Chamazulene prevents ROS production in human dermal fibroblast and bovine aortic endothelial cells exposed to oxidative stress

Objective: Cells are continuously exposed to oxidative stress due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may in some conditions induce cell damage. In this study we evaluated the capability of Chamazulene, an azulene compound from chamomile essential oil, to counteract ROS production in different cell models: Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDF) and Bovine Aortic Endothelial Cells (BAEC) cultures. Methods: Cells viability at different concentrations of Chamazulene was evaluated through the WST-1 Assay, while ROS production acutely induced by H2O2 (500 μM) or High Glucose (4.5 g/L) treatment was quantified with 2′-7′-Diclorofluorescein Diacetate probe and cytofluorimetric assay or confocal microscopy. Results: Our results showed a reduction in ROS production induced by Chamazulene after cell treatment with H2O2 or High Glucose, thus suggesting an in vitro antioxidant activity of the compound. This preliminary study shows the possible role of Chamazulene as a scavenging molecule underlining its possible use to prevent ROS production and cell damage.