The Anacardiaceae, commonly known as the cashew family or sumac family, are a family of flowering plants, including about 83 genera with about 860 known species. Members of the Anacardiaceae bear fruits that are drupes and in some cases produce urushiol, an irritant. The Anacardiaceae include numerous genera, several of which are economically important, notably cashew (in the type genus Anacardium), mango, poison ivy, sumac, smoke tree, marula, yellow mombin, Peruvian pepper and cuachalalate.  The ...

anacardiaceae

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer

The most important thing about cancer

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_0

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_1

Cancer is a complex genetic disorder that catalyzes the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells throughout the body, leading to life-threatening consequences. Aging, differences in lifestyle, genetic factors, hormonal changes and environmental exposure to carcinogens constitute major factors leading to cancer activation in humans. 1

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_2

According to 2020 statistics, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths. Globally, about 17 million people are diagnosed with cancer each year, and this trend is forecast to intensify dramatically in the near future. About 36 types of cancer have already been identified in humans, and a significant association between sex and type of cancer has been observed. Men are usually more prone to colorectal cancer, liver, lung, prostate and stomach cancers, while women suffer more from breast, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, lung and thyroid cancer. 2&nbsp;

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In general, the development of cancer can be divided into three stages:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which exposure to a carcinogen induces DNA damage and mutations at the cellular level due to damage/error in DNA repair mechanisms;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Initiation in which cell expansion leads to hyper proliferation, modification and inflammation of cells/tissues;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Progression in which tumor formation occurs from preneoplastic cells by clonal expansion. 3</li></ul>DNA damage causes genomic instability, which is a major cause of cancer 4. Although some of the conventional methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are effective in treating cancer, they can lead to major side effects and toxicity.

The-most-important-thing-about-cancer_0_6

Given the lack of effective and safe approaches, as well as the complexity of cancers, the development of new and natural chemotherapeutic agents is strongly needed. In this respect, the pharmacological properties of certain essential oils may be available therapies to suppress cancer. 5

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects

Essential oils: general information and biological effects

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_0

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_1

The discovery of natural plant-based products is rightly recognized as a milestone in the history of healthcare, and their introduction to the market in combination with synthetic drugs helps to lead favorably in various health problems. As a result, the extraction of plant secondary metabolites, such as essential oils by steam or hydrodistillation processes, has made significant progress over the years. Stored in oil/resinous ducts, glands or trichomes of plants, these essential oils play an important role in protecting against extraneous agents and are involved in signal transduction pathways.&nbsp;

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_2

Essential oils are a complex mixture of various chemical compounds, mainly characterized by volatility, aroma, low molecular weight and density. The diverse biological properties of essential oils stem from differences in their chemical composition and structure. At present, three main classes of components in essential oils have been identified, namely terpenes and terpenoids (with major contributions), phenols and aliphatic compounds.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Essential-oils:-general-information-and-biological-effects_1_3

The data from the study on which this article is based are focused on studies dealing only with in vitro (non-living test)/in vivo (live testing) anticancer activities of essential oils in general. The analysis in Scopus was carried out for the last 10 years (2011–2020) on September 14, 2021, so the information is up to date as of that date.

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature

Essential oils are cytotoxic in nature

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature_2_0

Essential-oils-are-cytotoxic-in-nature_2_1

Essential oils cause programmed cell death of cancer cells through apoptosis, necrosis, cell cycle arrest, and dysfunction of major cellular organelles. This is coordinated by an increase in membrane fluidity of the affected cell, decreased generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a change in the pH gradient and loss of mitochondrial potential, which are the main precursors of cell death. All three main types of chemical components in oils, i.e. phenols, aldehydes and alcohols, have been described to fulfil this function.

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents

Essential oils such as antimutagenic and antiproliferative agents

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents_3_0

Antioxidants are defined as compounds that can inhibit/slow the oxidation of free radicals when used in small amounts. Antioxidant action is one of the key biological properties of essential oils to cope with oxidative stress. For example, under in vivo conditions, increasing the activity of various antioxidant enzymes and oxidized glutathione from the components of the oil of Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr.&nbsp; provides protection against lung cancer in mice. 6

Essential-oils-such-as-antimutagenic-and-antiproliferative-agents_3_1

With regard to the antimutagenic activity of essential oils, cancer can be inhibited by preventing the direct penetration of mutagens into the cell membrane, inactivating mutagens by direct clearance, trapping free radicals produced by mutagens, inhibiting the conversion of promutagens to mutagens by cytochrome P450 enzyme, enzymatic detoxification of mutagens, and efficient error-free DNA repair.&nbsp;

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils

Antiproliferative activity of essential oils

Antiproliferative-activity-of-essential-oils_4_0

Essential oils can exert an antiproliferative effect through multiple mechanisms, including cell membrane disruption (depolarization, increase in membrane permeability, or decrease in the activity of membrane-bound enzymes) and induction of apoptosis. 7

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines

Essential oils and their constituents in different cancer cell lines 

Essential-oils-and-their-constituents-in-different-cancer-cell-lines_5_0

Over the past few years, the chemoprevention of cancer using essential oils or their components has attracted a lot of attention among the scientific community. Many in vitro/in vivo studies have highlighted the anticancer activity of oils and, more precisely, their main constituents in various tumour cell lines. Next, we will look at who they are and in which types of cancer they can have the necessary effect.

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer

Essential oils for breast cancer

Essential-oils-for-breast-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Abies koreana (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Boswellia sacra (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris Sw. (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cyperus articulatus L. (Cyperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia atroviridis Griff. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Garcinia celebica L. (Clusiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Glandora rosmarinifolia (Boraginaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helichrysum gymnocephalum (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liquidambar styraciflua L. (Altingiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans. (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus Apiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Solanum spirale Roxb.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-breast-cancer

Essential oils in human breast cancer

Essential-oils-in-human-breast-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrelopsis grevei (Rutaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Melaleuca armillaris(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Monodora myristica (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Satureja montana L. subsp. pisidica (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia aethiopica (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma

Essential oils in human glioblastoma

Essential-oils-in-human-glioblastoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys brasiliensis (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma

Essential oils in human colon carcinoma

Essential-oils-in-human-colon-carcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. (Huaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii Hochr. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pistacia lentiscus L. (Anacardiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils in human mammary adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-in-human-mammary-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nepeta ucranica L. spp. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li></ul>

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus. (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Drimys angustifolia (Winteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Piper cernuum (Piperaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Scorodopholeus zenkeri (Fabaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer

Essential oils for prostate cancer

Essential-oils-for-prostate-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ageratum conyzoides (L.) (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Bursera glabrifolia (Burseraceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon citratus (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cymbopogon giganteus. (Poaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Iryanthera polyneura (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lavandula angustifolia (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Lippia multiflora (Verbenaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Varthemia iphionoides (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer

Essential oils for colorectal cancer

Essential-oils-for-colorectal-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Aquilaria crassna (Thymelaeaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus camaldulensis. (Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Thymus fallax (Lamiaceae)</li></ul>&nbsp;

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia

Essential oils in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Essential-oils-in-acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus excela (Cupressaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Juniperus oxycedrus L. (Cupressaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pinus pinea L. (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Cedrus libani (Pinaceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer

Essential oils for lung cancer

Essential-oils-for-lung-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Eucalyptus globulus(Myrtaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pluchea dioscoridis L. (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Populus alba L. (Salicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Zingiber striolatum (Zingiberaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer

Essential oils for liver cancer

Essential-oils-for-liver-cancer_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Artemisia indica (Asteraceae)&nbsp;</li></ul>

Essential-oils-in-melanoma

Essential oils in melanoma

Essential-oils-in-melanoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Afrostyrax lepidophyllus (Huaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Athanasia brownii (Asteraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Casearia sylvestris&nbsp; (Salicaceae/Flacourtiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Curcuma aromatica (Zingiberaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria friesiana (Annonaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Liriodendron tulipifera L. (Magnoliaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Neolitsea variabillima (Lauraceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Salvia officinalis L. (Lamiaceae)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Pituranthos tortuosus (Apiaceae)</li></ul>

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma

Essential oils for ovarian adenocarcinoma

Essential-oils-for-ovarian-adenocarcinoma_5_0

<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Mentha villosa Huds. (Lamiaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae)&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Guatteria pogonopus Mart. (Annonaceae)</li></ul>

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils

Anticancer effect of the main ingredients of essential oils

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_0

D-limonene, monoterpene in the fruit peels of citrus essential oils (90–95%) exhibits cytotoxicity against stomach cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma. Similarly, carvacrol (phenolic monoterpenoid) can inhibit tumor growth in stomach cancer cells by increasing apoptotic proteins such as Bax (Bcl-2-linked X protein, apoptosis regulator) and caspases with concomitant reduction of Bcl-2 (B -cell lymphoma 2) expression. Citral showed antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines such as MDA-MB-231, Ishikawa, ECC-1, LNCaP, PC-3, SF-767, SF-763, LU134AM, LU135, LU165, MN1112, HCT116, HT-29, AGS, NB4, and A431.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_1

A combined formula of citral (80 μM) and curcumin (40 μM) also acts synergistically in suppressing the growth of breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 by inducing apoptosis, DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the G0/ G1 phase. In vitro/in vivo cytotoxic potential of citronellol has been reported against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Citronellol induced cell cycle arrest in NCI-H1299 (NSCLC cell line) due to the increased expression of cyclins (cyclin D and E) and CDK2 (cyclin-dependent kinase 2). There was a decrease in tumour volume in mice treated with increasing doses of citronellol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg kg-1). An antiproliferative effect of geraniol (monoterpenoid) was observed in cells A549 (IC50 = 797.2 μM) and tumor growth was suppressed in mice (at 50 and 75 mmol geraniol kg-1 food) due to apoptosis and cell death.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_2

Globularifolin iridoid exhibits cytotoxicity against U87 glioma cells due to an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cancer cell migration and invasion.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_3

In vitro cytotoxicity of quinocitiol (tropolone monoterpenoid) was observed (at 10 μM) in mouse melanoma cells (B16-F10); However, under in vivo conditions, mice treated with 10–20 μg michi-1 quinokitiol showed a decrease in tumor nodules. Increased expression of p53 (tumor suppressor), Bax, caspases, cytochrome c, and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphatase-3 and downregulation of survivin (apoptosis inhibitor), MMPs, and phosphorylation of ERK has been reported to induce apoptosis in quinocitiol A549 and B16-F10-treated cells.&nbsp;

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_4

Similarly, treatment with linalool (monoterpene alcohol) reduces proliferation and cell viability in colorectal cancer, colon carcinoma, hepatocarcinoma, epidermoid carcinoma and prostate cancer. Diallyl disulfide (DADS), one of the main components of garlic essential oil, stops the division of human esophageal squamous cell cancer cells in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Myristicin, an active component of nutmeg oil (Myristica fragrans), exhibits cytotoxic activity by inducing apoptosis of K562 human leukemia cells.

Anticancer-effect-of-the-main-ingredients-of-essential-oils_6_5

Other constituents of essential oils, such as bacuiol (monoterpene), myrtenal (bicyclic monoterpene), oleuropein (secoiridoid), perylyl alcohol (menthane monoterpene), thymol (monocyclic phenolic monoterpene), α-bisabolol (monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol), α-thujone (ketone monoterpene), camphene (bicyclic monoterpene), iatammanwaltrate P (iridoid ester), eugenol (phenylpropanoid), germakren D (sesquiterpene), nymbolide (terpenoid lactone), patchouli alcohol (sesquiterpene alcohol), α-Santalol (sesquiterpene), carveol (monocyclic monoterpenoid alcohol), carvone (monoterpene), isopulegol (monoterpene alcohol),&nbsp;&nbsp; β-caryophyllene oxide (bicyclic sesquiterpene) and β-elemen (sesquiterpenoid oxide)&nbsp; have also been reported as cytotoxic and antiproliferative compounds with anticancer effects.

It has been found that various essential oils possess countless biological activities and beneficial components that can affect the development of various forms of cancer. These essential oil constituents contribute to the potential anticancer, antitumor, and antiproliferative properties of essential oils. They are specific to each type of plant and can be the basis of anticancer therapy, as well as used in the form of liposomes/nanoemulsions/nanoparticles against various types of cancer.

Anti-cancer properties of essential oils and their components

Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Sylvia Marinova, PhD student in the Genomic Stability lab at BAS

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Smoketree is one of the best known plants in Bulgaria. You will hear botanists call it by the Latin name Cotinus coggygria, and grandmothers in some regions - forest oak or tetra. Its popularity is not at all random, since besides being a very beautiful bush, it also has healing properties that can benefit anyone.

How-to-recognize-the-Smoketree

How to recognize the Smoketree

How-to-recognize-the-Smoketree_0_0

Smoketree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, along with other well-known species such as cashews, pistachios and mangoes.

How-to-recognize-the-Smoketree_0_1

The plant is found as a shrub or a small tree with a reddish bark. The leaves range from green to purple-bluish in color, and its name in English (Smoke tree) comes from the word for smoke.&nbsp;This is because the flower stalks are covered with enchanting thin hairs, accepting extremely beautiful pink, greenish or red-violet colors, which cover the plant and give it a specific look in summer.

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties

Smoketree compunds with phytochemical properties

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_0

Many biologically active substances are isolated from different parts of the herb. Extracts and essential oil from them are widely studied due to their ability to influence health.

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_1

The three main groups of compounds to which smoketree owes its properties are tannins, phenols and flavonoids <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890191/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.1]</a>. Among the tannins, gallotannins have a large share, which are derivatives of gallic acid, which in turn is also isolated in free state from the plant.

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_2

With regard to flavonoids, we can say that almost all subclasses of such are isolated from the smoketree, which is an impressive fact in itself, since this group of substances are very potent antioxidants.&nbsp;The richest in flavonoids are the stem and branches.

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_3

Read more in the article <a href="../../eng/p/what_are_free_radicals_and_antioxidants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What </a><a href="../../eng/p/what_are_free_radicals_and_antioxidants" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are free radicals and antioxidants.</a>

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_4

The essential oil is also rich in components that emit a pleasant odor, and for this reason is largely used in perfumery. The main compounds contained in it are monoterpenes. It is interesting to mention that Bulgaria is among the producers of smoketree essential oil. The main substance that is isolated from it is alpha-pinene <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10412905.1993.9698202" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.2].</a>

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_5

Smoketree-compunds-with-phytochemical-properties_1_6

In the next part of the article we will turn to both the properties and practical applications of the herb. Here it is important to note that it is used mainly externally.

Smoketree-as-a-powerful-antioxidant-and-antibacterial-agent

Smoketree as a powerful antioxidant and antibacterial agent

Smoketree-as-a-powerful-antioxidant-and-antibacterial-agent_2_0

One of the most well-known uses of smoketree is as an antibacterial and antifungal <a href="https://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&amp;id_clanak_jezik=100475" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a> agent.&nbsp;There are studies that show its effect against various types of microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus lysodeikticus, and the fungus Candida albicans<a href="https://hrcak.srce.hr/index.php?show=clanak&amp;id_clanak_jezik=100475" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> [ref.3]</a>. In addition, the herb is a powerful antioxidant. Through these properties we can explain most of the applications of smoketree.

Smoketree-as-a-powerful-antioxidant-and-antibacterial-agent_2_1

Fungal infections on the legs and nails respond well to herbal baths and compresses with a decoction of smoketree.

Smoketree-for-gastrointestinal-problems

Smoketree for gastrointestinal problems

Smoketree-for-gastrointestinal-problems_3_0

In Bulgarian folk medicine, the herb is used in gastritis, ulcers, inflammations of the intestine. It has the property of strengthening the regeneration of mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, similar to the external application of the herb.

Smoketree-for-gastrointestinal-problems_3_1

Attention!&nbsp;Internal use should be done only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist to determine the exact method of administration.

Wound-healing-properties

Wound-healing properties

Wound-healing-properties_4_0

Wound-healing-properties_4_1

Another well-known property of tetra in traditional medicine is for the treatment of wounds. This is due to both the antiseptic and the blood-stopping action of the herb. We can explain the wound healing properties in that some substances in the tannins group have the ability to interact with collagen in the skin <a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/integrating_ethnobotany_phytochemistry_and_pharmacology_of_i_cotinus_coggygria_i_and_i_toxicodendron_vernicifluum_i_what_predictions_can_be_made_for_the_european_smoketree_33953688" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.4]</a>.

Wound-healing-properties_4_2

A 2016 study provides clarity on this process by showing that placing an alcohol extracted compress from smoketree leaves on wounds leads to an increase in levels of hydroxyproline (necessary for collagen synthesis) and antioxidant substances, resulting in faster healing of damaged tissue <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13880209.2016.1181660" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.5]</a>.

Treatment-of-hemorrhoids

Treatment of hemorrhoids

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Hemorrhoids are a condition that can cause serious discomfort or pain. Here again, the smoketree comes to the rescue in the form of water baths with a decoction of it. It relieves symptoms by reducing bleeding, as well as pain. &nbsp;

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Herbal baths are made by preparing a decoction with 1 tablespoon of the herb per 1 liter of water.&nbsp;The smoketree is placed in boiling water, allowed to cool and then filtered. The decoction is poured into a large basin and sit for 15-20 minutes in it.

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Read more in the articles <a href="../../eng/p/what_are_hemorrhoids_and_when_to_call_the_doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">What </a><a href="../../eng/p/what_are_hemorrhoids_and_when_to_call_the_doctor" target="_blank" rel="noopener">are hemorrhoids and when to call a doctor</a> and <a href="../../eng/p/hemorrhoids_how_to_get_rid_of_them_with_conventional_and_herbal_treatment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hemorrhoids - how to get rid of them with conventional and herbal treatment</a>

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Reduces-acne

Reduces acne

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The action of smoketree is miraculous when we have to fight acne. This application is again due to its strong antiseptic properties.

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In case of acne problems, folk medicine recommends a steam bath with the herb. This helps the pores to expand and so the herb increases its action.

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Another method of applying the decoction is topically on inflamed skin areas. Therefore, it is no coincidence that it is part of some cosmetic products such as lotions that are applied in the morning and evening to cleanse the skin, or creams for red and inflamed skin.

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Smoketree protects the liver

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We know from traditional Chinese medicine that the herb has a hepatoprotective function (protects the liver). This function is also the subject of extensive research, which evaluates the effectiveness on the one hand, and on the other hand studies the mechanisms of action.

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For example, it has been shown in rodents that smoketree methanol extract, which contains mainly myricetin, significantly reduces liver damage induced by the substance pyrogalol [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Methanol_extract_from_the_stem_of_Cotinus_coggygria_Scop_and_its_major_bioactive_phytochemical_constituent_myricetin_modulate_pyrogallol_induced_DNA_damage_and_liver_injury_23830930" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[ref.6]</a>.

Smoketree-helps-us-take-care-of-our-oral-hygiene

Smoketree helps us take care of our oral hygiene

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Smoketree is an extremely good means of strengthening the gums . In addition, it refreshes the breath and promotes oral hygiene.&nbsp;Also splattering with an extract of it is recommended as a prevention of stomatitis and cold sores and sores in the mouth. The taste is strong and bitter. It should not be swallowed.

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More read in the article <a href="../../eng/p/natural_remedies_for_bleeding_gums_which_herbs_to_use" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Natural remedies for bleeding gums - which herbs to use</a>

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If you have not yet tried using smoketree and suffer from some of the above problems, it is definitely worth trying the action of this gift from nature, but only after you have consulted your doctor or pharmacist.

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