Wild chrysanthemum essential oil alleviates dry eye disease by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation.

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED), a disorder with multiple contributing factors, is marked by instability in the tear film, increased osmolarity, and inflammatory responses. This research investigates the therapeutic potential of essential oil derived from wild chrysanthemum essential oil (CHEO) in treating DED. GC-MS analysis identified 121 bioactive compounds in CHEO, including L-borneol (6.00%) and β-sitosterol (4.60%), compounds with established anti-inflammatory properties. In human corneal epithelial cells subjected to hyperosmotic stress, CHEO treatment significantly improved cell viability and lowered inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) secretion. CHEO administration was demonstrated to restore tear production, improve corneal epithelial integrity, and increase conjunctival goblet cell density in scopolamine-induced DED mice. Notably, the ocular tissues demonstrated suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and NF-κB pathway activation by CHEO. The collective evidence indicates that CHEO alleviates DED through multimodal mechanisms involving anti-inflammatory action and ocular surface protection, highlighting its promise as a new phytotherapeutic option for managing DED.