Estrous cycle affects the neurochemical and neurobehavioral profile of carvacrol-treated female rats

► Carvacrol induced a depressive-like phenotype in rats, depending on ovarian cyclicity. ► Carvacrol selectively reduced serotonin content in female rats in proestrus phase. ► Carvacrol reduced serotonin levels in areas belonging to the emotional circuit. ► Carvacrol reduced plasma estradiol levels only during the proestrus phase.