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

Abstract

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.

Cytogenetic Studies on Genoprotective Effect of Rosa damascena Mill. Hydrosol in Plant and Lymphocyte Test Systems

“…The bioactive substances of many hydrosols, mainly phenolic compounds, exhibit antioxidant and antiradical scavenging activity [ 29 , 39 ]. Such compounds include geraniol, geranyl acetate [ 40 , 41 , 42 ], citronellol [ 43 ], and linalool [ 44 ], which are the main compounds of rose hydrosol. These compounds can interact with free radicals, which are associated with DNA via external binding and can suppress DNA damage.…”

Characterization and Hydrolysis Studies of a Prodrug Obtained as Ester Conjugate of Geraniol and Ferulic Acid by Enzymatic Way

“…The peripheral and central effects of this polyphenol are mainly attributed to its radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, along with its anti-inflammatory activity [ 8 , 9 ]. Similar features were also attributed to geraniol (Ger), which, among the main components of essential oils, appears to be able to induce anticancer effects [ 10 ] and neuroprotection [ 11 ], in particular as far as Parkinson’s disease is concerned [ 12 ]. The combined administration of Fer and Ger may therefore be promising for the prevention and therapy of diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.…”

A Review on Therapeutic Activities of Coriandrum sativum L for Rheumatoid Arthritis Remedy

“…Geraniol triggers cell cycle arrest and apoptosis modifies several molecular targets and regulates transcription to control inflammation. [48,49] Limonene…”

“…Similarly, geraniol has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is believed that this bioactive compound has strong preventive potential which can protect against oxidative and inflammatory change [62] The top four lead compounds (camphor, betapinene, geraniol, anethole) demonstrated to have a strong affinity with rheumatoid arthritis protein.…”