(-)-Carveol ((-)-Carveol, mixture of isomers), mixture of isomers is a monocyclic monoterpenic alcohol, present in essential oils of plant species such as Cymbopogon giganteus, Illicium pachyphyllum and in spices such as Carum carvi (cumin).

(-)-Carveol exhibited a significant vasorelaxant effect on KCl and 5-HT-induced contractions, obtaining EC50 values of 344.25 ± 8.4 and 175.82 ± 4.05 μM, respectively. The participation of calcium channels in the relaxation produced by (-)-carveol was analyzed using vessels pre-incubated with (-)-carveol (2000 μM) in a calcium-free medium, where the induction of contractions was abolished. The vasorelaxant effect of (-)-carveol on HUAs was reduced by tetraethylammonium (TEA), which increased the (-)-carveol EC50 to 484.87 ± 6.55 μM. The present study revealed that (-)-carveol possesses a vasorelaxant activity in HUAs, which was dependent on the opening of calcium and potassium channels[1].

(-)-Carveol has low toxicity, with a lethal dose 50% (LD50) equal to or greater than 2,500 mg/kg according to OECD guide no 423. In all gastric ulcer induction methods evaluated, (-)-Carveol (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion in comparison with the respective control groups. In the experimental protocol of pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulcer, (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) reduced (p < 0.001) the volume of gastric secretion in both routes (oral and intraduodenal). The previous administration of blockers NEM (sulfhydryl groups blocker), L-NAME (nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor), glibenclamide (KATP channel blocker) and indomethacin (cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor), significantly reduced the gastroprotection exercised by (-)-Carveol, suggesting the participation of these pathways in its gastroprotective activity. In addition, treatment with (-)-Carveol (100 mg/kg) increased (p < 0.001) mucus adhered to the gastric wall. Treatment also increased (p < 0.001) levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced (p < 0.001) malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels[2].