Citrus limon Peel Essential Oil-Induced Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction

J Exp Pharmacol. 2020 Jul 27:12:213-220. doi: 10.2147/JEP.S256139. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Background: Several studies have shown anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antifungal, and antioxidant effects from Citrus limon-peel essential oil (Cl-PEO). Cl-PEO can be developed as topical drugs for oral ulceration because of its potential active components. There have been no studies on the topical application of Cl-PEO inducing type IV hypersensitivity reaction.

Purpose: To investigate the potential of Cl-PEO from Batu City to induce type IV hypersensitivity reactions based on clinical changes, lymphocytes, macrophages, IFNγ, andIL10 expression.

Methods: This study was adapted from a guinea pig maximization-test method in Indonesia and the guidance of ISO 10,993-10:2010, and conducted on 20 guinea pigs (Cavia cobaya) divided into a control group and a treatment group. The treatment group was given Cl-PEO and the control group CMC-Na. Clinical changes were observed, then tissue specimens taken for hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.

Results: There were no clinical changes after exposure. Lymphocyte and macrophage numbers and IFNγ and IL10 expression increased in the treatment group compared to the control group (p=0).

Conclusion: Cl-PEO can induce type IV hypersensitivity reactions in guinea pigs based on cellular and molecular cytokines, but there are no clinical changes after topical application.

Keywords: Citrus limon; essential oil; interferon gamma; interleukin 10; lymphocytes; macrophages; type IV hypersensitivity.

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia, 2019 (Rector Universitas Airlangga decision 1408/UN3/2019).