Background: Hemolysis and eryptosis of red blood cells (RBCs) contribute to chemotherapy-induced anemia, a marker of poor prognosis. Geraniol (GER) is an anticancer acyclic monoterpene alcohol found in several plant extracts, but a dearth of evidence exists regarding the potential toxicity of GER in RBCs. Methods: Hemolysis and eryptosis were evaluated using colorimetric and fluorescence-assisted cell-sorting methods, respectively. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, loss of volume, and intracellular Ca2+ were measured by annexin-V-FITC, forward scatter (FSC), and Fluo4/AM staining. Cells were also examined by electron microscopy to identify membrane blebbing and by the Westergren method to assess erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Results: In a concentration-responsive fashion, GER induced hemolysis and PS exposure in addition to elevated ESR. GER-induced cell death was characterized by reduced FSC, membrane blebs, and increased Fluo4 fluorescence. Ca2+ deprivation prevented eryptosis, whereas concurrent Ca2+ deprivation and membrane depolarization prevented hemolysis, eryptosis, and cell shrinkage. Furthermore, whereas inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX), casein kinase 1α (CK1α), or Rac1 GTPase ameliorated eryptosis and hemolysis, the latter was only prevented by caspase, nitric oxide synthase, or serine palmitoyltransferase inhibition. Exclusive reversal of eryptosis was rather only achieved in the presence of either caffeine or adenine. Conclusions: GER is a novel stimulator of hemolysis and eryptosis, an activity mediated through membrane hyperpolarization following Ca2+ elevation. In parallel, GER seems to involve the COX/CK1α/Rac1 GTPase axis to trigger its cytotoxic effects. Targeting the identified mechanisms in combination therapy may attenuate the off-target toxicity of GER and enhance its specificity to cancer cells.

This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of Geraniol (GER) in mitigating Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury (LIRI) by targeting the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Forty-nine male Wistar rats underwent 1 hour of liver ischemia, followed by 60 minutes and 6 hours of reperfusion. GER was administered at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses immediately before reperfusion. Liver function was evaluated by measuring serum aminotransferase levels. Oxidative stress markers in liver homogenates were assessed. Inflammatory factors were analyzed using Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and NF-κB and phosphorylated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (p-MAPK) concentrations in liver tissue were measured using immunohistochemistry. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. This study shows that GER effectively mitigates LIRI through its anti-inflammatory properties, significantly improving liver function, reducing oxidative stress markers, and suppressing NF κB and p-MAPK activity. Histopathological analysis confirmed that GER significantly attenuated liver damage. These findings suggest that GER exerts its protective effects by modulating the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

Geraniol (GI), an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, exhibits diverse anti-cancer activities. However, its potential effects against gastric cancer remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to explore whether GI promotes apoptosis in gastric cancer cells, and decipher the possible mechanism underlying this effect. The cell viability and cell cycle distribution of SGC-7901 cells and MKN45 cells were evaluated using MTT assay, MB assay, and flow cytometry. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3β) proteins, the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and cell apoptosis in SGC-7901 cells were determined using Western blotting, JC-1 staining, immunofluorescence analysis, and Annexin V/propidium iodide double staining. In addition, cell apoptosis and the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Cleaved-caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and GSK-3β proteins in the xenografts were determined using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick-end labeling, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. GI significantly inhibited the viability of gastric cancer cells and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase in a dose-dependent manner. GI also promoted apoptosis and decreased the MMP in gastric cancer cells. Moreover, GI significantly upregulated the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and downregulated the expression of pGSK-3β and β-catenin both in vitro and in vivo, while increasing the expression of Cleaved-caspase-3 in SGC-7901 cell xenografts. Furthermore, GI reversed the anti-apoptotic effect of the GSK-3β inhibitor-LiCl, confirming its pro-apoptotic role. GI suppresses gastric cancer progression both in vitro and in vivo, by inducing apoptosis through inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Hepatotoxicity, principally driven by oxidative stress and inflammation, is a notable adverse effect of cytarabine, a chemotherapeutic drug extensively utilized in cancer therapy. This research examines the hepatoprotective properties of the natural monoterpenoid geraniol (GNL) in a murine model of cytarabine-induced hepatic injury, emphasizing its influence on oxidative stress, inflammation, and critical signaling pathways like PI3K/AKT and NF-κB. The animals were categorized into four groups (n = 6). Groups II and III were administered cytarabine at a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg (i.p.) for a duration of 7 days. Group III received a pre-treatment of GNL (20 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection for 7 days prior to administration of cytarabine. Group IV was administered GNL only at a dosage of 20 mg/kg for 7 days. Group I served as a control. Cytarabine administration led to increased liver damage markers, including elevated blood ALT and AST levels, alongside heightened oxidative stress as seen by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and diminished antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and CAT). Moreover, cytarabine-induced inflammation was marked by elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, evidenced by enhanced nuclear translocation of p65. GNL therapy markedly alleviated these effects, lowering blood ALT and AST levels while reestablishing antioxidant equilibrium by diminishing MDA levels and augmenting SOD and CAT activity. Histopathological examination demonstrated significant improvement in liver tissue structure, characterized by reduced hepatocyte degradation and inflammatory infiltration. GNL suppressed NF-κB activation while promoting PI3K/AKT signaling, resulting in decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines and less liver damage. These findings underscore the potential of GNL as a hepatoprotective drug against cytarabine-induced hepatotoxicity, mediated by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of the PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathways. Future research should investigate its therapeutic potential in alleviating chemotherapy-induced liver damage.

In the medical industry, strong disinfectants are used to limit bacterial proliferation on the surface of polymer-based materials; however, they may leave hazardous residues. To prevent potential harm to human health, safer disinfection substitutes are continuously searched. This study evaluates the effect of a natural biocidal modifier, geraniol (GR), on the properties of flax-reinforced biocomposites. Biocomposites containing 80 wt% polylactide (PLA) and 20 wt% flax fibres were prepared, and fibres were modified with 1%, 5%, 10%, or 20% GR. The materials were examined using tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), contact angle measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and antibacterial activity tests. The incorporation of flax fibres increased the storage modulus from 2730 MPa (PLA) to 3447 MPa, while GR-modified fibres further enhanced stiffness up to 3769 MPa for the 20% GR sample. Strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was achieved in biocomposites containing ≥10% GR, with R = 5 and R ≥ 6, respectively. Surface hydrophobicity also improved progressively, and a water contact angle of 92° was obtained at 20% GR. These results demonstrate that geraniol-modified flax fibres effectively impart antibacterial activity and hydrophobicity to PLA biocomposites, indicating their potential for use in sustainable packaging applications and materials for the medical sector.

BackgroundFungal pathogens pose serious threats to global agriculture, causing substantial crop loss and food security concerns. Current solutions often rely on conventional pesticides, generating negative environmental impacts. This study presents the development of two novel multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles designed to provide a sustainable alternative for crop protection and growth promotion. These nanoparticles are based on dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (dMSNs) and functionalized with innovative coating agents derived from cinnamaldehyde- (CIN) and β-cyclocitral (βETA) -modified polydopamine (DOPA). The purpose of this research was to create a system that could deliver antifungal agents and support plant development simultaneously, especially under pathogen-induced stress. Nanoparticles exhibited a dual-release mechanism with pH-responsive kinetics, releasing up to 94 % of geraniol (GER) and 81 % of compound βETA, at pH 5. This confirms their ability for targeted, stimulus-triggered delivery. In vitro tests showed strong antifungal activity against several plant pathogenic fungi, with minimum inhibitory concentrations down to 0.078 mg/mL. Microscopic analysis revealed significant disruption of fungal mycelia after treatment, confirming the antifungal mechanism. In vivo biosafety was established through assays on Drosophila melanogaster. Furthermore, experiments on plants infected with Fusarium oxysporum demonstrated enhanced seed germination and early plant development. Treated plants showed improved root and shoot growth, higher chlorophyll content, and restored levels of key physiological markers like polyphenols and carotenoids. This study reports two dual-functional nanoparticles that improve the control of fungal pathogens while simultaneously promoting early plant development. The findings highlight their potential as sustainable nanobiotechnological tools for protecting crops and enhancing productivity in agricultural systems affected by fungal diseases.

This investigation aims to elucidate the role of NO in the anticonvulsant effects of Geraniol (GER) using a mouse model of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. Mice were allocated into ten groups, including a control group receiving normal saline. The treatment groups received GER (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg/kg), L-NAME (10 mg/kg), L-arginine (L-arg) at 150 mg/kg, a sub-effective dose of GER (10 mg/kg) combined with L-NAME, and an effective dose of GER (40 mg/kg) plus L-arg, respectively. All drugs were administered intraperitoneally 30 min before seizure induction by intravenous infusion of PTZ. The last group served as the control for biochemical and molecular tests (no seizure induction). Subsequently, the seizure threshold was recorded. Nitrite levels in serum and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), as well as the gene expression of nNOS and iNOS in the PFC, were assessed. GER prolonged the seizure threshold and reduced serum and PFC nitrite levels. Also, it downregulated the gene expression of nNOS and iNOS. Simultaneous administration of L-arg with the effective GER dose (40 mg/kg) notably reversed the beneficial effects of GER. Conversely, when administered with a sub-effective dose of GER (10 mg/kg), L-NAME potentiated the effects of this dose of GER. The expression of the nNOS gene in the PFC significantly increased following the administration of 20 mg/kg GER and L-arg plus 40 mg/kg GER. Conversely, 40 mg/kg GER alone reduced nNOS gene expression in the PFC. GER exhibits anticonvulsant properties by modulating the nitrergic system, increasing seizure latency, and reducing NO production. This suggests its potential as a therapeutic candidate for seizure management.

The antifungal activity of natural extracts, essential oils (EOs), and pure volatiles against Monilinia fructicola, the main causal agent of brown rot of stone fruits, was evaluated in in vitro tests. Cinnamon (CI), lemongrass (LE), geraniol (GE), and myrrh (MY) EOs were the most effective antifungal agents and, hence, selected as ingredients of composite edible coatings (CECs) formulated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and lipidic components. In in vivo curative experiments with 'Black Gold' plums artificially inoculated with M. fructicola and incubated for up to 10 days at 20 °C, brown rot incidence was reduced by up to 49% with CECs containing 4 g/kg LE, 2 g/kg GE, or 5 g/kg MY. These CECs were then evaluated for brown rot control and quality maintenance of 'Angeleno' plums stored for up to 6 weeks at 1 °C and 90% RH, followed by a shelf-life period of 4 days at 20 °C. After 3 weeks, CECs containing GE and MY reduced brown rot incidence by 45 and 70%, respectively. After 6 weeks plus shelf life, all CECs reduced brown rot severity (lesion size) by 30-50%. Regarding fruit quality, coated plums showed higher firmness than uncoated control plums, and the CEC containing GE significantly reduced weight loss after 6 weeks plus shelf life. Moreover, physicochemical quality attributes (titratable acidity, soluble solids content, and volatile compounds) and sensory properties (overall flavor, off-flavor, firmness, and external appearance) of coated plums were not negatively affected by CEC application. Furthermore, all coated plums exhibited more gloss than uncoated fruit. Overall, the CEC-GE formulation was the most effective in reducing decay and maintaining the postharvest quality of cold-stored plums, showing the best potential as a sustainable alternative for plum postharvest preservation.

The advancement of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the lack of effective treatments demand the development of new drugs to combat resistant bacteria. Plants, in turn, produce various Secondary Metabolites (SMs) with diverse molecular structures, which are promising therapeutic alternatives. This study aims to evaluate the potential of 13 plant derived SMs in modulating bacterial resistance to amoxicillin (AMO), and to investigate the mechanisms of action against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 29213) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (UFPDA 396) using Molecular Docking (MD) simulations. Among the tested SMs, p-Cymene (CYM) showed the best activity against S. aureus, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 512µg/mL, while Eugenol (EUG) was most effective against K. pneumoniae, with an MIC of 1024µg/mL. In resistance modulation assays using the checkerboard method, SMs including EUG, CYM, α-pinene (APN), β-pinene (BPN), Geraniol (GER), Linalool (LNL), and Myrcene (MYR) exhibited synergistic effects when combined with AMO, with Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) values ranging from 0.1 to 0.5. Additionally, both the SMs and AMO, as well as their synergistic combinations, were docked to molecular targets associated with resistance and virulence in S. aureus and K. pneumoniae. The drug-protein complexes showed favorable interaction energies, confirming that the binding free energy of the synergistic combinations was superior to that of the individual compounds. Overall, the most significant differences in activity between combined and isolated treatments were observed for MurD in S. aureus and SidA in K. pneumoniae. These findings suggest that SMs may serve as potential candidates for the development of synergistic or additive molecules to be used alongside conventional antibiotics, representing a promising strategy to mitigate AMR and offer viable and effective therapeutic alternatives.

Assessing the impacts of nanoencapsulated geraniol on amphibians: A step toward sustainable pesticide alternatives?

Geraniol (GA) is a terpene compound of natural origin that exhibits strong biological activity. The possibility of using GA as a potential compound with antimicrobial activity is currently of great interest to scientists. The aim of the present study was to comprehensively evaluate the activity of GA against selected strains of Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungi that pose a significant threat in clinical practice. Among the Gram-positive bacteria studied were Streptococcus spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Listeria monocytogenes. Among the Gram-negative bacteria tested were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The fungal pathogens analyzed included Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. The results showed that GA exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against most of the microorganisms tested. Gram-positive strains were more susceptible to GA compared to Gram-negative strains, probably due to differences in cell wall structure. In the case of fungi, significant efficacy was noted against Candida albicans. This study confirms the potential of GA as an alternative antimicrobial agent, especially against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and fungal pathogens. These results open up new perspectives for the application of GA in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. The study on creams demonstrated that GA possesses strong antimicrobial properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth regardless of the concentration used (0.5–12%) and the type of culture medium, confirming its potential as a natural preservative agent in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Moreover, the research on the anticancer activity of GA revealed its cytotoxic effects against colon cancer cells (LoVo cell line, IC50 = 32.1 μg/mL) and glioma cells (U87 cell line, IC50 = 41.3 μg/mL), particularly at higher concentrations, indicating its promising therapeutic potential.

Essential oils (EOs) are potential bio-sourced candidates to be grafted on polymer surfaces to fight against bacterial infections by either restricting the growth of bacteria (bacteriostatic effect) or killing bacterial cells (bactericidal effect). This paper deals with the modification of terpenoid molecules intended to be later grafted on polymer-plasma-activated surfaces. Citronellol (CT) and geraniol (GR) were chosen for their antimicrobial activity and were successfully modified to obtain better reactive function towards polymer grafting. They were transformed into CT-oxide (CT-ox) and GR-oxide (GR-ox) through an accessible and green chemo enzymatic oxidation method. Microbiological tests were undertaken to estimate the antibacterial effects of CT and GR before and after modification. Three bacterial species have been used: Escherichia coli (E. coli, diderm Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, monoderm Gram-positive), and Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum, diderm Gram-positive). The results showed that antibacterial effects remained after epoxidation: tested molecules exhibited different impacts on the three bacterial strains. The tested molecules exhibited antibacterial activities by targeting bacterial cell envelopes, disrupting membrane integrity, and altering hydrophobicity. These actions led to the inhibition of bacterial growth or death of the bacteria, as evidenced by Zeta Potential (ZP) measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging, and surface energy assessments. Our study conclusively confirmed the antibacterial effectiveness of CT-ox and GR-ox.

The increasing antimicrobial resistance, particularly in Acinetobacter baumannii, complicates the treatment of infections, leading to higher morbidity, mortality, and economic costs. Herein, we aimed to determine the in vitro antimicrobial, synergistic, and antibiofilm activities of colistin (COL), meropenem, and ciprofloxacin antibiotics, and curcumin, punicalagin, geraniol (GER), and linalool (LIN) plant-active ingredients alone and in combination against 31 multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii clinical isolates. The combinations were tested to identify alternative approaches to conventional antibiotic therapy by reducing the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of antibiotics when used with plant-active ingredients. Synergistic interactions were evaluated by checkerboard assay and interpreted via the Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI). Antibiofilm activity was assessed using crystal violet microtiter plate method. Notably, COL with GER (83.87%) and with LIN (77.42%) exhibited strong synergistic interactions, with FICI values between 0.12 and 0.5. Where synergism was observed, antibiotic MICs were reduced by 2- to 128-fold, indicating substantial enhancement in bacterial efficacy. Synergistic and additive interactions were more prevalent than indifference, and no antagonism was detected. Biofilm formation inhibition assays further demonstrated that these combinations significantly suppressed biofilm production in A. baumannii isolates. Biofilm eradication rates were consistently highest at 2×MIC concentrations for all tested antibiotics and plant-active ingredients. Cytotoxicity tests on L929-fibroblast cell lines confirmed the safety at the tested concentrations. Combining conventional antibiotics with plant-active ingredients offers a novel approach to mitigating the impact of MDR A. baumannii.

Since ancient times, plants have been used in folk medicine to treat different diseases. Plants offer exceptional chemical diversity with a wide range of biological activities, and have therefore been the most promising sources for the discovery and development of drugs, including antimicrobial agents. This study reports the antibacterial effect of geraniol (GER), alone and in combination with biogenic silver nanoparticles (bioAgNPs), produced using the aqueous extract of Trichilia catigua bark, against planktonic and sessile cells of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of the main opportunistic and potentially fatal human pathogens. GER had a time-dependent bactericidal effect on planktonic cells, impairing the cell membrane integrity. In addition, GER inhibited the staphyloxanthin production, and molecular docking analyses supported the in silico affinity of GER to dehydrosqualene synthase (CrtM) and 4,4'-diaponeurosporen-aldehyde dehydrogenase (AldH), which are key enzymes within the pigment biosynthesis pathway in S. aureus. GER treatment increased the sensitivity of MRSA to hydrogen peroxide killing. GER displayed synergism with bioAgNPs against planktonic and sessile cells, inhibiting bacterial adhesion and the viability of biofilms formed on abiotic surfaces. MRSA planktonic and sessile cells treated with GER or GER/bioAgNPs displayed severe morphological and ultrastructural alterations. Notably, neither GER nor its combination caused in vitro and in vivo toxicity in mammalian cells and Galleria mellonella larvae, respectively. These findings suggest that the combination of GER/bioAgNPs may be a promising strategy to control MRSA infections.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin that causes immunotoxicity, teratogenicity, hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in humans and animals. Numerous studies have suggested that oxidative stress may increase OTA's nephrotoxicity. Geraniol (GNL), a monoterpene found in many plant oils is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger that helps repair multiple types of tissue damage. OTA-induced nephrotoxicity in mice was assessed using GNL as a protective natural compound. The Swiss albino mice (six to eight weeks old, 25-30g weight) were divided into four groups: control (normal saline), OTA (OTA 5 mg/wt), GNL (GNL 40 mg/wt), and GNL + OTA (OTA 5 mg/wt, 4 h later). Animals were tested for 42 days. Evaluation using body weight, kidney weight, spleen weight, H&E staining for tissue pathology, biochemical markers (Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), creatinine, Blood Urea nitrogen (BUN), Western blot, DNA fragmentation), and oxidative markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) has been performed. A significant decrease in body weight was observed after exposure to OTA, while a significant augmentation in spleen weight was noticed. As a result, tissue concentrations of SOD, CAT, and GPx were decreased, while serum concentrations of marker enzymes (ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine and tissue MDA) were increased. In mice, GNL improved enzyme and antioxidant levels. OTA-induced renal injury was prevented by GNL based on H&E tissue pathology. The OTA group also upregulated cleaved caspase-3 and DNA fragmentation, while downregulating pPI3K, pAKT, Nrf2, and Bcl2 protein expression. GNL increased the expression of pPI3K, pAKT, Nrf2, Bcl2, and decreased cleaved caspase-3. Based on these results, GNL protects nephrons via the pPI3K/AKT-Nrf2 signaling pathway. The molecular of OTA-induced renal injury and how GNL protects the kidneys was explained in this study.

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IIR/I) significantly increases morbidity and mortality. This study examines the therapeutic effects of geraniol (GNL), which is noted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on intestinal I/R injury in rats. Forty-nine male Wistar-Albino rats were divided into seven groups. After 30min of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion for either 1 or 6h, intestinal and hepatic tissues were analyzed. Biochemical assessments measured malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) activities. Inflammatory and apoptotic markers were evaluated using qRT-PCR and ELISA, and apoptotic cell rates were determined by flow cytometry. GNL treatment significantly protected intestinal and hepatic tissues, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and normalizing MDA and NO activities. It demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory effects at 100 and 200mg/kg doses, reducing TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels while decreasing tissue MPO content. GNL also increased Bcl-2 levels and decreased Bax levels, indicating anti-apoptotic effects. Serum activities of ALT, AST, and creatine kinase were lower in GNL-treated rats, and flow cytometry showed a reduction in apoptotic cells. GNL effectively mitigated oxidative stress and histopathological damage from intestinal I/R injury by reducing pro-apoptotic markers and increasing anti-apoptotic markers, highlighting its protective effects.

BackgroundHepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury (HIRI) is one of the main causes of hepatic fibrosis that occurs during liver surgery. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of geraniol (GNL) against HIRI in a rat model.MethodsWistar rats were randomly divided into seven groups and subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia, followed by either 60 min or 6 h of reperfusion. Immediately before reperfusion, graded doses of geraniol (50 and 100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured to evaluate liver function. Antioxidant enzyme activities were assessed in liver homogenates. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, and Bcl2 mRNA and proteins in liver tissue were measured using RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of Bcl2 and caspase-3 in liver tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. In addition, liver tissue histopathology was examined under a light microscope.ResultsThe results demonstrated that liver damage significantly increased after repeated HIRI. However, treatment with GNL reduced hepatic enzyme levels and mitigated pathological changes resulting from repeated HIRI. Additionally, GNL treatment led to a decrease in apoptotic factors.ConclusionGNL may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing or treating hepatic fibrosis caused by ischemia–reperfusion injury.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) as a neurodegenerative disease can cause behavioral impairments due to oxidative stress. Aging and oxidative conditions are some AD risk factors. We assessed the influence of geraniol (GR), an acyclic monoterpene alcohol, on behavioral functions, hippocampal oxidative status, and histological alterations in AD rats induced by amyloid-β (Aβ). Male Wistar rats (n = 70) were randomly allocated to the control, sham, AD, control-GR (100 mg/kg; per oral: P.O.), AD-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O.; treatment), GR-AD (100 mg/kg; P.O.; pretreatment), and GR-AD-GR (100 mg/kg; P.O.; pretreatment + treatment) groups. GR administration was done for four continuous weeks. After treatments, novel object recognition (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests assessed the animals' behavior. Then, hippocampal specimens were collected for biochemical assessment. Finally, the number of intact neurons was identified in the hippocampus using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Aβ microinjection increased learning and memory deficits in both NOR and MWM tests, oxidative stress status, and neuronal loss. Oral GR administration improved behavioral deficits and reduced oxidative stress status and neuronal loss in the Aβ-infused animals. GR ameliorates behavioral impairments through a decrease in neuronal degeneration and oxidative stress.

Candida tropicalis is regarded as an opportunistic pathogen, causing diseases ranging from superficial infections to life-threatening disseminated infections. The ability of this yeast to form biofilms and develop resistance to antifungals represents a significant therapeutic challenge. Herein, the effect of geraniol (GER), alone and combined with fluconazole (FLZ), was evaluated in the planktonic and sessile cells of azole-resistant C. tropicalis. GER showed a time-dependent fungicidal effect on the planktonic cells, impairing the cell membrane integrity. Additionally, GER inhibited the rhodamine 6G efflux, and the molecular docking analyzes supported the binding affinity of GER to the C. tropicalis Cdr1 protein. GER exhibited a synergism with FLZ against the planktonic and sessile cells, inhibiting the adhesion of the yeast cells and the viability of the 48-h biofilms formed on abiotic surfaces. C. tropicalis biofilms treated with GER, alone or combined with FLZ, displayed morphological and ultrastructural alterations, including a decrease in the stacking layers and the presence of wilted cells. Moreover, neither GER alone nor combined with FLZ caused toxicity, and both treatments prolonged the survival of the Galleria mellonella larvae infected with azole-resistant C. tropicalis. These findings indicate that the combination of GER and FLZ may be a promising strategy to control azole-resistant C. tropicalis infections.

Abstract A sustainable polylactide (PLA)‐based multilayer food packaging film was developed to improve neat PLA films' modest mechanical, thermal, and water/gas barrier properties. To improve the desired properties and impart antimicrobial aspects to the composite films, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP), and geraniol (GER) were reinforced into single‐layered PLA films. The project aimed to assemble three monolayers into multilayer films (MLF) through a coextrusion process, keeping the PLA‐GER layer in the core. X‐ray diffractograms, micrographs, and roughness parameters of the films demonstrated the dispersion of GNP in the film. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed an enhancement in the thermal stability of the MLF by around 8°C when compared against single‐layer PLA films. An improvement in mechanical rigidity was supported by tensile (>87%) and rheological measurements. The polymers exhibit liquid‐like behavior in melts. Barrier properties did not improve for the MLF due to the agglomeration of GNP. The excellent antimicrobial properties of the MLFs for 3 weeks of storage at refrigerated conditions against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative pathogens were attributed to the release of GER from the film into the packed chicken samples and proved their potential for use in the food industry.