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. 2021 Dec 16;26(24):7632. doi: 10.3390/molecules26247632

Table 2.

Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes present in Lamiaceae with biological activity and their molecular targets explored in pain and inflammation.

Compound Structure Mechanism of Action References
β-pinene graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i001.jpg Decreased expression of IL-6, TNF-α, NO, iNOS and COX-2.
Down-regulation of MAPKs phosphorylation and the NF-κB signaling pathway		 [127]
Inhibition of COX-2 enzyme expression [128]
Limonene graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i002.jpg Reduction in leukocyte infiltration and TNF-α levels. [129]
Decreased production of NO, PGE2 and Pro-inflammatory cytokines [130]
Linalool graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i003.jpg Inhibition of pro-inflammatory interleukins and modulation of NMDA glutamatergic receptor. [131]
Reduction in oxidative stress and inflammation (NF-kB). [132]
Activation of opioid and muscarinic receptors [133]
Myrcene graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i004.jpg Activation of opioid receptors and presynaptic α2 adrenoreceptor. [134]
Inhibition of IL-1β-induced NO production
Increased expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-3.		 [135]
p-cymene graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i005.jpg Reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, the migration of leukocytes, and the release of NO. Activation of opioid receptors. [136]
Reduced the calcium current density. [137]
Thymol graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i006.jpg Voltage-operated sodium channel blocker [138]
TRPA1 channel presynaptic activation [139]
Carvacrol graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i007.jpg Inhibition of expression TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6
Reduced the expression of NF-kB		 [140]
Modulation of opioid, vanilloid and glutamate systems [141]
α-humulene graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i008.jpg Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and PGE2 generation.
Decreased expression of iNOS and COX-2.
Inhibition of Il-5, CCL11 and LTB4 levels and P-selectin expression.		 [142]
[143]
β-caryophyllene graphic file with name molecules-26-07632-i009.jpg Cannabinoid receptor type 2 agonist.
Attenuation of Substance P and cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6.		 [144]
Agonist to opioid, benzodiazepine, 5HT1A receptors and NO. [145]

Abbreviations: COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; IL-: Interleukin-; iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; LTB4: Leukotriene B4; MAPKs: Mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-kB: Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells; NMDA: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor; NO: Nitric oxide; PGE2: Prostaglandin E2; TIMP-: Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-; TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha; TRPA1: Transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily A, member 1.