(R)-(+)-Pulegone

(R)-(+)-Pulegone is a monoterpene that has been found in a variety of plants, including Labiatae species and M. verticillata, and has anti-inflammatory activity. It stimulates proliferation of lymphocytes derived from allergic patients in vitro when used at concentrations of 6.2 and 62 µg/ml and reduces the level of IL-13 in supernatant from lymphocyte cultures when used at a concentration of 62 µg/ml. (R)-(+)-Pulegone decreases scratching behavior and reduces skin thickness in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis when administered topically at doses ranging from 0.1 to 10 µM. It also decreases serum IgE levels and skin protein levels of nerve growth factor, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, phosphorylated ERK1/2, and phosphorylated JNK.