A recent study from Germany showed, that the nose is not the only part of the body have receptors for smell. Apparently, the skin also have this receptor. However, unlike the receptors in the nose, receptors in the skin does not trigger emotions in the brain, however, it plays to heal cell damage (wound).
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| Scent receptors in our skin have been found to trigger wound repair. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1kTmTwS) |
As reported by the New Scientist that in one study, Hanns Hatt and the laboratory of Ruhr Bochum University in Germany found that when keratinocytes - the main type of skin used as an object of study - mixed with Sandalore for five days in a test tube, increased cell reproduction by 32 percent and increased cell migration by nearly half. Both of these processes is necessary to repair the damaged skin. Sandalore a synthetic sandalwood oil which is often used in perfumes.
According to them, normally, when you smell something with the nose, odor receptors send messages to your brain. It can be reminded of the brain about the dangers, relaxation, or even detect the presence of a potential mate. In contrast to the smell receptors in the nose, Hatt and his team found that the smell receptors in the skin triggers skin cells to repair its basic damage.
Meanwhile, according to Joel Mainland of the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, although there is a great tendency smell receptors are found in other parts of the body perform other functions, the facts about this receptor could repair the wound is surprising.
According to the Mainland, the concentration required to achieve these improvements are much higher than those used to activate the receptors in the nose. He said, in this case skin creams may be needed than strong-smelling oils used in aromatherapy.
"Although the idea of healing skin cream may sound appealing, the results may be different depending on each individual, because" genetic variation in the odorant receptors," Mainland said as quoted by Medical Daily. For an individual, the oil may have a healing effect, while in others with different odor receptors; results can be neutral or even toxic.
Mainland added, though concerns about the drug's effect on certain people is very real, but the case of the use of drugs or creams useful in one case but in other cases not, was quite rare.
Meanwhile, Hatt shows this study can initiate the development of new disease treatments by targeting the smell receptors in other areas of our body. For example, in the form of treatment to heal wounds, repair skin damage caused by aging, and perhaps eventually a cure to treat internal organs.
Mainland conclude, it may take a long time to find a new treatment for a long period of time required to test the safety and efficacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWSCIENTIST]
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