Assessment of the antioxidant and antiproliferative effects of sesquiterpenic compounds in in vitro Caco-2 cell models

In this study, the antiradical and antiproliferative effects of the sesquiterpenic compounds trans, trans-farnesol, cis-nerolidol, α-humulene and guaiazulene, commonly found in plants and plant-derived foods and beverages, were evaluated. Chemical (DPPH and hydroxyl radicals) and biological (Caco-2 cells) models were used. Guaiazulene (IC50 = 0.73 mM) showed higher scavenger capacity against DPPH, while trans, trans-farnesol (IC50 = 1.81 mM) and cis-nerolidol (IC50 = 1.48 mM) were more active towards hydroxyl radicals. All compounds, with the exception of α-humulene, were able to protect Caco-2 cells from oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide. As antiproliferative agents, guaiazulene and cis-nerolidol were more effective than trans, trans-farnesol and α-humulene. The results obtained for the sesquiterpenic compounds by these in vitro assays opens a perspective for their promising use as antioxidants and antiproliferative agents. However, in vivo tests should be carried out in the future to confirm their safety and effectiveness.