Anticancer potential of essential oils from Croton L. species (Euphorbiaceae): A comprehensive review of ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, phytochemical, and toxicological evidence.

The anticancer potential of essential oils (EOs) has been widely investigated in several scientific studies. The use of these natural products can be an effective alternative to commercial medications that cause various side effects in cancer patients. In this context, this review critically discusses the anticancer potential of EOs obtained from Croton species of the Euphorbiaceae family. In addition, the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, and toxicity of these products were also reviewed. The literature was retrieved from different online databases, from the first report published in 2006 until June 2024. Traditionally, Croton species are commonly used to treat cancer in Asian, African, South American, and North American countries. The in vivo and in vitro anticancer activity of EOs from 17 species of Croton has been well reported in the literature, with emphasis on the efficacy of C. urucurana, C. argyrophyllus, C. matourensis, C. doctoris , and C. floribundus. Chemically, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, phenylpropene, monocyclic diterpene alcohol, and acetylenic fatty acid identified as major compounds in the EOs of these plants may be related to the observed anticancer activity. Regarding the mechanisms of action, it is likely that EOs from Croton species act in cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. It is important to highlight that many of these EOs have not yet been evaluated for their biological safety in vivo toxicological tests, requiring caution when using these products. [Display omitted] • Essential oils from Croton species are rich in sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes. • 16 species of Croton are used for cancer treatment in traditional medicine. • Essential oils from Croton species exhibited anticancer potential in vitro and in vivo. • Essential oils from Croton species act in cell cycle arrest, DNA fragmentation, and apoptosis of cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]