Evaluation of the Anticonvulsant Activity of Terpinen-4-ol

Abstract

Terpinen-4-ol is a monoterpenoid alcohol and component of the essential oils of several aromatic plants. Similarly to terpinen-4-ol, other monoterpenoid alcohols have shown anticonvulsant activity in convulsion animal models. The present study aimed to investigate the anticonvulsant activity of terpinen-4-ol. Treatment of mice with terpinen-4-ol ( 200 mg/kg) caused a signifi cant decrease in the spontaneous motor activity at 30, 60 and 120 min after administration. Terpinen-4-ol (100 and 200 mg/kg) produced a significant dosedependent increase in the duration of sleeping in mice. Pretreatment of mice with terpinen-4- ol at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly increased the latency of pentylenetetrazole -induced convulsions. Terpinen-4-ol (200 and 300 mg/kg) also inhibited the induced seizures of picrotoxin. In another model, maximal electroshock seizure, terpinen-4-ol decreased the tonic hind convulsions percentage at the dose of 300 mg/kg. From the overall results we can conclude that terpinen-4-ol showed a depressant effect on the central nervous system and significant anticonvulsant activity.

Monoterpenoid Terpinen-4-ol Exhibits Anticonvulsant Activity in Behavioural and Electrophysiological Studies

“…Results from the present study show that 4TRP effectively inhibited the incidence and severity of PTZ-induced seizures, as demonstrated by prolongation of latency to the initiation of convulsions at 4TRP doses lower than those reported previously [13]. This result is important because it verifies the presence of the anticonvulsive activity of 4TRP at doses that may produce fewer toxic effects, and it thus suggests a more favourable therapeutic index for 4TRP than was previously reported.…”

Central nervous system effects of the essential oil of the leaves of <I>Alpinia zerumbet</I> in mice

“…caused a significant decrease in the spontaneous motor activity of mice and potentiated the pentobarbital sleeping time. [37,38] Therefore, both compounds had a plausible depressant effect on the CNS, as did the essential oil of A. zerumbet leaves.…”

The anaesthetic-like effect of tea tree oil in common carp Cyprinus carpio L.

“…Finally, treating mice with terpinen‐4‐ol, the main component of TTO, caused a decrease in the spontaneous motor activity. It also produced a dose‐dependent increase in the sleep duration and had an anticonvulsant effect, indicating a depressant impact on the central nervous system (de Sousa, Nóbrega, de Morais & de Almeida 2009).…”