Effects of Terpenes and Terpenoids of Natural Occurrence in Essential Oils on Vascular Smooth Muscle and on Systemic Blood Pressure: Pharmacological Studies and Perspective of Therapeutic Use

Abstract

Terpenes are a class of chemical compounds with carbon and hydrogen atoms in their structure. They can be classified into several classes according to the quantity of isoprene units present in its structure. Terpenes can have their structure modified by the addition of various chemical radicals. When these molecules are modified by the addition of atoms other than carbon and hydrogen, they become terpenoids. Terpenes and terpenoids come from the secondary metabolism of several plants. They can be found in the leaves, fruits, stem, flowers, and roots. The concentration of terpenes and terpenoids in these organs can vary according to several factors such as the season, collection method, and time of the day. Several biological activities and physiological actions are attributed to terpenes and terpenoids. Studies in the literature demonstrate that these molecules have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, and antidiabetogenic activities. Additionally, repellent and gastroprotective activity is reported. Among the most prominent activities of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids are those on the cardiovascular system. Reports on literature reveal the potential effect of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids on systemic blood pressure. Studies show that these substances have a hypotensive and bradycardic effect. In addition, the inotropic activity, both positive and negative, of these compounds has been reported. Studies also have shown that some monoterpenes and monoterpenoids also have a vasorelaxing activity on several vascular beds. These effects are attributed, in many cases to the blocking of ion channels, such as voltage-gated calcium channels. It can also be observed that monoterpenes and monoterpenoids can have their effects modulated by the action of the vascular endothelium. In addition, it has been shown that the molecular structure and the presence of chemical groups influence the potency and efficacy of these compounds on vascular beds. Here, the effect of several monoterpenes and monoterpenoids on systemic blood pressure and vascular smooth muscle will be reported.

Multitude Activity of Marsilea Minuta Linn: A Review

“…The terpene molecules have sedative effects on the sympathetic nervous system, as on absorption into the blood stream, it inhibits the dopamine metabolism that is induced by immobilization stress and the sedative effect occur due to inhibition of dopaminergic neurotransmission and modulation of neural activity in hypothalamus lateral area of the brain. 7 Sesquiterpene also has regulatory effect on nitric oxide (NO), it also has the direct dose dependent scavenging activity on NO, protect cardiac tissue from the oxidative stress induced cell injury and lipid peroxidation and interfere with DOX -induced inflammatory and apoptotic induction in cardiac tissue due to hypertension.…”

Identifikasi Dan Uji Kandungan Metabolit Sekunder Tumbuhan Obat

“…Selain itu, terpenoid memiliki efek antitumor, antiinflamasi, antibakteri, antivirus, antimalaria, meningkatkan penyerapan transdermal, mencegah dan mengobati penyakit kardiovaskular, dan memiliki aktivitas hipoglikemik [29]. Studi literatur menunjukkan bahwa terpenoid memiliki efek hipotensi dan bradikardi serta menunjukkan aktivitas antioksidan, antikarsinogenik, antiinflamasi, antinosiseptif, antispasmodik, dan antidiabetogenic [30].…”