Could oud oil offer a pioneering treatment in the
fight against cancer? A recent study suggests that oud oil possesses anticancer
activity toward MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These latest findings from a
Malaysian research university study back up the use of agarwood essential oil
as a treatment for inflammatory related diseases.
Breast cancer cell control
The study revealed that oud oil concentration of 44
μg/ml was able to inhibit 50% of control cell growth. The results could mark further investigation
into the medicinal capabilities of oud oil as an alternative cancer treatment.
Anti-pancreatic
cancer properties
A separate study in
Malaysia also found agarwood essential oils to have anti-pancreatic properties
too. The inhibition of mastastasis and induction of apoptosis in the pancreatic
cell line was investigated. The results revealed that the oils used exhibited
potent cytotoxic activity against these cells, inhibited cell migration and at
a certain dosage could significantly obstruct the colony formation properties
of the cell line.
Oud oil compound properties
The unique compounds found in oud oil in high
concentrations are believed to be the key to its wide use to treat a great
number of health and wellness issues. Carvacrol, trepans and phenols attack
viruses and bacteria within the body and the oil has an anti-microbial property
which researchers have looked into as a possible treatment source for illnesses
such as MRSA and staph. The oil has an anti-oxidant and anaesthetic effect too. The potential that oud oil could act
as a cell-killing agent to cancer could lead to powerful medical breakthroughs.
Oud oil’s medicinal uses
Agarwood has long been revered for its therapeutic
properties throughout the Arab world and Asia. Oud oil extracted from agarwood
has a rich history of medicinal use, treating a wide range of health
issues. The anti-inflammatory effects of
oud oil mean it has been used widely in the treatment of arthritis as an
anti-rheumatic, alleviating aches and pains.
Agarwood essential oils are also highly regarded in
the treatment of nausea, pain and digestive complaints, as well as bacterial
infections, asthma and even epilepsy. Whilst there is no scientific proof as of
yet, oud oil has been used in the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver and
kidney issues. The latest anti-cancer
findings could lead to the development of new, alternative treatments to one of
the world’s biggest killer diseases.
Oud oil can be applied topically, inhaled or
sprayed on as a fragrance, giving it greater versatility whether rubbed on the
skin to alleviate a rash or its aroma used to lessen the symptoms of a common
cold.
The mind and the body
Wellbeing is essentially holistic wellness and oud
oil is known for its psychological effects as well as its impact physically. It
has been used in many parts of the world as a treatment for anxiety, stress and
depression, and is regarded as having psychoactive properties.
In Ayurvedic medicine, oud oil is used to sharpen
and focus the mind, promote greater positivity and even raise EQ with its
enlightening and thought-strengthening capabilities.
Oud oil, with its interesting culture of medicinal
use, as well as the results of contemporary research studies into its
properties and potential, add to its wonder and appeal.
