Applications of monoterpenic essential oils in neglected diseases: nerol in a prospection

Abstract

Monoterpenes are the naturally occurred essential oils in various plant species having a wide range of biological activities. Attentions on the natural compounds, especially those are plant-derived is growing day by day. Nerol, a monoterpene having some important biological activities along with its other applications, may be a hopeful tool in this context. By considering the above circumstances, this study aimed to perform a scientific and technological prospective study on this charming monoterpene with an emphasis on the treatment of neglected diseases along with other monoterpenes. We conducted a comprehensive and systematic search for published articles, periodicals, magazines in the CAPES, ScienceDirect and Pubmed, while for patents we have gone through search in National Institute of Industrial Property of Brazil (INPI), European Patent Office (EPO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Results suggesting monoterpenes have therapeutic potentials against malaria, dengue, schistosomiasis, tuberculosis, leprosies, leishmaniasis and chagas diseases. Nerol has anti-tuberculosis potential. In conclusion, more researches are recommenced with nerol in a context of treatment of neglected diseases.