Anti-inflammatory effects of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) improve glucocorticoid effects in vitro: A novel approach of steroid-sparing add-on therapy for COPD and asthma?

The impact of cineole treatment timing on common cold duration and symptoms: Non-randomized exploratory clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Common cold (CC) symptoms arise from an inflammatory response treatable with cineole and generally peak within two days, which complicates research implementation. We therefore explored the benefits of early cineole administration with enrolment of participants prior to CC onset.

METHODS

Out of 522 adults enrolled in our phase IV, open-label, non-randomized, exploratory clinical trial (EudraCT No. 2020-000860-51), 329 developed a CC and used 200 mg cineole (Soledum®, CNL-1976) t.i.d. for max. 15 (± 2) days. Primary endpoint was burden of disease based on the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey (WURSS-11).

RESULTS

Comparing three strata based on time to treatment (≤ 12 h, > 12 to ≤ 24 h and > 24 h), earliest treatment resulted in lowest AUC-WURSS (Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.36) and reduced the overall burden of disease by 38% (p < 0.0001). Earlier and lower symptom severity peak resulted, with shorter time to remission (average 8.9 vs. 10.7 days with latest treatment initiation, p < 0.05), and higher and faster recovering quality of life (p < 0.05). Tolerability was mostly rated as "very good", with adverse events of suspected causal relationship reported in 4.3% of participants.

CONCLUSIONS

Early intervention shows clinical benefits relevant for the effective treatment of CC with cineole.

Role of thioredoxin in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a promising future target

INTRODUCTION

Thioredoxin (Trx) is a secretory protein that acts as an antioxidant, redox regulator, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory molecule. It has been used to treat dermatitis and inflammation of the digestive tract. In the lungs, Trx has a significant anti-inflammatory impact. On the other hand, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the significant causes of death in the developed world, with a tremendous individual and socioeconomic impact. Despite new initiatives and endless treatment trials, COPD incidence and death will likely escalate in the coming decades.

AREAS COVERED

COPD is a chronic inflammatory disease impacting the airways, lung parenchyma, and pulmonary vasculature. Oxidative stress and protease-antiprotease imbalances are thought to be involved in the process. The most popular respiratory inflammatory and allergic disorders therapies are corticosteroids and β-receptor agonists. These medications are helpful but have some drawbacks, such as infection and immunosuppression; thus, addressing Trx signalling treatments may be a viable COPD treatment approach. This review shall cover the pathophysiology of COPD, the pharmacognosy of anti-COPD drugs, including the assets and liabilities of each, and the role and mechanism of Trx in COPD treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Limited research has targeted the thioredoxin system as an anti-COPD drug. Spectating the increase in the mortality rates of COPD, this review article would be an interesting one to research.

How to Naturally Support the Immune System in Inflammation-Essential Oils as Immune Boosters

Efficient functionality of the immune system is needed to fight against the development of infectious diseases, including, among others, serious recurrent chronic infections. Research has shown that many modern common diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases, e.g., thromboembolism, cancer, obesity, or depression, are connected with inflammatory processes. Therefore, new, good stimulators of the immune system's response are sought. They include synthetic compounds as well as biological preparations such as lipopolysaccharides, enzymes, bacterial metabolites, and secondary metabolites of plants, demonstrating a multidirectional effect. Essential oils are characterized by many invaluable activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating. Essential oils may stimulate the immune system via the utilization of their constituents, such as antibodies, cytokines, and dendritic cells. Some essential oils may stimulate the proliferation of immune-competent cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and B and T lymphocytes. This review is focused on the ability of essential oils to affect the immune system. It is also possible that essential oil components positively interact with recommended anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. Thus, there is a need to explore possible synergies between essential oils and their active ingredients for medical use.

Phytochemicals in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases: the journey from preclinical trials to clinical practice

Advances in biomedical research have demonstrated that inflammation and its related diseases are the greatest threat to public health. Inflammatory action is the pathological response of the body towards the external stimuli such as infections, environmental factors, and autoimmune conditions to reduce tissue damage and improve patient comfort. However, when detrimental signal-transduction pathways are activated and inflammatory mediators are released over an extended period of time, the inflammatory process continues and a mild but persistent pro-inflammatory state may develop. Numerous degenerative disorders and chronic health issues including arthritis, diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, among others, are associated with the emergence of a low-grade inflammatory state. Though, anti-inflammatory steroidal, as well as non-steroidal drugs, are extensively used against different inflammatory conditions, they show undesirable side effects upon long-term exposure, at times, leading to life-threatening consequences. Thus, drugs targeting chronic inflammation need to be developed to achieve better therapeutic management without or with a fewer side effects. Plants have been well known for their medicinal use for thousands of years due to their pharmacologically active phytochemicals belonging to diverse chemical classes with a number of these demonstrating potent anti-inflammatory activity. Some typical examples include colchicine (alkaloid), escin (triterpenoid saponin), capsaicin (methoxy phenol), bicyclol (lignan), borneol (monoterpene), and quercetin (flavonoid). These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular mechanisms that synergize the anti-inflammatory pathways such as increased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines or interfere with the inflammatory pathways such as to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other modulators to improve the underlying pathological condition. This review describes the anti-inflammatory properties of a number of biologically active compounds derived from medicinal plants, and their mechanisms of pharmacological intervention to alleviate inflammation-associated diseases. The emphasis is given to information on anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that have been evaluated at the preclinical and clinical levels. Recent trends and gaps in the development of phytochemical-based anti-inflammatory drugs have also been included.

Pharmacologic effects approach of essential oils and their components on respiratory diseases

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Essential oils (EOs) are concentrated hydrophobic liquids with volatility and a unique aroma. Formed by aromatic plants as secondary metabolites, EOs have been used as traditional medicines to treat various health problems worldwide. Historical records show that herbs rich in EOs have been widely used to treat respiratory diseases in China, Europe, and many other regions.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes the traditional applications and modern pharmacological mechanisms of EOs derived from aromatic herbs and their active ingredients in respiratory diseases in preclinical and clinical trials through multitarget synergy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information about EOs and respiratory diseases was collected from electronic databases, such as ScienceDirect, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI).

RESULTS

This review presents the preventive and therapeutic effects of EOs on respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchial asthma, acute lung injury, pulmonary infection, and pulmonary fibrosis. The molecular mechanisms of EOs in treating different lung diseases are summarized, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, mucolytic, and immune regulatory mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

EOs show potential as supplements or substitutes for treating lung diseases.

Advances in the Phytochemical Characterisation and Bioactivities of Salvia aurea L. Essential Oil

The Salvia L. genus (Lamiaceae) is largely used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. Several species of biological relevance are extensively employed in traditional medicine, including Salvia aurea L. (syn. S. africana-lutea L.), which is used as a traditional skin disinfectant and in wounds as a healing remedy; nevertheless, these properties have not been validated yet. The aim of the present study is to characterise S. aurea essential oil (EO), unveiling its chemical composition and validating its biological properties. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and subsequently analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Different biological activities were assessed: the antifungal effect on dermatophytes and yeasts and the anti-inflammatory potential by evaluating nitric oxide (NO) production and COX-2 and iNOS protein levels. Wound-healing properties were assessed using the scratch-healing test, and the anti-aging capacity was estimated through the senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity. S. aurea EO is mainly characterised by 1,8-cineole (16.7%), β-pinene (11.9%), cis-thujone (10.5%), camphor (9.5%), and (E)-caryophyllene (9.3%). The results showed an effective inhibition of the growth of dermatophytes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced protein levels of iNOS/COX-2 and simultaneously NO release. Additionally, the EO exhibited anti-senescence potential and enhanced wound healing. Overall, this study highlights the remarkable pharmacological properties of Salvia aurea EO, which should be further explored in order to develop innovative, sustainable, and environmentally friendly skin products.

The effects of Ibuprofen and 1, 8- cineol on anxiety and spatial memory in hyperammonemic rats

In hepatic encephalopathy, hyperammonemia (HA) causes cognitive impairment and anxiety by causing neuroinflammation. Ibuprofen and 1,8- cineol have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ibuprofen alone and in combination with 1,8- cineol on anxiety and oxidative stress in a HA rat animal model. For this purpose, 36 rats were divided into six groups (n = 6) including the HA (received intraperitoneally (IP) ammonium acetate 2.5 mg/kg for four week), ibuprofen (induced HA rats that received 15 mg/kg, IP), cineol (induced HA rats that received 5 and 10 mg/kg, IP), Ib + cineol (induced HA rats that received 15 and 10 mg/kg, respectively, IP), and the control groups (received normal saline, IP). Except the HA group, all other groups received the aforementioned treatment for two weeks.. The Morris water maze and elevated plus maze were used to assess cognitive function and anxiety in the animals, respectively. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured to evaluate oxidative stress. The mRNA expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β was assessed by real-time PCR in the animal's brain. The results showed a significant improvement in spatial memory and anxiety of the Ib group compared to the HA group (P < 0.01), but no significant change was observed in SOD activity (P > 0.05). There was a significant improvement in spatial memory and anxiety as well as a significant increase in SOD activity in the Ib + cineol group (P < 0.01) compared to the HA group. These results indicate that the Ib + cineol, not only improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety, also reduce oxidative stress, therefore, the simultaneous use of these two compounds may be useful in improving HA-induced cognitive disorders and anxiety.

Chemical Profile, Anti-Microbial and Anti-Inflammaging Activities of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. Essential Oil from Portugal

Fungal infections and the accompanying inflammatory responses are associated with great morbidity and mortality due to the frequent relapses triggered by an increased resistance to antifungal agents. Furthermore, this inflammatory state can be exacerbated during inflammaging and cellular senescence. Essential oils (EO) are receiving increasing interest in the field of drug discovery due to their lipophilic nature and complex composition, making them suitable candidates in the development of new antifungal drugs and modulators of numerous molecular targets. This work chemically characterized the EO from Santolina rosmarinifolia L., collected in Setúbal (Portugal), and assessed its antifungal potential by determining its minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum lethal (MLC) concentration in accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI) guidelines, as well as its effect on several Candida albicans virulence factors. The anti-inflammatory effect was unveiled using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing several pro-inflammatory mediators. The wound healing and anti-senescence potential of the EO was also disclosed. The EO was mainly characterized by β-pinene (29.6%), borneol (16.9%), myrcene (15.4%) and limonene (5.7%). It showed a strong antifungal effect against yeasts and filamentous fungi (MIC = 0.07-0.29 mg/mL). Furthermore, it inhibited dimorphic transition (MIC/16), decreased biofilm formation with a preeminent effect after 24 h (MIC/2) and disrupted preformed biofilms in C. albicans. Additionally, the EO decreased nitric oxide (NO) release (IC₅₀ = 0.52 mg/mL) and pro-IL-1β and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in LPS-stimulated macrophages, promoted wound healing (91% vs. 81% closed wound) and reduced cellular senescence (53% vs. 73% β-galactosidase-positive cells). Overall, this study highlights the relevant pharmacological properties of S. rosmarinifolia, opening new avenues for its industrial exploitation.

Essential Oils of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis and Gardenia jasminoides f. longicarpa Z.W. Xie & M. Okada Flowers: Chemical Characterization and Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Alveolar Macrophage

Alveolar macrophage is the predominant cell type in the lung and is thought to be the major target for anti-inflammatory therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aromatherapy using natural essential oils with anti-inflammatory effects for inhalable administration is a potential complementary and alternative therapy for COPD treatment. The Gardenia jasminoides flower is famous for its fragrance in East Asia and is used for treating colds and lung problems in folk medicine. Therefore, in the present study, flower essential oils from two main medicinal gardenia varieties (G. jasminoides J. Ellis and G. jasminoides f. longicarpa Z.W. Xie & M. Okada) were extracted by hydro-distillation, and their chemical components were analyzed by GC-MS. The anti-inflammatory effects of the two essential oils and their main ingredients were further studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced models in murine alveolar macrophages (MH-S). The results indicated that the chemical constituents of the two gardenia varieties were quite different. Alcohol accounted for 53.8% of the G. jasminoides essential oil, followed by terpenes (16.01%). Terpenes accounted for 34.32% of the G. jasminoides f. longicarpa essential oil, followed by alcohols (19.6%) and esters (13.85%). Both the two gardenia essential oils inhibited the LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) release and reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the MH-S cells. Linalool and α-farnesene dose-dependently reduced the NO release in the MH-S cells. Linalool and α-farnesene did not affect the PGE2 production but regulated the expression of TNF- α. In addition to linalool and α-farnesene, other components in the gardenia flower essential oils appeared to be able to act as anti-inflammatory agents and influence the PGE2 pathway.

Anti-inflammatory response of cardamom extract and prediction of therapeutic window in COVID-19 patients by assessing inflammatory markers using RT-PCR

INTRODUCTION

Molecular diagnostics using RT-PCR has now emerged as the new diagnostic method for clinicians with the dawn of SARS-CoV-2. In India, the popularity and awareness of RT-PCR and particularly the increased availability of testing machines across hospitals has now opened up possibilities of diagnostic tests with RT-PCR. In view of the cytokine storm which is the significant reason for morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 patients, we proposed to test the usefulness of a multiplex RT-PCR test kit that simultaneously measured inflammatory markers namely, IL-6, TNF- α and IL-10 (IFM) all in one tube. The study included a group of patients who were equally allotted to two treatment arms one of which received standard of care along with a food supplement capsule as a natural anti-inflammatory (RECOVEREEZ FORTE™), and the other group received standard of care that included oral Prednisolone tablets in tapered dosage. RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ consists of potent biomolecules from cardamom extract. A natural product with substantial anti-inflammatory action when consumed early at the onset of symptoms is hereby proven by comparing gene expression profile of inflammatory markers with routinely tested inflammatory parameters such as serum IL-6, CRP and LDH. In addition to predicting worse disease outcomes beforehand, RT-PCR assay tests provides an opportunity for identifying therapeutic window aiding in practicing effective treatment strategy for COVID-19. RT-PCR analysis of IFM together being used in a single multiplex kit is being first reported and such a test as a prognosticator for disease progression does seem promising and worthy of clinicians adopting novel testing modalities in clinical practice.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the anti-inflammatory response of RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ using RT-PCR based multiplex gene profiling of inflammatory markers in disease prognosis and show its predictability of worsening outcomes and its role in identifying therapeutic window for RECOVEREEZ FORTE™. To show the potentiality of RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ in reducing COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Ct values of the treatment group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a short study of a 10-day period where the end point was the negativity of COVID-19 on RT-PCR test or the decline in cycle threshold (Ct) values of the test performed on day 10 when compared to day 0. During the course of the study, patients were given standard treatment and an oral dose of 500 mg of RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ thrice daily, or standard of care and oral Prednisolone in tapered dosage (control group). All essential interventions were included in the standard of care as decided by the attending physician. The RT-PCR results of inflammatory markers were compared to routinely tested parameters such as IL-6, CRP and LDH. Time to clinical improvement was in terms of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test negativity or recovery of COVID-19 symptoms. We enrolled 64 patients, of which 32 were allocated to RECOVEREEZ FORTE ™ group and 32 to the control group.

RESULTS

The RT-PCR analysis of elevated IFM on day 0 corresponded to above normal protein levels of routinely tested parameters such as serum IL-6, CRP and LDH on day 5. Similarly, elevated IFM on day 5 corresponded to above normal protein levels on day 10. Such an association was equally prevalent in both the control group and RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ group, stipulating that RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ may be used as an alternative to steroids. The obtained results indicate that the RT-PCR assessment predicts worse outcomes 5 days earlier. But, the RT-PCR analysis of elevated IFM on day 0 did not correspond to the above normal protein levels of other parameters on day 10. Hence, indicating that the IFM RT-PCR test cannot predict worse outcomes 10 days earlier. Also, RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ when consumed for a period of 10 days normalized LDH values, compared to the control group. Moreover, IFM RT-PCR test identified a 5-day therapeutic window for RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ against inflammation experienced by patients. In addition to the above findings, the authors also observed that majority of the patients belonging to the treatment group showed recovery from symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and breathlessness compared to control group by day 5. 12 (37.5%) out of 32 patients and 6 (18.75%) out of 32 patients belonging to the treatment group and control group, respectively, became SARS-CoV-2 negative by day 5, indicating a probable anti-viral action of RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ against SARS-CoV-2.

CONCLUSION

The IFM RT-PCR test possess 5-day early prediction ability and lacks 10-day prediction ability. Treatment with RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ indicates good anti-inflammatory action which is equivalent to steroids. Intake of RECOVEREEZ FORTE ™ for a period of 5 days depicts persistent anti-inflammatory action, recovery of COVID-19 symptoms and a probable anti-viral action. Moreover, an effective normalization of LDH may be rendered by RECOVEREEZ FORTE™ when consumed for a period of 10 days.

Bio-Evaluation of the Wound Healing Activity of Artemisia judaica L. as Part of the Plant’s Use in Traditional Medicine; Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibiofilm Properties of the Plant’s Essential Oils

Artemisia judaica (ArJ) is a Mediterranean aromatic plant used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal ailments, skin diseases, atherosclerosis, and as an immuno-stimulant. This study describes ArJ essential oil constituents and investigates their wound healing activity. The in vitro antioxidant and antibiofilm activities of ArJ essential oil were investigated. The in vivo pro/anti-inflammatory and oxidative/antioxidant markers were compared with standard silver sulfadiazine (SS) in a second-degree skin burn experimental rat model. The gas chromatography-equipped flame ionization detector (GC-FID) analysis of ArJ essential oil revealed the major classes of compounds as oxygenated monoterpenes (>57%) and cinnamic acid derivatives (18.03%). The antimicrobial tests of ArJ essential oil revealed that Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger were the most susceptible test organisms. Two second-degree burns (each 1 inch square in diameter) were created on the dorsum of rats using an aluminum cylinder heated to 120 °C for 10 s. The wounds were treated either with ArJ or SS ointments for 21 days, while the negative control remained untreated, and biopsies were obtained for histological and biochemical analysis. The ArJ group demonstrated a significant increase in antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities, while lipid peroxide (LP) levels remained insignificant compared to the negative control group. Additionally, ArJ and SS groups demonstrated a significant decrease in inflammatory levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) compared to the negative group, while interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b) and IL-6 were comparable to the negative group. At the same time, anti-inflammatory IL-10 and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-b1) markers increased significantly in the ArJ group compared to the negative control. The ArJ results demonstrated potent wound healing effects, comparable to SS, attributable to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as a high proportion of oxygenated monoterpenes and cinnamate derivatives.

1,8-Cineole: a review of source, biological activities, and application

1,8-Cineole (also known as eucalyptol) is mostly extracted from the essential oils of plants, which showed extensively pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mainly via the regulation on NF-κB and Nrf2, and was used for the treatment of respiratory diseases and cardiovascular, etc. Although various administration routes have been used in the application of 1.8-cineole, few formulations have been developed to improve its stability and bioavailability. This review retrospects the researches on the source, biological activities, mechanisms, and application of 1,8-cineole since 2000, which provides a view for the further studies on the application and formulations of 1,8-cineole.

Currently Applied Extraction Processes for Secondary Metabolites from Lippia turbinata and Turnera diffusa and Future Perspectives

The poleo (Lippia turbinata Griseb.) and damiana (Turnera diffusa Wild) are two of the most valued species in the Mexican semidesert due to their medicinal uses. The conventional essential oil extraction process is hydrodistillation, and for the extraction of antioxidants, the use of organic solvents. However, these techniques are time-consuming and degrade thermolabile molecules, and the efficiency of the process is dependent on the affinity of the solvent for bioactive compounds. Likewise, they generate solvent residues such as methanol, hexane, petroleum ether, toluene, chloroform, etc. Therefore, in recent years, ecofriendly alternatives such as ohmic heating, microwaves, ultrasound, and supercritical fluids have been studied. These methodologies allow reducing the environmental impact and processing times, in addition to increasing yields at a lower cost. Currently, there is no up-to-date information that provides a description of the ecofriendly trends for the recovery process of essential oils and antioxidants from Lippia turbinata and Turnera diffusa. This review includes relevant information on the most recent advancements in these processes, including conditions and methodological foundation.

Can Eucalyptol Replace Antibiotics?

One of the primary reasons for the search for new antimicrobial agents is the increasing and spreading resistance of microorganisms to previously used drugs. This is particularly important in the case of rapidly progressing infections that require the rapid administration of an appropriately selected antibiotic. However, along with the administration of antibiotics, complications in the disease-weakened body may arise in the form of systemic mycoses, viral infections, and protozoan infections. Therefore, there is an increasing interest among researchers focusing on the use of naturally occurring terpenic compounds in stand-alone or combined therapies with antibiotics. In this publication, the aim of our work is to present the results of a literature review on the antimicrobial activity of eucalyptol.

Bioactive Natural Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Spice Plants: New Findings and Potential Applications

Spice plants have a great influence on world history. For centuries, different civilizations have used them to condiment the foods of kings and nobles and applied them as embalming preservatives, perfumes, cosmetics, and medicines in different regions of the world. In general, these plants have formed the basis of traditional medicine and some of their derived substances have been utilized to treat different human diseases. Essential oils (EOs) obtained from these plants have been also used as therapeutic agents and have shown supportive uses in remedial practices. The discovery and development of bioactive compounds from these natural products, based on their traditional uses, play an important role in developing the scientific evidence of their potential pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. In the present review, using recent studies, we exhibit a general overview of the main aspects related to the importance of spice plants widely used in traditional medicine: Cinnamomum zeylanicum (true cinnamon), Mentha piperita (peppermint), Ocimum basilicum (basil), Origanum vulgare (oregano), Piper nigrum (black pepper), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Thymus vulgaris (thyme); and we discuss new findings of the bioactive compounds obtained from their EOs, their potential applications, as well as their molecular mechanisms of action, focusing on their antioxidant activity. We also exhibit the main in vitro methods applied to determine the antioxidant activities of these natural products.

New Perspectives for Mucolytic, Anti-inflammatory and Adjunctive Therapy with 1,8-Cineole in COPD and Asthma: Review on the New Therapeutic Approach

The mucolytic monoterpene 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), the major constituent of eucalyptus species, is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, bronchodilatory, antiviral and antimicrobial effects. The main protective antiviral, anti-inflammatory and mucolytic mechanisms of 1,8-cineole are the induction of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), the control of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) along with decreasing mucin genes (MUC2, MUC19). In normal human monocytes direct inhibition was shown of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated mucus hypersecretion and of steroid resistence inducing superoxides (O2·-) and pro-inflammatory hydrogen peroxides (H2O2) with partial control of superoxide dismutase (SOD), which enzymatically metabolizes O2·- into H2O2. By inhibition of NF-κB, 1,8-cineole, at relevant plasma concentrations (1.5 µg/ml), strongly and significantly inhibited in normal human monocyte lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cytokines relevant for exacerbation (tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1β and systemic inflammation (IL-6, IL-8). Infectious agents and environmental noxa have access via TNFα and IL-1β to the immune system with induction of bronchitis complaints and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and asthma-COPD overlap. In lymphocytes from healthy human donors 1,8-cineole inhibited TNFα, IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-5 and demonstrated for the first time control of Th1/2-type inflammation. 1,8-Cineole at relevant plasma levels increased additively in vitro the efficacy of inhaled guideline medications of budesonide (BUD) and budesonide + formoterol ,and preliminary data also showed increased efficacy of long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist (LAMA)-mediated cytokine inhibition in vitro. On the basis of the preclinical data, earlier randomised controlled studies with adjunctive therapy of 1,8-cineole (3 × 200 mg/day) for 6 months showed improvement of uncontrolled asthma by significant improvement of lung function, nocturnal asthma and quality of life scores and in COPD decrease of exacerbations (- 38.5%) (during wintertime). This review reports an update with reference to the literature of 1,8-cineole, also as adjunctive therapy, as a therapeutic agent for the protection and control of inflammatory airway diseases.

The Effect of Eucalyptol on Nursing Home Residents

Eucalyptol is one of the most popular volatile components. It is used in many essential oils for relieving sinus and lung congestion caused by a variety of conditions. This pilot study sought to analyze clinical evidence for the effect of the scent of eucalyptol on the cognitive function of elderly people. Seventy nursing-home residents with cognitive impairment were recruited. Three one-week experiments were performed: eucalyptol scent was diffused in bedrooms with a diffuser only at wake-up time in the first experiment, and at wake-up time and bedtime in the second and third experiments. Results showed that although an improvement was not seen when using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Cohen-Mansfild Agitation Inventory (CMAI) measures, Dementia Behavior Disturbance Scale (DBD) scores improved significantly, even though no subject reported perceiving the scent. The significant improvements of the behaviour were found not only among the subjects whose room had a diffuser but also among the subjects who were exposed to an unperceivable level of eucalyptol drifted in the living room.

Anti-inflammatory Property of AMP-activated Protein Kinase

BACKGROUND

One of the many debated topics in inflammation research is whether this scenario is really an accelerated form of human wound healing and immunityboosting or a push towards autoimmune diseases. The answer requires a better understanding of the normal inflammatory process, including the molecular pathology underlying the possible outcomes. Exciting recent investigations regarding severe human inflammatory disorders and autoimmune conditions have implicated molecular changes that are also linked to normal immunity, such as triggering factors, switching on and off, the influence of other diseases and faulty stem cell homeostasis, in disease progression and development.

METHODS

We gathered around and collected recent online researches on immunity, inflammation, inflammatory disorders and AMPK. We basically searched PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar to assemble the studies which were published since 2010.

RESULTS

Our findings suggested that inflammation and related disorders are on the verge and interfere in the treatment of other diseases. AMPK serves as a key component that prevents various kinds of inflammatory signaling. In addition, our table and hypothetical figures may open a new door in inflammation research, which could be a greater therapeutic target for controlling diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance and preventing autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION

The relationship between immunity and inflammation becomes easily apparent. Yet, the essence of inflammation turns out to be so startling that the theory may not be instantly established and many possible arguments are raised for its clearance. However, this study might be able to reveal some possible approaches where AMPK can reduce or prevent inflammatory disorders.

The Impact of Thyme and Rosemary on Prevention of Osteoporosis in Rats

Osteoporosis poses an important public health problem which affects millions of people worldwide. There is a direct link between calcium deficiency in diet and induction of osteoporosis and bone loss. The current study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) against osteoporosis in rats with low calcium intake. Essential oils of rosemary and thyme were analyzed. The experiment was carried out on growing male Sprague–Dawley rats; the experimental animals were divided into 5 groups: 1, control negative was fed standard balanced diet; 2, control positive was fed balanced diet with low calcium level (L Ca) (Ca 0.1% w/w); 3, (L Ca) + thyme powder (5% w/w); 4, (L Ca) + rosemary powder (5% w/w); 5, (L Ca) + orally administration with CaCO₃ (27 mg/kg body weight). Blood samples were collected for different biochemical analyses in plasma (calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), parathyroid hormone (PTH), C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), and 1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3). Femur mass, length, and bone mineral density (BMD) were recorded, and histopathological studies for femurs were examined. Low-calcium diet induced osteoporotic changes in positive control rats (decrease in Ca, vitamin D3, and BMD and increase in CTX, PTH, TNF-α, CRP, and MDA). Supplementation with thyme and rosemary inhibited significantly the development of bone loss, increased Ca and vitamin D3 in plasma, improved BMD, and also prevented the inflammation and oxidative stress (improved TNF-α, CRP and MDA) compared to the positive control. The histopathological examination of treated groups showed an improvement in bone histology and protection against bone loss. However, thyme powder showed more effective impact than rosemary. Our study demonstrates that thyme and rosemary effectively mitigated calcium deficiency-induced bone loss and maybe considered as promising candidates for preventing bone resorption and osteoporosis.