The final paper I want to tell you about is another one from Switzerland, this time from Dr Ruedi’s group at the University of Zurich. They have discovered that molecules called alkyl phenols and alkylphenols from Plecanthrus albidus are potent inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis and may therefore have a role as novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents.

The molecules showed dose-dependent activity against both cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase activity. Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions are ones which could respond extremely well to the right oils, since the target tissues, muscles and joints, receive high concentrations of oil after aromatherapy massage.

Conclusions

This was a fascinating conference. I have not had the space to tell you about all the interesting events, such as the haggis and whiskey evening and the extremely persistent bagpiper and the symposium dinner, not to mention the looks some of the delegates gave the haggis when it was placed in front of them- and of course the vegetarian haggis. The 24^th symposium will be in Berlin next summer.