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Monoterpenes with analgesic activity--a systematic review
Adriana G Guimarães1, Jullyana S S Quintans, Lucindo J Quintans
1Departamento de Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de Sergipe-DFS/UFS, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.
Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|January 9, 2013
Summary
Monoterpenes, found in essential oils, show potential as natural pain relief therapies. This review explores their analgesic activity and mechanisms, suggesting they could treat painful conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Natural Product Chemistry
- Pain Management Research
- Medicinal Plant Science
Background:
- Efficacious pain therapies are needed.
- Plants are a significant source of novel therapeutic biomolecules.
- Monoterpenes comprise 90% of essential oils and are of increasing research interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the known analgesic activity of monoterpenes.
- To provide an overview of the mechanisms of action underlying monoterpene's pharmacological effects.
- To identify potential plant-derived compounds for pain treatment.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of English language articles.
- Searched databases: SCOPUS, PUBMED, EMBASE.
- Timeframe: 1990–2012. Search terms: analgesia, anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic, antioxidant.
Main Results:
- Identified 45 papers detailing the potential analgesic activity of 27 distinct monoterpenes.
- Compiled data on the mechanisms of action for these compounds.
- Highlighted the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties contributing to pain relief.
Conclusions:
- Monoterpenes demonstrate significant potential as analgesic agents.
- These natural compounds warrant further investigation for developing new pain treatments.
- Plant-derived monoterpenes represent promising candidates for managing painful conditions.
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