The mechanistic aspects of the anti-inflammatory activity of Lavandula stoechas

Abstract

Inflammation is a defensive mechanism against various harmful stimuli, which involves both the innate and the acquired immune responses. This response includes vascular and cellular events which are highly coordinated by different inflammatory mediators. It is aimed to repair and restore the normal homeostasis of the injured tissue. However, persistent or uncontrolled inflammation can lead to the development of chronic inflammation which may act as the central executor in the pathogenesis of many inflammatory diseases. Taking into consideration the adverse side effects of synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, the search for new anti-inflammatory agents from herbal sources is desirable. The recent growing interest towards natural remedies and medicinal plant-derived products in alternative therapies has shed some light on lavender including its different species such as our plant of interest, Lavandula stoechas which could serve as a potential source for antiinflammatory bioactive molecules that could be further used for drug development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of action of some bioactive molecules found in Lavandula stoechas essential oils and extracts. Results from published experimental and clinical studies demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of Lavandula stoechas which was mainly due to its richness of bioactive compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, luteolin, and apigenin. Additionally, these findings proposed that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of these phytochemicals is mediated through the modulation of various pro and antiinflammatory mediators such as interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), nitric oxide (NO), as well as prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Additionally, they induce the inhibition of arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipooxygenase (LOX), inducible nitric oxide (iNOS), and various transcription factors implied in the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Finally, the identified components from Lavandula stoechas could be incorporated into future novel bioactive anti-inflammatory formulations and in the exploitation of targeted therapies used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, further studies need to be undertaken