PinetoninaTM, an Intranasally Administered Essential Oil Preparation, Is Effective in Decrease of Cortisol Levels and on the Glutamate Release Modulation

Background: Most anxiety complaints are treated with pharmacological measures involving barbiturates and benzodiazepines, in which they may end up causing tolerance and pharmacological dependence. Integrative approaches such as aromatherapy are used in addition to medications to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Thus, PinetoninTM, a phytocomplex obtained from a blend of essential oils aims to aid in the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Methods: The cytotoxicity of PinetoninTM was evaluated MTT assay using fibroblasts and astrocytes showed reduction in the cell viability only at high concentrations. Evaluation of intracellular calcium and determination of residual glutamate in the supernatant of astrocyte cultures showed agonist action of dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) increasing linearly the concentration of intracellular calcium and the glutamate levels in the supernatants of the cultures. On the other hand, cultures of astrocytes treated with PinetoninTM showed residual glutamate levels in the supernatants reducing proportionally, as well as, intracellular calcium reduction. The determination of salivary cortisol showed a significant reduction in salivary cortisol levels in the group that received PinetoninTM. The evaluation of the electroencephalogram in patients treated with PinetoninTM had a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the frequency (Hz) of the alpha and beta waves. Results: A reduction in dose-dependent cell viability was observed when compared to cultures of PinetoninTM treated fibroblasts with control culture. When PinetoninTM and linole are administered in astrocytic cells, there was a reduction of the intracellular concentration of Ca2+ against a control group treated with DHPG agonist. The evaluation of salivary cortisol demonstrated a reduction when the patient group was treated with PinetoninTM by purchasing the results against the group of patients treated with saline. Reinforcing the relaxed state of that group, alpha waves have been increased and reductions in beta waves. Conclusion: The results obtained after intranasal administration of PinetoninTM suggest that this phytocomplex can help reduce the symptoms of stress and the better quality of life.