Kate Levenberg*, Wade Edris, Martha Levine and Daniel R. George Pages 5128 - 5133 ( 6 )
Epidemiologic studies suggest that the lifetime prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorders ranges from 2.8 to 6.5 percent of the population. To decrease morbidity and mortality associated with disease progression, pharmacologic intervention is indicated for the majority of these patients. While a number of effective treatment regimens exist, many conventional medications have significant side effect profiles that adversely impact patients’ short and long-term well-being. It is thus important to continue advancing and improving therapeutic options available to patients. This paper reviews the limitations of current treatments and examines the chemical compound Linalool, an alcohol found in many plant species, that may serve as an effective mood stabilizer. While relatively little is known about Linalool and bipolar disorder, the compound has been shown to have antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anti-depressive, and neurotrophic effects, with mechanisms that are comparable to current bipolar disorder treatment options.
Bipolar disorder, Linalool, neurotherapeutics, anti-epileptic, drug development, plant-based medicine.
College of Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, State College, Hershey, Department of Medicine, Penn State University College of Medicine, State College, Hershey, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Department of Pediatrics, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey