Biological activities of essential oils: A mini-review

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) are derived from plants and exhibit diverse biological activities, including antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial effects. This review offers a thorough examination of their chemical composition and biological properties, which are crucial for pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural applications. EOs exhibit potent antimicrobial action against various bacteria and fungi, including drug-resistant strains, and display promising antiviral activity against influenza, herpes, and HIV. Additionally, they show potential as anticancer agents, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Despite their benefits, challenges such as low solubility and stability limit their use. Innovative strategies such as nanoencapsulation aim to enhance their efficacy.