Essential Oils in Experimental Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Luciana Cristina B Fernandes1, Ianara Mendonça Costa2, Marco Aurelio M Freire2
1Graduate Program of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semi Arid (UFERSA), Mossoro/RN, Brazil.
Background:
Neural cells undergo functional or sensory loss due to neurological disorders. In addition to environmental or genetic factors, oxidative stress is a major contributor to neurodegeneration. In this context, there has been a growing interest in investigating the effects of EOs (EOs) in recent years, especially in the treatment of neuropathologies. The chemical and biological effects of EOs have led to important treatment tools for the management of various neurological disorders.
Objective:
In the present study we performed a systematic review that sought to comprehend the neuroprotective effects of different EOs.
Method:
This work is a systematic review where an electronic search was performed on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library and SciELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online) databases, covering the last 10 years, using "Essential oil" and "Neuroprotective effect" as reference terms.
Results:
A total of 9 articles were identified, in which the efficacy of EOs was described in experimental models of anxiety, dementia, oxidative stress, cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and oxidative toxicity.
Conclusion:
EOs from different species of medicinal plants have shown positive responses in neurological disorders such as anxiety, dementia, oxidative stress, cerebral ischemia, and oxidative toxicity. Thus, EOs emerges with the potential to be used as alternative agents in the treatment of neurological disorders.
Insights
Essential oils (EOs) show neuroprotective effects against neurological disorders like anxiety and dementia. These natural compounds offer potential as alternative treatments for neurodegeneration and oxidative stress.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
Background:
- Neurological disorders cause neural cell dysfunction and loss.
- Oxidative stress is a key factor in neurodegeneration, alongside genetic and environmental influences.
- Essential oils (EOs) are increasingly studied for their therapeutic potential in neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the neuroprotective effects of various essential oils (EOs).
- To synthesize current research on EOs for managing neurological disorders.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review was conducted.
- Searches were performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and SciELO databases.
- Keywords used were 'Essential oil' and 'Neuroprotective effect' over the last 10 years.
Main Results:
- Nine relevant articles were identified and analyzed.
- The efficacy of EOs was evaluated in experimental models for anxiety, dementia, oxidative stress, cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and oxidative toxicity.
- Positive outcomes were reported for EOs in these models.
Conclusions:
- Essential oils from medicinal plants demonstrate significant neuroprotective properties.
- EOs show promise as alternative therapeutic agents for neurological disorders.
- Further research into EOs could lead to novel treatments for conditions like anxiety, dementia, and neurodegeneration.
