Usage of Natural Volatile Organic Compounds as Biological Modulators of Disease

Abstract

Plants produce a wide variety of natural volatile organic compounds (NVOCs), many of which are unique to each species. These compounds serve many purposes, such as fending off herbivores and adapting to changes in temperature and water supply. Interestingly, although NVOCs are synthesized to deter herbivores, many of these compounds have been found to possess several therapeutic qualities, such as promoting nerve stability, enhancing sleep, and suppressing hyperresponsiveness, in addition to acting as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, many NVOCs are promising drug candidates for disease treatment and prevention. Given their volatile nature, these compounds can be administered to patients through inhalation, which is often more comfortable and convenient than other administration routes. However, the development of NVOC-based drug candidates requires a careful evaluation of the molecular mechanisms that drive their therapeutic properties to avoid potential adverse effects. Furthermore, even compounds that appear generally safe might have toxic effects depending on their dose, and therefore their toxicological assessment is also critical. In order to enhance the usage of NVOCs this short review focuses not only on the biological activities and therapeutic mode of action of representative NVOCs but also their toxic effects.

Phytochemical diversity of Malus baccata: A mini review

“…They play a crucial role in plant evolution and climatic adaptation (16). Moreover, they have different therapeutic activities, such as antiinflammatory, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, and anti-asthmatic effects (17). Volatile compounds that have been isolated from Malus baccata species are listed in (Table 3).…”

Phytochemical diversity of genus Ficus: A mini review

“…They play a crucial role in plant evolution and its climatic adaptation (46). Moreover, they have diverse therapeutic activities, such as their capability to enhance sleep, protective effect against viral pneumonia, as well as other activities including hypolipidemic, anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiasthmatic, and anti-Trypanosoma effects, as well as industrial uses such as oil for aromatherapy, flavoring agents, and commercial chemicals for many food products, perfume, and soaps (47).…”

“…Coumarins are secondary metabolites produced by plants, a few microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), and sponges. Regarding the chemical structure, they are phenolic compounds composed from the fusion of a benzene ring and an α-pyrone ring (47). They are found in plants in free forms as well as glycosides.…”

Characterization, Classification, and Authentication of Polygonatum sibiricum Samples by Volatile Profiles and Flavor Properties

“…E–nose and E–tongue have provided support for the objective expression of the odor and taste of medicinal and edible homologous medicines. Many volatile compounds have been found to have several therapeutic properties, including antioxidation, antitumor, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial activities [ 14 ]. Three terpenoids, i.e., α-pinene, camphene, and β-caryophyllene, have been found to have the potential to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases such as respiratory inflammation, atopic dermatitis, arthritis, and neuroinflammation [ 15 ].…”