Saliva test for molecules linked to emotional responses

Evaluation of Emotion-related Salivary Molecular Biomarkers Following Olfactory Stimuli

Observational Sys2Diag · NCT07320040

This project will test whether a quick saliva test can detect chemical changes tied to emotions after people smell different scents, in adults aged 18–60.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorSys2Diag Government
Locations1 site (Montpellier)
Trial IDNCT07320040 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study collects non-invasive saliva samples before and after one or more standardized olfactory stimuli to measure enzymes and hormones such as cortisol and alpha-amylase. Molecular concentrations will be quantified and analyzed to identify a signature pattern associated with positive or negative emotional states. Participants aged 18–60 who can consent will be screened for oral health and infectious risks to ensure sample safety. The aim is to correlate salivary biomarker changes with subjective emotional responses to build a reproducible molecular profile.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–60 who can give informed consent, are willing to undergo olfactory testing, and do not have anosmia, active oral inflammation, or excluded infectious conditions.

Not a fit: People who are minors, deprived of liberty or otherwise legally vulnerable, have recent anosmia, active oral disease, or chronic infectious conditions affecting sample handling are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to a simple, non-invasive saliva test that provides objective information about a person's emotional state.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown that salivary markers like cortisol and alpha-amylase change with emotion, but a validated, clinically usable molecular signature tied to olfactory stimuli is not yet established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject willing to follow study procedures
* Subject able to understand the purpose, nature and methodology of the study
* Subject has signed informed consent form
* Subjects between 18 and 60 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects deprived of liberty, protected adults, vulnerable persons or minors
* Subjects with a proven or suspected chronic infectious disease that could entail a risk of contamination during sample handling (laboratories not equipped to handle this type of sample)
* Rejection to sign the consent form.

Non specific inclusion criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding women
* Subjects presenting anosmia during the last 15 days
* Subjects presenting symptoms and signs of active oral inflammation, advanced periodontitis or severe gingivitis.

Where this trial is running

Montpellier

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions EmotionBiomarkersStimuliRelated
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.