薬理と治療

Abstract

Objective　The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of continuous gum chewing on stress, autonomic nervous system, and immunity. Research methods　A total of 50 healthy subjects were enrolled, with 25 being allocated to the chewing gum group and 25 being allocated to the control group. The chewing gum group masticated gum 3 times daily for 2-weeks and there was no intervention in the control group. Subjects had their mood state（POMS Ⅱ）, autonomic indices, and salivary components measured before and after the intervention. Results　After the 2-week intervention period, the chewing gum group showed significantly improved Total Mood Disturbance, Confusion-Bewilderment and Vigor-Activity on POMS Ⅱ, and a significant increase in lnHF and a significant decrease in LF╱HF on the autonomic index compared with the control group. The chewing gum group also showed a significant increase in the concentration of the immune substance S-IgA in saliva. Conclusions　The results suggest that continuous gum chewing affects oral immune function by improving stress and autonomic function in healthy subjects. （ID: UMIN000045372）（Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2022；50：1049‒54）