Emerging Role of Essential Oils as Modulators of the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway: A Comprehensive Review

Background/Objectives: Essential Oils (EO), complex mixtures of organic compounds, exhibit a wide range of properties useful in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, perfumery and agri-food fields. In particular, well-recognized EO anti-inflammatory properties push towards the investigation of the mechanisms underlying them. One of the signaling pathways targeted by EOs is the Janus Kinase Signal of Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT), whose hyperactivation is associated with inflammation, immune diseases and tumor progression. Methods: A comprehensive search on the major bibliographic databases was conducted; current findings and recent insights about the role of EOs in modulating the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway were collected. Results: EOs derived from different plant species showed efficacy in attenuating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators and in inhibiting phosphorylation of both JAK and STAT proteins. These results could be due to the EO's multi-component nature and to the synergistic interaction occurring within these complex mixtures, both reflecting multi-target effects and modulations. Limitations concerning formulations, lack of standardization, efficacy and safety profiles, sustainable and eco-friendly approaches, and the gap between the literature and translation to the clinic were addressed. Conclusions: EOs represent emergent, promising and high-value candidates able to modulate the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway.