Biological activity of vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil in human dermal fibroblasts

Abstract

Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) essential oil (VEO) has a long history of use. However, research on its biological activity in human skin cells is scarce. In this study, we investigated the biological activity of VEO in a pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast model, which was designed to mimic the disease biology of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. We analyzed the impact of VEO on the levels of 17 important protein biomarkers pertinent to immune response and tissue remodeling. VEO exhibited strong antiproliferative activity in these cells and significantly inhibited the production of collagen III, an important molecule for skin and tissue remodeling processes. We also studied the effect of VEO on regulating genome-wide gene expression. VEO robustly impacted many genes and signaling pathways that are closely related to tissue remodeling and metabolism, among others. Specifically, VEO significantly impacted pathways for cholesterol synthesis and metabolism. This study provides the first evidence of the biological activity of VEO in human dermal fibroblasts. Though a definite conclusion remains elusive, the data suggest that VEO has therapeutic potential for both cosmetic and metabolic health care products. Further research into VEO’s biological and pharmacological mechanisms of action is recommended.

Keywords

• vetiver essential oil
• trans-isovalencenol
• khusimol
• vetiselinenol
• collagen iii
• inflammation
• cholesterol
• tissue remodeling
• anti-diabetic
• skin health
• wound healing