New insights into geraniol's antihemolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant potentials using a combined biological and in silico screening strategy

Geraniol Ameliorates Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy, Neuroinflammation, and Oxidative Stress via Modulating the GABAergic Tract: In vitro and in vivo studies

Introduction

Geraniol (Ger), a monoterpene, is a common constituent of several essential oils. This study explored the anticonvulsant effect of Ger in-vitro using nerve growth factor (NGF) prompted PC12 cell injured by Glutamate (Glu) and in-vivo using Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling through the GABAergic pathway.

Materials

To assess the effect of Ger on NGF prompted PC12 cells injured by Glu, Ger at concentrations of 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL was used. GABA, 5-HT, IL-1β, IL-4, and TNF-α levels and the gene expressions of GABAA-Rα1, NMDAR1, GAD 65, GAD 67, GAT 1 and GAT 3 were measured in NGF-induced PC12 cells treated with Ger (100, and 200 μg/mL). Mice were randomly separated into five groups. Normal and PTZ groups in which mice were injected with saline or PTZ, respectively. PTZ + Ger 100, PTZ + Ger 200 and PTZ + SV groups in which mice orally administered Ger or sodium valproate (SV), respectively, then injected with PTZ.

Results

Ger up to 400 μg/mL did not display any toxicity or injury in PC12 cells. Ger (100 to 200 μg/mL) reduced the injury induced by Glu, increased the gene expression of GABAA-Rα1, GAD65 and GAD67 and decreased GAT 1, GAT 3 and NMDAR1 expression in NGF-induced PC12 cells damaged by Glu. Ger (100 to 200 μg/mL) increased GABA and reduced TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-1β levels in NGF-induced PC12 cells injured by Glu. As for the in-vivo results, Ger increased GABA, GAD, GAT 1 and 3 and lowered GABA T. Ger mitigated MDA, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ, GFAP, caspase-3, and -9 levels and Bax gene expression and escalated GSH, SOD, catalase, BDNF and Bcl2 gene expression.

Conclusion

Ger reduced the oxidative stress status, neuroinflammation and apoptosis and activated GABAergic neurotransmission, which might clarify its anticonvulsant. Ger protects animals against PTZ prompted kindling as established by the enhancement in short term as well as long-term memory. Ger mitigated the injury induced by Glu in NGF prompted PC12 cell.

Lippia alba essential oil: A powerful and valuable antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory medicinal plant from Brazil

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In Brazilian popular medicine, Lippia alba leaves are used in teas to treat pain and inflammatory diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

to evaluate the chemical composition, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of Lippia alba essential oil and its major compound geraniol.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Lippia alba leaves were collected in Pará state, Brazil. The leaf essential oil was obtained using a modified Clevenger-type extractor. Then, the oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS analyses. To evaluate the toxicity of LaEO and geraniol, the doses of 50, 300, and 2000 mg/kg were used in a mouse model. For antinociception tests, abdominal contortion, hot plate, and formalin tests were used; all groups were treated with LaEO and geraniol at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; and to evaluate inflammation using the ear edema model.

RESULTS

The constituents identified in the highest content were oxygenated monoterpenes: geraniol (37.5%), geranial (6.7%) and neral (3.8%). The animals treated with LaEO and geraniol demonstrated atypical behaviors with aspects of lethargy and drowsiness, characteristics of animals in a state of sedation; the relative weights showed no significant difference compared to the controls. In the abdominal contortion test, LaEO at 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg doses, and 100 mg/kg reduced the number of contortions, representing a percentage reduction of 84.64%, 81.23%, and 66.21% respectively. In the hot plate test, LaEO and geraniol increased the latency time at doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg in all test periods; there was no statistical difference between LaEO and geraniol. In the first phase of the formalin test, only doses of 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg of LaEO showed significant activity, reducing the latency time by 53.40% and 58.90%. LaEO at doses of 25 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg reduced the size of the edema, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory activity of 59.38% (25 mg/kg) and 50% (100 mg/kg).

CONCLUSION

Lippia alba essential oil and geraniol showed central/peripheral analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential and can be used as an alternative or complementary treatment to conventional drugs. More studies are needed to evaluate its action mechanisms and its analgesic effects.

Comprehensive analysis of malabar tamarind fruit rind total extract: HPTLC fingerprinting, in-silico exploration of its metabolites for SARS-cov-2 omicron spike protein, antibacterial and antidiabetic potentials with in vitro evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant activities

Malabar tamarind tropical fruit, scientifically known as Garcinia gummi-gutta, is indigenous to Southeast Asia. In this work, the total methanolic extract of the Malabar fruit rind was examined by HPTLC fingerprinting, with quantitative evaluation of the total phenolics and flavonoids. Library of previously reported natural metabolites was utilized to demonstrate their affinity for specific target sites, they were evaluated against Omicron SARS-CoV-2 mainly it's Spike Protein, bacterial tyrosinase, and antidiabetic targets such α-glucosidase, pancreatic lipase and also α-amylase enzymes. The molecular docking revealed that the Guttiferone R possessed the highest binding affinity toward the Omicron Spike Protein with a stable binding mode, -8.67 kcal/mol binding energy and a 1.07 Å RMSD value compared to reference, Azithromycin, which has -8.90 kcal/mol binding affinity and a 1.20 Å RMSD value. On the other hand, the identified polyphenolic compounds; Vitexin, Prunin, Naringin, Hinokiflavone, Kaempherol-3-O-rutinoside, Gallic acid, Naringenin, and Catechin, showed remarkable antidiabetic activity by strong inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase and notable activity against α-amylase compared with acarbose as reference. According to antibacterial activity, the identified compounds showed low affinity with weak activity against screened bacterial strains. In-vitro evaluation of Tamarind antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials, it exhibited a free radical-scavenging potential with 71.75 % retardation and α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase inhibitor activities with an IC50 of 391.3 ± 26.27, 95.03 ± 0.03 and 0.01043 ± 0.0004 μg/mL, respectively that emphasize the molecular docking study. The findings imply that Malabar tamarind fruit rind possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial and antiviral activities.

Monoterpene antifungal activities: evaluating geraniol, citronellal, and linalool on Candida biofilm, host inflammatory responses, and structure-activity relationships

Introduction: Despite the rising concern with fungal resistance, a myriad of molecules has yet to be explored. Geraniol, linalool, and citronellal are monoterpenes with the same molecular formula (C10H18O), however, neither the effect of these compounds on inflammatory axis induced by Candida spp. nor the antibiofilm Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) have been well-investigated. Herein we analyzed geraniol, linalool and citronellal antifungal activity, cytotoxicity, and distinctive antibiofilm SAR, also the influence of geraniol on Candida spp induced dysregulated inflammatory axis, and in vivo toxicity. Methods: Minimal inhibitory (MIC) and fungicidal (MFC) concentrations against Candida spp were defined, followed by antibiofilm activity (CFU-colony forming unit/mL/g of dry weight). Cytotoxic activity was assessed using human monocytes (THP-1) and oral squamous cell (TR146). Geraniol was selected for further analysis based on antifungal, antibiofilm and cytotoxic results. Geraniol was tested using a dual-chamber co-culture model with TR146 cells infected with C. albicans, and THP-1 cells, used to mimic oral epithelium upon fungal infection. Expression of Candida enzymes (phospholipase-PLB and aspartyl proteases-SAP) and host inflammatory cytokines (interleukins: IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, IL-10, and Tumor necrosis factor-TNF) were analyzed. Lastly, geraniol in vivo toxicity was assessed using Galleria mellonella. Results: MIC values obtained were 1.25-5 mM/mL for geraniol, 25-100 mM/mL for linalool, and 100-200 mM/mL for citronellal. Geraniol 5 and 50 mM/mL reduced yeast viability during biofilm analysis, only 500 mM/mL of linalool was effective against a 72 h biofilm and no biofilm activity was seen for citronellal. LD50 for TR146 and THP-1 were, respectively: geraniol 5.883 and 8.027 mM/mL; linalool 1.432 and 1.709 mM/mL; and citronellal 0.3006 and 0.1825 mM/mL. Geraniol was able to downregulate expression of fungal enzymes and host pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18. Finally, safety in vivo parameters were observed up to 20 mM/Kg. Discussion: Despite chemical similarities, geraniol presented better antifungal, antibiofilm activity, and lower cytotoxicity when compared to the other monoterpenes. It also showed low in vivo toxicity and capacity to downregulate the expression of fungal enzymes and host pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, it can be highlighted as a viable option for oral candidiasis treatment.

Synergism Between Essential Oils and Evaluation of Their Activities with a Focus on Malassezia furfur Control

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by Malassezia yeast species that affects the regions of the body where the sebaceous glands are present. The combined use of different essential oils (EOs) can increase their spectrum of action. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the action of EOs alone and in combination with each other on M. furfur, in planktonic and biofilm form, and their anti-inflammatory and mutagenic potential, in addition to the effects on the viability of cells lines. Of the 40 evaluated EOs, 22 showed activity against M. furfur at 0.5 - 2.0 mg/mL concentrations. Among the most active species, a blend of essential oils (BEOs) composed of Cymbopogon martini (Roxb.) Will. Watson (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL) and Mentha × piperita L. (MIC = 1.0 mg/mL) was selected, which showed a synergistic effect against yeast when evaluated through the checkerboard assay. The fungicidal activity was maintained by the addition of anti-inflammatory oil from Varronia curassavica Jacq. to BEOs. The BEOs also showed activity in the inhibition of biofilm formation and in the eradication of the biofilm formed by M. furfur, being superior to the action of fluconazole. Furthermore, it did not show mutagenic potential and did not interfere with the cell viability of both evaluated cell lines (HaCaT and BMDMs). TNF-α levels were reduced only by C. martini; however, this property was maintained when evaluating BEOs. BEOs had no effect on IL-8 levels. Thus, the BEOs may be indicated for alternative treatments against seborrheic dermatitis.

Chitosan-loaded piperlongumine nanoparticles and kaempferol enhance the anti-cancer action of doxorubicin in targeting of Ehrlich solid adenocarcinoma: in vivo and in silico modeling study

Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic drug that generates free radical-induced toxicities. Natural agents are used to potentiate or ameliorate the toxicity of chemotherapy. None of the studies investigating whether antioxidants or prooxidants should be used with chemotherapy have addressed their efficacy in the same study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential synergy between doxorubicin and two natural rarely in vivo studied anticancer agents; the antioxidant "Kaempferol" and prooxidant "Piperlongumine" in Ehrlich tumor mice model. 77 albino mice were divided into 11 groups; Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were injected intramuscularly to develop solid tumors. After 14 days, intratumoral injections of single or combinations of free or Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with doxorubicin, Piperlongumine, and Kaempferol were performed. Tumor Characterization of nanoparticles was measured, tumors were histopathologically examined and evaluation of expression for cancer-related genes by real-time PCR. In silico molecular docking was performed to uncover potential novel targets for Piperlongumine and Kaempferol. Despite receiving half of the overall dose compared to the free drugs, the combined doxorubicin/ piperlongumine-chitosan nanoparticles treatment was the most efficient in reducing tumor volume; down-regulating Cyclin D1, and BCL2; as well as the Beclin-1, and Cyclophilin A genes modulating growth, apoptosis, autophagy, and metastasis, respectively; up-regulating the Glutathione peroxidase expression as a defense mechanism protecting from oxidative damage. When combined with doxorubicin, Kaempferol and Piperlongumine were effective against Ehrlich solid tumors. However, the combination with the Piperlongumine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles significantly enhanced its anticancer effect compared to the Kaempferol or the same free compounds.

Pioglitazone attenuates tamoxifen-induced liver damage in rats via modulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and SIRT1/Notch1 signaling pathways: In-vivo investigations, and molecular docking analysis

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a chemotherapeutic drug widely utilized to treat breast cancer. On the other hand, it exerts deleterious cellular effects in clinical applications as an antineoplastic agent, such as liver damage and cirrhosis. TAM-induced hepatic toxicity is mainly attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Pioglitazone (PIO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist, is utilized to treat diabetes mellitus type-2. PIO has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in different tissues. This research assessed the impact of PIO against TAM-induced hepatic intoxication.

METHODS

Rats received PIO (10 mg/kg) and TAM (45 mg/kg) orally for 10 days.

RESULTS

TAM increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triggered several histopathological alterations, NF-κB p65, increased hepatic oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. PIO protects against TAM-induced liver dysfunction, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and pro-inflammatory markers along with improved hepatic antioxidants. Moreover, PIO, increased hepatic Bcl-2 expression while reducing Bax expression and caspase-3 levels. In addition, PIO decreased Keap-1, Notch1, and Hes-1 while upregulated HO-1, Nrf2, and SIRT1. Molecular docking showed the binding affinity of PIO for Keap-1, NF-κB, and SIRT1.

CONCLUSION

PIO mitigated TAM hepatotoxicity by decreasing apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The protecting ability of PIO was accompanied by reducing Keap-1 and NF-κB and regulating Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 and Sirt1/Notch1 signaling. A schematic diagram illustrating the protective effect of PIO against TAM hepatotoxicity. PIO prevented TAM-induced liver injury by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and SIRT1/Notch1 signaling and mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

A Review of the Relationship between the Immune Response, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and the Pathogenesis of Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia (SCD) is a life-threatening haematological disorder which is predominant in sub-Saharan Africa and is triggered by a genetic mutation of the β-chain haemoglobin gene resulting in the substitution of glutamic acid with valine. This mutation leads to the production of an abnormal haemoglobin molecule called haemoglobin S (HbS). When deoxygenated, haemoglobin S (HbS) polymerises and results in a sickle-shaped red blood cell which is rigid and has a significantly shortened life span. Various reports have shown a strong link between oxidative stress, inflammation, the immune response, and the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease. The consequence of these processes leads to the development of vasculopathy (disease of the blood vessels) and several other complications. The role of the immune system, particularly the innate immune system, in the pathogenesis of SCD has become increasingly clear in recent years of research; however, little is known about the roles of the adaptive immune system in this disease. This review examines the interaction between the immune system, inflammation, oxidative stress, blood transfusion, and their effects on the pathogenesis of sickle cell anaemia.

Potential Effects of Geraniol on Cancer and Inflammation-Related Diseases: A Review of the Recent Research Findings

Geraniol (GNL), a natural monoterpene, is found in many essential oils of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, including lavender, citronella, lemongrass, and other medicinal and aromatic plants. GNL is commonly used by the cosmetic and food industries and has shown a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. It represents a potential anti-inflammatory agent and a promising cancer chemopreventive agent, as it has been found to be effective against a broad range of cancers, including colon, prostate, breast, lung, skin, kidney, liver, and pancreatic cancer. Moreover, GNL scavenges free radicals and preserves the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, GNL induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, modulates multiple molecular targets, including p53 and STAT3, activates caspases, and modulates inflammation via transcriptional regulation. In the present study, different modes of action are described for GNL's activity against cancer and inflammatory diseases. This compound protects various antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase. Experiments using allergic encephalomyelitis, diabetes, asthma, and carcinogenesis models showed that GNL treatment had beneficial effects with low toxicity. GNL has been shown to be effective in animal models and tumor cell lines, but there have not been any clinical studies carried out for it. The aim of the present review is to provide updated data on the potential effects of GNL on cancer and inflammation, and to enhance our understanding of molecular targets, involved pathways, and the possible use of GNL for clinical studies and therapeutic purposes in the treatment of cancer and inflammation-related diseases.

Preparation and characterization of geraniol nanoemulsions and its antibacterial activity

Geraniol nanoemulsions (G-NE) based on Tween 80 and medium chain triglyceride (MCT) as surfactant and co-surfactant, respectively, has been prepared by the spontaneous emulsification method. Its physical and chemical properties such as mean particle size, zeta potential, PDI, pH, viscosity, contact angle, appearance morphology, and stability (storage stability, thermal stability, centrifugal properties, acid-base stability, and freeze-thaw properties) of the droplet were analyzed. The results showed that the mean particle size of G-NE was 90.33 ± 5.23 nm, the PDI was 0.058 ± 0.0007, the zeta potential was -17.95 ± 5.85 mV and the encapsulation efficiency was >90%. The produced G-NE has been demonstrated to be fairly stable in long-term storage at 4°C, pH = 5 and high-speed centrifuges. Moreover, G-NE had a significant inhibition effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes (p < 0.05). The bacterial inhibition rates of G-NE at a concentration of 1 MIC were 48, 99, 71.73, and 99% after 12 h of action against these four foodborne pathogenic bacteria, respectively. Therefore, the results obtained indicated that nanoemulsification enhanced the stability and antibacterial activity of geraniol to some extent, which will promote the utilization of geraniol in food preservation.