Geraniol, a component of plant essential oils, inhibits growth and polyamine biosynthesis in human colon cancer cells

J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 2001 Jul;298(1):197-200.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Biogenic Polyamines / biosynthesis*
  • Caco-2 Cells / drug effects*
  • Caco-2 Cells / metabolism
  • Cell Division / drug effects
  • Cell Division / physiology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Ornithine Decarboxylase / biosynthesis
  • Ornithine Decarboxylase / drug effects*
  • Plant Oils / pharmacology*
  • Plant Oils / therapeutic use
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*
  • Terpenes / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Acyclic Monoterpenes
  • Biogenic Polyamines
  • Plant Oils
  • Terpenes
  • Ornithine Decarboxylase
  • geraniol