Aromatherapy: carrier and essential oils for common conditions MCQs With Answer

Aromatherapy: Carrier and Essential Oils for Common Conditions MCQs With Answer

This quiz collection is designed for M.Pharm students studying Indian Systems of Medicine (MPG 203T) to deepen their practical and theoretical understanding of aromatherapy. It emphasizes selection, chemistry, therapeutic uses, dilution practices, safety, and quality assessment of carrier and essential oils in treating common conditions. Questions explore mechanisms of action (olfactory and topical), chemotypes, extraction methods, pharmacokinetics of volatile constituents, contraindications (pregnancy, pediatrics, drug interactions), and analytical approaches for standardization. Use these MCQs to test clinical decision-making and formulation choices relevant to integrative practice and research in aromatherapy within pharmaceutical and traditional medicine frameworks.

Q1. Which carrier oil is most suitable for a topical analgesic massage intended for deeper tissue penetration due to its higher linoleic acid content and lighter molecular weight?

• Sweet almond oil
• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Olive oil

Correct Answer: Grapeseed oil

Q2. Which essential oil is best supported by evidence for use in inhalation to reduce acute anxiety episodes and modulate autonomic responses?

• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Correct Answer: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Q3. In formulating an essential-oil-in-carrier topical product, what is the typical safe dilution range (v/v) for adult general use to minimize skin sensitization yet retain efficacy?

• 0.01%–0.05%
• 0.1%–0.5%
• 1%–3%
• 10%–15%

Correct Answer: 1%–3%

Q4. Which chemical constituent in citrus essential oils increases phototoxic risk when applied topically and thus requires caution with sun exposure?

• Linalool
• Limonene
• Bergapten (furanocoumarin)
• Eucalyptol (1,8-cineole)

Correct Answer: Bergapten (furanocoumarin)

Q5. For pediatric aromatherapy (infants and young children), which carrier oil is preferable due to low allergenic potential and gentle skin tolerance?

• Sesame oil
• Fractionated coconut oil
• Castor oil
• Almond oil

Correct Answer: Fractionated coconut oil

Q6. Which essential oil is contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy due to uterotonic (uterine-stimulating) properties?

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Correct Answer: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Q7. Which analytical technique is considered the gold standard for profiling volatile components and detecting adulteration in essential oils?

• High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
• Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
• Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis)
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) without hyphenation

Correct Answer: Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)

Q8. Which carrier oil provides intrinsic anti-inflammatory benefits due to its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content and is often chosen for inflammatory skin conditions?

• Sunflower oil
• Borage oil
• Mineral oil
• Soybean oil

Correct Answer: Borage oil

Q9. A patient on warfarin therapy asks about using certain essential oils topically. Which essential oil contains high concentrations of coumarins and could theoretically potentiate anticoagulant effects or interact pharmacodynamically?

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Marjoram (Origanum majorana)

Correct Answer: Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)

Q10. Which essential oil chemotype selection is most appropriate when antimicrobial activity is targeted for a topical antiseptic formulation?

• Lavender high-linalool chemotype
• Thyme linalool chemotype
• Thyme thymol chemotype
• Rose oil pure phenethyl alcohol chemotype

Correct Answer: Thyme thymol chemotype

Q11. Regarding inhalation delivery, which physical property of essential oil constituents most directly influences rapid onset of central nervous system effects via the olfactory pathway?

• High molecular weight and low vapor pressure
• Low polarity and high boiling point
• High volatility (low molecular weight and high vapor pressure)
• High water solubility

Correct Answer: High volatility (low molecular weight and high vapor pressure)

Q12. Which mechanism best explains the topical analgesic effect of peppermint essential oil when applied in appropriate dilution?

• Anticholinergic blockade in peripheral nerves
• Menthol-mediated TRPM8 activation causing counter-irritation and cooling sensation
• Direct opioid receptor agonism in the skin
• Inhibition of local serotonin synthesis

Correct Answer: Menthol-mediated TRPM8 activation causing counter-irritation and cooling sensation

Q13. Which storage condition most effectively preserves essential oil chemical integrity and minimizes oxidative degradation?

• Clear glass bottle at room temperature exposed to light
• Amber glass bottle, tightly sealed, stored in cool dark place
• Plastic bottle in a warm area to prevent viscosity changes
• Open-top container to allow slow aeration

Correct Answer: Amber glass bottle, tightly sealed, stored in cool dark place

Q14. In a topical formulation intended for oily acne-prone skin, which carrier oil is least likely to be comedogenic and thus preferred?

• Wheat germ oil
• Coconut oil (unfractionated)
• Hemp seed oil
• Castor oil

Correct Answer: Hemp seed oil

Q15. Which essential oil has documented bronchodilatory effects mediated partly through smooth muscle relaxation and is commonly used in respiratory aromatherapy?

• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens)
• Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata)
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)

Correct Answer: Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)

Q16. When assessing essential oil quality, which parameter measured by GC-MS provides the most direct information about chemotype differences and therapeutic consistency?

• Refractive index alone
• Percentage composition of marker terpenoids (e.g., linalool, 1,8-cineole)
• Color intensity
• Specific gravity at 25°C only

Correct Answer: Percentage composition of marker terpenoids (e.g., linalool, 1,8-cineole)

Q17. Which carrier oil characteristic most strongly affects the percutaneous absorption rate of an essential oil constituent in a topical formulation?

• Carrier oil color
• Free fatty acid profile and degree of unsaturation
• Manufacturer brand name
• Presence of sucrose esters

Correct Answer: Free fatty acid profile and degree of unsaturation

Q18. Which essential oil is most likely to cause central nervous system depression or seizures if overused, and therefore requires caution in high concentrations or with epileptic patients?

• Eucalyptus (rich in 1,8-cineole)
• Lavender (linalool-rich)
• Clove (eugenol-rich)
• Rosemary (camphor and 1,8-cineole-rich)

Correct Answer: Rosemary (camphor and 1,8-cineole-rich)

Q19. For an aromatherapy formulation targeting antimicrobial action for topical minor wound care, which combination of carrier and essential oil is most appropriate for both skin compatibility and antimicrobial potency?

• Mineral oil + Lavender
• Fractionated coconut oil + Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Olive oil + Bergamot unrefined
• Castor oil + Clary sage

Correct Answer: Fractionated coconut oil + Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Q20. Which safety test is most relevant and commonly recommended before applying a new essential-oil-containing topical preparation to confirm lack of contact hypersensitivity?

• Oral provocation test
• Patch test (48–72 hours)
• Intravenous allergy testing
• Complete blood count (CBC)

Correct Answer: Patch test (48–72 hours)

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