Nerolidol (3,7,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol) is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol that is present in various plants with a floral odor. It is synthesized as an intermediate in the production of (3E)-4,8-dimethy-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT), a herbivore-induced volatile that protects plants from herbivore damage. Chemically, nerolidol exists in two geometric isomers, a trans and a cis form. The usage of nerolidol is widespread across different industries. It has been widely used in cosmetics (e.g., shampoos and perfumes) and in non-cosmetic products (e.g., detergents and cleansers). In fact, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also permitted the use of nerolidol as a food flavoring agent. The fact that nerolidol is a common ingredient in many products has attracted researchers to explore more medicinal properties of nerolidol that may exert beneficial effect on human health. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile and consolidate the data on the various pharmacological and biological activities displayed by nerolidol. Furthermore, this review also includes pharmacokinetic and toxicological studies of nerolidol. In summary, the various pharmacological and biological activities demonstrated in this review highlight the prospects of nerolidol as a promising chemical or drug candidate in the field of agriculture and medicine.

Beneficial effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a bioactive extract of licorice root, in the prevention of metabolic syndrome have been consistently reported while advanced glycation end products (AGE) and receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) are the leading factors in the development of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GA on the AGE-RAGE axis using high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet-induced metabolic syndrome rat models. Twenty four male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three groups for 4 weeks: (1) Group A, normal diet with standard rat chow; (2) Group B, HF/HS diet; (3) Group C, HF/HS diet and oral administration of 100 mg/kg GA per day. The results showed that HF/HS diet elevated the fasting blood glucose level and insulin resistance index which was prevented by GA supplementation. GA treatment significantly lowered the circulating AGE independent of its glucose-lowering effect. HF/HS diet also triggered RAGE upregulation in the abdominal muscles while GA administration downregulated RAGE expression in the abdominal muscles, aorta and subcutaneous adipose tissues. In conclusion, HF/HS diet could cause glucose intolerance, insulin resistance and upregulation of RAGE expression while GA ameliorated the metabolic dysregulation besides exhibiting inhibitory effects on the AGE-RAGE axis.Graphical Abstract

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