Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants

Abstract

The use of essential oils (EOs) and their components is known since long in traditional medicine and aromatherapy for the management of various diseases, and is further increased in the recent times. The neuroprotective and anti-aging potentials of EOs and their possible mechanism of actions were evaluated by numerous researchers around the globe. Several clinically important EOs and their components from Nigella sativa, Acorus gramineus, Lavandula angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus, Mentha piperita, Rosmarinus officinalis, Jasminum sambac, Piper nigrum and so many other plants are reported for neuroprotective effects. This review article was aimed to summarize the current finding on EOs tested against neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease (AD) and dementia. The effects of EOs on pathological targets of AD and dementia including amyloid deposition (Aβ), neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), cholinergic hypofunction, oxidative stress and glutamatergic abnormalities were focused. Furthermore, effects of EOs on other neurological disorders including anxiety, depression, cognitive hypofunction epilepsy and convulsions were also evaluated in detail. In conclusion, EOs were effective on several pathological targets and have improved cognitive performance in animal models and human subjects. Thus, EOs can be developed as multi-potent agents against neurological disorders with better efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness.

Inhibitory effect of ethyl acetate fraction ofSolanum macrocarponL. leaves on cholinergic, monoaminergic, and purinergic enzyme activities

“…The activities of cholinesterases are important in neurotransmission regulation by the hydrolysis of acetylcholine into choline and acetate (Martorana, Esposito, & Koch, 2010). In the brain of an Alzheimer’s disease patient, the level of cholinesterase activity is increased, this leads the drastic decrease in acetylcholine in the brain leading to a loss of memory, inadequacy in cholinergic neurotransmission and cognitive abilities (Ayaz, Sadiq et al, ; Oboh et al, ). Some studies have shown that in Alzheimer’s disease there is an increase BChE activity.…”

Comparison of Volatiles in Different Jasmine Tea Grade Samples Using Electronic Nose and Automatic Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Followed by Multivariate Statistical Analysis

“…It is a general belief that the pleasant aroma of the Jasminum sambac flower can relieve the mood of depression [1]. Moreover, the health effect of tea also has been widely confirmed [2].…”

Anxiolytic-like effect of Lippia alba essential oil: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial

“…These oils are frequently isolated via steam distillation, hydrodistillation, and cold pressing methods [8]. They are administered via inhalation, massage, compress, and rarely, they are taken internally through gelatin capsules, honey water, vaginal pessaries, and suppositories [9].…”