Geraniol is a dietary monoterpene alcohol that is found in the essential oils of aromatic plants. To date, experimental evidence supports the therapeutic or preventive effects of geraniol on different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreatic, and hepatic cancer, and has revealed the mechanistic basis for its pharmacological actions. In addition, geraniol sensitizes tumor cells to commonly used chemotherapy agents. Geraniol controls a variety of signaling molecules and pathways that represent tumor hallmarks; these actions of geraniol constrain the ability of tumor cells to acquire adaptive resistance against anticancer drugs. It has been shown that geraniol inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in most types of tumor cells, which raises the possibility that the reduced prenylation of small G-proteins, such as Ras or RhoA, accounts for the antitumor effects of geraniol. In addition to its use in various commercial products, including cosmetics and fine fragrances, geraniol exerts a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-ulcer and neuroprotective activities. Geraniol is classified into the generally recognized-as-safe (GRAS) category by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States.

Cinnamaldehyde is one of the active compounds found in cinnamon. It was reported that cinnamaldehyde has anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatiry activity. Cinnamon is a common prescription compound in traditional Chinese medicine and it is used as a dietary supplement all over the world. Cinnamon dietary supplement Cinnamonforce (min. 35% cinnamaldehyde) was tested in phase II clinical trials and demonstrated therapeutic activity in patients with type 2 diabetes. The mechanism of cinnamaldehyde possibly involves the activation of PPAR gamma/delta receptors. Cinnamaldehyde is partially metabolized into cinnamic acid in the stomach and small intestine, and is almost completely metabolized into cinnamic acid in the liver. Cinnamic acid is believed to be the active metabolite, which is responsible for anti-diabetic properties of cinnamaldehyde.