Potential Application of the Plant-Derived Essential Oils for Atherosclerosis Treatment: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Essential oils (EOs) are complex secondary metabolites identified in many plant species. Plant-derived EOs have been widely used in traditional medicine for centuries for their health-beneficial effects. Some EOs and their active ingredients have been reported to improve the cardiovascular system, in particular to provide an anti-atherosclerotic effect. The objective of this review is to highlight the recent research investigating the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and lipid-lowering properties of plant-derived EOs and discuss their mechanisms of action. Also, recent clinical trials exploring anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of EOs are discussed. Future research on EOs has the potential to identify new bioactive compounds and invent new effective agents for treatment of atherosclerosis and related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity.

Automated summary

This review discusses the anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and lipid-lowering properties of plant-derived essential oils (EOs) and examines their mechanisms of action. It also explores recent clinical trials investigating the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of EOs. Future research on EOs has the potential to discover new bioactive compounds and develop effective agents for the treatment of atherosclerosis and related diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and obesity.