Cymbopogon, also known as lemongrass, barbed wire grass, silky heads, Cochin grass, Malabar grass, oily heads or fever grass, is a genus of Asian, African, Australian, and tropical island plants in the grass family.

Some species (particularly Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly cultivated as culinary and medicinal herbs because of their scent, resembling that of lemons (Citrus limon).

The name cymbopogon derives from the Greek words kymbe (κύμβη, 'boat') and pogon (πώγων, 'beard') 'which mean [that] ...

cymbopogon

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer

The most important thing about cancer

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The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_1

Cancer is a complex genetic disorder that catalyzes the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells throughout the body, leading to life-threatening consequences. Aging, differences in lifestyle, genetic factors, hormonal changes and environmental exposure to carcinogens constitute major factors leading to cancer activation in humans. 1

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According to 2020 statistics, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Globally, about 17 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and this trend is forecast to intensify dramatically in the near future. About 36 types of cancer have already been identified in humans, and a significant association between sex and type of cancer has been observed. Men are usually more prone to colorectal cancer, liver, lung, prostate and stomach cancers, while women suffer more from breast, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung and thyroid cancer. 2&nbsp;

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In general, the development of cancer can be divided into three stages:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which exposure to a carcinogen induces DNA damage and mutations at the cellular level due to damage/error in DNA repair mechanisms;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which cell expansion leads to hyper proliferation, modification and inflammation of cells/tissues;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Progression in which tumor formation occurs from preneoplastic cells by clonal expansion. 3</li></ul>DNA damage causes genomic instability, which is a major cause of cancer 4. Although some of the conventional methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are effective in treating cancer, they can lead to major side effects and toxicity.

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_6

Given the lack of effective and safe approaches, as well as the complexity of cancers, the development of new and natural chemotherapeutic agents is strongly needed. In this respect, the pharmacological properties of certain essential oils may be available therapies to suppress cancer. 5

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects

Essential oils: general information and biological effects

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The discovery of natural plant-based products is rightly recognized as a milestone in the history of healthcare, and their introduction to the market in combination with synthetic drugs helps to lead favorably in various health problems. As a result, the extraction of plant secondary metabolites, such as essential oils by steam or hydrodistillation processes, has made significant progress over the years. Stored in oil/resinous ducts, glands or trichomes of plants, these essential oils play an important role in protecting against extraneous agents and are involved in signal transduction pathways.&nbsp;

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Essential oils are a complex mixture of various chemical compounds, mainly characterized by volatility, aroma, low molecular weight and density. The diverse biological properties of essential oils stem from differences in their chemical composition and structure. At present, three main classes of components in essential oils have been identified, namely terpenes and terpenoids (with major contributions), phenols and aliphatic compounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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The data from the study on which this article is based are focused on studies dealing only with in vitro (non-living test)/in vivo (live testing) anticancer activities of essential oils in general. The analysis in Scopus was carried out for the last 10 years (2011–2020) on September 14, 2021, so the information is up to date as of that date.

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature

Essential oils are cytotoxic in nature

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Essential oils cause programmed cell death of cancer cells through apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and dysfunction of major cellular organelles. This is coordinated by an increase in membrane fluidity of the affected cell, decreased generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a change in the pH gradient and loss of mitochondrial potential, which are the main precursors of cell death. All three main types of chemical components in oils, i.e. phenols, aldehydes and alcohols, have been described to fulfil this function.

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents

Essential oils such as antimutagenic and antiproliferative agents

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Antioxidants are defined as compounds that can inhibit/slow the oxidation of free radicals when used in small amounts. Antioxidant action is one of the key biological properties of essential oils to cope with oxidative stress. For example, under in vivo conditions, increasing the activity of various antioxidant enzymes and oxidized glutathione from the components of the oil of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr.&nbsp; provides protection against lung cancer in mice. 6

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With regard to the antimutagenic activity of essential oils, cancer can be inhibited by preventing the direct penetration of mutagens into the cell membrane, inactivating mutagens by direct clearance, trapping free radicals produced by mutagens, inhibiting the conversion of promutagens to mutagens by cytochrome P450 enzyme, enzymatic detoxification of mutagens, and efficient error-free DNA repair.&nbsp;

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils

Antiproliferative activity of essential oils

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Essential oils can exert an antiproliferative effect through multiple mechanisms, including cell membrane disruption (depolarization, increase in membrane permeability, or decrease in the activity of membrane-bound enzymes) and induction of apoptosis. 7

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines

Essential oils and their constituents in different cancer cell lines 

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines_5_0

Over the past few years, the chemoprevention of cancer using essential oils or their components has attracted a lot of attention among the scientific community. Many in vitro/in vivo studies have highlighted the anticancer activity of oils and, more precisely, their main constituents in various tumour cell lines. Next, we will look at who they are and in which types of cancer they can have the necessary effect.

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer

Essential oils for breast cancer

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Abies koreana (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cyperus articulatus L. (Cyperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia atroviridis Griff. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia celebica L. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glandora rosmarinifolia (Boraginaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helichrysum gymnocephalum (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Altingiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans. (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus Apiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Solanum spirale Roxb.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-breast-cancer

Essential oils in human breast cancer

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrelopsis grevei (Rutaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Melaleuca armillaris(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monodora myristica (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Satureja montana L. subsp. pisidica (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma

Essential oils in human glioblastoma

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma

Essential oils in human colon carcinoma

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. (Huaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii Hochr. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils in human mammary adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nepeta ucranica L. spp. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus. (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer

Essential oils for prostate cancer

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bursera glabrifolia (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon giganteus. (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lavandula angustifolia (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer

Essential oils for colorectal cancer

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aquilaria crassna (Thymelaeaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus camaldulensis. (Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thymus fallax (Lamiaceae)</li></ul>&nbsp;

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia

Essential oils in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus excela (Cupressaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinus pinea L. (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrus libani (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer

Essential oils for lung cancer

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus globulus(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pluchea dioscoridis L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber striolatum (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer

Essential oils for liver cancer

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-melanoma

Essential oils in melanoma

Essential-oils-in-melanoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris&nbsp; (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria friesiana (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neolitsea variabillima (Lauraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils for ovarian adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mentha villosa Huds. (Lamiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria pogonopus Mart. (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils

Anticancer effect of the main ingredients of essential oils

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_0

D-limonene, monoterpene in the fruit peels of citrus essential oils (90–95%) exhibits cytotoxicity against stomach cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma. Similarly, carvacrol (phenolic monoterpenoid) can inhibit tumor growth in stomach cancer cells by increasing apoptotic proteins such as Bax (Bcl-2-linked X protein, apoptosis regulator) and caspases with concomitant reduction of Bcl-2 (B -cell lymphoma 2) expression. Citral showed antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231, Ishikawa, ECC-1, LNCaP, PC-3, SF-767, SF-763, LU134AM, LU135, LU165, MN1112, HCT116, HT-29, AGS, NB4, and A431.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_1

A combined formula of citral (80 μM) and curcumin (40 μM) also acts synergistically in suppressing the growth of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 by inducing apoptosis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the G0/ G1 phase. In vitro/in vivo cytotoxic potential of citronellol has been reported against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Citronellol induced cell cycle arrest in NCI-H1299 (NSCLC cell line) due to the increased expression of cyclins (cyclin D and E) and CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2). There was a decrease in tumour volume in mice treated with increasing doses of citronellol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg kg-1). An antiproliferative effect of geraniol (monoterpenoid) was observed in cells A549 (IC50 = 797.2 μM) and tumor growth was suppressed in mice (at 50 and 75 mmol geraniol kg-1 food) due to apoptosis and cell death.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_2

Globularifolin iridoid exhibits cytotoxicity against U87 glioma cells due to an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_3

In vitro cytotoxicity of quinocitiol (tropolone monoterpenoid) was observed (at 10 μM) in mouse melanoma cells (B16-F10); However, under in vivo conditions, mice treated with 10–20 μg michi-1 quinokitiol showed a decrease in tumor nodules. Increased expression of p53 (tumor suppressor), Bax, caspases, cytochrome c, and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphatase-3 and downregulation of survivin (apoptosis inhibitor), MMPs, and phosphorylation of ERK has been reported to induce apoptosis in quinocitiol A549 and B16-F10-treated cells.&nbsp;

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_4

Similarly, treatment with linalool (monoterpene alcohol) reduces proliferation and cell viability in colorectal cancer, colon carcinoma, hepatocarcinoma, epidermoid carcinoma and prostate cancer. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), one of the main components of garlic essential oil, stops the division of human esophageal squamous cell cancer cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Myristicin, an active component of nutmeg oil (Myristica fragrans), exhibits cytotoxic activity by inducing apoptosis of K562 human leukemia cells.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_5

Other constituents of essential oils, such as bacuiol (monoterpene), myrtenal (bicyclic monoterpene), oleuropein (secoiridoid), perylyl alcohol (menthane monoterpene), thymol (monocyclic phenolic monoterpene), α-bisabolol (monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol), α-thujone (ketone monoterpene), camphene (bicyclic monoterpene), iatammanwaltrate P (iridoid ester), eugenol (phenylpropanoid), germakren D (sesquiterpene), nymbolide (terpenoid lactone), patchouli alcohol (sesquiterpene alcohol), α-Santalol (sesquiterpene), carveol (monocyclic monoterpenoid alcohol), carvone (monoterpene), isopulegol (monoterpene alcohol),&nbsp;&nbsp; β-caryophyllene oxide (bicyclic sesquiterpene) and β-elemen (sesquiterpenoid oxide)&nbsp; have also been reported as cytotoxic and antiproliferative compounds with anticancer effects.

It has been found that various essential oils possess countless biological activities and beneficial components that can affect the development of various forms of cancer. These essential oil constituents contribute to the potential anticancer, antitumor, and antiproliferative properties of essential oils. They are specific to each type of plant and can be the basis of anticancer therapy, as well as used in the form of liposomes/nanoemulsions/nanoparticles against various types of cancer.

Anti-cancer properties of essential oils and their components

Бетина Цветкова

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Types-of-antifungal-essential-oils

Types of antifungal essential oils

Types-of-antifungal-essential-oils_0_0

Essential oils of herbs and spices are some of the most powerful antimicrobial essential oils. Thyme, cinnamon, oregano, cloves and mint are examples of some of the most commonly used antimicrobial oils.

Types-of-antifungal-essential-oils_0_1

Citronella, geranium, lemongrass, eucalyptus and mint, among others, have been tested specifically against fungi and found to be effective antimicrobials for this purpose. [&nbsp;<a href="http://www.eurekaselect.com/article/8490" target="_blank" data-ref=" Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Essential Oils" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a> ] Tea tree oil is another essential oil that has demonstrated its antifungal abilities in various studies. [&nbsp;<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8893526/" target="_blank" data-ref="Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils in vitro - PubMed" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;]

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Thymus

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Thyme is a common herb and is usually used as a spice, but it is also available in the form of essential oil. The healing properties of thyme are due to its essential oils, which are extracted by steam distillation of fresh flowers and leaves. The main ingredients of its essential oil are alpha-tuyon, alpha-pinen, campen, beta-pinen and others. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Synergistic_Antifungal_Allelopatic_and_Anti_Proliferative_Potential_of_Salvia_officinalis_L_and_Thymus_vulgaris_L_Essential_Oils_29337923" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;]

Thymus_0_1

Thymus essential oil is effective against fungi infecting humans. Its antifungal activity is mainly due to the high concentration of tymol and carvacol. It has been shown that thyme essential oil demonstrates inhibition of Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis, as well as Fusarium. Also, a study of Klarić et al. shows that molds such as Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp and Cladosporium spp can be completely inhibited with a thyme oil concentration of 9.85, 19.17 and 15.20 &mu;g/mL, respectively. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/20/3713" target="_blank" data-ref="Essential Oils and Their Natural Active Compounds Presenting Antifungal Properties" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;]

Cinnamon-(Cinnamomum-verum)

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Cinnamon-(Cinnamomum-verum)_0_0

Cinnamon oil is extracted from the bark or leaves of several types of trees, including the Cinnamomum verum tree and the Cinnamomum cassia tree. A study using bacterial cultures and laboratory tests found that compounds in cinnamon oil have an antimicrobial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa - a potentially life-threatening, drug-resistant bacterium that affects plants, humans and other animals. [&nbsp;<a href="https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1134-9" target="_blank" data-ref="Efficacy of cinnamon bark oil and cinnamaldehyde on anti-multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the synergistic effects in combination with other antimicrobial agents - BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a> ] Cinnamon has more proven antibacterial properties and can act synergistically in combination with antibiotic therapy. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Antibacterial_activity_of_cinnamon_essential_oils_and_their_synergistic_potential_with_antibiotics_31041184" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a>&nbsp;]

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Also, only Cinnamomum verum, Thymus capitatus, Syzygium aromaticum and Pelargonium graveolens exhibit a wide range of action against various pathogenic candida strains, as commented in "Antifungal mechanism of the combination of Cinnamomum verum and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils with fluconazole against pathogenic Candida strains."&nbsp;<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00253-017-8442-y?error=cookies_not_supported&amp;code=340861b7-7e9b-40bc-b69e-749fcccd07b3" target="_blank" data-ref="Antifungal mechanism of the combination of Cinnamomum verum and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils with fluconazole against pathogenic Candida strains - Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology" rel="noopener"></a>&nbsp;

Origanum-vulgare

Origanum vulgare 

Origanum-vulgare_0_0

Oregano essential oil can be a more powerful antifungal agent than other commercial products on offer. In addition, it can inhibit and assist the body in dealing with fungal skin infections, including mycosis and ringworm. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/A_herbal_antifungal_formulation_of_Thymus_serpillum_Origanum_vulgare_and_Rosmarinus_officinalis_for_treating_ovine_dermatophytosis_due_to_Trichophyton_mentagrophytes_23368893" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a> ] The antifungal effects of oregano essential oils (Origanum syriacum var. bevanii) and dill (Foeniculum vulgare) were investigated against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in the study "Antifungal effects of essential oils from oregano and fennel on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum." [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Antifungal_effects_of_essential_oils_from_oregano_and_fennel_on_Sclerotinia_sclerotiorum_17897206" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a> ] The inhibitory effects of both essential oils have a pronounced antifungal effect against S. sclerotiorum. Another in vitro study reveals the potential of oregano as an herbal antifungal agent against oral candida. The results here are encouraging - O.vulgare shows a 30&plusmn;3 mm zone of inhibition compared to 19 mm for fluconazole (an antifungal drug). The active functional group has a chemically similar structure as carvacola, usually found in antifungal herbs. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Characterization_of_Herbal_Antifungal_Agent_Origanum_vulgare_against_Oral_Candida_spp_Isolated_from_Patients_with_Candida_Associated_Denture_Stomatitis_An_In_vitro_Study_29962756" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;]

Clove-(Syzygium-Aromaticum)

Clove (Syzygium Aromaticum)

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Clove oil (Syzygium Aromaticum) has been shown to have strong antifungal activity against many types of fungi, including some common fungal pathogens of plants and animals, such as Fusarium moniliforme NCIM 1100, Fusarium oxysporum MTCC 284, Aspergillus sp., Mucor sp., Trichophyton rubrum and Microsporum gypseum. It has been established that all types of mushrooms are inhibited by oil when tested by a method of agar diffusion. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.scielo.br/j/bjm/a/35LqTBDxgWYxBDX6tz7BQbm/?lang=en" target="_blank" data-ref="SciELO - Brasil" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a>&nbsp;]

Mint-(Mentha)

Mint (Mentha)

Mint-(Mentha)_0_0

Mint-(Mentha)_0_1

The composition and antifungal activity of the essential oil of Mentha cervina from Portugal analyzes the antifungal activity of mint oil. It is evaluated by minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum lethal concentrations (MLC) against Strains Candida, Apergillus and Dermatophytes.&nbsp; The antifungal activity of the sample containing lower amounts of poulegon is highest for dermatophytes, especially epidermophyton floccosum with MIC and MLC values of 0,63 microL mL (-1). Mentha cervina oils with a low poolegon content can be an alternative as antifungal agents in dermatophytosis. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Composition_and_antifungal_activity_of_the_essential_oil_of_Mentha_cervina_from_Portugal_17680495" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 12]</a>&nbsp;]

Mint-(Mentha)_0_2

Mentha piperita essential oils collected from different provinces such as Turkey, Yakima, Mari-Linn Farms and others imported from India show stronger antibacterial activity against P. syringae pv. syringae, Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, P. syringae pv. phaseolicola, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, and X. campestris pv. 0.07&ndash;1.25 mg/ml range of MIC values. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01295/full#h4" target="_blank" data-ref="Prospective of Essential Oils of the Genus Mentha as Biopesticides: A Review" rel="noopener">[ref. 13]</a>&nbsp;]

Citronella-(Cymbopogon-Winterianus)

Citronella (Cymbopogon Winterianus) 

Citronella-(Cymbopogon-Winterianus)_0_0

Citronella essential oil showed antifungal activity, and concentrations of 625 μg/mL and 1250 μg/mL inhibited the growth of all candida Albicans strains tested and acted fungicidally, as found in "Antifungal activity of Cymbopogon winterianus jowitt ex bor against Candida albicans." [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Antifungal_activity_of_Cymbopogon_winterianus_jowitt_ex_bor_against_Candida_albicans_24031651" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 14]</a>&nbsp;]

Lemongrass-(Cymbopogon-Commutatus)

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Commutatus)

Lemongrass-(Cymbopogon-Commutatus)_0_0

Lemongrass-(Cymbopogon-Commutatus)_0_1

From the data in "Antifungal activity of Cymbopogon parkeri stapf. essential oil on some important phytopathogenic fungi" becomes clear that lemongrass essential oil has an antifungal effect on the growth of Rhizoctonia solani, Pyricularia orizea and Fusarium oxysporum, three types of phytopathogenic mushrooms. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Antifungal_activity_of_Cymbopogon_parkeri_stapf_essential_oil_on_some_important_phytopathogenic_fungi_17390842" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 15]</a> ] Another study found data on the antifungal action of lemongrass oil against Candida albicans, C.tropicalis and Aspergillus niger, with different diameters of the inhibition zone. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Lemon_grass_Cymbopogon_citratus_essential_oil_as_a_potent_anti_inflammatory_and_antifungal_drugs_28156278" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 16]</a>&nbsp;]

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus_0_0

Leaves of the eucalyptus species are traditionally used to treat wounds and fungal infections. Essential oils and extracts of certain types of eucalyptus have antimicrobial and antitumor properties. For example, Eucalyptus sideroxylon and Eucalyptus torquata, grown in Egypt, exhibit antimicrobial actions against medically important gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are highly sensitive to oils and extracts of both types of eucalyptus. With the exception of Escherichia coli, gram-negative bacteria are resistant to extracts, but are sensitive to the oil obtained from at least one part of E sideroxylon and E torquata. Although Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger are resistant to extracts, essential oils of E sideroxylon and E torquata usually show moderate to high antifungal activity against Candida albicans, A flavus and A niger. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Antibacterial_antifungal_and_anticancer_activities_of_volatile_oils_and_extracts_from_stems_leaves_and_flowers_of_Eucalyptus_sideroxylon_and_Eucalyptus_torquata_18075306" target="_blank" data-ref="500: Internal Server Error" rel="noopener">[ref. 17]</a>&nbsp;]

How-to-use-antifungal-essential-oils

How to use antifungal essential oils

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You can use antifungal essential oils topically to treat overgrowth of fungi on the skin. Choosing a mixture of two or three oils, along with base oil, such as coconut oil, is the optimal option.

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Mix 2 to 3 drops of each oil together with 20 drops of basic oil, using something clean and disposable, such as a sterile cotton gauze swab to cover the affected area of the skin.

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Make sure that you touch only the area that is affected by the fungus, so as not to spread them on healthy skin. You may need to apply the oils two to three times a day for a period of several weeks to see the results. These oils can also be diffused to refresh the air at home and create a more pleasant atmosphere.

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Essential oils have proven antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and fungicidal properties. Some may even stimulate the growth of new cells. These properties work together to naturally help tackle fungal infections. Some of the conditions in which they can help are ringworm, nail fungus (onychomycosis), "athlete's leg" (Tinea Pedis) (a type of fungal infection of the foot) and others.

The Power Of Antifungal Essential Oils - And How They Work

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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Nothing spoils the mood in spring and summer as annoying biting insects - which seem to fly on swarms to draw on our blood. However, itching is our smallest problem - mosquitoes and ticks are insidious in that they transmit dangerous diseases.

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Ticks carry the following dangerous (deadly) diseases:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lyme disease;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tick encephalitis;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Q-fever;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hemorrhagic fever with kidney syndrome;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Marseilles fever and others.</li>
</ul>

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Mosquitoes carry very dangerous diseases such as:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Malaria;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">West Nile fever;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Dengue;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Yellow fever.</li>
</ul>

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Among the most effective repellents against these insects are chemical ones containing the substances DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, formerly known as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or icaridin (picaridin), but they are not always suitable for use.

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DEET may show neurotoxicity in its use in combination with sunscreen and is not recommended in pregnant women unless it is extremely necessary and the risks of infection are greater than the risk of the chemical's effects on the foetus. It cannot be used in children under 2 years of age.

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Plant-based repellents are the alternative to chemical repellents (although their action, of course, is also due to chemicals ;) ). In the following lines we will consider which plants and substances from them offer protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and in some cases flies and biting midges. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Chemical_and_Plant_Based_Insect_Repellents_Efficacy_Safety_and_Toxicity_26827259" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Lemon-scented-Gum-Tree-or-Lemon-Eucalyptus-Oil

Lemon-scented Gum Tree or Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

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The effect of lemon eucalyptus (Corymbia citriodora or Eucalyptus citriodora) is due to the substance p-mint-3,8-diol. It offers good protection against mosquitoes and ticks, which lasts up to 2 hours, protecting better from ticks compared to DEET. Also protects against biting midges.

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At home, a mixture of 1 part lemon eucalyptus oil and 10 parts of sunflower oil can be prepared. Apply as a spray.

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Not suitable for children under 3 years and sufferers of atopic dermatitis.

Permethrin

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The substance is derived from crushed dried colors of Dalmatian chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum cinerarifolium). It is highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and biting midges, but it is applied to clothes, nets, sleeping bags, and not on the skin. It does not damage the fabrics of clothes and plastics. It is necessary to re-apply it only after 5-10 or more laundry cycles.

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It is even more effective when used in combination with other repellents that are put on the skin. In direct contact, it causes insect paralysis, leading to its death.

cymbopogon

The Power Of Antifungal Essential Oils - And How They Work

How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes And Ticks And Stop The Itching With Natural Remedies