Selected Monocyclic Monoterpenes and Their Derivatives as Effective Anticancer Therapeutic Agents

Terpenes-a diverse group of secondary metabolites-constitute the largest class of natural products abundant in almost every plant species. The properties of concrete terpenes and essential oils have been intensively studied due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. Despite the popularity of these aromatic compounds, their derivatives, terpenoids, are still not comprehensively characterized despite exhibiting potent bioactive properties. This review aims to assess the anticancer properties of selected monoterpenes including carvone, carvacrol, perillyl alcohol, perillaldehyde, limonene, menthol and their derivatives while also evaluating potential applications as novel anticancer treatments. Special attention is paid to functional groups that improve the bioactivity of monoterpene molecules. This review also covers the therapeutic potential of deep eutectic solvents that contain monoterpene substances. Taken together, the literature supports the use of monoterpene derivatives in the development of new alternatives for disease treatment and prevention.

Automated summary

Terpenes and their derivatives exhibit potential anticancer properties, which could serve as novel treatments for cancer. The research focuses on functional groups within monoterpene molecules that enhance bioactivity, as well as explores the therapeutic potential of deep eutectic solvents containing terpene substances.