ≥65 years. Each participant received two treatments, marjoram EO and baby oil, with a 1-day washout period between applications. Blood pressure (BP), ankle–brachial index (ABI), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were measured before the intervention and at three time points postintervention: immediately, at 30 min, and 2 h. Mixed-effects models were used to assess the treatment, period, and carryover effects. Results: No significant carryover or period effects were detected. Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences between marjoram EO and baby oil for ABI, PWV, or upper-limb BP at all postintervention time points. However, a greater immediate reduction in right-arm systolic BP (SBP) was observed in the baby oil group ( P = 0.005). Intragroup analyses revealed an immediate decrease in SBP or diastolic BP, which then increased subsequently at 30 min and 2 h in both interventions. Conclusion: While noninvasive aromatherapy shows potential for elderly care, further studies are necessary to refine protocols and improve outcomes. Marjoram EO alone may have limited efficacy in this population.