A Status Review on Health-Promoting Properties and Global Regulation of Essential Oils

Abstract

Since ancient times, essential oils (EOs) have been known for their therapeutic potential against many health issues. Recent studies suggest that EOs may contribute to the regulation and modulation of various biomarkers and cellular pathways responsible for metabolic health as well as the development of many diseases, including cancer, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and bacterial infections. During metabolic dysfunction and even infections, the immune system becomes compromised and releases pro-inflammatory cytokines that lead to serious health consequences. The bioactive compounds present in EOs (especially terpenoids and phenylpropanoids) with different chemical compositions from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants confer protection against these metabolic and infectious diseases through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In this review, we have highlighted some targeted physiological and cellular actions through which EOs may exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. In addition, it has been observed that EOs from specific plant sources may play a significant role in the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, microbial infections, and increasing breast milk production, along with improvements in heart, liver, and brain health. The current status of the bioactive activities of EOs and their therapeutic effects are covered in this review. However, with respect to the health benefits of EOs, it is very important to regulate the dose and usage of EOs to reduce their adverse health effects. Therefore, we specified that some countries have their own regulatory bodies while others follow WHO and FAO standards and legislation for the use of EOs.

Current status, technology, regulation and future perspectives of essential oils usage in the food and drink industry

“…Obesity is among them, and EOs have been used as complementary treatment. 50 Citrus EOs have been studied for their anti-obesity properties, and in an animal study sweet orange was suggested as a potential dietary supplement for weight loss. Additionally (+)-limonene showed anti-obesity properties.…”

“…Additionally (+)-limonene showed anti-obesity properties. 50 EO constituents could be considered as potential agents for cardiovascular disease prophylaxis. This is related to the concept that aromatic herbs and spices included in the diet in the long term cause positive effects and interrupts the progression of cardiovascular diseases.…”

“…EOs decrease the compounds required to induce the inflammatory process, and particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species, NF-kB and proinflammatory cytokines. 50 Therefore, EOs, owing to their antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties, are potential sources for the development of functional foods. 9 Metabolic syndrome is related to risk factors possibly causing cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes mellitus of metabolic origin.…”

“…Inflammation is a normal response to tissue damage caused by biological, chemical or physical reactions. EOs decrease the compounds required to induce the inflammatory process, and particularly reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species, NF‐kB and proinflammatory cytokines 50 . Therefore, EOs, owing to their anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties, are potential sources for the development of functional foods 9 …”

“…Metabolic syndrome is related to risk factors possibly causing cardiovascular disease and Type II diabetes mellitus of metabolic origin. Obesity is among them, and EOs have been used as complementary treatment 50 . Citrus EOs have been studied for their anti‐obesity properties, and in an animal study sweet orange was suggested as a potential dietary supplement for weight loss.…”