Beta-pinene

Revista Brasileira de Ciências Farmacêuticas, 2007, 43(1):121-126.

Inhibitory effect of beta-pinene, alpha-pinene and eugenol on the growth of potential infectious endocarditis causing Gram-positive bacteria.[Reference: WebLink]

This study was led with the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of eugenol, Beta-pinene and alpha-pinene in inhibiting the growth of potential infectious endocarditis causing gram-positive bacteria.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
The phytochemicals Minimum Inhibitory Concentration-MIC was determined by solid medium diffusion procedure, while the interference of the MIC values on the bacterial cell viability was performed by viable cells count. Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and S. pyogenes strains were used as test microorganisms. The assayed phytochemicals showed effectiveness in inhibiting all assayed bacteria strains presenting MIC values between 2.5 and 40 µL/mL. Eugenol showed the lowest MIC values which were between 2.5 and 5 µL/mL for the most bacteria strains. MIC values found to the phytochemicals were able to inhibit the cell viability of S. aureus providing a total elimination of the bacteria inoculum in a maximum time of 24 hours of exposure.
CONCLUSIONS:
These data showed the interesting antibacterial property of the assayed phytochemicals and support their possible and rational use in the antimicrobial therapy.

Iranian Journal of Microbiology, 2014, 6(3):149-155.

Antiviral activity of monoterpenes beta-pinene and limonene against herpes simplex virus in vitro.[Reference: WebLink]

Essential oils are complex mixtures containing compounds of several different functional- group classes. Depending on the structure, we can distinguish monoterpenes, phenylpropanes, and other components.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Here in this study two monoterpene compounds of essential oils, i.e. Beta-pinene and limonene were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. All antiviral assays were performed using RC-37 cells. Cytotoxicity was determined in a neutral red assay, antiviral assays were performed with HSV-1 strain KOS. The mode of antiviral action was evaluated at different periods during the viral replication cycle. Acyclovir was used as positive antiviral control. Beta-pinenene and limonenen reduced viral infectivity by 100 %. The mode of antiviral action has been determined, only moderate antiviral effects were revealed by monoterpenes when these drugs were added to host cells prior infection or after entry of HSV into cells. However, both monoterpenes exhibited high anti-HSV-1 activity by direct interaction with free virus particles. Both tested drugs interacted with HSV-1 in a dose-dependent manner thereby inactivating viral infection.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results suggest that monoterpenes in essential oils exhibit antiherpetic activity in the early phase of viral multiplication and might be used as potential antiviral agents.

Life Sci . 2015 May 1;128:24-9.

Linalool and β-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway[Pubmed: 25771248]

Abstract Aims: Linalool and β-pinene are two volatile monoterpenes that possess antidepressant-like activity. These are components of many aromatic plants used in folk medicine around the world to relieve anxiety and depression. In this contribution, we focused on examining the mechanism of action of these compounds. Main methods: We used mice in the forced swimming test (FST) and antagonist drugs (i.p.) to receptors related to the depression process such as 5-HT1A. To assess the possible contribution of the serotoninergic system, animals were pre-treated with WAY 100635 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist) and PCPA (a serotonin synthesis inhibitor).To assess the participation of the noradrenergic system, the animals were pre-treated with yohimbine (an α2 receptor antagonist), propranolol (a β receptor antagonist) and neurotoxin DSP-4 (a noradrenergic neurotoxin). In the dopaminergic system, we used SCH23390 (a D1 receptor antagonist). Key findings: WAY 100635 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of linalool and β-pinene. In contrast, pretreatment of mice with PCPA did not modify reductions in the immobility time elicited by the two monoterpenes. The yohimbine modified the effect of linalool on immobility time. Propranolol and neurotoxin DSP-4 reversed the anti-immobility effect of β-pinene; also, SCH23390 blocked the antidepressant-like effect of β-pinene. Significance: Our results indicate that linalool and β-pinene produce an antidepressant-like effect through interaction with the monoaminergic system.

Planta Medica, 2007, 73(12):1247-1254.

Antinociceptive Properties of 1,8-Cineole and β-Pinene, from the Essential Oil of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves, in Rodents.[Reference: WebLink]

METHODS AND RESULTS:
Reactions between ozone and alpha-pinene and Beta-pinene are examined to obtain quantitative yields of gaseous and particulate products. The gaseous products from alpha-pinene include CO, CO2, HCHO, and aldehydes composed of pinonaldehyde and nor-pinonaldehyde. The Beta-pinene gaseous products are CO2, HCHO, and 6,6-dimethylbicyclo(3.1.1)heptan-2-one. The average molar yields of these products are presented. The particulate products from alpha-pinene include pinonaldehyde, nor-pinonaldehyde, pinonic acid, and nor-pinonic acid.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results suggest the sequential oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids. From Beta-pinene, the only particulate product was 6,6-dimethylbicyclo(3.1.1)heptan-2-one. The emission rate of CO from the ozone reactions with terpenes is discussed.