ESSENTIAL OIL YIELDING
PLANTS
, ESSENTIAL OILS
Definition:
• The essential oils are commonly called as volatile oils because they are volatile at room
temperature. They have been used extensively in perfumes, flavorings, and medicines.
History:
• They are linked with our customs, since earlier times so much that it is hard to imagine life
without them. The senses of smell and taste have added much to man's enjoyment and plea
Humans have the ability to detect odors and tastes. Man has selected, cultivated, and utilize
various fragrant plants.
• Over 3000 essential oils have been identified from a large number of plants belonging to som
angiospermic families, notably Asteraceae, Geraniaceae, Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Lamiaceae,
Rutaceae, and Apiaceae.
,• Mostly they are terpene derivatives, phenyl- propanoid," various hydrocarbons and straight
compounds (seldom longer than 20 carbon atoms).
• The essential oils seem to be by-products of plant metabolism rather than reserve foods as in
bearing seeds.
• However, many components of essential oils are chemically active and take part in metabolic
reactions, e.g. peppermint, basil, rose, and geranium.
• Even these mono-terpenes may be used as substrate for energy-releasing processes when th
of stored food such as starch or sugars becomes depleted within the secretory cells.
• The chemical composition and quality of an essential oil strongly depends upon the varietal
prevailing climatic condition, time of harvesting, and extraction procedure.
, • Essential oils are distinguished from fixed oils or vegetable oil in their physic
and chemical properties.
Physical Properties:
• Essential oils have a characteristic aroma or taste which they impart to the
plants in which they occur.
• They do not become rancid as do the fixed oils, but instead tend to polymer
or resinify, depositing a little solid matter (resins and gums) on standing.
• Since they are volatile, they do not leave a grease stain on paper.
• Typically these oils are liquid at ordinary temperature and volatility without
undergoing decomposition.
PLANTS
, ESSENTIAL OILS
Definition:
• The essential oils are commonly called as volatile oils because they are volatile at room
temperature. They have been used extensively in perfumes, flavorings, and medicines.
History:
• They are linked with our customs, since earlier times so much that it is hard to imagine life
without them. The senses of smell and taste have added much to man's enjoyment and plea
Humans have the ability to detect odors and tastes. Man has selected, cultivated, and utilize
various fragrant plants.
• Over 3000 essential oils have been identified from a large number of plants belonging to som
angiospermic families, notably Asteraceae, Geraniaceae, Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Lamiaceae,
Rutaceae, and Apiaceae.
,• Mostly they are terpene derivatives, phenyl- propanoid," various hydrocarbons and straight
compounds (seldom longer than 20 carbon atoms).
• The essential oils seem to be by-products of plant metabolism rather than reserve foods as in
bearing seeds.
• However, many components of essential oils are chemically active and take part in metabolic
reactions, e.g. peppermint, basil, rose, and geranium.
• Even these mono-terpenes may be used as substrate for energy-releasing processes when th
of stored food such as starch or sugars becomes depleted within the secretory cells.
• The chemical composition and quality of an essential oil strongly depends upon the varietal
prevailing climatic condition, time of harvesting, and extraction procedure.
, • Essential oils are distinguished from fixed oils or vegetable oil in their physic
and chemical properties.
Physical Properties:
• Essential oils have a characteristic aroma or taste which they impart to the
plants in which they occur.
• They do not become rancid as do the fixed oils, but instead tend to polymer
or resinify, depositing a little solid matter (resins and gums) on standing.
• Since they are volatile, they do not leave a grease stain on paper.
• Typically these oils are liquid at ordinary temperature and volatility without
undergoing decomposition.
