Pharmacological effects of the monoterpene alpha,beta-epoxy-carvone in mice

The monoterpene a,b-epoxy-carvone (EC) in doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg injected by i.p. route in mice caused a significant decrease in the motor activity of animals when compared with the control group, up to 120 minutes after the administration. The doses of 300 or 400 mg/kg had induced a significant increase of in the sleeping time of animals not having modified, however, the latency. The EC in the dose of 400 mg/kg reduced the remaining time of the animals on the rotating rod (Rotarod test). These results suggest a possible central effect.