Experiments concerning the mechanisms of action of essential oils

Author(s): Melzig, M., Villmann, E., Möritz, K.

Abstract: In spite of the great significance of essential oils in phytotherapy our knowledge of their mechanism of action is insufficient.Assuming that their lipophilic properties qualify them to interact with cellular membranes we tested their influence upon membrane controlled processes: the spontaneous pulsation of isolated heart cells, the carrier mediated uptake of adenosine by isolated cells and the activity of protein kinase C. In all cases essential oils were inhibitory already in low concentrations.For this reason and basing upon the knowledge of mechanisms of action of anesthetics we supposed that:- essential oils reaching cells in high concentrations evoke unspecific effects, in particular irritation, by destruction of cell membranes,- essential oils reaching cells in very low concentrations are according to the physiochemical properties and the molecular shape of their components integrated in special areas of cell membranes and evoke by influence on enzymes, carriers, ion channels and receptors localized in these areas specific effects.

Keyword(s): Essential oils

Zurück | Weiter