Carnesecchi S, Schneider Y, Ceraline J, Duranton B, Gosse F, Seiler N, Raul F
The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 2001
ABSTRACT:
Geraniol and other monoterpenes found in essential oils of fruits and herbs have been suggested to represent a new class of agents for cancer chemoprevention. As a first step in clarifying the mode of action of geraniol on colon carcinogenesis, we studied its effects on the growth of a human colon cancer cell line (Caco-2). Geraniol (400 microM) caused a 70% inhibition of cell growth, with cells accumulating in the S transition phase of the cell cycle, and concomitant inhibition of DNA synthesis. No signs of cytotoxicity or apoptosis were detected. Geraniol caused a 50% decrease of ornithine decarboxylase activity, a key enzyme of polyamine biosynthesis, which is enhanced in cancer growth. This led to a 40% reduction of the intracellular pool of putrescine. Geraniol also activated the intracellular catabolism of polyamines, indicated by enhanced polyamine acetylation. These observations indicate that polyamine metabolism is presumably a target in the antiproliferative properties of geraniol.
CITATION:
Carnesecchi S, Schneider Y, Ceraline J, et al. Geraniol, a component of plant essential oils, inhibits growth and polyamine biosynthesis in human colon cancer cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2001;298(1):197-200.
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