Essential Oils in Aromatic Plants: Chemistry, Isolation, Applications, Safety and Regulatory Framework
5 affiliations
- 1University of Coimbra, Chemical Engineering and Renewable Resources for Sustainability, CERES, Department of Chemical Engineering, Rua Sílvio Lima, Pólo II, Pinhal de Marrocos, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
- 2MED–Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, Universidade do Algarve, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Campus de Gambelas, Ed. 8, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
- 3Surface and Colloid Engineering, FSCN Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, SE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
- 4Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinic Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- 5MED (Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development), CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, IIFA (Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada), Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7002-554 Évora, Portugal
Abstract
Aromatic plants and essential oils have long been recognized for their useful properties and broad applicability across various industrial sectors, particularly in the realm of food applications. This article aims to comprehensively review the botanical, chemical and technological dimensions of aromatic plants and their essential oils, covering isolation techniques and exploring their applications in sectors such as in the food, biomedical, cosmetic and personal care, household and agricultural sectors. Beginning with an overview of the background and significance of these natural substances, the review delves into the properties of aromatic plants and essential oils, elucidating their chemical compositions and therapeutic effects. The isolation of essential oils and their analysis are discussed, providing insights into the developments in the field. Furthermore, encapsulation methods are examined for their role in enhancing stability and bioavailability for food, cosmetic and agriculture applications. The review also addresses regulatory frameworks and food and cosmetic safety considerations, governing their present and future use.
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BibTeX
@article{oliveira2026essential,
title = {{Essential Oils in Aromatic Plants: Chemistry, Isolation, Applications, Safety and Regulatory Framework}},
author = {Margarida Oliveira and Isabela Vera dos Anjos and Hugo Duarte and Solange Magalhães and Célia Cabral and Carla Varela and Carlos Cavaleiro and Sandra Gonçalves and Anabela Romano and Flávio Gomes da Silva and Miguel Elias and Maria Eduarda Potes and Ana Cristina Aguilheiro-Santos and Marta Laranjo and Bruno Medronho and Maria da Graça Rasteiro and Luís Alves},
journal = {Biomolecules},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/biom16111549},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/11/1549},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Essential Oils in Aromatic Plants: Chemistry, Isolation, Applications, Safety and Regulatory Framework
AU - Margarida Oliveira
AU - Isabela Vera dos Anjos
AU - Hugo Duarte
AU - Solange Magalhães
AU - Célia Cabral
AU - Carla Varela
AU - Carlos Cavaleiro
AU - Sandra Gonçalves
AU - Anabela Romano
AU - Flávio Gomes da Silva
AU - Miguel Elias
AU - Maria Eduarda Potes
AU - Ana Cristina Aguilheiro-Santos
AU - Marta Laranjo
AU - Bruno Medronho
AU - Maria da Graça Rasteiro
AU - Luís Alves
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/23
JO - Biomolecules
DO - 10.3390/biom16111549
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/16/11/1549
AB - Aromatic plants and essential oils have long been recognized for their useful properties and broad applicability across various industrial sectors, particularly in the realm of food applications. This article aims to comprehensively review the botanical, chemical and technological dimensions of aromatic plants and their essential oils, covering isolation techniques and exploring their applications in sectors such as in the food, biomedical, cosmetic and personal care, household and agricultural sectors. Beginning with an overview of the background and significance of these natural substances, the review delves into the properties of aromatic plants and essential oils, elucidating their chemical compositions and therapeutic effects. The isolation of essential oils and their analysis are discussed, providing insights into the developments in the field. Furthermore, encapsulation methods are examined for their role in enhancing stability and bioavailability for food, cosmetic and agriculture applications. The review also addresses regulatory frameworks and food and cosmetic safety considerations, governing their present and future use.
SN - 2218-273X
ER -