The Potential use of Geraniol Esters from Citronella Oil as Anticancer Agents

Geraniol which is mainly contained in citronella oil is one of the Indonesian natural products with anticancer potential. In this study, synthesis of geranyl butyrate, geranyl caproate, and geranyl caprylate from geraniol was conducted using sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The aim was to enhance the anticancer activity of geraniol as a starting material. In order to achieve this, its esters were identified through the use of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS), Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR). They were analyzed for their potential as anticancer agents through Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) against Artemia salina Leach, Mosmann method against murine leukemia (P388) cells and normal (Vero) cells. It was found that geraniol esters have the potential to be anticancer compounds. This was indicated by LC50 values of 0.96-1.46 µg/ml against A. salina L, IC50 values of 22.34-32.29 µg/ml against P388 cells, and very less cytotoxic effect on Vero cells with IC50 values of 116.08-172.93 µg/ml. Therefore, there is an expectation that acyclic ester compounds should be used in treating cancer.