Mario Domenico Luigi Moretti

Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils

Linalool and linalyl acetate are the principal components of many essential oils known to possess several biological activities, attributable to these monoterpene compounds. In this work, we evaluated individually the anti-inflammatory properties of (-) linalool, that is, the natural occurring enantiomer, and its racemate form, present in various amounts in distilled or extracted essential oils. Because in the linalool-containing essential oils, linalyl acetate, is frequently present, we also examined the anti-inflammatory action of this monoterpene ester. Carrageenin-induced edema in rats was used as a model of inflammation. The experimental data indicate that both the pure enantiomer and its racemate induced, after systemic administration, a reduction of edema. Moreover, the pure enantiomer, at a dose of 25 mg/kg, elicited a delayed and more prolonged effect, while the racemate form induced a significant reduction of the edema only one hour after carrageenin administration. At higher doses, no differences were observed between the (-) enantiomer and the racemate; a further increase in the dose of both forms did not result in an increased effect at any time of observation. The effects of equi-molar doses of linalyl acetate on local edema were less relevant and more delayed than that of the corresponding alcohol. These finding suggest a typical pro-drug behavior of linalyl acetate. The results obtained indicate that linalool and the corresponding acetate play a major role in the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by the essential oils containing them, and provide further evidence suggesting that linalool and linalyl acetate-producing species are potentially anti-inflammatory agents.

Linalool produces antinociception in two experimental models of pain

Linalool is a monoterpene compound commonly found as a major component of the essential oils of several aromatic plant species, many of which are used in traditional medical systems as analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedies. We previously reported that (-)-linalool, the natural occurring enantiomer, plays a major role in the anti-inflammatory activity displayed by different essential oils, suggesting that linalool-producing species are potentially anti-inflammatory agents. In this study, the antinociceptive activity of (-)-linalool was examined in two different pain models in mice: the acetic acid-induced writhing response, a model of inflammatory pain, and the hot plate test, a model of supraspinal analgesia. Moreover, the effect of (-)-linalool on spontaneous locomotor activity (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg) was evaluated. The results show that this compound induced a significant reduction of the acid-induced writhing at doses ranging from 25 to 75 mg/kg. Such effect was completely reversed both by the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone and by the unselective muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine. In the hot plate test, only the dose of 100 mg/kg of (-)-linalool resulted in a significant effect. (-)-Linalool induced a dose dependent increase of motility effects, thus ruling out the confounding influence of a possible sedative effect. The more pronounced effect of (-)-linalool on the writhing test with respect to the hot plate test is consistent with the observation that (-)-linalool possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, the activation of opioidergic and cholinergic systems appears to play a crucial role in (-)-linalool-induced antinociception.

Essential oil formulations useful as a new tool for insect pest control.

This study investigated the effects of some essential oils onLimantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantridae, gypsy moth) larvae, one of the most serious pests of cork oak forests. The essential oils were first formulated as oil in water (o/w) emulsions and used in laboratory bioassays to assess their lethal concentration (LC50). Microcapsules containing the most promising, oils (Rosmarinus officinalis andThymus herba-barona) were then prepared by a phase separation process, followed by freeze-drying. The formulations thus obtained, characterized in terms of essential oil content and composition, morphology, storage stability, and release profile, were tested on gypsy moth larvae. The results showed that the tested oils possess interesting larvicidal effects that make them suitable for application in integrated control strategies. The microencapsulation process gave high encapsulation yields (over 98%) with both essential oils, which have different chemical compositions. The microcapsules had toxic effects at a concentration similar to that usually employed for localized treatments with microgranular synthetic pesticides. Toxicity appeared to be maximized when the microparticles adhered to the typical hair structures of several defoliator families. These formulations seem to be able to protect the core material against environmental agents and could be considered for use in controlled drug release systems. The natural active principles they contain could provide an alternative system in insect pest control.

Evaluation of alginate compressed matrices as prolonged drug delivery systems

This research investigated the use of sodium alginate for the preparation of hydrophylic matrix tablets intended for prolonged drug release using ketoprofen as a model drug. The matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression using sodium alginate, calcium gluconate, and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) in different combinations and ratios. In vitro release tests and erosion studies of the matrix tablets were carried out in USP phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Matrices consisting of sodium alginate alone or in combination with 10% and 20% of HPMC give a prolonged drug release at a fairly constant rate. Incorporation of different ratios of calcium gluconate leads to an enhancement of the release rate from the matrices and to the loss of the constant release rate of the drug. Only the matrices containing the highest quantity of HPMC (20%) maintained their capacity to release ketoprofen for a prolonged time.

Spray-dried microspheres containing ketoprofen formulated into capsules and tablets

In this study, microspheres were prepared by a spray-drying technique using solutions of ketoprofen and two polymers, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and hydroypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), in different weight ratios. Different total concentrations were used in the feed solutions: 3, 6 and 9% w/v. The spray-dried microparticles were characterized in terms of shape (SEM), size (light scattering method), production yield and encapsulation efficiency. They were formulated into capsules; tablets were prepared by direct compression of the microparticles mixed with maltose and, in some cases, hydroypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). In vitro release studies were performed both at acidic and neutral pHs. The spray-drying process of solutions of ketoprofen with polymeric blends of cellulose derivatives leads to microparticles which, depending on their final formulation (capsules or tablets), can give a rapid or prolonged drug release. The formulations here described can be proposed for the oral administration of NSAIDs.In this study, microspheres were prepared by a spray-drying technique using solutions of ketoprofen and two polymers, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) and hydroypropylmethylcellulose phthalate (HPMCP), in different weight ratios. Different total concentrations were used in the feed solutions: 3, 6 and 9% w/v. The spray-dried microparticles were characterized in terms of shape (SEM), size (light scattering method), production yield and encapsulation efficiency. They were formulated into capsules; tablets were prepared by direct compression of the microparticles mixed with maltose and, in some cases, hydroypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC). In vitro release studies were performed both at acidic and neutral pHs. The spray-drying process of solutions of ketoprofen with polymeric blends of cellulose derivatives leads to microparticles which, depending on their final formulation (capsules or tablets), can give a rapid or prolonged drug release. The formulations here described can be proposed for the oral administration of NSAIDs.

A Study on Anti-Inflammatory and Peripheral Analgesic Action of Salvia sclarea Oil and Its Main Components

Abstract Activity against the acute inflammatory process induced by carrageenin and histamine in rats and the anti-nociceptive effect in mice were investigated after administration of Salvia sclarea oil and some of its constituents. The oil showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect and moderate analgesic action after subcutaneous injection at a dose of 250 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory action was more conspicuous in the carrageenin-induced edema, where it produced the equivalent effect of a 5 mg/kg dose of indomethacin, than in the histamine-induced edema. The effect was correlated to the presence of methyl chavicol, linalool, α-terpineol and linalyl acetate. The results show that these constituents produce less anti-inflammatory action when administered separately than the oil in toto, and are also less effective than the oxygenated fractions obtained by Flash chromatography of the oil. This indicates that the action of the oil is determined by synergistic action of its constituents. The moderate peri...

Activity of the Oil of Salvia officinalis L. Against Botrytis cinerea

ABSTRACT The action of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil, of its hydrocarbon and oxygenated fractions, and of its main components, α- and β-thujone, 1,8-cineole and camphor, were tested on a strain of Botrytis cinerea Pers. a chrysanthemum pathogen (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat) and compared with the action of two synthetic plant fungicides, iprodione and benomyl, on the same fungus. The essential oil, its oxygenated fraction and the camphor showed fungicidal activity in doses of 2.2, 1.85 and 1.75 g/L respectively. The hydrocarbon fraction, the α- and β-thujone and the 1,8-cineole had no significant effect on the test organism. Iprodione had only a fungistatic action and benomyl was unable to completely inhibit the growth of die fungus, even at maximum doses.

In vitro permeation through porcine buccal mucosa of Salvia desoleana Atzei & Picci essential oil from topical formulations

In the light of recent studies, which have shown that the essential oil derived from some Lamiaceae species has appreciable anti-inflammatory activity, moderate anti-microbial action and the ability to inhibit induced hyperalgesia, an assessment of the diffusion and permeation of Salvia desoleana Atzei & Picci (S. desoleana) essential oil through porcine buccal mucosa was considered useful for a possible application in the stomatological field. Topical formulations (microemulsions, hydrogels and microemulsion-hydrogels) were prepared for application to the buccal mucosa. The mucosa permeation of the oil from the formulations was evaluated using Franz cells, with porcine buccal mucosa as septum between the formulations (donor compartment) and the receptor phase chambers. The study also aimed at optimising the permeability of the S. desoleana essential oil by means of an enhancer, the diethylene glycol monoethyl ether Transcutol. The diffusion of the oil through the membrane was determined by evaluating the amount of essential oil components present in the receiving solution, the flux and the permeation coefficient (at the steady state) in the different formulations at set intervals. Qualitative and quantitative determinations were done by gas chromatographic analysis. All the formulations allow a high permeability coefficient in comparison with the pure essential oil. In particular, the components with a terpenic structure (beta-pinene, cineole, alpha-terpineol and linalool) have the highest capacity to pass through the porcine buccal mucosa when compared to the other components (linalyl acetate and alpha-terpinil acetate). Moreover, the enhancer, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether largely increases the permeation of the essential oil components in relation to the concentration.

Pharmacological activities and applications of Salvia sclarea and Salvia desoleana essential oils

Abstract Pharmacological properties of S. sclarea and S. desoleana oils are discussed in relation to their chemical composition. After systemic administration, these oils had a depressant action on the CNS in mice and a hydrocholeretic effect in rats. Otherstudies demonstrated also a good anti-inflammatory activity in rats as well as a peripheral analgesic action in mice. These essential oils possess invitro antimicrobial properties against some humanpathogen strains and their activity is comparable to S. officinalis oil, well known for its antiseptic properties. In vitro studies carried out on mucoadhesive preparations showed the ability of the oil components to permeate the oral mucous. This could be of interest in the treatment of humaninflammatory diseases of mucous tissues, frequently associated with microbial infections. These oils are also able to inhibit the growth of some phytopathogenic fungi and could therefore be useful in the agronomic field as an alternative to synthetic compounds, with a view to reducing environmental pollution. Some biological effects were correlated with the chemical composition and the kind of the formulations utilized in order to examine some possible applications of these oils in human medicine. All pharmacological activities seem to be attributable to the content of some oxygenated compounds, like alcohols (mainly linalool and alpha-terpineol) and esters (linalyl and alpha-terpinyl acetate). Experimental observations point the hypothesis of a synergic action between the different components, even if the oils in toto were more active than their fractions or single components.

Effect of vehicle on diclofenac sodium permeation from new topical formulations: in vitro and in vivo studies.

In this study the effect of vehicle on in vitro diffusion of diclofenac sodium (DS) from new different formulations such as Carbopol gel (A), Sodium lauryl sulphate cream (B) and Carbopol cream (C) was evaluated with Franz diffusion cells using hydrophilic and hydrophobic synthetic membranes. The commercial formulation Voltaren Emulgel was used as reference. Furthermore, the in vivo efficacy of topical formulations was studied in the carrageenan-induced edema and hyperalgesia, whereas the antinociceptive effect was evaluated on thermal pain threshold in rat paw. The flux of DS across hydrophilic membranes showed this rank order: Control approximately equal to C > A approximately equal to B. On the other hand, the diffusion rate of DS across hydrophobic membranes resulted in the following order: Control > B > A approximately equal to C; this suggested a lower interaction between the vehicles and these membranes. The in vivo results indicated that the prepared formulations failed in the inflammatory tests to reduce the development of edema. Nevertheless, treatment with B formulation inhibited the development of acute hyperalgesia induced by carrageenan, and elicited a significant increase in paw withdrawal latencies whereas other formulations were ineffective. The results obtained in this study suggest that Sodium lauryl sulphate cream might be useful in local pain conditions and may be an effective alternative to the presently used systemic routes.