Essential oils as anticancer agents: Potential role in malignancies, drug delivery mechanisms, and immune system
Mansi Sharma1, Kamaljit Grewal2, Rupali Jandrotia2
1Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160 014, India.
Abstract:
Cancer retains a central place in fatality rates among the wide variety of diseases known world over, and the conventional synthetic medicaments, albeit used until now, produce numerous side effects. As a result, newer, better, and safer alternatives such as natural plant products, are gravely required. Essential oils (EOs) offer a plethora of bioactivities including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, therefore, the use of EOs in combination with synthetic drugs or aromatherapy continues to be popular in many settings. In view of the paramount importance of EOs and their potential bioactivities, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the interconnection between EOs and cancer treatment. In particular, the current review presents an updated summary of the chemical composition of EOs, their current applications in cancer treatments based on clinical studies, and the mechanism of action against the cancer cell lines. Similarly, an overview of using EOs in aromatherapy and enhancing immunity during cancer treatment is provided. Further, this review focuses on the recent technological advancements such as the loading of EOs using protein microspheres, ligands, or nanoemulsions/nanoencapsulation, which offer multiple benefits in cancer treatment via site-specific and target-oriented delivery of drugs. The continuing clinical studies of EOs implicate that their pharmacological applications are a rewarding research area.
Insights
Essential oils (EOs) show promise as natural cancer treatments with anticancer and antioxidant properties. Advanced delivery systems enhance their effectiveness in cancer therapy, offering safer alternatives to synthetic drugs.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
- Conventional cancer treatments often cause significant side effects.
- There is a growing need for safer, natural alternatives in cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of essential oils (EOs) in cancer treatment.
- To summarize the chemical composition, clinical applications, and mechanisms of action of EOs against cancer.
- To explore the role of EOs in aromatherapy, immune enhancement, and advanced drug delivery systems for cancer.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of existing studies on essential oils and cancer.
- Analysis of clinical data on the application of EOs in cancer treatment.
- Examination of research on EOs' chemical constituents and their anticancer mechanisms.
- Overview of technological advancements in EO delivery for targeted cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Essential oils possess diverse bioactivities, including anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
- Clinical studies support the use of EOs in cancer treatment, often in conjunction with conventional therapies or aromatherapy.
- Advanced formulations like nanoemulsions and protein microspheres improve targeted delivery and efficacy of EOs in cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Essential oils represent a promising area for developing novel, safer cancer therapeutics.
- Further research into the pharmacological applications and delivery systems of EOs is warranted.
- EOs offer potential benefits for cancer treatment, including direct cytotoxicity and supportive care through aromatherapy and immune modulation.
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