In rats with arthritis worsened by stress, a daily dose of 200 mg/kg of eucalyptol lowers the levels of specific inflammatory signaling proteins in the blood by 40–50%.
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
Eucalyptol blocks the body's main inflammation signals in the joints, which stops the production of proteins that cause swelling and break down cartilage. It also clears harmful chemicals that worsen inflammation, making the joint damage less severe.
Most probable mechanism
Eucalyptol enters the bloodstream and blocks key signaling systems in joint cells that trigger inflammation. This stops the production of proteins that attract immune cells and break down cartilage, leading to less swelling and joint damage.
Eucalyptol enters systemic circulation and accumulates in joint tissues
Eucalyptol inhibits phosphorylation of MAPK kinases (p38, JNK, ERK) and prevents nuclear translocation of NF-κB
Inhibition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling reduces transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes (TNF-α, IL-6)
Reduced cytokine levels decrease recruitment and activation of immune cells in the synovium
Suppression of NF-κB and MAPK signaling downregulates expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and RT1A
Lower MMP-9 activity preserves collagen and proteoglycans in articular cartilage
Reduced RT1A expression limits aberrant antigen presentation to T cells in joint tissues
Eucalyptol directly scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and increases activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase
Reduced oxidative stress diminishes activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways and prevents oxidative damage to synovial and chondrocyte cells
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
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