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Published on: December 1, 2016
Targeted phytotherapy: essential oils, multi-target cancer action & nanodelivery
Kali Prasad Pattanaik1, Laxmipriti Behera2, Usha Rani Panda3
1R&D Department, BioPioneer Pvt. Ltd., KIIT-TBI, KIIT DU, Patia, Bhubaneswar, India.
Abstract:
Biochemical components of essential oils (EOs) are an innovative but largely underexplored type of precision phytotherapy (PT) in oncology owing to their anticancer activity against many types of tumors. This article discusses the important multitargeted molecular mechanisms of EOs (apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis, metastasis, tumor microenvironment) and their role as antitumor agents. In particular, an effort has been made to emphasize on the most notable volatile EOs such as thymol, eugenol, limonene, β-caryophyllene, and their interaction with oncogenic signaling pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, STAT3). Additionally, the ability of EO constituents to act in synergy with standard chemotherapeutic regimens and immune checkpoint inhibitors are also emphasized. In order to help provide evidence for the anticancer activity of EOs by identifying and examining new nanotechnology-based strategies for drug delivery that address the physicochemical challenges of EOs, this article evaluates advanced nanoformulation techniques, such as lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, nanoemulsions, and mesoporous silica carriers. This is discussed in order to define how passive (diffusion) or active (specific targeting) methods can be utilized to improve delivery/absorption. Moreover, this article also discusses EO-derived phytocompounds that can be used in combination with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy to provide a mechanism(s) to ultimately reverse multidrug resistance. Finally, recent translational bottlenecks before integrating EOs-based PT into precision oncology, such as standardization, regulatory framework, and clinical trials are also addressed.
Insights
Essential oils (EOs) show anticancer potential through multitargeted mechanisms and synergistic effects with conventional therapies. Advanced nanoformulations enhance EO delivery, paving the way for precision phytotherapy in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Phytotherapy
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Essential oils (EOs) possess anticancer properties, offering innovative precision phytotherapy (PT) for various tumors.
- Their multitargeted molecular mechanisms include inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis.
- Key volatile EOs like thymol, eugenol, and limonene interact with critical oncogenic signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the anticancer mechanisms of EOs and their potential in precision oncology.
- To highlight the synergistic effects of EOs with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- To review nanotechnology-based strategies for improving EO drug delivery and overcoming resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular mechanisms of EOs, including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment modulation.
- Analysis of volatile EOs (thymol, eugenol, limonene, β-caryophyllene) and their interaction with signaling pathways (NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK, STAT3).
- Evaluation of advanced nanoformulation techniques (lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, nanoemulsions, mesoporous silica carriers) for EO delivery.
Main Results:
- EOs exhibit multitargeted anticancer activity through various molecular mechanisms.
- Specific EOs like thymol and eugenol demonstrate significant interactions with oncogenic pathways.
- Nanoformulations show promise in enhancing EO delivery and overcoming physicochemical challenges.
- EOs can synergize with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, potentially reversing multidrug resistance.
Conclusions:
- Essential oils represent a promising avenue for precision phytotherapy in oncology.
- Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems are crucial for optimizing the therapeutic potential of EOs.
- Further research and clinical trials are needed to address standardization and regulatory hurdles for integrating EOs into cancer treatment.
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