Abstract
The search for therapeutic agents that will provide the ground for man and an improvement in their quality of life is ceaseless. The nerol (cis-2,6-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-8-ol) is a monoterpene which can be found in various medicinal plants as Lippia spp and Melissa officinalis L. The objective of this study was to analyze the acute effect of nerol in the central nervous system (CNS) by performing behavioral tests in mice (open field, elevated plus-maze, light/dark and rota rod tests). We used male albino mice (Mus musculus), Swiss variety, adult with 2 month-old. The animals were divided into five groups (n = 8) for each experimental protocol, and they were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), respectively, Tween 80 0.05% dissolved in saline solution 0.9%, nerol (30, 60 or 90 mg/kg) or diazepam (2 mg/kg). In the open field test, all groups treated with nerol showed a significant decrease in motor activity (number of crossings, rearings and groomings) when compared with vehicle group. In the elevated plus-maze test, nerol groups significantly increased the number of entries and time of permanence in the open arms when compared with vehicle group. In the light-dark test, nerol groups showed a significant increase the time of permanence in the room clear when compared with vehicle group. In the rota rod test, the groups treated with nerol didn’t show modification in time spent and number of falls in the revolving bar when compared with vehicle group. These results indicate a possible anxiolytic effect of nerol in mice.
Highlights
The use of bioactive substances in various therapeutic forms by man dates back to ancient times, with descriptions of its use from 4000 BC containing drawings and writings that show that the local culture, even it was known about the use of medicinal plants known today such as thyme, opium and licorice [1]
The objective of this study was to analyze the acute effect of nerol in the central nervous system (CNS) by performing behavioral tests in mice
Observing the pharmacological activities of other monoterpenes, this study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of nerol on the central nervous system by means of behavioral tests with animals
Summary
The use of bioactive substances in various therapeutic forms by man dates back to ancient times, with descriptions of its use from 4000 BC containing drawings and writings that show that the local culture, even it was known about the use of medicinal plants known today such as thyme, opium and licorice [1]. The bioactive compounds extracted from natural products are still part of a considerable portion of the therapeutic arsenal for many different purposes. The natural compounds found in medicinal plants, when evaluated, can make synergistic effects. The bioactive compounds presents in plants are essential. The comprehension of the role of the maintenance of health is beginning to emerge recently, the existence of these compounds has been known for a long time [1,3]
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