Demystifying the Biological Wonders of Essential Oils
Essential oils have intrigued and enchanted us for centuries. These aromatic elixirs have found their way into our lives in various forms, from perfumes to alternative medicine. We will delve into the biological activity of essential oils, exploring their positive and negative effects and shedding light on their well-known antibacterial prowess.
Understanding Biological Activity
Biological activity, in essence, refers to the impact that a substance or a combination of substances can have on living organisms. These substances can be either natural or synthesized, with different chemical structures and complexities. Living organisms, whether simple or complex, react to various stimuli, adapt, grow, and maintain balance in their functioning, known as homeostasis. Biological activity testing plays a pivotal role in drug development, health claim validation, and environmental pollution monitoring.
The Art of Biological Testing
Biological activity is evaluated through bioassays or biological tests. Primary, in vitro, tests gauge the potential of a substance by measuring its effect on an appropriate biological system (that is not alive – in vitro) under standardized conditions. The systems can range from isolated biomolecules and microorganisms to cells and tissues. These tests provide insights into the potential biological activity of the substances and often reveal their mechanisms of action.
Secondary biological tests, also known as preclinical or in vivo tests, follow extensive in vitro testing. These involve experiments on animals and are subject to ethical and legal regulations. They assess factors like effectiveness, toxicity, absorption, distribution, and more. After promising results in preclinical trial, the last part of journey from testing to drug approval is human clinical trials, often spanning around 15 years.
The Chemistry behind Essential Oils
Essential oils, extracted from different parts of aromatic plants, are complex mixtures of volatile, non-polar compounds, with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes being predominant. The chemical composition of these oils is influenced by various factors, including plant species, climate, and extraction methods. Over 3,000 distinct essential oils have been chemically characterized, with around one-tenth commercially available and of significance in various industries.
Essential oils typically consist of two to three dominant components, comprising 20-70% of the oil, alongside a variety of other compounds. Research has shown that the biological activity of essential oils depends on the types and quantities of these compounds. Often, the combined action of these constituents contributes to the oils’ efficacy.
Exploring Key Biological Activities
1. Antibacterial Effect
One of the most renowned biological activities of essential oils is their antibacterial prowess. Essential oils such as oregano, coriander, cinnamon, thyme, rosemary, and mint have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of various bacteria. In vitro methods like agar diffusion and dilution tests assess their minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. These tests have confirmed the potent antibacterial effects of essential oils and isolated compounds, offering hope for natural treatments.
2. Antiviral and Antifungal Activities
Essential oils like lemongrass, along with compounds like citral and citronellal, have shown promise in inhibiting the replication of viruses like Herpes simplex. Similarly, oils like cinnamon, along with carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol, have proven effective against molds such as Aspergillus niger. These findings open doors to potential antiviral and antifungal applications.
3. Antioxidant Activity
Oxidative damage can lead to various diseases, making antioxidants crucial in antioxidant defence. Essential oils from coriander, eucalyptus, oregano, juniper, and thyme have displayed significant antioxidant potential. Oregano oil, for instance, has shown the ability to reduce lipid oxidation in experimental animals.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Inflammation is body’s way of protecting itself from harm. When something harmful, like germs or an injury, enters your body, your immune system springs into action. Essential oils from aloe, chamomile, thyme, and bergamot have been investigated for their anti-inflammatory effects. These studies, along with in vivo research, could lead to potential treatments for conditions like arthritis and allergies.
5. Cytotoxicity
Essential oils have also been studied for their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. These studies, typically conducted in vitro, assess the oils’ impact on cell viability and mechanisms of action. Compounds from oils like fir needles, lemon balm, frankincense, and thyme have shown promise in disrupting cancer cell growth.
While in vitro studies have provided valuable insights into essential oils’ biological activities, further research, including in vivo and clinical trials, is crucial to unlocking their full potential as pharmaceuticals.
Essential oils, the aromatic jewels of nature, hold a treasure trove of biological wonders. From antibacterial might to antioxidant prowess, their potential knows no bounds. As research continues to unveil their secrets, we may witness these oils take on more prominent roles in modern medicine.
Author: Dr. Ivana Beara, PhD in Biochemistry
Reference cited in this text:
Nikolić et al. (2023) Savory, oregano and thyme essential oil mixture (HerbELICO®) counteracts Helicobacter pylori. Molecules, 28(5):2138.
