Pharmacology of Essential Oils

Study Notes

Defined as concentrated plant extracts containing aromatic compounds
Obtained through various methods: steam distillation, solvent extraction, cold pressing, and expression
Composed of volatile compounds (terpenes, phenol, and aldehydes) responsible for the aroma and biological activities
Can be sourced from various parts of plants: flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and seeds

Display a range of biological activities:
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Analgesic and antispasmodic properties
- Insecticidal and repellent activities
Can interact with the body's physiological systems, including:
- Nervous system: sedative, anxiolytic, and cognitive effects
- Cardiovascular system: blood pressure regulation and vasodilation
- Respiratory system: expectorant and decongestant effects

The practice of using essential oils to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being
Involves inhalation, topical application, or baths to achieve therapeutic benefits
Can be used to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mood and sleep quality
- Relieve pain and inflammation
- Enhance cognitive function and focus

The art of blending essential oils to create fragrances for personal use or commercial applications
Involves the combination of top notes, middle notes, and base notes to create a harmonious scent
Essential oils are used as:
- Fragrance ingredients in perfumes, colognes, and other fragranced products
- Fixatives to stabilize and enhance the scent of other ingredients

Concentrated plant extracts obtained through solvent extraction or enfleurage
Typically obtained from delicate flowers, such as rose, jasmine, and orange blossom
Used in the production of perfumes, fragrances, and aromatherapy products
Can be used as:
- Natural flavorings in food and beverages
- Ingredients in skincare and cosmetic products

Concentrated plant extracts containing aromatic compounds, obtained through steam distillation, solvent extraction, cold pressing, and expression
Composed of volatile compounds (terpenes, phenol, and aldehydes) responsible for aroma and biological activities
Can be sourced from various plant parts, including flowers, leaves, roots, bark, and seeds

Practice of using essential oils to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being
Involves inhalation, topical application, or baths to achieve therapeutic benefits
Used to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and sleep quality, relieve pain and inflammation, and enhance cognitive function and focus

Art of blending essential oils to create fragrances for personal or commercial use
Involves combining top notes, middle notes, and base notes to create a harmonious scent
Essential oils are used as fragrance ingredients, fixatives, and odor modifiers in perfumes, colognes, and other fragranced products

Concentrated plant extracts obtained through solvent extraction or enfleurage
Typically obtained from delicate flowers, such as rose, jasmine, and orange blossom
Used in perfumes, fragrances, and aromatherapy products, as well as natural flavorings, and skincare and cosmetic products

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts containing aromatic compounds, obtained through steam distillation or expression
They are highly concentrated, making up only 1-5% of plant material
Essential oils are volatile and fragrant, and are used in aromatherapy, perfumery, and flavoring
Examples of essential oils include lavender oil, peppermint oil, and eucalyptus oil
Lavender oil is obtained from Lavandula angustifolia, peppermint oil from Mentha piperita, and eucalyptus oil from Eucalyptus globulus

Aromatic compounds are organic compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of plants
Terpenes are a type of aromatic compound, which can be further classified into monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes
Monoterpenes have a molecular formula of C10H16, and examples include limonene and pinene
Sesquiterpenes have a molecular formula of C15H24, and examples include bisabolol and caryophyllene
Phenolic compounds are another type of aromatic compound, which can be further classified into phenolic acids and phenolic aldehydes
Phenolic acids, such as vanillin and salicylic acid, and phenolic aldehydes, such as vanillin and syringaldehyde, are examples of phenolic compounds
Aromatic compounds function to defend plants against insects and pathogens, attract pollinators, and provide flavor and aroma to plants