molecules Review Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Terpenes in Experimental Models (2010–2020): A Review Maria Elaine Araruna 1, Catarina Serafim 1, Edvaldo Alves Júnior 1, Clelia Hiruma-Lima 2, Margareth Diniz 1,3 and Leônia Batista 1,3,* 1 Postgraduate Program in Natural Products and Bioactive Synthetic, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil;
[email protected] (M.E.A.);
[email protected] (C.S.);
[email protected] (E.A.J.);
[email protected] (M.D.) 2 Department of Structural and Functional Biology (Physiology), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, SP, Brazil;
[email protected] 3 Department of Pharmacy, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +55-83-32167003; Fax: +55-83-32167502 Academic Editors: Maurizio Battino, Jesus Simal-Gandara and Esra Capanoglu Received: 8 September 2020; Accepted: 28 September 2020; Published: 20 November 2020 Abstract: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) refer to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, which mainly comprises Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBDs are characterized by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, are highly debilitating, and are without a definitive cure. Their pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated; however, it is assumed that genetic, immunological, and environmental factors are involved. People affected by IBDs have relapses, and therapeutic regimens are not always able to keep symptoms in remission over the long term. Natural products emerge as an alternative for the development of new drugs; bioactive compounds are promising in the treatment of several disorders, among them those that affect the gastrointestinal tract, due to their wide structural diversity and biological activities.