Purpose of Review Carvone, a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic application. This review consolidates recent findings on the pharmacological activities of carvone, focusing particularly on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, and anticancer properties. In addition, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects and provided a comprehensive perspective on its potential clinical applications. Recent Findings Carvone is a major component of essential oils derived from various plant species, including Mentha, Origanum, Rosmarinus, and Thymus spp. It exists in two enantiomeric forms, S(+)-carvone and R(-)-carvone, which share similar physicochemical properties but differ in their biological activities. Carvone demonstrates diverse pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, and anticancer effects, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications. Studies have highlighted the antimicrobial efficacy of carvone against bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. It also demonstrated biofilm-disrupting activity, improving its effectiveness in infection control. Furthermore, carvone exhibits neuroprotective effects under conditions such as seizures, depression, and sedation. It modulates glucose metabolism, inhibits obesity-related metabolic disorders, and exerts protective effects against chronic stress-induced liver damage. Notably, carvone has demonstrated anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting tumor invasion in cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 (breast cancer), A-549 (lung cancer), and KMS-5 (myeloma). Summary The extensive pharmacological activities of carvone, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties, make it a promising candidate for therapeutic applications. However, despite its potential, major research gaps remain in the understanding of the precise mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety in long-term clinical use. Further in-depth preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to determine optimal dosages, formulations, and delivery methods. Additionally, investigation of its synergistic effects with existing drugs could enhance its efficacy and therapeutic scope. Future research should focus on translating these findings into a clinical setting to develop novel carvone-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer.

Carvone: A Bioactive Monoterpene with Diverse Pharmacological Applications

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年3月25日

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Rabia Anjum,
Chand Raza

摘要

Purpose of Review

Carvone, a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic application. This review consolidates recent findings on the pharmacological activities of carvone, focusing particularly on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, and anticancer properties. In addition, we elucidated the mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects and provided a comprehensive perspective on its potential clinical applications.

Recent Findings

Carvone is a major component of essential oils derived from various plant species, including Mentha, Origanum, Rosmarinus, and Thymus spp. It exists in two enantiomeric forms, S(+)-carvone and R(-)-carvone, which share similar physicochemical properties but differ in their biological activities. Carvone demonstrates diverse pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, and anticancer effects, highlighting its potential for therapeutic applications. Studies have highlighted the antimicrobial efficacy of carvone against bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fungal pathogens, such as Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. It also demonstrated biofilm-disrupting activity, improving its effectiveness in infection control. Furthermore, carvone exhibits neuroprotective effects under conditions such as seizures, depression, and sedation. It modulates glucose metabolism, inhibits obesity-related metabolic disorders, and exerts protective effects against chronic stress-induced liver damage. Notably, carvone has demonstrated anticancer properties by inducing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting tumor invasion in cancer cell lines such as MCF-7 (breast cancer), A-549 (lung cancer), and KMS-5 (myeloma).

Summary

The extensive pharmacological activities of carvone, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties, make it a promising candidate for therapeutic applications. However, despite its potential, major research gaps remain in the understanding of the precise mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety in long-term clinical use. Further in-depth preclinical and clinical studies are necessary to determine optimal dosages, formulations, and delivery methods. Additionally, investigation of its synergistic effects with existing drugs could enhance its efficacy and therapeutic scope. Future research should focus on translating these findings into a clinical setting to develop novel carvone-based therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic diseases, and cancer.