Recent Patents Regarding Essential Oils and the Significance of their Constituents in Human Health and Treatment

Abstract

Essential oils derived from aromatic plants possess useful properties concerning human health, such as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activities. They can be used as natural alternatives to synthetic preparations to prevent and treat infectious diseases caused by multidrug resistant microorganisms. They are used successfully to treat respiratory tract, digestive system and skin infections. Many of them may be applied in anticancer therapy, cardiovascular and nervous system disorders, as well as to reduce the level of cholesterol and decrease and regulate the glucose level. Due to their ability to stimulate adrenal and estrogen hormone production and their antimicrobial properties, they are useful in the treatment of gynecological diseases. Oils are commonly used in the food and cosmetic industry. The present paper describes recent patents concerning potential uses of essential oils in human health and treatment of diseases.

Essential Oils from Ugandan Medicinal Plants: In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Effects on IL‐1β‐Induced Proinflammatory Mediators by Human Gingival Fibroblasts

“…In recent years, studies on the biological activities of extracts from plants have become increasingly important in the search for natural and safe alternative medicines [10], with increased interest particularly in essential oils derived from aromatic medicinal plants [11, 12]. Essential oils are odorous, volatile products of plant secondary metabolism and they are found in leaves, stems, seeds, flowers, or other parts of aromatic plants [11].…”

Major bioactivities and mechanism of action of essential oils and their components

“…Essential oils have gained interest as potential sources for bioactive natural molecules and are the subject of studies for their possible use as alternative medications for the treatment of infectious diseases. The long known antimicrobial actions of essential oils are now being extensively scientifically reviewed and applied in health and industry fields . Various in vitro studies have confirmed the inhibitory action of essential oils against bacteria, fungi, yeasts, viruses and protozoa .…”

Propuesta para seleccionar aceites esenciales de plantas de Colombia para investigación con base en su citotoxicidad

“…Al menos 3000 se han identificado y 300 están comercialmente disponibles para diversos usos como la fabricación de perfumes, cosméticos, productos de limpieza, insecticidas, conservantes y aditivos de alimentos (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). Los AE también están presentes en formulaciones de medicamentos homeopáticos, por ejemplo, la aplicación tópica se usa para tratar el acné, dermatomicosis y otras afectaciones de la piel, la aromaterapia para infecciones del tracto respiratorio y afecciones del sistema nervioso y el efecto anticancerígeno están bien documentado (6)(7)(8)(9). Varios estudios sugieren que estas propiedades medicinales se deben en gran parte a fortalecimiento del sistema inmune (7,10).…”

“…Los AE también están presentes en formulaciones de medicamentos homeopáticos, por ejemplo, la aplicación tópica se usa para tratar el acné, dermatomicosis y otras afectaciones de la piel, la aromaterapia para infecciones del tracto respiratorio y afecciones del sistema nervioso y el efecto anticancerígeno están bien documentado (6)(7)(8)(9). Varios estudios sugieren que estas propiedades medicinales se deben en gran parte a fortalecimiento del sistema inmune (7,10).…”

“…No obstante, el uso inadecuado puede resultar en efectos adversos como irritación o cambios malignos en la piel por aplicación tópica excesiva y convulsiones, hepato-toxicidad y daño renal cuando la absorción sistémica es alta (2,7). Se ha demostrado que los AE generan especies reactivas de oxígeno resultando en fragmentación del ADN (10,11).…”