Plant Volatile Organic Compounds and Neuroregenerative Health

Abstract

Presently, neurological disorders form a major proportion of non-communicable diseases. Their incidence has increased due to several factors such as lifestyle changes, changes in dietary patterns, and increased psychological stress. Due to increase in awareness regarding these disorders by health-care professionals and general public, increasing number of cases are diagnosed with every passing year. This presents a challenge, especially in under-developed and developing countries, where the public health-care systems are not well established and penetration of health insurance cover is relatively much lower. Alternative medicine has traditionally been used in several cultures around the world to treat neurological problems. Essential oils and other plant volatiles have a long history of traditional use for ameliorating symptoms of neurological and psychological disorders. Essential oils of lavender, rose, lemon balm, etc. have shown good promise. Further, modern research has validated some of the claims with regard to relieving of neural and psychological issues by plant VOCs. Some of these have been shown to modulate key enzymes that are targets for depression therapy. In the present chapter we have presented an overview of above, and toward the end we have attempted to identify lacunas in this area which may help to formulate future research strategies.