The present study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective activity of carvacrol, a monoterpene present in essential oils from several species of medicinal and aromatic plants, by using different models of acute gastric lesions in rodents and also evaluate possible mechanisms involved in this action. For this study, absolute ethanol-, acidified ethanol-, ischemia and reperfusion-, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced models of gastric lesions in mice and rats were used. The roles of nonprotein sulfhydryl groups, catalase, nitric oxide (NO), ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K(ATP) channels), and prostaglandins in carvacrol-induced gastroprotective effect were investigated. In addition, the effects of carvacrol on gastric secretion and mucus in pylorus-ligated rats were also determined. The results of the present study demonstrated that carvacrol promoted a marked gastroprotection in all models investigated, possibly mediated by endogenous prostaglandins, increase of mucus production, K(ATP) channels opening, NO synthase activation, and antioxidant properties. These findings markedly substantiate further studies to investigate the therapeutic potential of carvacrol as an effective gastroprotective agent and its safety profile in medicinal use.

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The present study evaluated the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Cynara scolymus on Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, proficient and deficient in antioxidant defenses, and by in vitro methods with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonic acid (ABTS• +), inhibition of hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, formation of nitric oxide, and removal of the hydroxyl radical. A simultaneous quantitative analysis to total phenolics, flavonoids and hydrolysable tannin was also performed, and according to the results obtained, phenolic compounds (661.15 ± 20.11 mg GAE/g of E), flavonoids (123.96 ± 11.47 mg R/g of E) and hydrolysable tannin (14.25 ± 3.18 mg GAE/g of E) were detected in the aqueous extract of C. scolymus. The aqueous extract at study showed high antioxidant capacity in all antioxidant methods in vitro and exhibited significant antioxidant capacity to protect strains of S. cerevisiae from oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide. The analysis of the correlation made between the content of phenolic compounds and the different antioxidants in vitro methods, indicated that these compounds are mainly responsible for the antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extract of C. scolymus. Therefore, this study suggests that the aqueous extract of leaves of C. scolymus is a great natural source of compounds with antioxidant capacity.

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Background: Studies report that monoterpenes and their synthetic derivatives have diverse biological and pharmacological properties. Among these compounds, isopulegone present in the essential oil of various aromatic plants have been used in the production of cosmetics. Objectives: evaluated the antioxidant properties of (-)-isopulegone in vitro against the formation of reactive species using the tests thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide production. Materials and Methods: The (-)-isopulegone was tested at different concentrations (0.9, 1.8, 3.6, 5.4, 7.2 µg/mL), and compared with trolox (positive control). We evaluated the level of lipid peroxidation induced by 2,2'-azobis-2methyl-propanimidamide dihydrochloride (AAPH) by the amount of TBARS formed. We evaluated the in vitro effects of (-)-isopulegone against hydroxyl radical formation from Fenton reaction. In assessing production of nitric oxide, was used sodium nitroprusside on decomposition. Results: (-)-Isopulegone in the concentrations tested, was capable of preventing lipid peroxidation induced by AAPH, reducing the amount of TBARS formed. The hydroxyl radical formation was inhibited, suggesting a possible antioxidant action of this monoterpene. In the evaluation of the production of nitric oxide isopulegone decreased the formation of such compound, showing a shield in vitro profile of biomolecules such as lipids of the cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals generated. The (-)-isopulegone demonstrated strong antioxidant potential in vitro, by removal capacity against hydroxyl radicals and nitric oxide, and prevented the formation of TBARS, similarly to trolox (positive control). Conclusion: However, further studies are needed to better characterize the antioxidant properties of (-)-isopulegone, especially prominently in vitro.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract (EE) from Citrus limon were studied in mice. Anxiolytic activity was evaluated using open field and elevated plus-maze tests. The antidepressant effect of the extract was studied by forced swimming test in mice. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts indicated the presence of cumarin and triterpenoids/steriods. In the open field test, the oral route administration EE alone showed significant sedative and antidepressant activities in mice (p < 0.05). EE did not alter motor coordination. The EE, at three doses tested, showed antidepressant effect and produced decrease in immobility time. It is concluded that the EE of the aerial parts of C. limon have a sedative effect, which may be mediated by benzodiazepine-type receptors, and also an antidepressant effect where noradrenergic and serotoninergic mechanisms will probably play a role.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and acute toxicity of ethanolic extract (EE) from Citrus limon were studied in mice. Anxiolytic activity was evaluated using open field and elevated plus-maze tests. The antidepressant effect of the extract was studied by forced swimming test in mice. Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extracts indicated the presence of cumarin and triterpenoids/steriods. In the open field test, the oral route administration EE alone showed significant sedative and antidepressant activities in mice (p < 0.05). EE did not alter motor coordination. The EE, at three doses tested, showed antidepressant effect and produced decrease in immobility time. It is concluded that the EE of the aerial parts of C. limon have a sedative effect, which may be mediated by benzodiazepine-type receptors, and also an antidepressant effect where noradrenergic and serotoninergic mechanisms will probably play a role.