Understanding How Gamma-Terpinene Affects Cell Health and Blood Clotting

Jenn Hoskins
28th May, 2024

Understanding How Gamma-Terpinene Affects Cell Health and Blood Clotting

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the Federal University of Piauí explored the potential of γ-TPN, found in essential oils, as a treatment for thromboembolic diseases
  • γ-TPN showed good bioavailability and pharmacokinetics, indicating it could be effectively absorbed and utilized by the body
  • γ-TPN significantly reduced platelet aggregation, suggesting it could help prevent blood clots without severe side effects
Gamma-terpinene (γ-TPN) is a cyclohexane monoterpene found in essential oils from plants like tea tree, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and eucalyptus. Terpenes are known for their cardiovascular, hemostatic, and antioxidant properties. A recent study by the Federal University of Piauí explored the cytotoxic and antiplatelet activities of γ-TPN using various laboratory models[1]. The study aimed to determine the potential of γ-TPN as a therapeutic agent for thromboembolic diseases. Thromboembolic diseases involve the formation of blood clots that can obstruct blood vessels, leading to conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Current treatments, such as P2Y12 inhibitors, are effective but come with side effects like shortness of breath and bleeding[2]. Therefore, finding new, safer antiplatelet agents is crucial. To evaluate γ-TPN, the researchers used in silico tools like PreADMET, SwissADME, and SwissTargetPrediction to predict its drug-like properties and molecular docking to understand its interaction with the P2Y12 receptor. The cytotoxicity was tested using the MTT assay on normal murine endothelial and fibroblast cells. Platelet aggregation was assessed using platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The results showed that γ-TPN is highly lipid-soluble (Log P = +4.50), indicating good bioavailability and pharmacokinetics. It exhibited moderate cytotoxicity on murine cells, with CC50 values of 333.3 µM for fibroblasts and 366.7 µM for endothelial cells. More importantly, γ-TPN significantly reduced platelet aggregation by 51.57% and 44.20% at concentrations of 50 µM and 100 µM, respectively. This reduction suggests that γ-TPN could be effective in preventing blood clots without the severe side effects associated with current P2Y12 inhibitors. The study's findings align with previous research on P2Y12 inhibitors. For instance, ticagrelor, a known P2Y12 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce tumor growth in ovarian cancer models by affecting platelet activity[3]. This highlights the broader potential of P2Y12 inhibition in various medical conditions. Additionally, earlier studies have demonstrated that nucleoside triphosphates like ATP can act as P2Y12 antagonists, inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, and epinephrine[4]. These findings support the idea that targeting the P2Y12 receptor is a viable strategy for developing new antiplatelet therapies. In conclusion, the study by the Federal University of Piauí suggests that γ-TPN is a promising candidate for further research as an antiplatelet agent. Its ability to reduce platelet aggregation and its favorable pharmacokinetic profile make it a potential alternative to current P2Y12 inhibitors. Future studies should focus on clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Non-clinical investigations about cytotoxic and anti-platelet activities of gamma-terpinene.

Published 27th May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03173-w

Related Studies

2) Identification of a New Morpholine Scaffold as a P2Y12 Receptor Antagonist.

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21091114

3) Role of ADP receptors on platelets in the growth of ovarian cancer.

https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2017-02-769893

4) Nucleoside triphosphates inhibit ADP, collagen, and epinephrine-induced platelet aggregation: role of P2Y₁ and P2Y₁₂ receptors.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.thromres.2013.08.021


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