Alpha-terpineol: evaluation and pharmacological screening as an antidepressant agent

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the possible antidepressant effects of alpha-terpineol in rodents. Material and Methods: Depression levels were analyzed by comparing the total immobility time presented by the animals of the experimental groups in the test session, using the Forced Swimming Test and the Tail Suspension Test. The parameters of locomotion (central, peripheral and total) and motor coordination were evaluated in the Open Field Test and in the Rota Rod Test, respectively. In the second stage, the involvement of the noradrenergic system in the antidepressant action of alpha-terpineol in Forced Swimming Test was investigated. Results and Discussion: After performing the experimental tests, it was observed that the animals that received alpha-terpineol had reduced immobility time in Forced Swimming Test and Tail Suspension Test, compared to the other groups. In the Open Field Test and Rota-rod, the mice showed, respectively, good exploratory activity and motor coordination during the tests. In addition, the study of the Noradrenergic System proved to be a promising mechanism used during its antidepressant action. Conclusion: In view of the results of the experimental tests, alpha-terpineol presented similar responses to those found in other monoterpenes investigated in the literature. Thus, it is shown as a promising antidepressant to be used clinically in humans, with less side effects and low production cost.

Essential Oil of Alpinia galanga: Effect of Aromatherapy Inhalation in Mice and Physicochemical Characterization

“…It was the main component of Oreganum majorana (Abbasi-Maleki et al, 2020). Assunção et al (2021) studied the effectiveness of alpha-terpineol to reduce depression through behavioral tests, which were the forced swim test and tail suspension test. The study showed that alpha-terpineol at doses 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg given orally demonstrated a lower immobility time than control groups which indicated its potency as an antidepressant agent.…”