p-Cymene reduces orofacial nociceptive response in mice

Abstract

This study investigated the possible antinociceptive effect of p-cymene in different tests of orofacial nociception. The animals (mice) were pretreated (i.p.) with p-cymene (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg), or vehicle (0.2% Tween 80+saline), and were then subsequently administered, subcutaneously into their upper lip: formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate. The nociceptive behavior response was characterized by the time in s that the mice remained rubbing the orofacial region, for a period of 40 min in the formalin test (first phase, 0-6 min; and second phase, 21-40 min), and for 42 and 15 min in the capsaicin and glutamate tests, respectively. To verify the possible opioid involvement in the antinociceptive effects, naloxone (i.p.) was administered into the mice 15 min prior to the pretreatment with p-cymene (100 mg/kg). Finally, whether or not the p-cymene evoked any change in motor performance in the Rota-rod test was evaluated. The results showed that the treatment with p-cymene, at all doses, reduced (p<0.001) the nociceptive behavior in all nociception tests. The antinociceptive effect of p-cymene was antagonized by naloxone (1.5 mg/kg). Additionally, mice treated with p-cymene did not show any change in motor performance. In conclusion, p-cymene attenuated orofacial nociception, suggesting an involvement of the opioid system in this effect. Thus, p-cymene might represent an important biomolecule for management and/or treatment of orofacial pain.

The anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory profiles ofp-cymene: Evidence for the involvement of opioid system and cytokines

“…Treatment of animals with PC promoted an increase in the reaction time in the tail-flick test, which was reversed by the opioid antagonists used. Henceforth, the results presented herein suggested that this action could be related to the blockade of the neural transmission of pain, through opioid system modulation, corroborating with Santana et al (2011). Additionally, all three opioid receptors (m, d, and k) are present in the CNS and PNS on peripheral sensory nerve terminals (Lesniak & Lipkowski, 2011) and are able to produce potent clinically relevant central and peripheral analgesia (Machelska, 2000).…”

“…Medicinal plants such as oregano, a favorite in cuisine worldwide, are a rich source of essential oil with a significant amount of PC (Kulisic et al, 2004). Recently, Quintans et al (2013), Bonjardim et al (2012), and Santana et al (2011) suggested a variety of pharmacological effects of PC, including anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and anxiolytic profiles. However, there are no descriptions of their possible pharmacological mechanisms involved.…”

Evaluation ofp-cymene, a natural antioxidant

“…Among monoterpenes, we can highlight p-cymene (1-methyl-4-isopropyl-benzene) as the biological precursor of carvacrol and a major constituent of the essential oil of Protium heptaphyllum species, with more than 80% of this species found in the Amazon region (Santana et al, 2011;Siani et al, 1999;Figure 1). Recent studies have shown that p-cymene rich species, such as P. heptaphyllum (Aubl.)…”

“…Recent studies have shown that p-cymene rich species, such as P. heptaphyllum (Aubl.) Marchand, Protium kleinii Cuatrec, (Burseraceae), Hyptis pectinata (L.) Poit, (Lamiaceae), and Zataria multiflora Boiss, (Lamiaceae), show antinociceptive activity in rodents (Bispo et al, 2011;Oliveira et al, 2005;Otuki et al, 2011;Ramezani et al, 2004;Santana et al, 2011).…”

Chemical composition and antinociceptive effects of essential oil from aerial parts of <i>Gundelia tournefortii</i> L Asteraceae (Compositae) in rats

“…Further study done by Dal Bó et al [27] proved that eugenol promotes significant antinociception by the inhibition of glutamatergic neurotransmission and cytokine signaling. A study done by Santana et al [28] showed that p-cymene (one of the principal compounds of essential oil of Gundelia tournefortii) possesses peripheral and central antinociceptive properties as well as antiinflammatory activity and they suggest that pcymene act on the arachidonic acid cascade and/or modulation of the production of proinflammatory molecules.…”