The Anticancer Potential of Plant Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Challenges
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Essential oils (EOs) derived from aromatic plants have gained increasing attention due to their potential anticancer properties. These plant-based bioactive compounds possess diverse pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic effects, which can influence critical pathways involved in cancer development and progression. This narrative review explores the anticancer potential of various plant EOs, emphasizing their role in modulating gene expression and cellular signaling pathways related to tumor suppression. We discuss the mechanisms through which EOs exert cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects, both as standalone agents and in synergy with conventional cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, we address current challenges limiting the clinical application of EOs, including issues of bioavailability, safety, and regulatory approval. Despite these hurdles, the accumulating evidence highlights the promise of plant EOs as complementary or alternative options in cancer therapy. Continued research is essential to optimize their therapeutic efficacy and fully elucidate their mechanisms of action in cancer prevention and treatment.
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