Α-bisabolol Research Articles

Preliminary Experience with a Cleansing Mousse and a Non-Steroidal Emulsion for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Radiation Dermatitis in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Background: Radiation dermatitis (RD) is the most frequent side effect in patients undergoing adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer. Despite the skin-sparing benefits of new RT techniques, most patients develop RD. There is currently no standard treatment to prevent and soothe RD, which is generally managed with emollients, moisturizers, or corticosteroids. We conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the rate and grade of RD with the application of a cleansing mousse and a non-steroidal emulsion during the adjuvant RT program in patients with breast cancer submitted to surgery. Materials and Methods: A cleansing mousse containing vegetable glycerin (12%), phytoextract of chamomile (0.5%), yarrow phytoextract (0.5%), sweet almond (0.1%), Oenothera oil (0.1%), and rice protein hydrolyzate (0.1%), and an emulsion containing micronized zinc oxide (3.7%), rapeseed phytosterols (1.7%), aloe (0.5%), 18-beta glycyrrhetinic acid (0.5%), alpha bisabolol (0.5%), and zanthalene (0.5%) were offered to breast cancer patients undergoing adjuvant RT to prevent the onset of RD and mitigate its severity. These specific ingredients were selected for their well-known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties. Skin toxicities were recorded photographically and graded according to the RTOG scoring system. Results: From March 2023 to July 2023, a total of 24 patients with a median age of 59 years (range 42–75) were enrolled. Halfway through the RT treatment, 20 patients (83.3%) had G0 skin toxicity, three (12.5%) G1, one (4.2%) G2. None showed G3–G4 toxicity. At the end of RT, seven patients (29.2%) exhibited G0 skin toxicity, 14 (58.3%) G1, two (8.3%) G2, one (4.2%) G3. No patient developed G4 toxicity. Fifteen days after the end of RT, 13 patients (54.2%) had G0 skin toxicity, 10 (41.1%) G1, one (4.2%) G2, with none showing G3–G4 toxicity. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the tested topicals might be an effective option for preventing and alleviating RD. Further prospective randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings.

A Novel Approach: Targeting Virulence Factors of Candida albicans with Essential Oil Components.

Focusing on phytochemicals to target the virulence factors of Candida albicans is a promising avenue for novel antifungal compounds. Given the limited prior research on essential oil (EO) components and their specific effects on C. albicans virulence, our study aimed to explore their impact and uncover the underlying mechanisms. We examined the effects on viability, dimorphic transition, biofilm formation, and changes in the expression of critical virulence-related genes. The results showed that Dehydrocostus Lactone, displayed the most potent growth-inhibiting activity with the lowest MIC value, followed by Thymol, and Costunolide. A substantial, dose-dependent decrease in germ tube formation occurred after exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of the EO components, with Carvacrol, Dehydrocostus Lactone, and Thymol exerting the most potent inhibitory effects. Across sub-inhibitory concentrations, Alpha Bisabolol consistently showcased the most potent antibiofilm activity followed by lower but significant inhibitory effects with Dehydrocostus Lactone, Thymol, Alpha Pinene, Costunolide, Carvone, and Carvacrol. Alpha Bisabolol, Alpha Pinene and Dehydrocostus Lactone caused almost total downregulation of ACT1 whilst minimal changes occurred in expression of HWP1, SAP4, ALS3 and ECE1. Considering that actin is essential for various cellular processes, including budding, cell shape maintenance, and the formation of filaments in C. albicans, it is a plausible hypothesis that inhibiting ACT1 or disturbing actin's normal functioning could potentially affect the fungus's virulence, which warrants additional research and exploration. This study underscores the potent antifungal and anti-virulence properties of various EO components which effectively cripple C. albicans and reduce its disease-causing ability. This innovative approach holds promise for effective clinical therapies.

Influence of Soil Nutrients, Tree Age, and Sandalwood Provenances on Sandalwood Oil Yield and Quality

East African Sandalwood (Osyris laceolata) is an important tree species used in perfumery and pharmaceutical industries. In Kenya, the tree is illegally poached and smuggled mostly to India as a substitute for Asian sandalwood. Therefore, there is a need to domesticate E. A. sandalwood to ease pressure on natural stands. The aim of this study is to determine ecological factors influencing Osyris oil yield and quality to guide the selection of provenances for on-farm domestication. Soil and woody samples were obtained from 12 provenances and used for soil and oil analysis, respectively. The results showed that only tree age significantly influenced the oil yield (r = 0.31, p = 0.04 ). The GC-MS quality results recorded nine common and most abundant compounds across the study sites. These were Z-alpha-trans-bergamotol, alpha bisabolol, lanceol cis, beta bisabolene, alpha santalol, beta santalol, cis-alpha-copaene-8-ol, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate. Baringo and Mbooni provenances had the highest number of compounds (8), followed by Homabay (7) while the majority (Chyulu, Kitui, Loita, Maralal, Marsabit, Muranga, and Narosura) had six and Ol Donyo Sabuk and Namanga had the least (5). The species diversity is therefore important for breeding, domestication, and conservation purposes.

Breeding of German chamomile,Matricaria recutitaL., with a high content ofα-bisabolol

Breeding of German chamomile,<i>Matricaria recutita</i>L., with a high content of<b>α</b>-bisabolol

Management strategies of Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) MacLeish under different initial spacing

ABSTRACT Eremanthus erythropappus, commonly known as candeia, is an income-generating tree native to Brazil. This is due to the high durability of its wood and its essential oil containing the active component alpha bisabolol. Despite this economic potential, until the early 2000's no studies existed to explore the sustainable management in areas in which the species naturally occurs or for establishing commercial plantations. This study proposes new management strategies based on an individual tree model, and evaluates the growth behavior of candeia trees planted in different spacing. The experiment was installed in March 2002, in Carrancas municipality, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The experimental area was divided into 4 blocks with 4 different spacings as treatments. The individual model used to propose the best management system uses development of crown area as a function of DBH. The results showed that candeia trees were sensitive to initial spacing variation. With increased initial spacing, candeia trees reached competition later, as demonstrated by crown area development. Thus, candeia trees planted at a wider spacing maintain a desirable growth rate without need for thinning for a longer time, compared to trees planted at narrower spacing. The fitted individual tree model presented in this study showed consistent results and flexibility, providing alternatives for different management strategies. The best growth response was obtained for planting densities greater than 3.75 m² per tree, which corresponds to a spacing of 1.5 x 2.5 m.

Antiaggregation Potential of Padina gymnospora against the Toxic Alzheimer's Beta-Amyloid Peptide 25-35 and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Property of Its Bioactive Compounds.

Inhibition of β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregation in the cerebral cortex of the brain is a promising therapeutic and defensive strategy in identification of disease modifying agents for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since natural products are considered as the current alternative trend for the discovery of AD drugs, the present study aims at the evaluation of anti-amyloidogenic potential of the marine seaweed Padina gymnospora. Prevention of aggregation and disaggregation of the mature fibril formation of Aβ 25–35 by acetone extracts of P. gymnospora (ACTPG) was evaluated in two phases by Thioflavin T assay. The results were further confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. The results of antiaggregation and disaggregation assay showed that the increase in fluorescence intensity of aggregated Aβ and the co-treatment of ACTPG (250 μg/ml) with Aβ 25–35, an extensive decrease in the fluorescence intensity was observed in both phases, which suggests that ACTPG prevents the oligomers formation and disaggregation of mature fibrils. In addition, ACTPG was subjected to column chromatography and the bioactivity was screened based on the cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Finally, the active fraction was subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds. Overall, the results suggest that the bioactive compound alpha bisabolol present in the alga might be responsible for the observed cholinesterase inhibition with the IC50 value < 10 μg/ml for both AChE and BuChE when compared to standard drug donepezil (IC50 value < 6 μg/ml) and support its use for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Alpha-bisabolol, not a matter for cancer therapy. Commentary: "Research on the immunosuppressive activity of ingredients contained in sunscreens".

Alpha-bisabolol, not a matter for cancer therapy. Commentary: "Research on the immunosuppressive activity of ingredients contained in sunscreens".

Bisabolol mitigates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Introduction: Myocardial infarction is becoming a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Preventative and/or therapeutic interventions using natural products for ischaemic heart disease, i.e. myocardial infarction, have gained considerable attention worldwide. Objectives: This study investigated the cardioprotective effect and possible mechanism of bisabolol (BSB), a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, which has garnered attention in recent years because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Materials and methods: This study used a clinically relevant animal model; the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction model in rats. ISO, is a non-selective β -adrenergic agonist, which mimics human myocardial infarction involving subendocardial ischaemia, haemodynamic dysfunction and contractile impairment. Rats were pretreated for 14 days with BSB (20mg/kg/day, per oral) before inducing myocardial injury by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (85mg/kg body weight) for two consecutive days at an interval of 24hours. Results: Rats given isoproterenol showed elevated serum levels of malondialdehyde, cardiac markers (creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase), markers of inflammation (interleukin-1β , interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha), oxidative stress (decreases in the level of the reduced form of glutathione and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase) and nitric oxide, when compared with normal control. Pretreatment with BSB significantly reduced the elevation of these oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory markers. BSB treatment strengthened antioxidant status and attenuated ISO-induced myocardial lipid peroxidation. Preservation of histoarchitecture of the heart further supported the biochemical findings and demonstrated the cardioprotective effect of BSB. The cardioprotective effect of the BSB treatment could be due to its antilipid peroxidative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Conclusions: Result suggested that BSB may have a potential benefit in preventing ischaemic heart disease, such as myocardial infarction. Considering the safety profile of BSB and its additional activities, BSB has tremendous therapeutic potential in a multitude of other diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Acknowledgements: College of Medicine and Health Sciences for a research grant and Dr Shreesh Ojha for supervising this project.

Bisabolol ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Introduction: Cisplatin (CSP) is a commonly used anticancer drug, but its notable side-effect (nephrotoxicity) limits its use in the clinic. Bisabolol (BSB), a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, has garnered attention in recent years because of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic activities. Objectives: To investigate whether BSB can prevent the nephrotoxic effect of CSP in a clinically relevant murine model, and determine the mechanisms involved. Material and methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control group, BSB group, CSP group and CSP+BSB group. Intraperitoneal injection of CSP (6mg/kg) was administered to induce nephropathy, in which the tubular injury is largely dependent on inflammation and oxidative/nitrative stress. The test drug, BSB, was given at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 96 and 120hours of the CSP injection, and on Day 5 rats were sacrificed following the final dose of BSB. Results: CSP-induced injury of the renal tissue was evident from (i) histopathological damage of the renal tissues, (ii) increases in serum uric acid, urea and creatinine, (iii) increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), (iv) decreases in the level of glutathione and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced form of glutathione and (v) increases in the inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β , IL-6 and TNF-α ). However, the BSB treatment significantly reduced oxidative/nitrosative stress and prevented the kidney dysfunction supported by preserved histopathological changes. Conclusions: Based on present study findings, it can be concluded that BSB may be an excellent therapeutic agent to prevent CSP-induced nephrotoxicity. Given the wide beneficial effects and safety profile of BSB along with its antitumorigenic activity, BSB has tremendous therapeutic potential in a multitude of other diseases associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. Acknowledgements: CMHS for funding the research grant and Dr Shreesh Ojha for supervising this project.

α-Bisabolol in needles of the familyPinacae

α-Bisabolol in needles of the familyPinacae

Pharmakologische Untersuchungen von Kamillen–Inhaltsstoffen – I. Zur Pharmakologie des (–)–α–Bisabolols und der Bisabololoxide (Übersicht)

Up to 50 % of the essential oil of chamomile consists of (–)–alpha–bisabolol which is an unsaturated monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol. For the chamomile bisabolol the isopropylidene structure could be ascertained whereas the racemic compound obtained during bisabolol synthesis partly consists of the structure–isomeric isopropenyl form. Moreover, four bisabolol oxides could be isolated from chamomile. The content of the chamomile drug of (–)–alpha–bisabolol and (–)–alpha–bisabolol oxides can differ considerably according to origin and chemotype. Obviously, there is a genetically fixed relation between the content of bisabolol and the bisabolol oxides. Owing to the progress made during the last few years in the analysis of chamomile, the summarized data on the content of essential oil can be substituted for by indices on the pharmacologically relevant substances. Chamomile extracts should only be made from clearly denned chamomile types. Important for the selection of the right chamomile type is that therapeutically relevant substances are predominant. Regarding the constituents of the essential chamomile oil the antiphlogistic effect of (–)–alpha–bisabolol, chamazulene and – to a certain degree – en–indicyclo ether is substantiated. However, we have not enough knowledge of the effectivity of bisabolol oxides in order to postulate a standardization of these substances as well. In guinea pigs exposed to UV light, (–)–alpha–bisabolol leads to a decrease in skin temperature. In cutaneous burns of guinea pigs a significant shortening of the healing time could be achieved. With respect to a „bisabolol monoxide” not defined in detail and (+)–alpha–bisabolol the effect is much more marked. (–)–alpha–bisabolol promotes epithelization and granulation. In the carrageenin edema of the rat paw and in the cotton pellet granuloma of the rat a pronounced antiphlogistic effect could be proved. The effectiveness of (–)–alpha–bisabolol is significantly more marked than that of synthetic racemic bisabolol compound. A teratogenic effect was not found. Alpha–bisabolol – in vitro at the cornea of the calf – inhibits the integration of sulphate into the proteochondroitine and proteokeratane sulphates. According to the results obtained so far in pharmacological studies (–)–alpha–bisabolol – besides the chamazulene – is of considerable importance regarding the effectiveness of chamomile. However, to fix the weight of the individual substances of the essential chamomile oil for the standardization of chamomile extracts, further investigations, in particular on the effect of bisabolol oxides as compared to (–)–alpha–bisabolol, will be necessary.