ESSENTIAL OILS AND NEOPLASMS: EXPERIMENTAL EVIDENCE AND PERSPECTIVES IN CHEMOPROPHYLAXY AND INTEGRATIVE CHEMOTHERAPY

ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS E NEOPLASIAS: EVIDÊNCIAS EXPERIMENTAIS E PERSPECTIVAS NA QUIMIOPROFILAXIA E QUIMIOTERAPIA INTEGRATIVA

Abstract

Neoplasms constitute a major public health challenge, with an increasing impact on morbidity and mortality, including in Brazilian regions such as the Northeast. In this context, complementary therapeutic strategies have been investigated to enhance the effectiveness of conventional treatments while reducing their adverse effects. Essential oils, natural compounds rich in bioactive volatile metabolites, have attracted growing scientific interest due to their anticarcinogenic and anticancer properties. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence regarding the role of essential oils and their major chemical constituents in cancer chemoprevention and integrative chemotherapy. This narrative integrative review was based on in vitro experimental studies and in vivo animal models investigating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic activity of essential oils and their bioactive metabolites. The findings indicate that monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, including citral, α-bisabolol, d-limonene, geraniol, β-elemene, diallyl trisulfide, and perillyl alcohol, are capable of inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, modulating tumor signaling pathways, interfering with angiogenesis, and enhancing the effects of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells with reduced toxicity to normal cells has been observed in experimental models, representing a relevant advantage over traditional cytotoxic therapies. Despite these promising findings, the available evidence remains predominantly preclinical, highlighting the need for well-designed clinical trials to evaluate the safety, efficacy, dosage, route of administration, and clinical applicability of these compounds. It is concluded that essential oils have potential as complementary agents in integrative oncology and should be used cautiously and supported by robust scientific evidence.