Citronellol, a monoterpene alcohol, found in essential oils of citronella and rose, possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The present study is aimed at investigating the protective effect of citronellol fraction, isolated from Naregamia alata on blood glucose regulation and diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Rats were divided into normal control, diabetic control, diabetic rats treated with citronellol fraction and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide. The effect was evaluated through biochemical and histopathological analysis, and an in-silico SWISS ADME study was conducted to assess its pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties. The study showed the reversal of blood glucose level and body weight in diabetic rats treated with citronellol fraction isolated from N. alata . Citronellol fraction treatment led to the significant regeneration of pancreatic islets with enhanced release of C-peptide and an increase in glycogen synthesis as observed in biochemical and histopathological analysis. In addition, diabetic nephropathy was also ameliorated as indicated by a reduction in the serum urea and creatinine with an improvement in the architecture of the kidneys of diabetic rats. Furthermore, an in-silico SWISS ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion) study of citronellol revealed several promising pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties, suggesting the protective effect of citronellol fraction against STZ-induced diabetes, potentially paving the way for its development as an oral hypoglycemic drug. Citronellol fraction demonstrated significant protective effects against STZ-induced diabetes, highlighting its potential as an oral hypoglycemic drug. In addition, in-silico SWISS ADME study also supports its potential for the development as an oral hypoglycemic drug.
Rodrigues et al. (Sun,) studied this question.