June 27, 2025
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative cartilage disease characterized by progressive deterioration and functional loss. In females, the incidence, severity, and prevalence of osteoarthritis increase during the menopausal period. Current guidelines for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis recommend the combined use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy utilized in the treatment of joint diseases such as knee osteoarthritis. Aromatherapy involves the therapeutic use of essential oils and plant extracts containing essential oils in a safe and supportive manner. The components of essential oils used during aromatherapy massage are reported to reduce pain by affecting the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphins, norepinephrine, and serotonin through lymph and blood vessels in the epidermis.
Bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia), a small tree belonging to the Rutaceae family among citrus fruits, grows in the Mediterranean region and is particularly indigenous to the southern coasts of Italy. Bergamot essential oil is a volatile oil produced by the cold-pressing procedure or steam distillation of the fruit's peel. Bergamot essential oil has been widely documented for its pharmacological antinociceptive efficacy in both nociceptive and neuropathic pain models. Generally, the pharmacological effects of Bergamot essential oil on nociceptive and neuropathic pain include mechanisms such as reducing pain, suppressing inflammation, alleviating neural damage and maintaining nerve health. Aromatherapy massage with essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, ginger, and rosemary is reported to be applied in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. The results of the present study showed that aromatherapy massage with Bergamot essential oil was more effective on pain, physical function and menopausal symptoms and had similar effects on sleep quality and stiffness compared to placebo and control interventions.
Bergamot essential oil has analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects as well as supporting cardiovascular functions, accelerating wound healing and improving sleep quality.This study indicates that Bergamot essential oil aromatherapy massage, in addition to routine physiotherapy, is effective in addressing pain, physical functions, and menopausal symptoms in women with knee osteoarthritis during menopause. Therefore, adding Bergamot essential oil aromatherapy massage to the treatments of individuals with knee osteoarthritis during menopause will enhance the effectiveness of treatment outcomes.