Biological Activities of Terpenoids in Health and Disease
Summary
Terpenoids, a vast class of naturally occurring isoprene-derived compounds, encompass monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and diterpenes, among others. They fulfil diverse roles in plant physiology, from growth regulation to defence, and have attracted considerable interest for their therapeutic properties. In human health, terpenoids exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer and immunomodulatory effects. Their mechanisms range from free-radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition to modulation of cellular signalling pathways. In disease contexts, terpenoids have shown promise as adjuvants for wound healing, as antiviral and antibacterial agents, and as modulators of immune responses. Challenges remain in optimising bioavailability, elucidating mechanisms of action in vivo and ensuring sustainable sourcing. Nonetheless, the global effort to translate terpenoid bioactivities into clinical or cosmetic applications is growing, driven by both advances in extraction and formulation technologies and the urgent need for novel, natural‐product-based therapeutics.
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Biological Activities of Terpenoids in Health and Disease publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in biological activities of terpenoids in health and disease across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring organic compounds derived from five-carbon isoprene units, with diverse biological activities.
Monoterpene: A type of terpenoid composed of two isoprene units (C10), common in essential oils and noted for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Oxidative stress: An imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant defence, implicated in ageing and chronic disease.
Nanoemulsion: A kinetically stable mixture of oil and water phases, with droplet diameters in the nanometre range, used to enhance solubility and bioavailability of actives.
References
- Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from α-Pinene-Containing Plants and Their Use in Cosmetic Emulsions. Antioxidants (2024).
- Biological Activity of Bursera schlechtendalii Essential oil and the Roles of Its Chemical Components in the Wound Healing Process. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2023).
- Improving the Stability and Effectiveness of Immunotropic Squalene Nanoemulsion by Adding Turpentine Oil. Biomolecules (2023).
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