Anti-inflammatory Activity of Some Essential Oils

Abstract

There are many diseases that are associated with inflammation, such as infections by bacteria, virus and protozoa, autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. There are many medications available to prevent or minimize the progression of the inflammation; they include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, but they have some secondary effects. Traditional medicine has been used to address the health demands of the population and nowadays it presents many opportunities in health care. Essential oils are use in this medicine to treat many diseases.
In a review of the last five years it was found that several essential oils with anti-inflammatory activity were isolated from 43 plants. In some cases, oils of the same genus but different species have this activity, such as the essential oils obtained from three species of genus Origanum, as well as three oils from three species of the Citrus genus, and three from the Pimpinella genus. In many cases the essential oil composition obtained has been determined, and in some cases the anti-inflammatory activity of the main compounds of these essential oils has been evaluated, such as carvacrol and isoeugenol, which showed an important anti-inflammatory activity. On the basis of this review, we can say that some essential oils could be an important source for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Full text

38/Journal of Essential Oil Research Vol. 23, September/October 2011
Rec: Feb 2011
Acc: May 2011
Anti-inflammatory Activity of Some Essential Oils
Salud Pérez G., Miguel Zavala S., Lucina Arias G. and Miguel Ramos L.*
Departamento de Sistemas Biológicos, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100, Col.
Villa Quietud, Del. Coyoacán, C.P. 04960 México D.F.
Abstract
There are many diseases that are associated with inflammation, such as infections by bacteria, virus and protozoa,
autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. There are many medications
available to prevent or minimize the progression of the inflammation; they include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, but they have some secondary effects. Traditional medicine has been used to
address the health demands of the population and nowadays it presents many opportunities in health care. Essential
oils are use in this medicine to treat many diseases.
In a review of the last five years it was found that several essential oils with anti-inflammatory activity were isolated
from 43 plants. In some cases, oils of the same genus but different species have this activity, such as the essential
oils obtained from three species of genus Origanum, as well as three oils from three species of the Citrus genus, and
three from the Pimpinella genus. In many cases the essential oil composition obtained has been determined, and in
some cases the anti-inflammatory activity of the main compounds of these essential oils has been evaluated, such as
carvacrol and isoeugenol, which showed an important anti-inflammatory activity. On the basis of this review, we can
say that some essential oils could be an important source for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
Key Word Index
Anti-inflammatory activity, essential oils, inflammatory diseases, review.
1041-2905/11/0001-05$14.00/0 —© 2011 Allured Business Media
*Address for correspondence: agromyke@yahoo.com
Introduction
Inflammation is a physiological response to a variety of
agents including infectious microorganisms, toxic chemical
compounds and physical injury. There are many diseases that
are associated with the inflammation process, such as skin
inflammation (1, 2), autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and
diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
Many medications are available to prevent or minimize the
progression of inflammation, includuing non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. NSAIDs
such as acetyl salicylic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac and their
new related compounds are mainly selective COX-2 inhibitors;
cyclooxygenase-2 is involved in the inflammation pathway. The
regular use of NSAIDs can cause a number of side effects, some
of which may be very serious. The most common are increases
in the development of ulcers in the stomach and duodenum,
as well as inhibition of uterine motility and hypersensitivity
reaction (3), nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, heartburn,
headache, dizziness, rapid weight gain and breathing problems
(4). The lengthy use of corticosteroids could produce the sup-
pression of the function of pituitary-adrenal, hyperglycemia
and increase susceptibility to infections (5).
The biological activities of many plants have been long
known in ethnomedicine to treat inflammatory diseases. These
biological properties are often due to essential oils contained in
plants which are used as herbal remedy in traditional medicine.
It has been found that these essential oils possess different
activities such anti-inflammatory and antiradical properties
(6-8). For this reason, we did a review of the last five years
and in this period we found that several essential oils with anti-
inflammatory activity were isolated from 43 plants.
Essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties
Afromomum danielli (Hook f.) Schum and A. meleg-
ueta Schum (Zingiberaceae): The analysis of the chemical
composition of A. melengueta seed essential oil indicated that
it is rich in sesquiterpenes. The other samples were rich in
monoterpenes like limonene, 1,8-cineole,
a- and b-pinenes,
linalool and (E)-
b-ocimene as the major components. The
anti-inflammatory activity of A. daniellii seed essential oil was
measured and gave an inhibition concentration 50 (IC
50
) of 237
ppm against 0.7 ppm for nordihydroguiaretic acid (NDGA).
The results achieved highlight the potential of essential oils to
be developed against inflammatory disorders (9).
Ageratum fastigiatum R. M. King et H. Rob. (Asteraceae):
This plant is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory,
analgesic and antimicrobial. The main compounds found
Pérez et al.

Vol. 23, September/October 2011 Journal of Essential Oil Research/39
in the essential oil were germacrene D, a-humulene and b-
cedrene. The oil, with LD
50
of 2.50 g/kg, inhibited the acetic
acid-induced writhing at the dose of 200 mg/kg in the formalin
test. In the hot plate test, after 30 min and 60 min of treatment,
doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg increased the reaction time. The
anti-edematogenic effect, reduction on the exudate volume
and leukocyte mobilization were observed at doses of 100
and 200 mg/kg. A. fastigiatum possessed analgesic and anti-
inflammatory properties (10).
Aucoumea klaineana Pierre (Burseraceae):
a-Pinene,
a-phelandrene, p-cymene and 1,8-cineole were the major
components of the essential oil. The anti-inflammatory activ-
ity was carried out by lipoxygenase method and the oil was
not active (11).
Canarium scheinfurthii Engl. (Burseaceae): This plant
grows in Cameroon; the main components of the essential oil
obtained by hydrodistillation were p-cymene, limonene and
a-terpineol. The oil had anti-inflammatory activity in lipoxy-
genase method with an IC
50
of 62.6 ppm (11).
Calycorectes sellowianus O. Berg (Myrtaceae): It is
endemic to Brazil. The major constituents of 37 compounds
of the leaves’ essential oil (GC/MS) were guaiol (13.1%) and
b-caryophyllene (8.6%). The anti-inflammatory activity of this
oil was investigated in vitro and in vivo. It reduced the treated
neutrophils chemotaxis with 91% inhibition and had no effect
on the carrageenan-induced paw edema (12).
Cinnamomum insularimontanum Hayata (Lauraceae):
It has a strong fragrance and has been used as a folk medicine
in Taiwan for a long time. The fruit essential oil was analyzed
by GC/MS; the main constituents were
a-pinene (9.45%),
camphene (1.70%),
b-pinene (4.30%), limonene (1.76%), cit-
ronellal (24.64%), citronellol (16.78%) and citral (35.89%). The
results obtained from nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity assay,
essential oil and its dominant compound (citral) presented the
significant NO production inhibitory activity, IC
50
of essential
oil and citral were 18.68 and 13.18 μg/mL, respectively. More-
over, based on the results obtained from the protein expression
assay, the expression of IKK, iNOS, and nuclear NF-
kB was
decreased and I B
a was increased in dose dependent man-
ners. It proved that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of citral
was blocked via the NFjB pathway, but it could not efficiently
suppress the activity on COX-2. In addition, citral exhibited a
potent anti-inflammatory activity on croton oil-induced mice
ear edema, at doses of 0.1 and 0.3 mg per ear. The inhibition
was 22% and 83%, respectively. The results presented that
the fruit essential oil of C. insularimontanum and citral have
anti-inflammatory effect. (13).
Cinnamomum osmophloeum Kaneh (Lauraceae): It is an
endemic tree that grows in natural hardwood forest of Taiwan.
The leaf essential oil components showed inhibitory effects
as anti-bacterial, anti-termite, anti-mites, anti-mildew, anti-
mosquito larvae, and anti-fungal. The chemical constituents
of the essential oil were analyzed by GC/MS and they were
found to be L-bornyl acetate (15.89%), caryophyllene oxide
(12.98%), g-eudesmol (8.03%),
b-caryophyllene (6.60%),
T-cadinol (5.49%), ð-cadinene (4.79%), trans-
b-elemenone
(4.25%), cadalene (4.19%), and trans-cinnamaldehyde (4.07%).
The effects of essential oil on oxide NO and prostaglandin E
2
production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7
macrophages were also examined. Results of nitric oxide tests
indicated that the essential oil and its major constituents such
as trans-cinnamaldehyde, caryophyllene oxide, L-borneol,
L-bornyl acetate, eugenol,
b-caryophyllene, E-nerolidol, and
cinnamyl acetate have anti-inflammatory activity (14).
Citrus aurantium L. var bergamia (Rutaceae): The es-
sential oil is extracted from the peel of the fruit, whose main
components are limonene (40%), linalool (8%) and linalyl
acetate (28%) (15). The anti-inflammatory activity of essential
oil of Bergamot (BO) was tested on carrageenan-induced rat
paw edema at different doses: 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mL/kg; the
reduction in paw edema was 27.56%, 30.77% and 63.93%
respectively, and indomethacin used as a reference produced
an inhibition of 95.7%. These results showed that BO possesses
anti-inflammatory effect (16).
Citrus sinensis L. (Rutaceae): Orange essential oil can
be attributed to its properties like anti-inflammatory, antide-
pressant, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, carminative,
diuretic, tonic, sedative and cholagogue. The anti-inflammatory
activity of the oil was tested using the lipoxygenase enzymatic
method; the IC
50
was 20.3 mg/L (17).
Citrus sunki (Hayata) Tanaka (Rutaceae): C. sunki is used
in traditional medicine for digestion, cold, and fever. The analysis
of the essential oil of this plant by GC/MS showed that the
major components were dl-limonene (68.18%) and
b-myrcene
(4.36%). The oil reduced the LPS-induced secretion of NO in
RAW 264.7 cells. This result suggests that the essential oil has
anti-inflammatory activity (18).
Cleistocalyx operculatus Roxb. (Myrtaceae): In folk
medicine in China, Vietnam and some other tropical countries,
it is widely used for the treatment of gastric ailments and as
an antiseptic agent. The anti-inflammatory activity of the es-
sential oil of C. operculatus buds inhibited lipopolysaccharide
induced secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including
tumor necrosis factor-
a (TNF-a) and interleukin-1 b (IL-1b)
in RAW 264.7 cells, a mouse macrophage-like cell line. Also
the mRNA expression of TNF-
a and IL-1b was suppressed.
Moreover, reporter gene analysis revealed that the oil blocked
LPS-induced transcriptional activation of NF-
kB in RAW
264.7 cells. Besides, the essential oil inhibited the ear edema
induced by TPA (19).
Cordia verbenacea DC (Boraginaceae): This plant is a
medicinal plant popularly used in Brazil as anti-inflammatory,
antiulcer and anti-rheumatic agent without detailed pharmaco-
logical and toxicological studies (20).
a-Humulene and trans-
caryophyllene were identified in C. verbenacea essential oil
and the anti-inflammatory activity of the both compounds was
evaluated in a model of acute inflammation in rat paw, induced
by LPS. The treatment with
a-humulene or trans-caryophyllene
inhibited the LPS-induced NF-
kB activation and neutrophil
migration; however, only
a-humulene prevented the production
of cytokines TNF-
a and IL-1b and the in vivo up-regulation of
kinin B
1
receptors, so that both sesquiterpenes might be used
as agents to treat inflammatory diseases (21).
Cyperus esculentus L. and C. rotundus Linn. (Cyper-
aceae): Anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, analgesic and an-
ticonvulsant activities of the oils of both plants were study.
Phytochemical tests of the oil are positive for flavonoids, trit-
erpenoids, carbohydrates and proteins. The effects of the oils
Anti-inammatory Activity of Some Essential Oils

40/Journal of Essential Oil Research Vol. 23, September/October 2011
were evaluated in the models of carrageenan-induced edema,
formaldehyde induced arthritis, formalin induced writhing
and MES induced convulsion. It was found that both essential
oils posses good anti-inflammatory, anti-arthitic, analgesic and
anticonvulsant activities (22).
Chenopodium album L. (Chenopodiaceae): This plant
is commonly known as pigweed and in folk medicine is used
as laxative, antihelmitic, against round and hook worms, and
as a blood purifier. Also it is used for the treatment of hepatic
disorders, spleen enlargement, intestinal ulcers and burns (23).
The analysis of the essential oil of C. album leaves revealed
that the main constituents were p-cymene (40.9%), ascaridole
(15.5%), pinane-2-ol (9.9%),
a-pinene (7.0%), b-pinene (6.2%)
and
a-terpineol. The oil had strong anti-inflammatory activity
against TPA-induced ear edema in mice (24).
Dennettia tripetala G. Baker (Annonaceae): The fruit,
bark, leaves and roots are used as spices and condiments. The
leaves are used in combination with other medicinal plants to
treat fever, typhoid, cough, worm infestation, vomiting and
stomach upset (25). Atinociceptive and anti-inflammatory
activity of the essential oil were tested in mice using the hot
plate, acetic acid-induced writhings and formalin tests, while
carrageenan-induced paw edema as anti-inflammatory model.
The anti-inflammatory activity of the oil was comparable to
dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) (26).
Drimys brasiliensis Miers (Winteraceae): This species has
been used in folk medicine as analgesic and anti-inflammatory.
The essential oils from leaves and stem barks were character-
ized by GC-FID and GC/MS. The main components were
monoterpenes (leaves 4.31% and stem barks 90.02%) and
sesquiterpenes (leaves 52.31% and stem barks 6.35%). The
evaluation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential
of the essential oils and the sesquiterpene polygodial were
evaluated in paw edema induced by carrageenan and formalin
test in mice. The essential oil obtained from the stem barks
significantly reduced the edema induced by carrageenan. The
anti-inflammatory effect of stem barks oil (at 200 mg kg
-1
) was
similar to that observed with indomethacin (at 10 mg kg
-1
) 30
and 60 min after the administration of essential oils. The effect
of polygodial (at 200 mg kg
-1
) was lower than the oils (27).
Fortunella japonica (Thunb.) Swingle (Rutaceae): F.
japonica is also known as round kumquat or Marumi kumquat.
The fruit is rich in vitamins A and C. The main components
of the essential oil are dl-limonene (61.58%) and carvone
(6.36%). The oil significantly reduced LPS-induced NO re-
lease in RAW 264.7 cells. This fact indicates that this oil has
anti-inflammatory effect (18).
Hedychium coronarium Koen. (Zingiberaceae): It is
commonly known as butterfly ginger, cinnamon jasmine,
gargland flower and ginger lily. The rhizome has been used for
the treatment of headache, diabetes, contusion inflammation
and sharp pain due to rheumatism. Twenty-nine components
were identified in the flowers essential oil and the main com-
ponents were
b-trans-ocimenone (28.05%), linalool (18.52%),
1,8-cineole (11.35%),
a-terpineol (7.11%), 10-epi-g-eudesmol
(6.06%), sabinene (4.59%) and terpinen-4-ol (3.17%). At doses
of 100 mg/kg p.o. the oil produced significant inhibition of
carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats (28).
Illicium anisatum Hayata (Illiciaceae): It is widely used
for treatment of some skin problems in traditional Chinese
medicine. The fruit is an important source of essential and
volatile oil. Fifty-two components were identified in the es-
sential oil and the main components were eucalyptol (21.8%),
sabinene (5.3%),
a-terpinenyl acetate (4.9%), kaurene (4.5%),
isopimaradiene (3.2%), safrol (2.7%),
b-linalool (2.6%), g-
cadinene (2.2%),
a-cadinol (2.2%) and terpinen-4-ol (1.9%).
The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activities of I. anisatum
essential oil (IAE) was evaluated whether it could modulate the
production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E
2
(PGE
2
)
by activated macrophages. The results indicate that IAE is an
effective inhibitor of LPS-induced NO and PGE
2
production
in RAW 264.7 cells. These inhibitory activities were accompa-
nied by dose-dependent decreases in the expression of iNOS
and COX-2 proteins and iNOS and COX-2 mRNA. Also was
evaluated the cytotoxic effects of the oil, It was found that IAE
exhibited low cytotoxicity at 100 mg mL
–1
(29).
Lippia sidoides Cham. (Verbenaceae): It is mainly used
as an antiseptic (30). It was found that the topical application
of leaf essential oil at doses of 1 and 10 mg/ear, respectively,
reduced 45.93% and 32.26% the acute ear edema induced by
12-O-tetradecanoylforbol 13-acetate (TPA).
Melaleuca alternifolia Maiden et Betche (Myrtaceae): It
has well established traditional and folk uses in Australia, specially
as an antiseptic. The major constituent from the essential oil
was terpinen-4-ol. This compound is considered, together with
a-terpinene, g-terpinene, and a-terpineol, the main responsible
for the anti-inflammatory activity from this essential oil. The
oil showed anti-inflammatory activity on edema-induced by
histamine in mice. Several clinical studies and observations,
endorse the clinical external use of the oil for the treatment
of vulvovaginitis, mainly candidiasic cases (31).
Mezoneuron benthamianum Baill. (Caesalpinoideae):
This plant is used for the treatment of dermal infection,
healing of refractory sores, blood disorders, as a laxative, for
stomach troubles, eye treatments, genital stimulants/depres-
sants, hemorrhoids, pain-killers, pulmonary troubles and as a
chewing stick. The oil contained 15 compounds and the main
components were 3-carene, pinene (11.8%), trans-nerolidol
(13.5%), farnesene (11.6%) and thujene (6.7%). The essential oil
was tested at different concentrations for its anti-inflammatory
activity evaluated as inhibition of TPA induced ear edema in
mice. The oil at 5.0 mg and 2.5 mg dose levels exhibited a
significant anti-inflammatory activity with percentage edema
reduction of 92.3% and 76.9%, respectively (32).
Myrciaria tenella (DC.) Berg. (Myrtaceae): It is known as
Cambuí. The GC/MS analysis revealed that the main constitu-
ents of the leaf essential oil were
b-caryophyllene (25.1%) and
spathulenol (9.7%). The oil reduced significantly the treated
neutrophil chemotaxis with 93% inhibition, and in the systemic
treatment at doses of 50 mg/kg p.o. reduced the carrageenan-
induced paw edema with a similar effect for indomethacin (10
mg/kg), the positive control (33).
Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Becker) (Lamiaceae):
It is used as anti-tussive, expectorant and antiathmatic (34).
The essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-flame
ionization detector (GC-FID), four major components were
identified trans,trans-nepetalactone, cis,trans-nepetalactone,
trans,cis-nepetalactone and nepetalactol. At doses of 0.0005
Pérez et al.

Vol. 23, September/October 2011 Journal of Essential Oil Research/41
mL/kg the oil presented peripheric anti-inflammatory proper-
ties by reducing the induced edema after carrageenan injec-
tion (35).
Ocotea quixos Lam. (Lauraceae): The main components of
the essential oil were trans-cinnamaldehyde (27.9%) and methyl
cinnamate (21.6%) (36). The anti-inflammatory activity of the
essential oil and these two compounds were investigated in in
vitro and in vivo models. The oil and trans-cinnamaldehyde,
but not methyl cinnamate, significantly reduced LPS-induced
NO release from J774 macrophages, inhibited LPS-induced
COX-2 expression, and increased forskolin-induced cAMP
production. At doses of 30-100 mg/kg of essential oil and 10
mg/kg of trans-cinnamaldehyde showed anti-inflammatory
activity against paw edema in rats carrageenan-induced without
damaging gastric mucosa (37).
Olea europea L. (Oleaceae): In Tunisian folk medicine
this plant is used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and
bacterial infections. The analysis of the essential oil resulted
in the identification of 32 compounds and the major com-
pounds were
a-pinene (52.7%), 2,6-dimethyloctane (16.57%)
and 2-methoxy-3-isopropylpyrazine (6.01%). Intraperitoneal
administration of O. europea essential oil at doses of 100,
200 and 300 mg/kg reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal
constrictions and paw edema (38).
Origanum ehrenbergii Boiss and O. syriacum L. (La-
miaceae): In the essential oil of O. ehrenbergii was found 37
components of which thymol (19%) and p-cymene (16.1%) were
the main abundant compounds. Thirty-six components were
found in the O. syriacum essential oil and the main compounds
were thymol (24%) and carvacrol (17.6%). O. ehrenbergii oil
inhibited NO production in the murine monocytic macrophage
cell line RAW 264.7 with an IC
50
value of 66.4 μg/mL (39).
Origanum vulgare L. (Labiatae): It is an aromatic plant of
the Mediterranean flora that has been commonly used to treat
diarrhea and pain. Identified in the essential oil were trans-
sabinene hydrate, thymol and carvacrol. THP-1 macrophages
were used as cellular model of atherogenesis and the release/
secretion of cytokines (TNT-a, IL-1b, IL-6 and IL-10) and their
respective mRNA expressions were quantified both in pres-
ence or absence of supercritical oregano extracts. The results
showed a decrease in pro-inflammatory TNF-a, IL-1b and IL-6
cytokines synthesis, as well as an increase in the production
of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These results may sug-
gest an anti-inflammatory effect of oregano extracts and their
compounds in a cellular model of atherosclerosis (40).
Pelargonium graveolens L’Hér (Geraniaceae): This plant
is commonly known as geranium. For many years in traditional
medicine it has been used as an anti-asthmatic, anti-allergic,
antioxidant, anti-diarrheic, antihepatotoxic, diuretic, tonic,
haemostatic, stomachic and anti-diabetic (41). The main com-
ponents of the essential oil were citronellol (26%), citronellyl
formate (16%), linalool (10%), geraniol (8%), isomenthone (6%)
and menthone (4%). It was found that this essential oil could
inhibit the LPS-elicited expression of the induced proinflam-
matory enzymes COX-2 and iNOS, as well as the NO produced
by LPS-activated microglial cells. This inhibition did not result
from a cytotoxic effect of the oil. Although high concentrations
of citronellol could inhibit NO production from the cells, when
administered at their natural relative concentrations in the oil,
neither citronellol nor the other constituents of the oil were
effective at inhibiting NO production (42).
Pimpinella corymbosa Boiss, P. tragium Vill. and P.
rhodanta Bois (Apiaceae): Pimpinella species have been
used as animal feed to increase milk secretion (43), also the
estrogenic activity of some isolated compounds and essential
oils of different Pimpinella species were reported. The oils of
these three species were effective in inhibiting NF-
kB medi-
ated transcription. The roots showed notably potent activities
with IC
50
values of 2, 3 and 6 μg/mL, respectively (44).
Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Labiatae): It is known as a
common herb and household plant broadly used all around the
world for different medicinal purposes, being a component of
various established anti-inflammatory plant drug preparations,
and having a long tradition of use for treating headaches, colds
and colic, as well as other diseases (45). The effect of R. of-
ficinalis essential oil dietary administration at concentrations
of 1250, 2500 and 5000 ppm in carrageenan paw edema and
trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis was studied (46).
Dietary supplementation with 5000 ppm of the oil initially
increased after 2 h, but after 24 h suppressed the extent of
paw edema, and in the TNBS model exhibited protective ef-
fects on colonic mucosa and decreased macroscopic scores for
colonic inflammation.
Sabina virginiana L. Antoine (Cupressaceae): It is com-
monly known as eastern west cedar and has been used in the
treatment of psoriasis, dermatitis, hemorrhoids and varicose
veins. The leaves are found to exert effects on emmenagogue,
as a stimulant, and as a diaphoretic in rheumatism (47). The
leaves’ essential oil was analyzed by GC/MS; 31 compounds
were identified, and the major constituents were limonene
(32.9%), safrole (23.0%), asarone (15.9%) and
a-pinene (5.2%).
The essential oil was tested at different concentrations (0.075,
1.25, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/ear) for its anti-inflammatory assay evalu-
ated as inhibition of TPA induced ear edema in mice. At doses
of 5.0 mg/ear the inhibition was 66.7%. This effect was similar
to that obtained with indomethacin (57.7%) (48).
Thymus vulgaris L. (Labiatae): Thyme has been used
for respiratory ailments for its infection-fighting and cough
suppressive qualities. Thyme tea is an old time favorite cough
and cold remedy. The essential oils of thyme are grouped into
three main types: thyme oil, which contains 42–60% phenols
and is mainly thymol; origanum oil, which contains 63–74%
phenols and is mainly carvacrol; and lemon thyme oil, which
contains citral. The dietary addition of thyme essential oils to
the diet at 3 concentrations (5000, 2500 and 1250 ppm) and
fed to Balb/c mice. The extent of ear swelling in DTH/CHS
reaction, paw edema induced by carrageenan administration and
TNBS-induced colitis were evaluated. Dietary supplementation
with 5000 ppm of oil decreased paw edema and ear swelling
and the microscopic and macroscopic scores of colitis (49).
Zanthoxylum piperitum AP DC (Rutaceae): The major
constituents of the essential oil were limonene and geranyl
acetate. The oil decreased approximately 38% of nitrite
production, as compared to LPS-induced nitrite production.
However, the essential oil and its components did not suppress
NO chemically in a cell-free system and inhibited iNOS mRNA
transcription. The inhibition of E-selectin gene transcription
by the oil caused the suppression of cellular adhesion. These
Anti-inammatory Activity of Some Essential Oils

42/Journal of Essential Oil Research Vol. 23, September/October 2011
results suggest that the essential oil of this plant might have
anti-immunological anti-inflammatory activity (50).
Zanthoxylum schnifolium Sieb. et Zucc.(Rutaceae): This
plant has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of
the common cold, stomachache and diarrhea (51, 52). The
chemical composition of the essential oil was found by GC/MS
and 55 compounds were detected. The main constituents were
b-phellandrene (22.54%), citronellal (16.48%), and geranyl
acetate (11.39%). The oil and its constituents (
b-phellandrene,
citronellal and geranyl acetate) significantly suppressed gene
transcription of iNOS, the COX-2 gene, and biosynthesis of
IL-1
b by LPS-stimulated macrophage cells. This result suggests
that the essential oil may be useful to relief and retardation of
immunological inflammatory responses (53).
Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberaceae): This plant
is commonly known as “ginger.” It is used in folk medicine
to treat pain, inflammation, arthritis, urinary infections, and
gastrointestinal disorders. The ginger essential oil at doses of
50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o. significantly suppressed the acetic
acid-induced writhing response in a dose-dependent manner.
Maximum inhibition of the oil was observed at 200 mg/kg.
GEO was found to contain monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes
as principal compounds, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory
and analgesic effects could be correlated to these essential oil
constituents (54).
Zingiber zerumbet (L) Sm. (Zingiberaceae): It is locally
known as lempoyang or wild ginger. In traditional medicine
is used to cure swelling and loss of appetite. The juice of the
boiled rhizomes has also been used as a medicine for worm
and ascaris in children (55). The rhizomes’ essential oil was
evaluated in acute and chronic inflammatory models, using
carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced
granuloma, respectively; non-inflammatory-mediated pain was
also assessed using a formalin test. The oil exhibited significant
anti-inflammatory activity both in acute and chronic inflamma-
tion, and also had anti-nociceptive activity (56).
Zizyphus jujube Miller (Rhamanaceae): In traditional
medicine it is used in the treatment of diabetes and anti-fertility
(57, 58), diarrhea and insomnia. The anti-inflammatory activity
of the essential oil obtained from the seeds of Z .jujube was
evaluated on ear edema induced with TPA in mice. The treat-
ment with 1% and 10% of the essential oil caused significant
decreased in ear thicknesses. Furthermore, histological analysis
confirmed that this oil inhibited the inflammatory responses
of skin inflammation in mice (59).
Discussion
Inflammatory diseases are generally treated with steroidal
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (60). However, both
of them have significant negative side effects, reducing their
use in certain segments of the population (61). Hence, there
is a need to develop new drugs with novel modes of action
and fewer side effects. The use of herbal therapy or alterna-
tive medicine constituents is an attractive approach for the
treatment of several inflammatory disorders (62). Essential
oils are plant secondary metabolites that are used extensively
in aromatherapy and various traditional medicinal systems and
many of these oils possesses different pharmacological proper-
ties, one of which is the anti-inflammatory effects on several
different models of inflammation as shown in this review. A
large number of the essential oils contain various bioactive
compounds, some of which have potent anti-inflammatory
effect including carvacrol, limonene, citronellal, and cinnam-
aldehyde, among others.
The results presented in this report suggest the applica-
tions of essential oils or their components as anti-inflammatory
agents and might accelerate the development of new drugs for
different inflammatory diseases.
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