Exploring the Neurotherapeutic Potential of Nerol: Molecular Insights into Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Neuropsychiatric Perspectives
Jagjeet Singh, Tarique Anwer, Ankit Verma, Manju Sharma, Muhanad Alhujaily, Mushabbab Alahmari, Saeed Alshahrani, Mohammad Firoz AlamIntroduction:
Nerol is a naturally occurring monoterpene alcohol with a molecular formula of C10H18O and a molecular weight of 154.25 g/mol, primarily found in the essential oils of Neroli (Citrus aurantium) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon spp.). It exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasodilation and neuroprotective potential. Due to their neuroprotective potential, they have been utilized in diverse neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, depression, and anxiety.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases up to August 2025. Keywords included “Nerol,” “neuroprotection,” “antioxidant,” “antiinflammatory,” “neurodegenerative disorders,” “depression,” and “anxiety.” Studies on nerol and structurally related analogues (e.g., nerolidol and geraniol) were included to extrapolate potential neurotherapeutic mechanisms.
Results:
After evaluating methodological quality, 250 articles were initially screened, of which 200 that met the predefined selection criteria were included. In this review, the effect of nerol on modulating neuroinflammation via downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB signaling, DNMT1 expression, and microglial activation is explained. Additionally, the role of nerol in demonstrating its antioxidant potential by enhancing key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR) while reducing ROS, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation is discussed in detail.
Discussion:
The present findings highlight nerol as a promising neuroprotective phytoconstituent, owing to its combined antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by enhanced endogenous antioxidant defenses and reduced oxidative mediators, including ROS, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation. Although direct evidence for nerol’s anti-inflammatory effects is limited, its structural analogues, nerolidol and geraniol, further support its therapeutic promise by modulating neuroinflammation via downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB signaling, DNMT1 expression, and microglial activation. These effects suggest nerol’s potential to manage oxidative damage associated with chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Conclusion:
The ability of nerol to modulate oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and key neuromodulatory pathways highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegeneration and other psychiatric problems. Further experimental studies are necessary to validate these effects and elucidate the precise mechanisms.