Wojtunik-Kulesza, KarolinaRudkowska, MonikaKlimek, KatarzynaMołdoch, JarosławAgacka-Mołdoch, MonikaBudzyńska, BarbaraOniszczuk, Anna2024-09-162024-09-162024Wojtunik-Kulesza, K.A.; Rudkowska, M.; Klimek, K.; Mołdoch, J.; Agacka-Mołdoch, M.; Budzyńska, B.; Oniszczuk, A. S-(+)-Carvone, a Monoterpene with Potential Anti-Neurodegenerative Activity—In Vitro, In Vivo and Ex Vivo Studies. Molecules 2024, 29, 4365. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules291843651420-304910.3390/molecules29184365https://bc.iung.pl/handle/123456789/1841Carvone, a natural monoterpene, has been identified in various plants, giving them a characteristic scent. Enantiomers (R-(–) and S-(+)) reveal specific biological activities that are successfully used in traditional medicine for their antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-influenza properties. The presented paper is based on S-(+)-carvone, characterized by a specific caraway scent, which revealed rich biological activities both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the potential anti-neurodegenerative activity of S-(+)-carvone, including in vitro experiments (butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory, neuro- and hepatotoxicity as well as neuro- and hepatoprotective activity), in vivo (memory acquisition, locomotor activity), and ex vivo (determination of S-(+)-carvone’s level in tissues collected from mice). Results revealed the multidirectional character of S-(+)-carvone. It has been shown that S-(+)-carvone is capable of butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (40% for 0.025 mg applied onto the plate), and neuroprotection and hepatoprotection at selective concentrations against reactive oxygen species generation and lipid peroxidation along with nonhepatotoxicity character. Additionally, multiple-dose administration of the monoterpene at a dose of 100 mg/kg had a positive influence on memory acquisition. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the plasma and the brain showed that S-(+)-carvone can cross the blood–brain barrier and accumulate in the hippocampus (0.217 μg/mg of tissue), a crucial part of the brain associated with cognition and mental functions.en-USS-(+)-carvoneneurodegenerationlipid peroxidationROSpassive avoidancelocomotor activitybutyrylcholinesterasegas chromatography–mass spectrometryArticle