Journal of Natural Medicines, volume 75, issue 2, pages 319-325
Sedative effects of l-menthol, d-camphor, phenylethyl alcohol, and geraniol
Tomoko Oshima
1
,
Michiho ITO
1
Publication type: Journal Article
Publication date: 2021-01-02
Journal:
Journal of Natural Medicines
scimago Q1
wos Q3
SJR: 0.685
CiteScore: 6.9
Impact factor: 2.5
ISSN: 13403443, 18610293
Molecular Medicine
Abstract
Various essential oils from plants and fragrance components such as monoterpenes have been discovered to reduce spontaneous movements in mice; thus, it has been made clear that the odor itself has the sedative activity. In the present study, we examined the sedative activity of the odors of fragrance components added to eye drops; l-menthol, d-camphor, phenylethyl alcohol, and geraniol, which are often used as refreshers or preservatives. Each fragrance component was administered by the inhalation route to mice, and the sedative effects were evaluated using an open field test. The results showed that four components administered via inhalation to mice significantly decreased the amount of spontaneous motor activity in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that all four components have a sedative effect. The optimal concentrations at which l-menthol, d-camphor, phenylethyl alcohol, and geraniol showed the highest sedative activity were 4 × 10–2 mg per cage, 4 × 10–4 mg per cage, 4 × 10–2 mg per cage, and both 4 × 10–4 and 4 × 10–2 mg per cage, respectively. The AUC graph of geraniol was represented as a W-shaped curve, suggesting that the sedative action of geraniol was biphasic. The present finding demonstrates a new perspective on a possible pharmacological property of eye drop additives used with no expected pharmacological functions.
Are you a researcher?
Create a profile to get free access to personal recommendations for colleagues and new articles.