Hygeia Public Health 2016, 51(2): 154-160pl

Uniqueness of scent

Halina Bojarowicz ^1/, Alina Ziółkowska ^2/, Jerzy Krysiński ^1/

1/ Katedra Technologii Postaci Leku, Wydział Farmaceutyczny Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, UMK w Toruniu
2/ absolwentka Wydziału Farmaceutycznego Collegium Medicum UMK w Toruniu

Summary
Scents influence our health, behavior, emotions. They can cause relaxation and sleepiness or provoke irritation and unrest. Some scents stimulate brain functions and improve memory.
The sense of smell is important for quality of life: it recognizes and distinguishes great numbers of scents, and reacts on minute quantities of fragrance substances. The sense of smell is very unique as it is the only one with the direct connection of the central nerve system with the outside impulses.
This work presents some aspects regarding the complexity of the functioning of the sense of smell and the unique role of scents. It also presents selected elements of perfumery issues. The paper also points out the possibility of side effects in connection with the use of some fragrances.

Key words:  scents, sense of smell, fragrance substances, perfumes