Appetite-regulating scents: swap sweets for scented blotters

Using natural and safe essential oils and food flavors, the young researchers at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences have composed scent combinations on blotters (cardboard strips used in perfumeries), which are intended to increase or decrease appetite.

– Our goal is not to deter people from eating, evoke negative associations or guilt in individuals with excessive body mass. We aim to induce a feeling of satiety that would be associated, for example, with eating a delicious, but calorie-rich dessert. We also aim to direct their appetite towards healthier products. For instance, making them crave whole grain bread instead of white rolls. This way, they will eat less and choose better options – explains Dr. Jacek Łyczko, who secured a grant of nearly 1.5 million PLN from the "Leader" program of the National Centre for Research and Development for his research.

He adds that although the market for dietary supplements regulating appetite is huge, their effectiveness is often questionable, or they may cause many side effects. – Our products will be safe and won't have an unpleasant smell – emphasizes the scientist.

Research at Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences has been ongoing since early 2021. The first part consisted of survey studies (with 530 participants) on, among other topics, the aromas Poles associate with tasty food. In subsequent phases, the team composed the appropriate scents, tested them chemically, presented them for sensory analysis, and in magnetic resonance imaging tested their impact on specific centers in the human brain.

Appetite-stimulating and reducing compounds

– It was the chemical analysis that revealed which chemical compounds or their groups could be used in appetite regulation – says Dr. Jacek Łyczko. He explains that for compounds stimulating appetite, the greatest potential was shown by organic acids (C6, C8, C9), linear aldehydes (C7, C8, C10, C12), limonene, furfural, α-pinene, benzaldehyde, and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one. Meanwhile, for compounds reducing appetite, those with fruity (e.g., isoamyl acetate), floral (e.g., α-terpineol, linalool), herbal (e.g., β-pinene, camphor, carvone), or balsamic (e.g., 2-acetylfuran) scent characteristics.

– Based on chemical analyses and consumer research, 26 appetite-regulating prototypes were designed, which were evaluated by a sensory panel. As a result, 12 of them were assessed as having the potential to stimulate appetite, and 4 as having the potential to reduce appetite –  emphasizes the scientist, adding that 6 patent applications have already been submitted to potentially commercialize this discovery in the future.

The final phase of the project involves consumer studies. Initially, these will be studies under near-real conditions (participants receive scent samples and fill out a questionnaire), and finally, studies under real conditions (participants will receive scent samples to smell, followed by a meal to eat).

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