Essential Oils as Treatment Strategy for Alzheimerʼs Disease: Current and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Alzheimerʼs disease is a multifarious neurodegenerative disease that causes cognitive impairment and gradual memory loss. Several hypotheses have been put forward to postulate its pathophysiology. Currently, few drugs are available for the management of Alzheimerʼs disease and the treatment provides only symptomatic relief. Our aim is to review the relevant in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies focused toward the potential uses of essential oils in the treatment of Alzheimerʼs disease. Scientific databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar from April 1998 to June 2018 were explored to collect data. We have conducted wide search on various essential oils used in different models of Alzheimerʼs disease. Out of 55 essential oils identified for Alzheimerʼs intervention, 28 have been included in the present review. A short description of in vivo studies of 13 essential oils together with clinical trial data of Salvia officinalis, Salvia lavandulifolia, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, and Rosmarinus officinalis have been highlighted. In vitro studies of remaining essential oils that possess antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential are also mentioned. Our literary survey revealed encouraging results regarding the various essential oils being studied in preclinical and clinical studies of Alzheimerʼs disease with significant effects in modulating the pathology through anti-amyloid, antioxidants, anticholinesterase, and memory-enhancement activity.

Cognitive Facilitation and Antioxidant Effects of an Essential Oil Mix on Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in Rats: Molecular Modeling of In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches

“…Their major constituents include monoterpene hydrocarbons, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, oxygenated monoterpenes, and esters [8]. A short review of in vivo studies of 13 essential oils together with clinical trial data of Salvia officinalis L., S. lavandulifolia Vahl., Melissa officinalis L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. revealed their antioxidant and anti-AChE potential, as well as anti-amyloid and memory-enhancing activities [9]. De Araujo et al [10] point out the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Citrus aurantium var.…”

Combined Action of Piperitenone Epoxide and Antibiotics Against Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

“…Of the well-known aromatic and medicinal plants, mints of the Lamiaceae family include more than 20 species and natural hybrids. Their properties were discovered in ancient times, and today, several mint species and their EOs are exploited at various fields in medicine (Pagonopoulou et al, 2012; Koutroumanidou et al, 2013; Baser and Buchbauer, 2015). Their properties are related to the volatile compounds that constitute their EO, of which pulegone, carvone, and menthol have been extensively studied (Sivropoulou et al, 1995; Tassou et al, 1995, 2000; Tsai et al, 2013).…”

<p>Qingxin kaiqiao fang ameliorates memory impairment and inhibits apoptosis in APP/PS1 double transgenic mice through the MAPK pathway</p>

“…AD is a specific form of dementia in elderly people that is characterized by cognitive impairment, gradual memory loss, and deterioration of language skills 30. Available data suggest that Aβ, derived from APP, is a crucial initial factor that triggers a complex pathological cascade resulting in AD 31. The accumulation of Aβ can induce neuronal apoptosis, which plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of AD 7,32.…”