Anxiolytic Effect and Tissue Distribution of Inhaled Alpinia zerumbet Essential Oil in Mice

Abstract

The use of essential oils is common throughout the world, and clarification of their detailed effects and pharmaceutical potencies is necessary. Additionally, detailed information regarding the pharmacokinetics of essential oils is needed. In this report, GC-MS analysis was used to observe the tissue distribution of the multiple components of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) B.L. Burtt. et Sm. Anxiety-related behavior was evaluated by the light and dark box test (LD), open field test (OF), and elevated plus maze test (EPM). GC-MS quantification of the major components of A. zerumbet essential oil (AZEO) (α-pinene, p-cymene, 1,8-cineole, and limonene) was almost identical using either the injection or headspace injection method. All the behavioral assessments indicated that inhalation of AZEO had a positive anxiolytic effect. This was especially evident in the EPM (time spent in the open arms), where anxiolytic effects were clearly observed (P < 0.05). α-Pinene accumulated in the brain at almost the same rate as in the liver. However, the oil components chiefly accumulated in the kidney. Therefore, the essential oil component in the largest proportion will not necessarily be distributed to organs throughout the body in the same quantities and/or ratios. It is necessary to consider tissue distribution for investigating the effects of essential oil inhalation.

Evaluation of antianxiety and sedative effects of essential oil of Ducrosia anethifolia in mice

“…A complete survey of the literature shows that the antianxiety effects of these two compounds has yet to be studied. Satou et al (2010) have recently described the anxiolytic effect for Alpinia zerumbet essential oil, which also contains alpha‐pinene 29. Since this compound is commonly found in essential oils of both plants, it may be responsible for a part of the observed effect, although further detailed study is needed to confirm this theory.…”

Genetic toxicology evaluation of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet and its chemoprotective effects against H2O2-induced DNA damage in cultured human leukocytes

“…However, their greatest importance arises from the medicinal properties of their essential oils which have been used in folk medicine (Victório, 2011). Some studies have reported different pharmacological properties of the essential oil of A. zerumbet, such as antihypertensive (Lahlou et al, 2003), antinociceptive (de Araújo et al, 2005), anxiolytic (Satou et al, 2010), antipsychotic and antioxidant (de Araújo et al, 2011) attributes.…”

Effects of exposure to plant‐derived odorants on behavior and the concentration of stress‐related hormones in steers isolated under a novel environment

“…2007). Furthermore, alpha‐pinene, an ingredient of EOG with an anxiolytic effect similar to that of limonene, accumulated in mouse brain at almost the same rate as in the liver when inhaled (Satou et al . 2010).…”