The biological response of mesenchymal stromal cells to thymol and carvacrol in comparison to their essential oil: An innovative new study

• Published in: Food and chemical toxicology 2019-12, Vol.134, p.110844-110844, Article 110844
• Main Authors: Bouhtit, Fatima, Najar, Mehdi, Agha, Douâa Moussa, Melki, Rahma, Najimi, Mustapha, Sadki, Khalid, Lewalle, Philippe, Hamal, Abdellah, Lagneaux, Laurence, Merimi, Makram
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biology; Cell Proliferation - drug effects; Combination; Cymenes - pharmacology; Essential oil; Humans; Medicinal plants; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - drug effects; MSCs; Oils, Volatile - pharmacology; Thymol - pharmacology; Thymol and carvacrol
• ISSN: 0278-6915; 1873-6351
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.110844

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a progenitor cell population with several biological properties. MSCs are thus of therapeutic interest for cell-based therapy but great efforts are needed to enhance their efficiency and safety. Herbal remedies and in particular their bioactive molecules, are potential candidates for improving human health. The novelty and originality of this study is to develop an efficient cell-therapeutic product by combining MSCs with medicinal plant derived bioactive molecules. Thus, the impact of Essential Oil, Thymol and Carvacrol from Ptychotis verticillata on several BM-MSC biological features were studied. These compounds have shown positive effects on MSCs by preserving their morphology, sustaining their viability, promoting their proliferation, protecting them from cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. Accordingly, the combined administration of P. verticillata extract and MSCs may represent a new approach to enhance the therapeutic issue. Further investigations should greatly improve the manufacturing of these compounds as well as our understanding of the therapeutic effects of these bioactive molecules on the biology and functions of MSCs. •Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are major therapeutic cell progenitors which efficiency needs to be improved.•Ptychotis verticillata derived bioactive molecules are tested as potential candidates for improving MSC efficacy.•MSC morphology, viability, proliferation and oxidative response are differentially influenced.•Combined administration of P. verticillata extract and MSCs may represent a new therapeutic approach.•Amelioration of compound manufacturing and characterization will increase their therapeutic value in combination with MSCs.