Appetite-Enhancing Effects of Curry Oil

Biol Pharm Bull. 2016;39(9):1559-63. doi: 10.1248/bpb.b16-00351.

Abstract

Inhalation of scent compounds with phenylpropanoidal structures, such as trans-cinnamaldehyde, is expected to increase the appetite. The scent of curry powder is well known for its appetite-enhancing effect on humans. In this work, we show that the appetite of mice after inhalation of curry powder essential oil or benzylacetone showed a similar increase. The components of curry oil, trans-cinnamaldehyde, trans-anethole, and eugenol, each showed appetite-enhancing effects; therefore, these three scent compounds may be the active compounds in curry powder oil.

MeSH terms

  • Acrolein / analogs & derivatives*
  • Acrolein / analysis
  • Acrolein / pharmacology
  • Allylbenzene Derivatives
  • Animals
  • Anisoles / analysis
  • Anisoles / pharmacology*
  • Appetite / drug effects
  • Appetite Stimulants / analysis
  • Appetite Stimulants / pharmacology*
  • Eugenol / analysis
  • Eugenol / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Oils, Volatile / chemistry
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology*
  • Spices*
  • Zingiber officinale*

Substances

  • Allylbenzene Derivatives
  • Anisoles
  • Appetite Stimulants
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Eugenol
  • Acrolein
  • anethole
  • cinnamaldehyde