Abstract
Cinnamomum osmophloeum ( tǔ ròu guì) ct. linalool is one of the chemotypes of the indigenous cinnamon in Taiwan. S-(+)-linalool is the major constituent of leaf essential oil (LEO) of C. osmophloeum ct. linalool. This study aimed to investigate its physiological effects including body weight changes, blood biochemical values, and histopathological changes in mice. The mice were treated with LEO, S-(+)-linalool, and R-(-)-linalool. Results demonstrated similar physiological changes in mice treated with LEO and S-(+)-linalool, but significantly different effects in the body weight, TG, TC and blood glucose of R-(-)-linalool group. S-(+)-linalool-treated mice gained less weight and had significant decrease in blood triglyceride levels. No histopathological changes were observed in livers, kidneys, and spleens of S-(+)-linalool-treated mice. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels between S-(+)-linalool-treated mice and the control group. In addition, LEO and S-(+)-linalool significantly inhibited lipid accumulation through down-regulation of 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. Taken together, the results show that LEO and S-(+)-linalool from C. osmophloeum ct. linalool can contribute to body weight management without harmful side effects.