The Complexity of Sesquiterpene Chemistry Dictates Its Pleiotropic Biologic Effects on Inflammation

Abstract

Sesquiterpenes (SQs) are volatile compounds made by plants, insects, and marine organisms. SQ have a large range of biological properties and are potent inhibitors and modulators of inflammation, targeting specific components of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and nitric oxide (NO) generation. Because SQs can be isolated from over 1600 genera and 2500 species grown worldwide, they are an attractive source of phytochemical therapeutics. The chemical structure and biosynthesis of SQs is complex, and the SQ scaffold represents extraordinary structural variety consisting of both acyclic and cyclic (mono, bi, tri, and tetracyclic) compounds. These structures can be decorated with a diverse range of functional groups and substituents, generating many stereospecific configurations. In this review, the effect of SQs on inflammation will be discussed in the context of their complex chemistry. Because inflammation is a multifactorial process, we focus on specific aspects of inflammation: the inhibition of NF-kB signaling, disruption of NO production and modulation of dendritic cells, mast cells, and monocytes. Although the molecular targets of SQs are varied, we discuss how these pathways may mediate the effects of SQs on inflammation.

Short-term severe drought influences root volatile biosynthesis in eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L)

“…Reduced levels of sesquiterpenes in drought-treated plants might have been due to the shift in terpene composition as our study period exceeded a month. Our results suggested that sesquiterpenes may probably be replaced by monoterpenes when drought is prolonged, because drought can impede the cyclization of sesquiterpene precursors ( Kopaczyk et al., 2020 ; Arizmendi et al., 2022 ). The increase in ABA content and the subsequent stomatal closure is also considered an important signaling event under drought stress across several species ( Bharath et al., 2021 ; Rehman et al., 2021 ).…”

From Plants to Wound Dressing and Transdermal Delivery of Bioactive Compounds

“…Sesquiterpenes are the class of SM consisting of three isoprene units (C15) and are found in linear, cyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic forms. Since sesquiterpenes have a high allergenic potential on the skin, their use in TP is limited [ 243 , 244 , 245 ].…”

“…-Sesquiterpenes are the class of SM consisting of three isoprene units (C15) and are found in linear, cyclic, bicyclic, and tricyclic forms. Since sesquiterpenes have a high allergenic potential on the skin, their use in TP is limited [243][244][245]. -Diterpenoids belong to a versatile class of chemical constituents found in different natural sources having four isoprene units.…”