Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine ›› 2026, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (4): 1026-1041.DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2026.04.022

• Review • Previous Articles    

Intranasal essential oils in therapy: advances in clinical applications and delivery mechanisms

LIANG Yong1, GUAN Qiuyan1, CHEN Yi1, WU Wei1,2, YANG Ming1, TANG Fangrui1, WANG Yawen1, PAN Deng1, HUANG Xiaoying1(), LI Huiting1()   

  1. 1 Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
    2 College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
  • Received:2025-03-26 Accepted:2025-11-13 Online:2026-08-15 Published:2026-08-08
  • Contact: Prof. HUANG Xiaoying, Prof. LI Huiting, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine 330004, China. 8842100@qq.com;Li Huiting19@163.com,Telephone: +86-13607062322; +86-18702694569
  • Supported by:
    Hainan Province Science and Technology Special Fund: Research on the Chemical Basis of Aroma Formation and High-value Utilization of Hainan Agarwood(ZDYF2025SHFZ055);National Natural Science Foundation of China: Research on Stabilization Control Strategies of Essential Oils Based on “Porous Adsorption-Size Sieving-Structural Controlled Release”(82404878);Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province: Research on the Design of Mesoporous Material-Loaded Essential Oil Solidified Powders and Their Stabilization Application in Tablets(20242BAB20456);Key R & D Projects of Ganjiang New District in Jiangxi Province: Development and Application of “Scent Stabilization” Technology for Essential Oils(2023007);Doctoral Research Startup Fund Project of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Research on Process Control Strategies for the “Release-Stabilization” of Essential Oils Based on Volatility and Pyrolyzability, Optimization of Microbial Fermentation Process for Fengyan Aurantii Fructus(2024BSZR016);Doctoral Research Startup Fund Project of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Research on Process Control Strategies for the “Release-Stabilization” of Essential Oils Based on Volatility and Pyrolyzability, Optimization of Microbial Fermentation Process for Fengyan Aurantii Fructus(2024BSZR005);Science and Technology Research Project of Jiangxi Education Department: Research on the Degradation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Wastewater by Hydrotalcite-Based Photocatalysts(GJJ211258);National College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program in 2024: Yunding Fragrance-Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Scalp Therapy Essential Oil(202410412007);Provincial College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program in 2024: Yinyang Zhihe-a TCM Compound Essential Oil Pillow Sheet for Insomnia Caused by Liver Fire Disturbing the Heart(S202410412094)

Abstract:

This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic mechanisms, formulation advancements, and clinical applications of intranasal essential oil (EO) delivery, aiming to highlight its potential as a modern therapeutic approach. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science up to May 2024, focusing on preclinical and clinical studies. Data on target diseases, delivery mechanisms, formulation innovations, and therapeutic effects were extracted and analyzed. Intranasal EO delivery demonstrates significant therapeutic potential for neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, and metabolic disorders. Advanced delivery systems, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, and nasal in situ gels, enhance EO stability, bioavailability, and targeted release. Mechanistically, EOs exert effects through neurotransmission modulation, anti-inflammatory pathways, and vascular regulation, primarily via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. Clinical evidence supports the efficacy of intranasal EOs in conditions such as anxiety, depression, allergic rhinitis, and hypertension, although further optimization is needed to minimize irritation and improve patient adherence. Intranasal delivery of EOs offers a promising strategy for enhancing therapeutic administration and expanding clinical applications. Future research should focus on developing advanced in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation tools, optimizing delivery systems, ensuring safety, and integrating EOs with conventional therapies to support their broader clinical translation.

Key words: oils, volatile, intranasal delivery, medicinal effect, therapeutic mechanisms, review

Cite this article

LIANG Yong, GUAN Qiuyan, CHEN Yi, WU Wei, YANG Ming, TANG Fangrui, WANG Yawen, PAN Deng, HUANG Xiaoying, LI Huiting. Intranasal essential oils in therapy: advances in clinical applications and delivery mechanisms[J]. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2026, 46(4): 1026-1041.