Therapeutic Potential of Linalool in Endometriosis: Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in a Rat Model.

Endometriosis (EMS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 10%-15% of women of reproductive age and is a major cause of infertility. This study explores the therapeutic effects of linalool, a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on EMS in a rat model. Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups: sham, EMS control, and two treatment groups receiving linalool at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg. EMS was induced by implanting uterine tissue, and linalool was administered for 28 days. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GPx, CAT), inflammation indicators (TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB), apoptosis regulators (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3), autophagy marker (Beclin1), adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), and angiogenic factor (VEGF) were all assessed using biochemical and histological techniques. Linalool treatment significantly reduced lesion size and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. The higher dose group (Lina 100) showed nearly normal histological features tissue histology. Linalool boosted antioxidant enzymes, reduced inflammatory signaling via NF-κB and MAPK pathways, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed angiogenesis and cellular adhesion. These findings suggest that linalool exerts multi-targeted effects to reduce EMS severity. The study highlights linalool's promise as a potential therapeutic agent for EMS, though further research in human models is needed to confirm its clinical relevance.