ABSTRACT
Essential oils (EO) are complex mixtures of low molecular compounds found in various plants. These oils are produced by more than 17,500 species of plants and around 300 of them are commercialized. The essential oil market in the countries in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at a fast pace. Limited literature is available on the antiviral properties of essential oils and little information on their components. More than 123 essential oils have been shown to possess antiviral properties. Even though the essential oils are reported to possess antiviral properties, because of the variations in the composition, reproducibility of the results is questionable. As such, the use of components of essential oils is advisable. Essential oil components (EOCs) are reported to exhibit antiviral properties. The molecular mode of action is rarely investigated. Most of the data is available on inhibiting HSV 2 virus and avian influenza virus (AIV subtype H9N2). EOCs are reported to inhibit Japanese encephalitis virus. Very few studies address the potential of EOCs as inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2. A small percentage of the phytochemicals from plants are systematically investigated for their antiviral properties. Exploration of essential oils as sources of antivirals seems to be a good alternative. A coordinated effort from natural product chemists, organic chemists, phramacologists, clinicians and basic scientists may be necessary to take full advantage of the potential of essential oils. There is a necessity for detailed scientific studies on the quality, pharmacological activities, safety and therapeutic benefits of essential oil components.
