Citrus limon Peel Essential Oil–Induced Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction

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
• type IV hypersensitivity
• macrophages
• lymphocytes
• interferon gamma
• interleukin 10

Disclosure

All contributing authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

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