International Research Associates (United States)

Mono- and sesquiterpenoids are the main chemical constituents of essential oils. Essential oils and their constituents have received increasing attention for lipid-lowering properties in both cell and animal models. Despite the chemical diversity of essential oil compounds, the effects of many of these compounds on cholesterol metabolism are highly similar. In this report, we review the literature regarding the effects of essential oils and their terpenoid constituents on cholesterol homeostasis, and explore likely mechanisms using protein-ligand docking. We identified 98 experimental and seven clinical studies on essential oils, isolated compounds, and blends; 100 of these described improvements either in blood cholesterol levels or in sterol metabolic pathways. Our review and docking analysis confirmed two likely mechanisms common to many essential oil compounds: (1) direct agonism of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors, and (2) direct interaction with sterol-sensing domains, motifs found in key sterol regulatory proteins including sterol regulatory element binding protein cleavage activating protein and HMG-CoA reductase. Notably, these direct interactions lead to decreased transcription and accelerated degradation of HMG-CoA reductase. Our work suggests that terpene derivatives in essential oils have cholesterol-lowering activity and could potentially work synergistically with statins, however, further high quality studies are needed to establish their clinical efficacy.

Essential oils, composed of aromatic compounds naturally found in plants, have been used in folk medicines to prevent and treat a variety of diseases in humans all over the world for many hundreds of years. Despite growing scientific evidence that essential oils possess important therapeutic benefits, research on their biological activities in complex human disease models is scarce. To contribute to this understanding, we analyzed the biological activities of an essential oil blend (EOB) in validated human cell co‐cultures, with or without tumor cells. These disease models allow for measurement of changes in protein biomarkers induced by EOB treatment. The EOB showed significant effects on important biomarkers related to inflammation, immune system function, wound healing, and tumor biology. In tumor co‐cultures, the EOB elevated inflammatory and immune‐related biomarkers, including sIL‐17A, sIL‐2, sIL‐6, VCAM‐1, CD‐40, CD‐69, sGranB, and sIFNγ, but many of these same biomarkers were decreased by the EOB in non‐tumor cell co‐cultures, suggesting that the EOB shows tumor‐specific immune enhancement. The EOB also broadly impacted genome‐wide gene expression in a dermal fibroblast cell model, as measured via total mRNA microarray assays. Finally, the EOB also pleiotropically regulated multiple signaling pathways in human cells, such as the hepatic fibrosis/hepatic stellate cell activation pathway, the antigen presentation pathway, the mitotic roles of polo‐like kinase pathway, and the cyclins and cell cycle regulation pathway. In summary, the study provided evidence suggesting that the EOB can beneficially impact human cells through anti‐inflammatory activities, immune enhancing functions, modulation of wound healing, and anticancer properties.Support or Funding InformationThis study was funded by dōTERRA International LLC, Pleasant Grove, UT, USA.

A complete multivitamin mineral herbal omega 3 supplement infused with essential oils (product name Lifelong Vitality, LLV) has been reported by its users to increase energy levels, decrease pain, strengthen immunity and improve mental focus. This study was designed to quantitatively evaluate these effects through serum biomarkers and qualitatively by survey. Sixteen participants were recruited to take LLV as directed for two months. A blood sample was provided and a survey taken both before and after the 2 month supplementation period. The following were shown to improve significantly (p < 0.05): HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, fasting insulin, homocysteine, serum vitamin E, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (AA)/EPA ratio. This demonstrated that the LLV had significant positive effects on biochemical indicators for cardiovascular health, antioxidant status, markers of inflammation, and blood sugar regulation. In the 16 ‐ item qualitative survey, after two months of LLV supplementation all results were improved positively; 12 of them were statistically significant. The participants reported more mental clarity, energy, motivation, control, balance, and happiness, while reporting less back pain, muscle pain, colds and flu occurrence, anxiety, frustration and irritation at the end of 2 ‐ month supplementation. These results suggest that the supplement may provide a broad range of health benefits for its users in a short period of time, though a larger study should be conducted to verify.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by doTERRA International, LLC, Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Combined with traditional qualitative data and testimonies, population-based studies may assist investigators and prosecutors of international judicial institutions in the identification of perpetrator groups and in defining the types of international crimes committed by active perpetrator groups during conflict. This research—based on a secondary analysis of data from a cross-sectional study of the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and the Ituri district in Democratic Republic of Congo—provides a case study to demonstrate how population-based surveys might have value to International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutions. These data reveal crimes committed during the conflicts constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes and identify the perpetrator groups most responsible for these crimes. Compared to current prosecutions at the ICC, this research finds that leaders of the Mai-Mai and Interahamwe among other groups not charged by the ICC, were most active in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces for perpetrating sexual and physical violence. Population-based surveys, in addition to traditional qualitative data and testimonies, may aid ICC investigators and prosecutors, particularly in the identification of perpetrator groups and in defining the types of international crimes committed by active perpetrator groups during conflict.

This article presents test data, analysis and computed results for gold rods impacting silicon carbide targets. This work focuses on the dwell phenomenon, but also investigates the penetration response. Experiments are presented for several target configurations including targets that use a small diameter copper buffer, targets that use a large diameter copper buffer, and targets that use no buffer. The dwell-penetration transition velocity for a silicon carbide target with no buffer is 822±46 m s−1 and increases to 1538±12 m s−1 when a buffer is used. The results demonstrate the significant effect a buffer has on interface defeat and that silicon carbide can resist extremely large surface stresses (∼24 GPa) without the use of any confinement or prestress. A significant finding is the non-linear ‘erratic’ penetration velocity that occurs when dwell is not maintained. Computations are also presented that reproduce the effect of using a buffer including the effect of buffer separation. Of particular interest is the non-linear penetration velocity produced in the computed results.

Penetrating neck trauma accounts for approximately 5–10% of all penetrating trauma patients. Approximately 30% of those admitted to a Trauma Center with penetrating neck injuries incur vascular injuries. Majority of the population affected are young males who have sustained injuries due to interpersonal violence. Vascular injuries are most frequently caused by penetrating trauma. Most affect zone II of the neck, with the jugular vein and carotid artery and its branches as the most frequently injured vessels. Vascular injuries of the neck from blunt trauma are quite uncommon. Their overall mortality of 20–40% and morbidity rates are significantly higher than for those patients who sustain penetrating trauma.