Coriander leaf essential oil as an immunomodulator: enhancing NF-κB -driven RAW246.7 murine macrophages response to Candida albicans

Coriander is a cultivated aromatic herb that has been used in both culinary and medical treatment worldwide. Coriander essential oil contains various bioactive components that can have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, the oil has antifungal activity against Candida albicans and suppresses its biofilm formation. Besides, the oil can increase macrophage phagocytic activity. However, its effect on other macrophage functions during C. albicans infection is still unclear. This study aims to investigate the effect of coriander leaf essential oil on macrophage activity and inflammatory signaling during C. albicans infection. RAW264.7, a murine macrophage cell line, was cultured with viable C. albicans , either in the absence or presence of the oil (0-50 μg/mL). The killing activity, pro- /anti-inflammatory cytokine production, and NF-κB gene expression were assessed. This study revealed the potential of coriander leaf essential oil as an immunomodulator that enhances macrophage responses to C. albicans via the NF-κB pathway. These findings may help to further the development of coriander leaf essential oil as an adjuvant antifungal and immunomodulatory medication.