What Is the Medical Value of Monoterpene Compounds?

Monoterpene compounds are natural substances with multiple biological activities, showing multiple functions such as anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and neuroprotective.

Anti-tumor: Monoterpene compounds can inhibit various tumors through various mechanisms, such as inhibiting the proliferation of tumor cells, inducing cell apoptosis and regulating the cell cycle.

Antioxidant: These compounds have obvious antioxidant ability and can effectively remove free radicals in the body, thereby protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Antibacterial: Monoterpene compounds have inhibitory effects on a variety of bacteria and fungi and can be used to treat related bacterial and fungal infections.

Anti-inflammatory: They can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, reduce inflammatory reactions, and show good anti-inflammatory properties.

Analgesic: Monoterpene compounds can effectively relieve pain by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters.

Neuroprotective: These compounds can protect nerve cells from damage by inhibiting the apoptosis of nerve cells and improving energy metabolism.

In essential oils, monoterpene is an important class of compounds. They have a small and light molecular structure, are easy to volatilize and flow, and therefore have a strong aroma. However, they are also prone to oxidation, especially essential oils with high limonene content, and have a relatively short shelf life. Essential oils rich in monoterpenes include grapefruit, black pepper, cypress, etc. These essential oils may be irritating to the skin, especially after oxidation.

In contrast, sesquiterpenes are relatively rare in essential oils. Their molecules are larger and heavier, so they are more stable and have a relatively long shelf life. This type of compound is mainly extracted from the wood and roots of Asteraceae plants and has a psychological "landing" and balancing effect. Essential oils rich in sesquiterpenes include Virginia cedar, juniper, etc.

In addition, terpene alcohols are also an important class of ingredients in essential oils. They are widely present in various essential oils, have disinfection and analgesic effects, and are very useful compounds in aromatherapy. Essential oils rich in alcohols include catnip, basil, coriander, etc. These essential oils are widely tolerated and have a pleasant aroma.

Finally, we also need to pay attention to the phenolic components in essential oils. These components have multiple biological activities such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and play an important role in aromatherapy. However, due to the complexity and diversity of phenolic components, their specific functions and mechanisms of action need further study.

It should be noted that the mechanism of action and biological activity of Monoterpene compounds are relatively complex, and the effects of different compounds may vary, so the doctor's advice should be followed when using them.