Regulation of long non-coding RNAs by essential oils: Therapeutic implications in human diseases

Essential oils are natural substances with broad therapeutic potential due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that these compounds can modulate the expression of non-coding RNAs, such as lncRNAs, miRNAs, and circRNAs, which play crucial roles in post-transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in various pathological conditions. This modulation influences key biological processes, including apoptosis, drug resistance, inflammation, cell differentiation, and cognitive function. Therefore, the regulation of ncRNAs by essential oils emerges as a promising strategy for the development of novel therapeutic approaches in cancer, respiratory, joint, and neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the latest findings on the ability of essential oils to modulate ncRNAs, highlighting their potential in the prevention and treatment of a wide range of human diseases.