Volatile Oil Classification

Volatile Oil Classification

Essential Oils

• Definition: Concentrated plant extracts containing volatile compounds responsible for the plant's aroma and flavor.
• Characteristics:
  • Highly concentrated (often 50-100 times more concentrated than the plant material)
  • Volatile (easily evaporated)
  • Typically clear or pale yellow liquids
• Obtained through various methods, including:
  • Steam distillation
  • Solvent extraction
  • Expression (cold pressing)
• Used in:
  • Aromatherapy
  • Perfumery
  • Flavorings
  • Pharmaceuticals

Aromatic Compounds

• Definition: Organic compounds responsible for the aroma and flavor of plants.
• Types:
  • Terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene)
  • Terpenoids (modified terpenes, e.g., menthol, camphor)
  • Phenolic compounds (e.g., vanillin, eugenol)
  • Aldehydes (e.g., citral, vanillin)
  • Esters (e.g., linalyl acetate)
• Characteristics:
  • Volatile and fragrant
  • Often responsible for the plant's defense mechanisms
  • Can have pharmacological effects (e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory)
• Found in:
  • Essential oils
  • Spices
  • Herbs
  • Flowers
  • Fruits

Volatile Oil Classification

Essential Oils

• Definition: Concentrated plant extracts responsible for aroma and flavor.
• Characteristics:
  • Highly concentrated (50-100 times more concentrated than plant material).
  • Volatile (easily evaporated).
  • Typically clear or pale yellow liquids.
• Obtainment:
  • Steam distillation.
  • Solvent extraction.
  • Expression (cold pressing).
• Uses:
  • Aromatherapy.
  • Perfumery.
  • Flavorings.
  • Pharmaceuticals.

Aromatic Compounds

• Definition: Organic compounds responsible for aroma and flavor in plants.
• Types:
  • Terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene).
  • Terpenoids (modified terpenes, e.g., menthol, camphor).
  • Phenolic compounds (e.g., vanillin, eugenol).
  • Aldehydes (e.g., citral, vanillin).
  • Esters (e.g., linalyl acetate).
• Characteristics:
  • Volatile and fragrant.
  • Responsible for plant defense mechanisms.
  • Can have pharmacological effects (e.g., antibacterial, anti-inflammatory).
• Found in:
  • Essential oils.
  • Spices.
  • Herbs.
  • Flowers.
  • Fruits.