Top 3 Essential Oils Researched for their Anti-Cancer Activities

Frankincense Essential Oil

Research into the anticancer properties of frankincense essential oil has highlighted its efficacy against various cancer cell lines. Specifically, frankincense oil has exhibited significant cytotoxic effects on bladder cancer cells (T24) and breast cancer cells (MCF7)¹. It has also shown promising anti-tumor activities in human pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc-1)² and induced apoptosis in human pancreatic cancer cells (BxPC-3)³. Furthermore, studies have indicated that frankincense oil can effectively target multiple myeloma cell lines (RPMI 8226 and U266)⁴ and trigger apoptosis in the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line⁵. These findings suggest that frankincense essential oil holds potential as a complementary agent in cancer treatment. 

Top Studies:

• Frankincense Oil Derived from Boswellia carteri Induces Tumor Cell Specific Cytotoxicity: This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects of frankincense oil against bladder cancer cells (T24) and breast cancer cells (MCF7)¹.
• Frankincense Essential Oil: Characterization and Potential Anti-tumor Activity: Research shows frankincense oil's significant anti-tumor activity against human pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc-1) and human colon cancer cell lines (HCT-116)².
• Frankincense (Boswellia serrata) Essential Oil Induces Apoptosis in Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells: The study demonstrates the induction of apoptosis by frankincense oil in human pancreatic cancer cells (BxPC-3)³.
• Frankincense Oil as a Potent Anti-cancer Agent Against Multiple Myeloma: This article discusses the potential of frankincense oil in treating multiple myeloma, showing its effect on RPMI 8226 and U266 cancer cell lines⁴.
• Frankincense Essential Oil Triggers Apoptosis in MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line: The study focuses on the apoptotic effects of frankincense essential oil on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line⁵.

Ocimum basilicum (Basil) Essential Oil

Recent studies on basil essential oil have revealed its significant anticancer properties across various cancer cell lines. Specifically, it has shown cytotoxic effects in the NB4 human promyelocytic leukemia cell line¹, HeLa cervical cancer cell line², and HEp-2 laryngeal cancer cell line². Additional research highlights its potential against diverse carcinoma cells³. Notably, basil essential oil exhibits anti-tumor activities and antioxidant properties that work synergistically with conventional treatments like tamoxifen to enhance its effectiveness in targeting aggressive human pancreatic cancer cells⁴. These findings suggest that basil essential oil could play a valuable role in future cancer therapies.

Studies:

• Biological Effects, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities of Marigold and Basil Essential Oils: This study compares the anticancer activity of basil essential oil against marigold essential oil. The basil essential oil showed significant effectiveness against the NB4 cell line (a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line)¹.
• Chemical Composition of the Essential Oil from Basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) and its In Vitro Cytotoxicity Against HeLa and HEp-2 Human Cancer Cell Lines: Basil essential oil demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects against HeLa (cervical cancer) and HEp-2 (laryngeal cancer) human cancer cell lines².
• Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oil and Extracts of Ocimum Basilicum Against Human Carcinoma Cells: This research explores the cytotoxic effects of basil essential oil against various carcinoma cells, highlighting its potential use in inhibiting multiple types of human cancer cell lines³.
• Experimental Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Thyme and Basil Essential Oils and Their Phenolic Constituents: Evaluates the biological activities of basil oil, specifically its effects on tumor cell lines, though it does not specify the exact cell line used⁴.
• Holy Basil Leaf Extract Decreases Tumorigenicity and Metastasis of Aggressive Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells in Vitro and In Vivo: This study investigates the impact of basil essential oil and extracts on human pancreatic cancer cells, showing significant reduction in tumorigenicity and metastasis⁵.

Geranium Essential Oil

Studies on the anticancer properties of geranium essential oil reveal its potential effectiveness against various cancer cell lines. Research has shown that geranium oil exhibits significant cytotoxic and antioxidative effects, particularly in metastatic cancer cell lines¹. Additionally, it enhances the cytotoxicity of tamoxifen in GT1-7 cells, which are partial estrogen receptor agonist cells². The oil also regulates the AMPK/mTOR pathway in breast cancer, demonstrating its ability to suppress tumor progression³. Moreover, geranium essential oil has shown positive interactions with tamoxifen, commonly used in breast cancer treatment⁴. Although some studies discuss its role in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, specific cell lines are not always mentioned⁵. These findings suggest that geranium essential oil could be a valuable adjunct in cancer therapy.

• Cytotoxic and Antioxidative Effects of Geranium Oil: This study explores the antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties of geranium oil in metastatic cancer cell lines¹.
• Enhancing Cytotoxicity of Tamoxifen Using Geranium Oil: The research demonstrates that geranium oil enhances the cytotoxicity of tamoxifen in GT1-7 cells, which are partial estrogen receptor agonist cells².
• Frankincense, Pine Needle, and Geranium Essential Oils Suppress Tumor Progression: This study shows that geranium essential oil, along with frankincense and pine needle oils, regulates the AMPK/mTOR pathway in breast cancer³.
• Geranium Essential Oil and its Impact on Breast Cancer Treatment: Recent studies indicate that geranium essential oil has a positive interaction with tamoxifen, a commonly used drug for breast cancer treatment⁴.
• Essential Oils as Anticancer Agents: Potential Role in Apoptosis: This article discusses the role of essential oils, including geranium oil, in inducing programmed cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, and cell cycle arrest, though it does not specify the exact cell lines used⁵.
• Critical biological activities in cancer treatment³.

Conclusion

These studies collectively highlight the extensive research done on these top essential oils and their promising role in targeting various cancer cell lines. Essential oils are inherently complex, with a variety of functions, and by their nature are more potent than dried herbs. 

Remember to always dilute essential oils into a carrier oil if ingesting alone without food. Transdermal absorbtion and oral ingestion should use a higher amount of carrier oil to EO ratio, preferably cocnut oil, almond oil, or with topical application another skin sensitive oil like jojoba or argan oil. When injesting, watch out for die-off reactions, and abdominal issues and always consult a medical professional if you have any medical condition or concern about using EOs with certain medications.