Essential oils diversely modulate genome-wide gene expression in human dermal fibroblasts

Abstract

The increasing popularity of essential oils for skincare has led to investigation of their biological effects in human skin cells. In this study, we investigated the biological activities of three commercially available essential oils, i.e. rosemary oil, wild orange oil, and a blend (commercial name: Deep Blue) composed of oils from wintergreen, camphor, peppermint, blue tansy, German chamomile, Helichrysum, and Osmanthus, in a pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblast culture model, simulating chronic inflammation. The impact of essential oils on proteins associated with inflammation and tissue remodeling and on the genome-wide expression of 21,224 genes was investigated. The three essential oils diversely modulated global gene expression. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed that the oils affected numerous critical genes and signaling pathways. Specifically, rosemary oil influenced processes involved in cancer signaling and metabolism; orange oil affected processes related to cancer signaling, immunomodulation, and metabolism; the blend influenced inflammation, immunomodulation, and wound healing. These findings are largely consistent with the existing literature, supporting the beneficial biological activities of these essential oils. Our study provides the first evidence indicating how these essential oils affect genome-wide gene expression in human skin cells and establishes a basis for further research into their biological mechanisms of action.

Keywords:

• rosemary essential oil
• wild orange essential oil
• inflammation
• immune response
• cancer
• metabolism
• eucalyptol
• limonene
• methyl salicylate
• menthol

Public Interest Statement

Essential oils have been widely used globally owing to their health benefits. Our study examined the effects of three essential oils (rosemary, wild orange, and an essential oil blend) in a human skin disease model of chronic inflammation. The effects of these oils on global gene expression (21,224 genes) were also analyzed. These oils diversely affected numerous genes and pathways, many of which are critically involved in the processes of inflammation, immune responses, tissue remodeling, cancer signaling, and metabolism. These findings suggested that essential oils can be biologically active and impact human gene expression. Additional research focusing on how these oils impact gene expression and biological processes is recommended. A comprehensive exploration of the health benefits of essential oils may lead to viable options for treating many diseases. Thus, this study provides an important basis for further research on essential oils and their health benefits for humans.

Competing Interests

Xuesheng Han and Tory L. Parker are employees of dōTERRA, where the studied essential oils were manufactured.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xuesheng Han

Our group studies the health benefits of essential oils, particularly the efficacy and safety of essential oils and their active components. Our in vitro and clinical studies of essential oils utilize various experimental approaches, including analytical, biological, biochemical, and biomedical methodologies. The research work discussed herein represents one part of a large research project designed to extensively examine the impact of essential oils on human cells. Our work will further our understanding of the health benefits of essential oils and attract a wide research audience. We believe that a full understanding of these health benefits will ultimately lead to the evaluation and use of essential oils as an adjunctive therapy for a variety of diseases. Dr Han holds a PhD in Biological Sciences and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. Dr Parker holds a PhD in Nutritional Sciences.