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Chapter

Biological Importance of Essential

Oils
Muhammad Irshad, Muhammad Ali Subhani,
Saqib Ali and Amjad Hussain

Abstract

Essential oils are the volatile compounds having the oily fragrance. Essential oils
are obtained from the different plant parts, and they are extracted from the different
techniques and the most preferable method of extraction is the hydrodistillation which
is cheap and easy to use. Plant parts including the flowers, leaves, stem, bark and roots
are used for the isolation of essential oils. Essential oils are used in almost every field of
life and because of these characteristics, the market of essential oils is growing rapidly.
Essential oils are used in the aromatherapy and act as antioxidant, antimicrobial,
antifungal, pain relievers, anxiety, depression. In the field of cosmetics and industries,
the essential oils are used rapidly and mostly used in the perfume industries which are
growing increasingly. Essential oils are used in the food preservations and many food
items. Essential oils are used as the folk herbal medicines and their fragrance is used for
the improvement of the mood and as the depression release.

Keywords: acts as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, pain reliever,

anxiety and depression

1. Introduction

Essential oils have been used in the folk medicines throughout the history.
Essential oils are called the ethereal or volatile oils, which are fragrant oily liquid that
are extracted from the various parts of the plants and mostly used as the food flavors.
An essential oil is “essential” in sense that it contains the essence of the different fra-
grance, and the properties of the plants from which they are derived. These volatile
oils showed the different kinds of biological activities including the antibacterial,
antioxidant, antiviral, insecticidal, etc. [1]. These oils are also used for cancer treat-
ment, while some other has been used for the food preservations, aromatherapy,
and in the perfumery industries [2]. The antimicrobial and antioxidant screening of
essential oil acts as the root of numerous applications including the processed and
fresh food preservations, natural therapies, pharmaceuticals, and alternative medi-
cines [3]. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy as an alternative source of wound
healing because of the aromatic compounds that are present in the essential oils. It is
also used as a relaxation process, but this evidence is not under consideration [4].
Numerous efforts are made to explore the essential oils usage as the treatment of
various infectious diseases that supernumerary to the pharmaceutical’s remedies.
Medicinal and aromatic plants are extensively used as natural organic compounds

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Essential Oils - Oils of Nature

and as medicines [5]. Previously, essential oils have been used for the treatment
of various sorts of infectious diseases in the whole world. Now, in this era, the
importance of essential oils is increasing day by day, because they are mostly used
in the beverage and food industries, cosmetics and fragrance industries for making
valuable perfumes, and with lot of biological activities [6].
Various essential oils have been used for the insecticidal activities against the
different pests, but in detail, studies showed that they do not show the repel-
lence, avicidal, phytochemistry, antifungal, and oviposition. The essential oils
do not show the abovementioned characteristics, but there is still urgent need
to work on this side of research and study the in vivo and in vitro studies to
control the pests, and most of the oils have shown good antioxidant activities [7].
Essential oils that showed good antioxidant activates and acts as the defensive
role for the unsaturation of lipids in the tissue of the animal and they also act as
hepatoprotective negotiators in mammals. The antioxidant substances are most
important for human being because of the oxygen which is a toxic element and
has the ability to change the metabolic activities into the most reactive form of
oxygen just like the super oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl free radicals, and
the singlet oxygen which are collectively called as active oxygen [8]. Essential
oils are best known for their action as the antispasmodic, antiviral negotiators,
antimicrobial, and carminative, and the essential oil composition is variable;
they also show different sorts of activities and mostly depend upon the chemo
types [9].

2. Sources and isolation of essential oils

Essential oils were extracted from different aromatic plants. These plants
are distributed in the tropical countries and Mediterranean. These plants got
importance because local people use them for the treatment of diseases. The
essential oil is produced in every part of the plant including the leaves, seeds,
buds, stem, flowers, leaves etc as shown in Figure 1. Essential oil is accumulated
from the epidermic cell, cavities, secretary cells, and channels [10]. The odor
that is produced in plants is because of essential oils. The essential oils were
extracted from the dried, fresh, or partially dehydrated materials of plant. The
extraction rate depends upon the diffusion via plant tissues that directly involve
the surface from which the essential oil was removed by different processes. The
extraction of essential oil depends upon the stability of the essential oil. The
two most important method that are used for the extraction of essential oil was
used are steam distillation method and the hydro distillation process as shown in
Figure 2. These are the most suitable and effective techniques for the extraction
processes [11]. Some other methods were also used for extraction but they are
not too much suitable for this process these are the microwave or liquid carbon
dioxide, high- or low-pressure distillation with the help hot water or steam water
(Figures 1 and 2) [12].
The essential oil extracted from the steam distillation method is mostly used in
pharmacological activities and food items, while the essential oil that are used in the
fragrance industry or perfume industry are extracted from the lipophilic solvents
and sometime with the supercritical carbon dioxide going more attractive [13]. The
quality of the essential oil depended on the basis of the age of plants, parts that are
used for extraction, vegetative cycle stage, effect of climate, etc. The chromato-
graphic and the spectroscopic techniques fully changed the chemical analysis of
the essential oils. The chemical composition of the essential oils was studied with
the help of IR-spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, gas chromatography, NMR

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Figure 1.
Plants and their parts used for the isolation of essential oils.

Figure 2.
Hydrodistillation apparatus used for the extraction of essential oils.

spectroscopy [14]. The enhanced demand for the essential oil in various fields of
life provoked us to access the reliable methods for the essential oil analysis, and the
techniques used are the GC-MS and GC analyses [15]. The characterization of the
essential oil was carried out by using the gas chromatography. The compounds that
are present in the essential oil was confirmed by using the GC and GC-MS analysis
[16]. The storage and handling of the essential oil also affect its yield and quality, ad
essential oil was deposited in the oil glands that are present in the organization of
the plant material [16].

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Essential Oils - Oils of Nature

3. Essential oil industry

The worldwide essential oil market demand was 226.8 kilotons in year 2018. It is
expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.6% from the 2019 to 2025. Usage of essential oils
in industries are increases day by including the beverage, food, personal care, aro-
matherapy, and cosmetics. Various sorts of the health-related benefits are offered
by essential oils and they are reported as the anticipated fuel and their demand is
increasing in the medical and pharmaceuticals applications. Most of the conven-
tional drugs have no side effects. The growing inclination of the consumers toward
the organic and natural products is leading to increase the use of essential oils in the
beverage, food, and cosmetics industries. Worldwide essential oil market will cross
USD 13 billion in the year of 2024 the latest report of the Global Market Insights,
Inc. The increase in the World population are suffering from the different kinds of
health-related issues and essential oils are used in aromatherapy products and due
to this reason, the Worldwide market of essential oils are increasing day by day [17].
The period when essential oils were utilized first on a commercial scale is
hard to recognize. The nineteenth century is for the most part viewed as the
beginning of the cutting-edge period of commercial utilization of essential oils.
Notwithstanding, the extensive scale use of essential oils goes back to antiquated
Egypt. In 1480 BC, Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt sent a campaign to the nation of
Punt (presently Somalia) to gather fragrant plants, tars, and oils, as elements for
medicaments, scents, and flavors and for the preservation of bodies. Valuable
scents have been found in numerous Egyptian archeological unearthing, as an
image of riches and social position. The huge global exchange of fundamental
oil-based items is the standard for modern use; “Ruler of Hungary Water” was the
primary alcoholic scent ever. This aroma, in view of rosemary basic oil distillate,
was made in the mid-fourteenth century for the Polish-conceived Queen Elisabeth
of Hungary. Following an uncommon introduction to King Charles V, The Wise of
France in 1350, it ended up prevalent in all medieval European courts. The start
of the eighteenth century saw the presentation of “Eau de Cologne,” in light of
bergamot and different citrus oils, which remains broadly used right up ‘til the
present time. This crisp citrus aroma was the making of Jean Maria Farina, a relative
of Italian perfumers who came to France with Catherine de Medici and settled in
Grasse in the sixteenth century. As indicated by the city of Cologne files, Jean Maria
Farina and Karl Hieronymus Farina, in 1749, built up a processing plant (Fabriek) of
this water, which sounds exceptionally “mechanical.” The “Kolnisch Wasser” turned
into the main unisex aroma as opposed to one basically for men, known and utilized
all over Europe, and it has been rehashed in this manner in incalculable counter-
types as a scent for men. The essential oil market was extended day by day because
of increase in demand for the essential oil products including the soap, cosmetics,
and food industries. The international companies are the major contributors of the
development of the essential oil industries in the mid-nineteenth century [18].
Changing the standards of the living led to the occurrence of different sorts of
mental issues including the depression, anxiety, insomnia, and stress that led to grow
the market of essential oils because they are used for the treatment of such kinds of
diseases. There are more than 300 industries in the Pakistan which industrialized
various human resources. These industries used unprocessed material especially
essential oils that are imported from the western countries. Pakistan imports more
than Rs. 1526.8 million to buy essential oils and perfumes and isolates [19]. Pakistan is
an agricultural country that is rich in aromatic sorts of plants, which are used as natu-
ral medicines and are used in local areas to cure common diseases. The environment
of Pakistan is much more suitable for the growth of essential oils crops. And from

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these plants the essential oils obtained, and they are used in essential oil industries,
but this industry is not much more attractive in Pakistan.

4. Modern trends of essential oils

The essential oil has been large number of usages in worldwide products includ-
ing the ice creams perfumes, backed food stuff, beverage, and cosmetics as shown
in Figure 3. Newly, at least 300 kinds of essential oils out of 3000 are commercially
important in various kinds of industries including the perfume and sanitary industries,
cosmetics, food, beverage, agronomics, and pharmaceuticals [20]. Some of the bioac-
tive components that are present in essential oils are the limonene, geranyl acetate, car-
vone, etc., and these are the important components of the hygienic products and tooth
pastes. Essential oils are used for the preservation of the food additives; for the treat-
ment of common diseases and folk medicines; and used by aromatherapist. Essential
oils are used as the natural antioxidant. The usage of natural antioxidant is prominent
in the defensive medicines and food items, and because of this reason, essential oils are
getting popular day by day. Recently, the growth explores the applications of the volatile
essential oils for remedial usage and in the treatment of some infectious diseases [21].
Essential oils are widely used in perfumes, personal hygiene products, and
in aromatherapy including the inhalation, massage, masking agent to avoid the
unpleasant odor in the textile industries, paint and plastic industries, and phar-
maceuticals formulations. Essential oils are also used as the natural antifungal and
antibacterial agents in the food safety items; essential oil also used in the various
kinds of cereals, antimicrobial packing of the food items, edible thin film, nano-
emulsion, preservation of the fruits and vegetables, soft drinks, as the flavoring
agents in the carbonated drinks, as the major ingredients in soda/citrus concen-
trates, seafood preservations, fish, etc. (Figure 3) [22].

Figure 3.
Modern trends of essential oils.

5. Growing trends of essential oils adaptation

The essential oils are the products that are obtained from the plant extracts
and have been used for large-scale industrial and homemade products. The major
usages of essential oils are pest control products, cleaning actions, and counter

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Essential Oils - Oils of Nature

medications among the other products and personal care products. Essential oils
have various advantages in wound healing, rejuvenation, and relaxation. Alongside
their applications in the betterment of the health issues, the most common health
issues such as migraines and nausea are cured from the essential oils. It is also used
in the food industries because of their preservative potential in contrast to the
foodborne pathogens, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal characteristics.
The use of aromatherapy as the harmonizing care is speedup due to their unique
characteristics which include the coping with some of side effects of cancer and to
promote the wound healing [23].

6. Uses of essential oils in perfumery

The essential oils that are used in the perfume industries are classified according
to their diffusion rate in air and volatility:
Base note: these are the least volatile essential oils and last for a longtime
period. These remain for longtime duration including several hours. Some essen-
tial oils that are used as the base notes are the Myrrh, vanilla, sandalwood, and
frankincense.
Middle note: these sorts of essential oils are tending to be spicy or floral and give
body to blends; their time duration is less and remain up-to 1 hour. These include
Ylang-ylang, jasmine, geranium, clove, and lavender.
Top note: these are the most volatile and the first perceptible odors from the per-
fume. Their time duration is too much less and remains maximum for 30 minutes.
These include berry, bergamot, cinnamon, juniper, and gardenia.
Perfumes are formulated mostly using alcohol, though these may contain the cloudy
solutions. Eau de types of perfumes are mostly formulated using the essential oils
generally amber color because of their natural oils color but normally they are clear.

6.1 Percentage of essential oils in different perfumes products

• Eau de perfume usually contains 8–15% amount of essential oils or sometimes

their fragrance, and 80–90% alcohol.

• Splash cologens usually contain 1–3% fragrance or essential oil, and 80% alcohol.

• Eau de cologne usually contains 3–5% of fragrance or essential oil, and up to

70% alcohol.

• Eau de toilette usually contains the essential oil between 4 and 8% or its fra-
grance, and 80–90% alcohol [24].

6.2 Increasing the sales of essential oils to the home appliances

All over the world, people are shifting toward the herbal products for the treat-
ment of skin diseases compared to medicines and synthetic drugs. The essential oil
is pure and does not have any side effects. The demand for essential oil is increasing
because of their usage in daily life and it is mostly used for the relaxation purpose
and people prefer it because of its no side effects. Aura Cacia that is manufacturer of
Iowa-based care products said that the essential oil sale was increased 90% between
the 2009 and 2012, and the sale of household items that contains the essential oil
was increased from 6 to 12%.

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Essential oils play a key role in treating the dermatological issues including the
rashes, acne, hives, eczema, and psoriasis which made the essential oil suitable for the
skin treatment care products that enhance the growth of skin industry. The market of
essential oils is growing because it has no side effects, and other synthetic chemicals
have side effects, so they are less preferred. Essential oils market of home care products
and cleaning products will be increased to 550 million USD by 2024. The growth in
essential oil market along with the companies that are introducing the products with
supplementary benefits such as better cleaning, easy fragrance, and germ fighting.
The essential oils market of France will be increased up to 8.5% by 2024. Major
cosmetics industries used essential oils in cosmetics and imported these oil products
worldwide. Companies used the marketing strategies to spread the awareness to the
people regarding the usage and benefits of essential oils, and the aromatherapy markets
gets more enhanced customers to buy these products. The essential oil market of India
will be exceeding up to 790 million USD by 2024. Since being a large country, India used
the large-scale agricultural techniques to grow crops of essential oil plants including
lemon, mint, and spices, and its aromatherapy market are growing day by day.
Lavender oil market will be reached up to 20 kilotons by 2024. It is used in
fighting the serious health conditions, including the chronic anxiety, relieves
pain, cancer, stress with reverse sign of the ageing, headache, cosmetics applica-
tions, pharmaceuticals applications, aromatherapy etc. as shown in (Figure 4).
The major companies that share large market size of essential oil-based products
are Firmenich, Frutarom, Flaex, Rock Mountain Moksha Lifestyle, and Florihana
Falcon Young living (Figure 4) [25].

6.3 Some major essential oils and their applications

6.3.1 Bergamot

The essential oil of bergamot obtained from the peel of the fruits of the Citrus ber-
gamia is known as the bitter orange tree. The extract of the bergamot is used in flavoring

Figure 4.
Applications of essential oils in daily life.

7
Essential Oils - Oils of Nature

in Earl Grey tea and essential oil of this is used also for the same purpose. It is applicable
for the treatment of skin diseases, and it improves the mood, relieves pain, reduces
fever, treats the digestive system problems, and breaks up chest congestion [26].

6.3.2 Clove

It is extracted from the aromatic flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum tree that is
native to Maluku, Indonesia. The essential oil of Clove provides the strong fra-
grance, used in cooking spice foods; medically, it is used as pain relief, used for the
treatment of dental disorders, for nausea treatment, to reduce inflammation, for the
treatment of the digestive ailment, and to clear up acne [26].

6.3.3 Eucalyptus

It is extracted from the different species of genus Eucalyptus. Every type of species
contains different and unique usage in every field. The most familiar essential oil
obtained from the Eucalyptus globulus has a mint-like fragrance. It is used for decon-
gestant chest rub, as pain relievers, as an antimicrobial agent, immunostimulant, and
for the treatment of the flu and cold cough. It is used in aromatherapy and it provides
mental clarity; it also boosts up energy and used as a natural insect repellent [26].

6.3.4 Frankincense

The earliest known and the most useful essential oil is Frankincense and it
is obtained from the resin of the four species of the generous Bowwellia and the
most known from this genus is the Bowsellia carterii hard tree which grow in the
arid land of Arabian Peninsula and north eastern. The old African people used
the essential oil of Frankincense in the religious and spiritual ceremonies. The
Frankincense essential oil is unique from all other obtained essential oils because of
the perfect combination of wood, balsam, earth, and citrus. It is used as the mood
enhancer, antimicrobial, stress reducer, for faster wound healing, aid in digestion,
anti-inflammatory, fades scars, reduces swelling of insect bites, for the treatment of
skin diseases, and eases itching [26].

6.3.5 Lavender

The most effective essential oil obtained from the Lavandula angustifolia is the most
popular garden herb English lavender. Its odor is same as the flowers from which they are
obtained having the sweet smell, floral, and green, and the health benefits are greater
as compared to their fragrance. The best purpose of essential oil of lavender is their
sleep-inducing properties and calmness. It showed good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and it is also used for the treatment of various
sorts of skin diseases including eczema or ringworm and acne. Lavender essential oil
is used to enhance the digestive system, to reduce the swelling of sore muscles, and to
relieve pain. Due to its attractive smell, it attracts butterflies, bees, and some pollinators,
and it also acts as a natural repellent for many flying six-legged pests [26].

6.3.6 Lemon

Essential oils obtained from the lemon are mostly used. The essential oil obtained
from the Citrus limon is used worldwide. The essential oil of lemon is used as antimi-
crobial agents, in household items including soaps, polishes, furniture, fresheners, and

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in most of the cleaning products. Some other uses of these essential oils are that they
are the pain relievers, show antifungal activity, help for the loss of weight, and allevi-
ate the severe nausea; the essential oil of lemon is used in aromatherapy to reduce the
anxiety and stress and simultaneously enhances the concentration and mood. It is also
used for cleaning the hair and enhancing the natural growth of hairs [26].

6.3.7 Oregano

The essential oil of Oregano was obtained from the kitchen spice Origanum vul-
gare. It is the perfect combination of the earth, spice, and warmth. When the bottle
of essential oil is opened, their fragrance has an effect on the senses. The usage of
the essential oil of Oregano is increasing day by day and it is mostly used for the
skin care treatment like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. It is used to alleviate the
menstrual problems or painful menstrual cramp, used to cure stomach problems,
and helps to control the flu and cold infections [26].

6.3.8 Peppermint

The essential oil of peppermint is used worldwide and it is obtained from the
Mentha piperita. This mint hybrid is the most favorite between the essential oil and
gardeners. It is the most famous type of essential oil because of its unique applica-
tions, and it is mostly used in preventing flu and cold, alleviating headache, reliev-
ing pain in muscles and joints, clearing the skin conditions, relieving nausea, and
improving the digestive system processes [26].

6.3.9 Rosemary

The essential oil of rosemary is obtained from the evergreen shrub of Rosmarinus
officinalis and is famous albeit common kitchen herb has the extraordinary healing
potential in its natural oil. Just like the rosemary, the essential oil of this herb has
the crisp woody, herbal, and somewhat balsamic odor just like the camphor. Due to
its unique fragrance of rosemary oil, it is used for cleaning the inside and outside of
the body. It is further used for the treatment of various diseases, especially skin care,
dandruff treatment, to improve the scalp health, to boost up the immune system, flu
infections, and ward off cold. Although this oil is used to alleviate the pain, swelling
in joints and muscles, for treatment of the digestive tissues, soothe tension head-
aches, to promote the mental clarity, to enhance the memory, and improve mood, it
is also the best natural insecticide and the bug repellent [26].

6.3.10 Tea tree

The essential oil of the tea tree is obtained from the leaves and stem of Melaleuca
alternifolia and shrub of Camellia sinensis. The oil is toxic if ingested directly and it is
used mostly for the external purposes and has the herbal, fresh, and slightly cam-
phorates aroma. Melaleuca claims that essential oil of tea tree act as an antimicrobial
agent, treating antifungal infections, and cleansing wounds. It is used in cosmetics
products including the shampoo to clear some scalp conditions and dandruff and
used for the treatment of insect bite to reduce itching and inflammation [26].

6.3.11 Some plant species essential oils and their usage

Some plant species essential oils and their usage are shown in Table 1.

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Essential Oils - Oils of Nature

S. no. Plant species Essential oil Uses

1 Pimenta racemosa Bay oil Aches, muscle circulation, improve dandruff [27]
2 Callitris Blue cypress Asthma [27]
intratropica oil

3 Daucus carota Carrot seed oil Detoxification, eczema [27]

4 Apium graveolens Celery seed oil Treat of gout, antifungal diuretic, blood pressure,
antiseptic reduces sedative, urinary antirheumatic
[27]

5 Stellaria species Chickweed Wound healing, antirheumatic, astringent [27]

infusion
6 Cinnamon species Cinnamon oil Antifungal, uterine stimulant, antibacterial [27]

7 Artemisia pallens Davana oil Coughs, including menstruation, anxiety, healing of

wounds, antiseptic [27]
8 Canarium Elemi oil Coughs, healing wounds, stress [27]
luzonicum

9 Eucalyptus Eucalyptus Fever and flu, to improve blood circulation and

citriodora citriodora oil sinusitis, arthritis, bronchitis, catarrh, cold stores,
colds and coughs [27]

10 Eucalyptus globulus Eucalyptus oil Antiseptic, antispasmodic, treatment of scarlet fever,

influenza, measles and typhoid, infusion reduces
blood sugar levels [27]
11 Alpinia galanga Galanga oil Aphrodisiac, easing heart pain and angina, dizziness
and fatigue.
Stomach, spleen, relief of pain, treatment of flu and
colds, travel sickness [27]
12 Pelargonium Geranium oil Acne, cellulites, lice treatment, menopause [27]
graveolens

13 Zingiber officinalis Ginger oil Promotes sweating, expectorant, prevents

vomiting, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, carminative,
antibacterial, circulatory stimulant, nausea, relaxes
peripheral blood vessels, promotes sweating [27]

14 Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop oil Nervous exhaustion, anxiety, used topically as an

anti-inflammatory, bruises and anti-viral, increases
alertness, uplifting and relaxing nerves [27]
15 Ammi visnaga Khella oil Antiasthmatic, diuretic, antispasmodic, relaxant [27]

16 Citrus Limon Lemon oil Blemishes, varicose veins, warts, chilibains, colds,
corns, flu, skin, athletes foot [27]
17 Backhousia Lemon myrtle Insect repellent, stress, athletes foot, colds, flu, skin
citriodora oil blemishes [27]

18 Citrus reticulata Mandarin oil Blemishes, stress and wrinkles, acne, insomnia, scars,
skin [27]
19 Mentha species Mint oil Analgesic, calming, cooling for migraines, anti-
bacterial, clear nasal congestion, prevents vomiting,
relaxes peripheral blood vessels, promotes bile flow
[27]

20 Myrtus communis Myrtle oil Sore throat, asthma, coughs [27]

21 Piper nigrum and Pepper oil Aches and pains, coughs, chills, cramps, digestion,
other species antiseptic, anti-bacterial, topical use increases blood
flow around area [27]
22 Zingiber Plai oil Uterine relaxant, inflammatory [27]
cassumunar

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S. no. Plant species Essential oil Uses

23 Rosa species Rose oil Astringent, sedative, digestive stimulant, increase

bile production, expectorant, anti-bacterial,
antiseptic, kidney tonic, blood tonic, anti-
depressant, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac [27]
24 Mentha spicata Spearmint oil Flu and fever, nausea, vertigo, asthma, exhaustion
[27]
25 Citrus sinensis Sweet orange Constipation, cough relief, flu, gum treatment, calms
oil nerves, digestive stimulant, aids energy
26 Tagetes glandulifera Tagetes oil Warts and corns [27]
and patula
27 Vetiveria zizanoides Vetivert oil Insomnia, muscle aches, sores and stress, acne, cuts,
anti-depressant, exhaustion [27]
28 Viola odorata Violet leaf Poor blood circulation, sore throat, bronchitis, head
absolute ache, insomnia, rheumatism [27]
29 Melaleuca Tea tree oil Fungal, antiseptic, anti-viral, candida, cold sores,
alternifolia corns, cuts, flu, anti-bacterial [27]
30 Cananga odorata Ylang oil Hypertension, palpitations, stress, anxiety, anti-
depression, frigidity, hypertension [27]
31 Zanthoxylum Leaf, stem, Antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial [28]
alatum root oil
32 Skimmea laureola Leaf oil Antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and perfumery
[29]
33 Angelica glauca Root oil Antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and
phytotoxicity [30]
34 Thymus serpyllum Whole plant Antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and
oil phytotoxicity [31]
35 Plectranthus rugosus Leaf oil Antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial [32]

Table 1.
Some plant species essential oils and their uses.

7. Conclusion

Essential oils are the natural volatile compounds having loveable odor. The
essential oils are isolated mostly from the hydrodistillation method which is more
suitable for this process and easy to carry. Whole parts of the plants are used for the
extraction of plants. Steam distillation method is expensive than the hydrodistilla-
tion, so it is less preferred. Essential oils have good medicinal applications and used
in the treatment of different diseases including the infectious diseases, depression,
anxiety, act as the antifungal, antimicrobial, anticancer, and wound healing; they
are also used in cosmetics and perfume industries. In the field of heath, essential
oils are used more frequently and are mostly applied to the external body parts
to relieve the pain. In the field of fragrance, essential oils are used in the perfume
industry and due to attractive odor, the essential oils are used mostly in this indus-
try. It is used worldwide and due to their better usage, the world essential oil market
is growing rapidly and getting more importance day by day.

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank University of Kotli for providing the facilities to
write this chapter.

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Essential Oils - Oils of Nature

Conflict of interest

Author has no conflict of interest.

Author details

Muhammad Irshad1*, Muhammad Ali Subhani1, Saqib Ali1 and Amjad Hussain2

1 Department of Chemistry, University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

2 Department of Zoology, University of Kotli Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

*Address all correspondence to: [email protected]

© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/
by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.

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Biological Importance of Essential Oils
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.87198

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