Antitumor Activity of Monoterpenes Found in Essential Oils

Abstract

Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is a major public health problem worldwide, accounting for about 7 million deaths each year. Many anticancer drugs currently used clinically have been isolated from plant species or are based on such substances. Accumulating data has revealed anticancer activity in plant-derived monoterpenes. In this review the antitumor activity of 37 monoterpenes found in essential oils is discussed. Chemical structures, experimental models, and mechanisms of action for bioactive substances are presented.

Antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil

“…The differences observed in the constituents of essential oil in this study may be due to different chemotypes and environmental factors. Linalool, linalyl acetate, a-terpineol, 1.8 cineole, terpineol 4-ol, limonene, and essential oils rich of these compounds possess various biological activities such as antiproliferative, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties (4,19).…”

“…Monoterpenes are the most abundant constituents, and often, the antitumor activity of essential oils has been related to their presence in the phytocomplex. Linalyl acetate, alpha-terpineol, and camphor in association with linalyl acetate, alpha-terpineol, and camphor caused inhibition of the growth of the human cancer cell lines (4,5).…”

“…Essential oils, secondary metabolites of plants, are mixtures of chemical substances mainly terpenes. Terpenes are considered as valuable natural source of pharmacologically active compounds that can be used in the treatment of various diseases (4).…”

“…Numerous studies have been published on the antimicrobial activities of plant compounds against many different types of pathogens. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative activity of essential oils cannot be attributed only to major components, but the interaction of all constituents present in the essential oil plays an important role (4,6).…”

The Fascinating History of Bergamot (Citrus Bergamia Risso & Poiteau), the Exclusive Essence of Calabria: A Review

“…It consists of a volatile (93-96% of total) and a non volatile (4-7% of total) fraction; the former contains monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as limonene (40%) and oxygenated derivatives such as linalool (8%) and linalyl acetate [25]. Monoterpenes are the most abundant constituents and often, the antitumor activity of the essential oil, has been related to their presence in the phytocomplex [26]. The non-volatile residue contains waxes and polymethoxylated flavones, coumarins and psoralens (bergapten (5-methoxypsoralen), bergamottin (5-geranyloxypsoralen)) which influence the olfactory properties of the essence.…”