Essential oils: Their importance for mankind

Dr A. K. Singh (Chemistry Division), Scientist, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aeromatic Plants (CIMAP), CSIR, Lucknow Email: dr_aksinghcimap@yahoo.co.in Mobile & Phone: 09453016214, 0522 2718616, 2718599
Flavours and Fragrances have been part of life since ancient times, some or other way we all use perfumery and flavour materials, in our daily life. Fragrances played an important part in religious observations. It was thought to have power to heal and protect from evil. From early morning to late night whatever we use for personal care and hygiene to cosmetics and confectionaries all are added with some type of perfume or flavours. Have one ever thought, from where these fragrances come naturally (although above described materials may have synthetics). These come naturally from many plant and animal sources. The very simple example which all would have experienced in their life time is very common plants like mint (Pudina), coriander and Tulsi (Ocimum) etc. leaves of which we use for preparations in our kitchen, if one pick-up the leaves of any one of above plant and rub or press between two fingers and smell, we will find some smell or aroma. This smell is known as aroma (a Latin world) and those plants which bear this aroma are known as aromatic plants. These aroma come from certain odoriferous substances called essential oils. In the Vedic literature of India, one can find references of many uses and applications of essential oils. Flavor and fragrances are permanent features of Indian life and use of aromatics has been profusely mentioned in Ayurveda Gandhshastra- the science of odor which deals with the cosmetics and fragrances. Regular barter trade by Arabs carried it to Western shores like Egypt, Persia, Greece and Rome. The most famous and richest associations and information dates back in Egyptian papyrus manuscripts written 2800 years BC. The ancient Egyptians were the first to recognize the therapeutic potential of essential oils. They created fragrances for personal use as well as for ritualistic and ceremonial use in the temples and pyramids. Oils, such as myrrh, lotus, and sandalwood oils were widely used in ancient Egyptian purification and embalming rituals. The Chinese have ancient herbal traditions that can be found recorded 2000 years before Christ. Hippocrates of Greece, known as the "father of medicine", prescribed perfume fumigation's and fomentation's. Essential oils are cited repeatedly in many Judeo-Christian and Muslim religious texts. They were used to cure every ailment "from gout to a broken head." Clove and lemon, were highly valued as antiseptics hundreds of years before the discovery of modern antiseptics. Cave paintings in France suggest that plants have been used in medicine as long ago as 1000BC. Interestingly, India which was once a world leader of fragrance industry has lost its position due to rapid advancement made by European industry in last century. Modern scientific development made synthetic fragrances more popular and India lost out on
1

all that it has treasured over centuries. Traditional Indian perfumery industry inherited it secrets from earlier generations, while the modern Indian perfumer does not differ much from their Western colleagues. Due to high cost of traditional natural perfumes the market shifted to modern synthetic perfumes. After independence during the last fifty years, the essential oil and other natural product industry has made excellent progress and India has been successful in making export of a large number of natural products like essential oils, extracts, absolutes of jasmine and tuberose, spices oil and oleoresins.

Essential oil are present in plants in specialised cells/glands (subcuticlar spaces of glandular cells, organelles.), these glands may be at anywhere on plant body depending upon the morphology and physiology of the plant. Some time it may be on leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark or wood . When these glands rupture by pressing, rubbing or heat the smell /aroma come out. Essential oil are composed of aromatic compounds, volatile and hydrophobic in nature. Fragrance that we sense is the composite effect of all the constituents present in it.

The parts of plants yielding essential oils

Flowers : Jasmine, Rose, Violet, Hyacinth etc. Leaves : Lavender, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Fruits Barks Stem Wood : Lemon, Oranges, Bergamot, peppermint etc.

Bursera etc.

: Cinnamon, Casia, Camella etc. : Citronella, Geranium, Patchouli etc. : Sandal, Cedar, Bursera

Rhizome: Ginger, Calamus Roots : Vetiver

Essential oils are steam volatile, aromatic oils different from fatty oils and the oils which obtained by enzymatic action. Essential oil of mustard and bitter almonds are obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis by myrosin and amygdaline before distillation. As indicated earlier that these essential oil can be released from the plant or animal cells by rupturing it , these rupturing may be done by pressing, or by heat or the oil may be extracted from the gland by some solvent which enters into the cell and dissolves the oil and come out. Thus, essential oils may be produced by distillation, expression, or solvent extraction. Essential oils are used in perfumery, aromatherapy, cosmetics, incense, medicine, household insect repellent cleaning products, and for flavoring food and drink. They are valuable commodities in the fragrance and food industries.

Presently the total world production of essential oil is about 110,000-120,000 m. tones out of which India produces 15%, holding, third place after China & Brazil in the world production, while in terms of value its share is much better with 21-22%. But considering the total share in world export of essential oils and perfumery material it is only 0.4% thus, future hold great promise for India in the fast charging global economy as for as production and trade of natural raw material is concerned. No doubt the developing countries have dominant position in the world production of essential oils and as for as, India is concerned there are many aromatic crops which are being cultivated economically and have great potential for export. If we consider the production and export of essential oils, menthol mint oil have the dominant position with producing and supplying more than 75% of total world production, and due to this reason only this has been included in commodity items list and price is governed by NCDEX

Important essential oils of India:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13-14 15 16 17 18 19 20 24 Common name Ajowan oil Basil oil Champor oil Carway oil Cardamomum oil Celery seed oil Chamomil oil (German) Cinnomomum oil Citronella oil Clary sage oil Corriender oil Clove oil Eucalyptus oil Geranium oil Ginger oil Haldi leaves Lavender oil Lemongrass oil Mint oils Botanical name Trachyspermum ammi Ocimum sanctum O. basilicum O kilmanandaschricum Cinnamomum camphora Carum carvi Elettaria cardamomum Apium graveolens Matricaria chamomila Cinnomomum zeylanicum Cymbopogan winteranius Salvia sclarea Corindrum sativum Syzygium aromaticum Eucalyptus globulus Eucalyptus citriodora Pelargonium graveolens Zingiber officinale Curcuma longa Lavendula offecinalis Cymbopogan flexiosus Mentha arvensis Mentha piperita Mentha spicata, Mentha cardica Mentha citrata Ppogestemone patachauli Cymbopogan martini Rosa damecena Rosmarinus officinalis 3 Three major constituents Thymol, carvacrol. cymene Eugenol, linalool methyl chavicol camphor, 1,8-cineole camphor Carvone ,limonene 1,8-cineole, Terpenyl acetate, Limonene azzulenes Cinnamaldehyde Citronellol, citronellal, Geraniol Linolool, linalyl acetate Linolool, linalyl acetate Eugenol 1,8-cneole Citronellol. citronellal Geraniol. citronellol Sesquiterpenes Terpinoline,virdifloral Linolool, linalyl acetate Citral a, citral b Menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, carvone, Linalool ,linalyl acetate Patachauli alcohol Geraniol, geranyl acetate Citronellol, Geraniol, nerol 1,8-cineole

25 26 27 28

Patchauli oil Palmarosa oil Rose oil Rosemary

29 30

Valarian root oil Jatamanshi oil

Valeriana wallichii Nardostachys jatamansi

Patchauli alcohol, Virdifloral Patchauli alcohol

Essential oil in Therapeutics (In Aromatherapy):

Aromatherapy means treatment or prevention of disease by use of essential oils. Two basic mechanisms are involved in aroma therapy i)

Influence of aroma on the brain, especially the limbic system through

4

the olfactory system. ii) The direct pharmacological effects of the essential oils.

How essential oil works?

Aroma enters nose Converts smell to electrical Impulse Connects with cilia Reaches olfactory bulb Connected to Brain Impulse Reach the limbic system

Lavender oil: increases alpha waves in the brain and helps us to relax Jasmine oil: increases beta waves associated with increased agile and alert state

Generally essential oil are utilised in aromatherapy as Inhalants ,Bathing, and Massage

Common medicinal properties of essential oils include: analgesic, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, astringent, sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, and sedative.

Many aromatic herbs, essential oils and aroma chemicals are mentioned as official drugs in the various pharmacopoeias and formularies of different countries In most pharmaceutical preparations, the essential oils are used directly. Formulations may contain single essential oils or mixtures of several essential oils to enhance their efficacy. MAJOR THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES OF SOME COMMON ESSENTIAL OIL
Sl. No. 1. Therapeutic properties Sedatives Oils Sandal wood Lavender Bergamot Chamomile Sweet marjoram Basil Clove Jasmine Peppermint Ylang Ylang Chamomile Achillea Cajuput Geranium Ylang Ylang Eucalyptus Angelica Ginger Black pepper Pumilio pine Geranium Sandal wood Thyme Cedarwood Borneol Lemon Patchouli All spice Dill Spearmint Peppermint Chamomile Ajowan Caraway Fennel Thyme Achillea Clove Thyme Clove Nutmeg Botanical name Santalum album Lavandula officinalis Cirus bergamia Matricaria chamomilla Majorana hortensis Ocimum basilicum Syzgium aromaticum Jasminum officnale Mentha piperita Cananga odorata Matricaria chamomilla Achillea millefolium Melaeeuca leucadendron Pelargonium graveolens Cananga odorata Eucalyptus globulus Angelica archangelica Zingiber officinale Piper nigrum Pinus mugo Pelargonium graveolens Santalum album Thymus vulgaris Cedrus deodara Drybalanops aromatica Citrus lemon Pogestmone patchouli Pimento dioica Anethum graveolens Mentha spicata Mentha piperita Matricaria chamomilla Trachyspermum ammi Carum carvi Foeniculum vulgare Thymus vulgaris Achillea millefolium Syzgium aromaticum Thymus vulgaris Syzgium aromaticum Myristica fragrans

2.

CNS stimulant

3. 4.

Adaptogen Bronchitis

5. 6.

Antiseptic Antistress

7. 8.

Muscle relaxant Carminative

9. 10. 11. 12.

Haemostatic Antispasmodic Analgesic Prostaglandin inhibitor

Herbs & their Essential oils as Perfumery and flavoring agents:

6

Besides, their therapeutic properties the essential oils are used in creation of fragrances for incense, cosmetics, toiletries and laundry products Commercially important Essential oils for creation of perfume Herbs & their Essential oils
Bergamot Lemon grass Cedar wood oil Citronella oil &hydroxyl citronellol Clove leaf oil Geranium oil Jasmine Lavandin / Lander oil Oak mass Orsis Orange flower

Perfumery Note
Sweet freshness, lemony Citrus Use as such Directly used in perfume Spicy Fine perfumery Rose base Most precious floral use Refreshing odour Long lasting typical mossy note Fine perfume
nd

2 most precious after jasmine for floral use Spicy woody balsamic ,Floral ,rosy Minty soothing Most important floral perfume Refreshing High price as such calming, relaxing skin care - doLight / heavy floral note

Patchouli, Palmarosa Peppermint Rose oil Rosemary Sandalwood Vetiver Ylang Ylang

AVERAGE FRAGRANCE CONTENT OF PERFUMED PRODUCTS

7

Perfumed Products
After shaves Air fresheners Bath oils Candles Creams Decorative cosmetics Deodorants

Fragrance content (%)

1.0-2.5 2.0-10.0 4.0 1.5-5.0 0.3-0.5 0.02-0.50 1.0-2-0 ; 0.20-0.40 0.10-0.30 2.0-8.0 0.30-0.50 0.30 5.0 8.0-25.0 0.50-1.0 0.40-0.50 1.0-2. 0.20-0.80 0.20-0.40

Diluting media used

40-50% aqueous ethanol Solvents, bases, propellants Aqueous ethanol Wax Fatty cream bases Bases Bases, propellants Sprays, roll ons Benzenoid alkylsulfonates 70-80% aqueous ethanol Aqueous ethanol Soap bases Water 80% aqueous ethanol Powder bases Water Soap bases Cream bases Solvent, bases, propellants

Detergent Eau de cologne Hair care products Industrial soaps Mouth washes Perfumes Powders Shampoos Soaps Sun lotions Technical products (industrial and house hold)

Cosmetic uses of essential oils

Essential Oils for Facial Care by skin creams, face packs, gels, astringents, scrubs etc.

Examples : German chamomile, geranium, fennel, frankincense, jasmine, lavender, lemon, neroli, palmarosa, rose, etc Essential Oils for Hair Care, dandruff, hair loss in form of tonics, shampoos, etc. Examples : Basil, birch, clary sage, cypress, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, sage, thyme cedar wood, tea tree, mints etc.

EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OIL For extraction of essential oils various methods are used, the choice of method depends upon quality, amount and stability of volatiles obtained, the type of plant material ,economy and also the time required for extraction. The methods used for extraction of volatiles from herbal resources can be classified as follows Pressing / Cold expression: oils are extracted from the fruit by machinery which mechanically squeezes the oil from the peel. By enfleurage (absorption of the fragrant oil in a greasy oil and then separated by solvent extraction): An intensive and traditional way of extracting oil from flowers. The process involves layering fat over the flower petals. After the fat has absorbed the essential oils, alcohol is used to separate and extract the oils from the fat. The alcohol is then evaporated and the essential oil collected. Solvent extraction /Alcohol extraction (absolute): Solvent extraction is a technique for the production of concretes & absolutes of aromatic flowers such as rose, jasmine ; production of oleoresins from spices.Essential oils can be extracted by using organic solvents solvents and alcohol are mixed with the plant material in order to produce an absolute. Steam distillation & Water distillation. Distillation converts the essential oils into a vapor and then condenses the vapor back into a liquid - it is the most popular, and cost effective method in use today in producing essential oils. Hydro diffusion by application of gentle pressure during distillation. Carbon dioxide extraction (supercritical fluid extraction)

The oldest method of isolation of essential oil is distillation known as Bhbhaka method where the plant material is boiled in water and the vapor generated is condensed to receive the mixture of water and essential oil. The oil float on the surface of water due to its low density and is separated there after. This principle is still used and is the most popular and cost effective method in use today in producing essential oils. There is one most interesting story, behind the isolation of Rose oil. The queen Noorjahan the wife of emperor Shahjahn was fond of taking bath in the tub filled with water ringed with rose petals. One day she saw certain oily thing on the surface of water which was shining due to sunlight falling on water surface, when she touched and smelled, it was rose smell. She called all the intellectuals (scientists of that period) and asked them to collect the oily part. For this special distillation technology was developed at that time and it is known as Noorjahan ka Bhabhka. This is still used in creation/ preparation of Iter in Kannauj which exist only in India in kannauj.

CONVENTIONAL HYDRO DISTILLATION (BHABKA METHOD)

Primitive method Still very popular in area of Kannuaj for making Itra and Rooh

Chemistry of essential oils: Mostessentialoilsareprimarilycomposedofterpenesandthere oxygenatedderivatives mostly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes:Themostcharacteristicgrouppresentin

essentialoilscontainhydrocarbonasaruleoftheformulaC10H16andgroupofoxygencontainingcompounds withempiricalformulaC10H16OandC10H18O. (hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones,acids, esters,

oxides and ethers)

10