Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review

Abstract

: Depression is a prevalent disease worldwide, limiting psychosocial functioning and the human quality of life. Linalool is the main constituent of some essential oils from aromatic plants, representing about 70% of these volatile concentrates. Evidence of the linalool activity on the central nervous system, mainly acting as an antidepressant agent, is increasingly abundant. This review aimed to extend the knowledge of linalool's antidepressant action mechanisms, which is fundamental for future research, intending to highlight this natural compound as a new antidepressant phytomedication. A critical analysis is proposed here with probable hypotheses of the synergic mechanisms that support the evidence of antidepressant effects of the linalool. The literature search has been conducted in databases for published scientific articles before December 2020, using relevant keywords. Several pieces of evidence point to the anticonvulsant, sedative, and anxiolytic actions. In addition to these activities, other studies have revealed that linalool acts on the monoaminergic and neuroendocrine systems, inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF, wherein consist of the considerable advances in the knowledge of the etiology of depression. In this context, linalool emerges as a promising bioactive compound in the therapeutic arsenal, capable of interacting with numerous pathophysiological factors and acting on several targets. This review claims to contribute to future studies, highlighting the gaps in the linalool knowledge, as its kinetics, doses, routes of administration, and multiple targets of interaction, to clarify its antidepressant activity.

Facile sonochemically-assisted bioengineering of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and deciphering their potential in treating breast and lung cancers: biological, molecular, and computational-based investigations

“…These compounds were reported to have potent antioxidant activity, and thus, they were the key players in the bioreduction of titanium(I) isopropoxide into TiO 2 NPs. 49,50 Moreover, the GC-MS analysis of the extracted Ocimum basilicum oil established the presence of other terpene compounds that serve as natural reducing agents. These results are in line with previously reported studies.…”

Insights into momentous aroma dominating the characteristic flavor of jasmine tea

“…Combined with the VIP >1 components, these results suggested that those volatiles with high ROAV and VIP values could play an important role in the floral and fruity aroma of jasmine tea. Linalool is the main component of some essential oils from aromatic flora, representing approximately 70% of these volatile concentrates (Knudsen et al, 2006 ), which emerged as a promising bioactive compound in therapeutic and medicinal tools for depression remedy (dos Santos et al, 2022 ). Acetic acid phenylmethyl ester is a fragrance constituent which is used in decorative cosmetics, fine fragrances, shampoos, toilet soaps, and other toiletries (McGinty et al, 2012 ), the ROAV of which was greater than 1 in jasmine tea samples, but less than 1 in green tea (An et al, 2022 ).…”

Linalool, a Fragrance Compound in Plants, Protects Dopaminergic Neurons and Improves Motor Function and Skeletal Muscle Strength in Experimental Models of Parkinson’s Disease

“…Linalool (3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol; Figure 1 A), a natural monoterpene, is generally found in EOs of aromatic plants. Previous studies have demonstrated that linalool possesses antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-anxiety effects [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ]. Drugs currently used in PD treatment include dopaminergic precursors, dopaminergic agonists, the inhibitors of catechol-O-methyl transferase, and monoamine oxidase B [ 30 ].…”

“…Linalool was indicated to produce an antidepressant-like effect through the interaction with the serotonergic pathway [ 36 ]. In addition, in Alzheimer-like mice, linalool reduced neurotoxicity and improved cognitive function by activating Nrf2/HO-1 and BDNF [ 27 , 37 ].…”