ABSTRACT
Essential oils (EOs) are a group of multiple volatile and nonvolatile component systems that are mainly lipophilic in nature. Previous preclinical reports have suggested antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects of EOs. The metabolism of EOs follows various degradative pathways using different enzymes in in vivo environment. It’s not only important to study the chemical profiles of EO but also their respective metabolites. Biotransformation of EO components while going through phase 1 metabolism (oxidation, reduction, hydrolysis, etc.) and phase 2 metabolism should be studied in order to understand safety profiles. Various pharmacodynamic properties for different EOs have been reported in vitro; however, availability of these compounds in the respective target organs has not been evidenced. Therefore, studies related to absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion are essential to find the relation between in vitro and in vivo investigations. Due to their complexity associated with chemical composition, volatility, and susceptibility against various degradative pathways, it is crucial to understand the bioavailability as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic parameters related to EOs and their chemical components.
