Linalool Alleviates Aβ42-Induced Neurodegeneration via Suppressing ROS Production and Inflammation in Fly and Rat Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Terpenes are vital metabolites found in various plants and animals and known to be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases. Previously, our group identified terpenes that increased the survival of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model flies expressing human amyloid beta (A beta) and identified linalool as a neuroprotective terpene against A beta toxicity. Linalool is a monoterpene that is commonly present as a constituent in essential oils from aromatic plants and is known to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihyperlipidemia, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. Although several studies have shown the beneficial effect of linalool in AD animal models, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effect of linalool on AD are yet to be elucidated. In the present study, we showed that linalool intake increased the survival of the AD model flies during development in a dose-dependent manner, while the survival of wild-type flies was not affected even at high linalool concentrations. Linalool also decreases A beta-induced apoptosis in eye discs as well as the larval brain. Moreover, linalool intake was found to reduce neurodegeneration in the brain of adult AD model flies. However, linalool did not affect the total amount of A beta 42 protein or A beta 42 aggregation. Rather, linalool decreased A beta-induced ROS levels, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response in the brains of AD model flies. Furthermore, linalool attenuated the induction of oxidative stress and gliosis by A beta(1-42) treatment in the rat hippocampus. Taken together, our data suggest that linalool exerts its beneficial effects on AD by reducing A beta 42-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions.

Automated summary

The study found that linalool can increase the survival rate of AD model flies, reduce A beta-induced apoptosis and neurodegeneration, as well as decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the brain.