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Directors from the Gattefossé Foundation and others visited the Medical Mycology Research Center.

On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Ms. Delphine Marchaud, Director of the Gattefossé Foundation, Mr. Takayuki Morita, the company's Japan representative, and Ms. Chairman of the Japan Aromatherapy Society, visited Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology.

The foundation is run by descendants of René-Maurice Gattefossé, the French chemist who coined the term "aromatherapy," and its aim is to incorporate aromatherapy into patient care in medical settings around the world, contributing to the well-being and happiness of patients. This visit to our university's Medical Mycology Research Center came about when Ms. Delphine Marchaud, in preparation for attending an awards ceremony hosted by the foundation, expressed a desire to visit a university in Japan that conducts basic research in aromatherapy.

On the day of the event, Professor Koichi Makimura, Deputy Head of Center of the center, introduced a panel on fungal research displayed in front of the center. Following this, the group moved to the molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory, where Senior Assistant Professor Atsushi Miyashita explained research on drug discovery using silkworms. Seeing silkworms being raised firsthand, the group showed interest in animal models other than mice, leading to a lively question-and-answer session. Afterward, they moved to the first basement floor, toured the advanced biosafety room from the anteroom, and observed Aspergillus oryzae using a digital microscope.
Following the facility tour, a research presentation and reporting session was held. Part-time Senior Assistant Professor Naho Maruyama of the center explained the results of her research on the anti-inflammatory effects of essential oils, particularly geranium oil and rose oil. Next, visiting associate Associate Professor Sanae Ishijima of the center reported on experiments detecting antifungal activity from essential oils, noting that strong antifungal activity was obtained by using lemongrass oil and perilla oil in combination. She explained how this research led to the development of aroma insoles. Finally, Professor Rui Kano of the center explained the development and effects of animal shampoos and ear cleansers that incorporate antibacterial activity from essential oils, which are also effective in preventing fungal infections in animals. Various opinions were exchanged regarding each research presentation.

Teikyo University Institute of Medical Mycology was reorganized on April 1, 2026 (Wednesday) and renamed the Teikyo University Institute for Medical Mycology. The institute has been conducting research on antimicrobial aromatherapy for over 25 years. Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) fungal infections, such as Candida auris, which was discovered at the institute, are becoming a problem as emerging mycoses. Therefore, the institute will continue its research on the development of antifungal drugs against AMR fungi, as well as further develop research on complementary and alternative therapies, including antimicrobial aromatherapy.

Click here for information about the Medical Mycology Research Institute.

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