Mitochondria as a target for monoterpenes

Abstract Monoterpenes are molecules widely distributed in nature; in general, they are responsible for the scent and taste of medicinal and edible plants. Monoterpenes have been considered important molecules on health maintenance and disease treatment. This chapter provides some examples of aliphatic and cyclic/oxygenated monoterpenes that have been studied for the treatment of diseases related or not to cellular aging, as well as in the treatment or prevention of cancer. This chapter presents examples and discusses the mechanisms that directly or indirectly involve the interaction of monoterpenes with the mitochondria and the apoptosis induction associated with oxidative stress (OS) generation. Although there are still knowledge gaps in the mechanisms of interaction of monoterpenes with mitochondria, these molecules are still promising drugs to be used in treatments or disease prevention.