An essential oil blend modulates important inflammation- and immune response-related biomarkers in human cell cocultures

Abstract

Despite growing scientific evidence that essential oils possess important therapeutic benefits, research on their biological activities in complex human disease models is scarce. To enhance understanding in this regard, we analyzed the biological activities of an essential oil blend (EOB) in validated human cocultures with or without tumor cells. These disease models allow for measurement of changes in protein biomarkers induced by EOB treatment. This EOB is primarily composed of essential oils from frankincense resin, sweet orange peel, litsea fruit, thyme plant oil, clove bud, summer savory plant, and niaouli leaf. EOB showed significant effects on levels of important biomarkers related to inflammation, immune response, tissue remodeling, and tumor biology. In tumor cocultures, EOB treatment resulted in elevated inflammation- and immune-related biomarkers, including soluble interleukin (sIL)-17A, sIL-2, sIL-6, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), cluster of differentiation (CD)40, CD69, soluble granzyme B (sGranB), and soluble interferon-gamma (sIFN-γ). However, several of these same biomarkers were decreased in EOB-treated nontumor cell cocultures, suggesting that EOB exhibits tumor-specific immune enhancement. In conclusion, EOB may potentially impact human cells through anti-inflammatory activities, immune enhancing functions, and modulation of wound healing.

Keywords:

• essential oil
• frankincense
• sweet orange
• litsea
• thyme
• clove
• inflammation
• cancer
• immune response

Public Interest Statement

Essential oils have become more popular globally for health reasons. Our study examined the effects of an essential oil blend (EOB) on several human cell systems that mimic different diseases. These effects of the EOB were determined by measuring levels of biomarkers that are linked to inflammation, immune function, wound healing, and cancer biology. We found that the EOB had strong anti-inflammatory, immune modulatory, and wound healing activities. More interestingly, this EOB showed tumor-specific immune boosting activity, a feature of immunotherapy that is a common treatment for many cancers. Findings from this study suggest that essential oils may be a good therapeutic candidate for inflammatory, immune, and cancerous diseases. Advanced exploration of the health benefits of essential oils may lead to viable options for fighting many of these diseases. Thus, this study provides an important stepping stone for further research on essential oils and their health benefits for human beings.

Competing interest

Xuesheng Han and Tory Parker are employees of dōTERRA, where the study agent, EOB, was manufactured.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge Carsten Smidt, PhD, Jeff Dorsett, MS, Nicole Stevens, MS, and Cody Beaumont, PhD for their critical and constructive reviews of the manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xuesheng Han

At dōTERRA, our group primarily studies the health benefits of essential oils. We are specifically interested in the efficacy and safety of essential oils and their active components. Our studies of essential oils in both in vitro and clinical settings utilize a variety of experimental approaches, including analytical, biological, biochemical, and biomedical methodologies. We work closely with hospitals, clinics, and research institutes towards developing quality essential oils with therapeutic benefits. The research work discussed in this paper represents one part of a large research project, which was designed to extensively examine the impact of essential oils on human cells. This study, along with others, will further the understanding of the health benefits of essential oils for a wide research audience. Dr Han holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and is an elected Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. Dr Price holds a PhD in Pharmacology.