A Review on Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Monoterpenes

Abstract

Faced with the need to find new anti-inflammatory agents, great effort has been expended on the development of drugs for the treatment of inflammation. This disorder reduces the quality of life and overall average productivity, causing huge financial losses. In this review the anti-inflammatory activity of 32 bioactive monoterpenes found in essential oils is discussed. The data demonstrate the pharmacological potential of this group of natural chemicals to act as anti-inflammatory drugs.

Keywords

• monoterpenes
• essential oils
• natural products
• medicinal plants
• anti-inflammatory activity
• inflammation
• cytokines
• immunomodulatory activity
• asthma
• allergy