Nerolidol: A Sesquiterpene Alcohol with Multi-Faceted Pharmacological and Biological Activities

Abstract

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.

Golden Needle Mushroom: A Culinary Medicine with Evidenced-Based Biological Activities and Health Promoting Properties

“…As a result, there is an increasing push to search for bioactive compounds from natural sources to serve as alternative antimicrobials (Tan et al, 2015b, 2016a; Azman et al, 2016; Chan et al, 2016) Reports on the occurrence of antimicrobials in F. velutipes mushroom are also well documented. The antimicrobial activities of extracts from different parts of F. velutipes have been the focus of several studies.…”

Ameliorative effect of nerolidol on cyclophosphamide‐induced gonadal toxicity in Swiss Albino mice: Biochemical‐, histological‐ and immunohistochemical‐based evidences

“…Nerolidol, also referred as peruviol, is sesquiterpene alcohol and commonly used as ingredients in food, shampoo, detergent, cleaners and as a skin penetration enhancers (Javed, Azimullah, Khair, Ojha, & Haque, ; Pandit, Aqil, & Sultana, ). Nerolidol has already been reported with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, anticonvulsant and antimicrobial properties (Chan, Tan, Chan, Lee, & Goh, ). Recently, we have reported the protective effect of NER against cyclophosphamide‐induced cardioprotective and neuroprotective manifestations (Ansari, Iqubal, Ekbbal, & Haque, ; Iqubal, Sharma, Ansari, et al, ).…”

Pooled whole‐genome sequencing of interspecific chestnut (Castanea) hybrids reveals loci associated with differences in caching behavior of fox squirrels (Sciurus niger L.)

“…One particularly interesting locus appeared to contain a cluster of four volatile terpene synthase genes, which are most similar to terpene synthesis genes highly expressed in the fruits of strawberry (Aharoni et al., ) that are thought to influence the fruit's flavor and aroma profile. Nerolidol is a sesquiterpene compound found in many plants (Chan, Tan, Chan, Lee, & Goh, ). Sundaram () found that release of beta‐amyrin, a triterpene, was associated with germination of chestnuts.…”