The Effect of Geraniol on Biochemical Parameters and Brain Markers in Male Wistar Alzheimer's Rats

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid plaques and neuronal death ultimately leading to dementia. Using natural therapies has always been a great concern for AD. Herein, Geraniol, as a natural monoterpene, was applied to examine its protective and therapeutic effects on a rat model of AD. In order to create Alzheimer’s rat model, bilateral injection of Amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42) was performed into rats’ hippocampus. Both therapeutic (post-AD induction) and protective effects of Geraniol consumption (100 mg kg-1) were investigated on the antioxidant and brain histological parameters. In addition, Aβ1-42 peptide was driven toward fibril formation in vitro and effect of Geraniol (100 μM) was observed on Aβ1-42 fibrils. Alzheimer’s-induced group showed impairment in the antioxidant parameters along with loss of neuronal cells and amyloid plaque formation. Administration of Geraniol, in both treatment and protective modes, increased neurogenesis, reduced amyloid plaques, and improved antioxidant parameters. Therefore, Geraniol showed capability of improving AD signs as well as direct anti-fibril effect and it could be considered as neuroprotective.