# Pharmacological and molecular insights into linalool-rich Coriandrum sativum essential oil: Anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potential in rodent models

## TL;DR

Peruvian coriander essential oil, rich in linalool, shows anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in rodent models.

## Contribution

The study integrates chemical characterization, pharmacological evaluation, cytokine modulation, and molecular docking to explore the multi-target effects of linalool-rich coriander essential oil.

## Key findings

- CsEO showed higher antioxidant activity than pure linalool.
- CsEO and linalool significantly reduced seizure frequency and increased seizure latency.
- CsEO inhibited carrageenan-induced edema and reduced IL-1β and IL-6 levels.

## Abstract

Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) has long been valued for its culinary and medicinal uses. C. sativum essential oil (CsEO), particularly linalool-rich chemotypes, exhibits diverse biological activities; however, integrated evaluations encompassing neurological, inflammatory, and molecular targets remain limited. This study aimed to chemically characterize Peruvian CsEO and assess its anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, alongside those of pure linalool, while elucidating potential mechanisms through cytokine modulation and molecular docking of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes.

CsEO was extracted from Peruvian coriander seeds through steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was quantified using the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay. Anticonvulsant effects were tested in BALB/c mice using the pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure model, analgesic activity through the acetic acid-induced writhing test, and anti-inflammatory effects in Holtzman rats using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Molecular docking evaluated linalool’s binding affinity to COX-1 and COX-2 relative to standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

GC-MS identified linalool as the major constituent (59.80%), alongside α-pinene (8.65%), camphor (8.48%), and γ-terpinene (7.09%). CsEO demonstrated potent antioxidant activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 32.04 μg/mL), exceeding that of linalool alone (IC50 = 152.29 μg/mL). Significant anticonvulsant effects occurred at 200 mg/kg for both CsEO and linalool, increasing seizure latency by up to 87.20% and reducing seizure frequency by ~43%. In analgesic assays, linalool (200 mg/kg) achieved a 93.80% writhing reduction, comparable to tramadol, while CsEO showed strong but slightly lower efficacy. CsEO (200 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan-induced edema by 51.35% at 4 h, reduced IL-1β by 49.8%, and IL-6 by 26.5%, effects comparable to ibuprofen. Docking revealed moderate linalool affinity for COX-1 (−5.70 kcal/mol) and COX-2 (−6.10 kcal/mol), sharing key hydrophobic interactions with reference drugs.

Peruvian CsEO, characterized by a distinctive linalool-rich chemotype, exhibits significant multi-target pharmacological activities, with synergistic contributions from minor constituents enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Its integrated efficacy profile and favorable safety indicators highlight CsEO as a promising phytotherapeutic candidate for managing seizures, pain, and inflammation. Further studies should explore chronic models, pharmacokinetics, and formulation strategies to optimize clinical applicability.