Neuroprotective effect of geraniol on neurological disorders: a review article

Mol Biol Rep. 2022 Nov;49(11):10865-10874. doi: 10.1007/s11033-022-07755-w. Epub 2022 Jul 28.

Abstract

Background: Neurological disorders are structural, biochemical, and electrical abnormalities that affect the peripheral and central nervous systems. Paralysis, muscle weakness, tremors, spasms, and partial or complete loss of sensation are some symptoms of these disorders. Neurorehabilitation is the main treatment for neurological disorders. Treatments can improve the quality of life of patients. Neuroprotective substances of natural origin are used for the treatments of these disorders.

Methods and results: Online databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus were searched to evaluate articles from 1981-2021 using the Mesh words of geraniol (GER), neurological disorders, epilepsy, spinal cord injury (SCI), Parkinson's diseases (PD), and depression. A total of 87 studies were included in this review. GER with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects can improve the symptoms and reduce the progression of neurological diseases. GER exhibits neuroprotective effects by binding to GABA and glycine receptors as well as by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and regulating the expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization of NLRP3 inflammasome. In this study, the effect of GER was investigated on neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, SCI, PD, and depression.

Conclusion: Although the medicinal uses of GER have been reported, more clinical and experimental studies are needed to investigate the effect of using traditional medicine on improving lifethreatening diseases and the quality of life of patients.

Keywords: Depression; Epilepsy; Geraniol; Neurological disorders; Parkinson diseases; Spinal cord injury.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Inflammasomes / metabolism
  • Nervous System Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Neuroprotective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Parkinson Disease*
  • Quality of Life
  • Spinal Cord Injuries* / metabolism

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • geraniol
  • Inflammasomes