Antiviral and virucidal properties of essential oils against human viruses: A systematic review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Context: Essential oils (EOs) have been investigated as potential antiviral agents, particularly because of their extracellular virucidal activity. Aims: This review synthesized evidence on whole EOs tested against viruses, with particular emphasis on human-virus evidence, and summarized reported mechanisms of action. Methods: Web of Science, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to February 2023. Human, animal, plant-model, and mechanistic studies of whole EOs were eligible. Isolated constituents, fractions, insufficiently identified oils, and most EO mixtures were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the OHAT tool and its in vitro extension. Results: A total of 198 reports were included, yielding 203 design-specific experiments. Of these, 164 concerned human viruses or related surrogates. Most evidence was mechanistic. Overall, 123 experiments were rated Tier 1, 74 Tier 2, and 6 Tier 3. Activity was most frequently reported against herpes simplex viruses, influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus, and coxsackieviruses. Several EOs showed favorable efficacy and selectivity in selected assays, and pre-adsorption mechanisms predominated. Conclusions: Whole EOs showed promising experimental antiviral activity, but clinical applicability remains uncertain because human evidence is limited and study designs, EO characterization, cytotoxicity reporting, and outcome measures were heterogeneous.
Institution: Azienda Sanitaria Unità Locale di Reggio Emilia
Language: English
Subfield: Food Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222114173