Nerol is a natural
monoterpene with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Its possible beneficial effects in
ulcerative colitis and its corresponding mechanism of action have not been determined to date. The aim of this study was to investigate whether
nerol prevents the appearance of pathological markers and
hyperalgesia in
oxazolone-induced
colitis, and protects against gastric damage produced by
ethanol. The experimental design included groups of
oxazolone-treated mice receiving
nerol at 10-300 mg/kg, p.o., or a reference
drug (
sulfasalazine, 100 mg/kg, p.o.) compared to
sham and untreated groups. Gastric damage was evaluated in the absolute
ethanol-induced
ulcer model in rats. Variables measured in animals with
oxazolone-induced
colitis included
weight loss, stool consistency and macroscopic colon damage; mechanical nociception was determined by the use of von Frey filaments, whereas levels of inflammatory
cytokines were assessed by
enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay.
Nerol (30-300 mg/kg, p.o.) prevented or significantly decreased the pathological alterations observed in the
oxazolone- induced
colitis model. It also showed antinociceptive effects and reduced the increased levels of inflammatory
cytokines (IL-13 and TNF-α). Gastric damage was also prevented starting
at 10 mg/kg, p.o. In conclusion, our results provide evidence for a beneficial effect of
nerol after
colitis induction involving tissue protection, antinociception and modulation of the immunological system, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this
monoterpene as a novel alternative in controlling
ulcerative colitis.