Anti-Neuroinflammation Activity of Essential Oils and Fatty Acids

Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Current pharmacological interventions, such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, are limited by systemic toxicity and insufficient efficacy in targeting chronic neuroinflammatory processes. Emerging evidence highlights the therapeutic potential of plant-derived essential oils and fatty acids in modulating neuroinflammatory pathways through multi-target mechanisms. Essential oils enriched with terpenoids (e.g., carnosic acid, eugenol) attenuate microglial activation and cytokine production by suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3, enhance blood-brain barrier integrity and promote the resolution of oxidative stress via Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defenses. Preclinical studies demonstrate that these compounds reduce Aβ plaque burden, protect dopaminergic neurons, and ameliorate cognitive deficits in animal models of AD and PD. This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of the multifaceted roles of essential oils and fatty acids in combating neuroinflammation and their potential as therapeutic agents. Furthermore, this sets a foundation for further research into translating these natural products into clinical applications in modulating neuroinflammation and related disorders.