Production, Function, and Applications of the Sesquiterpenes Valencene and Nootkatone: a Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Valencene and nootkatone, two sesquiterpenes, extracted from natural sources, have great market potential with diverse applications. This paper aims to comprehensively review the recent advances in valencene and nootkatone, including source, production, physicochemical and biological properties, safety and pharmacokinetics evaluation, potential uses, and their industrial applications as well as future research directions. Microbial biosynthesis offers a promising alternative approach for sustainable production of valencene and nootkatone. Both compounds exert various beneficial activities, including antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective and other activities. However, most of the studies are performed in animals and in vitro, making it difficult to give a conclusive description about their health benefits and extend their application. Hence, more attention should be paid to in vivo and long-term clinical studies in the future. Moreover, valencene and nootkatone are considered safe for consumption and show great promise in the applications of food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural industries.

Polyphenol-Rich Extracts and Essential Oil from Egyptian Grapefruit Peel as Potential Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Food Additives

“…This compound showed, in a mice model, an anti-inflammatory effect, mainly associated with the inhibition of IL1-β and TNF-α production, possibly due to the inhibition of COX-2 activity and antagonism of the histamine receptor type 1 [52]. In addition, this compound showed other beneficial activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective [53]. Furthermore, the GF-EO and its bioactive properties have scented flavors [54], making them an excellent flavoring agent for different industries.…”

A Review of Polyherbal Formulation “Sagadevi Nei” (Vernonia cinerea ghee) in the Management of Chronic Kidney Disorders

“…Fabaceae Glabridin, Isoliquiritigenin [48] Pyridine-3-carboxamide, oxime [49] Vasorelaxant [48] Nephroprotective [12] , Antioxidant [24] , Antiinflammatory [33] , Diuretic. [21] [50] Vettiveria zizanoides Vettiver-4.5g Poaceace β-vetivenene, β-vetivone [26] Nootkatone [51] Isolongifolene [13] . Dehydroaromadendrene, Isokhusenic acid, Kushinol, Khusinoic acid [51] Nephroprotective [13] , Diuretic [20] , Antimicrobial [26] , Antioxidant [26] , Antiinflammatory [35] DOI: 10.24214/IJGHC/HC/13/1/00114.…”

Green Production of a High-value Mosquito Insecticide of Nootkatone from Seaweed Hydrolysates

“…13 With the growing focus on natural products and green production methods, research on nootkatone production has shifted from plant extraction and chemical synthesis to biosynthesis. 14 However, in situ biosynthesis of nootkatone by engineered microbial cells is accompanied by the formation of large amounts of byproducts, such as valencene and nootkatol, which hinder the harvest of high-purity nootkatone. 15,16 Recently, whole-cell catalysis, including whole-cell biotransformation and fermentation bioprocess, has been widely used for efficient biosynthesis.…”

“…Moreover, nootkatone is environmentally friendly and has been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a new active ingredient in repellents . With the growing focus on natural products and green production methods, research on nootkatone production has shifted from plant extraction and chemical synthesis to biosynthesis . However, in situ biosynthesis of nootkatone by engineered microbial cells is accompanied by the formation of large amounts of byproducts, such as valencene and nootkatol, which hinder the harvest of high-purity nootkatone. , Recently, whole-cell catalysis, including whole-cell biotransformation and fermentation bioprocess, has been widely used for efficient biosynthesis. , In whole-cell biotransformation, cell growth (the enzyme manufacturing phase) and production phase are separated, and resting cells convert substrates to the desired product .…”