Bogotá

October 2011
ESSENTIAL OILS COURSE:
Chemistry and production process
Erika Andrea Plazas González
[Link]. Chemistry
Sustainable Use of Resources Project
vegetables of the Capital District
October 2011
CONTENT
1. HISTORY, GENERALITIES, AND BASIC CONCEPTS IN THE
PRODUCTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS
1.1 Importance of the use of essential oils (a journey through time)
1.2 Definition
1.3 Classification
1.4 Distribution and natural state
2. EXTRACTION METHODS AND APPLICABILITY
2.1 Extraction and isolation methods
2.2 Essential oils in aromatherapy, perfumery, and cosmetics
2.3 Essential oils with therapeutic importance
2.4 Phytotherapeutics: What are they? What is their importance?
2.5 Essential oils for pest control
3. ANALYSIS AND QUALITY CONTROL OF ESSENTIAL OILS
3.1 Industrial processes in quality control and purification of AE
3.2 Classes of essential oils according to their quality
4. EXTRACTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS
5. APPLICATIONS
JBBCourse on Essential Oils: Chemistry and Production Process
October 2011
1. GENERAL HISTORY AND BASIC CONCEPTS IN THE
PRODUCTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS
1.1
Importance of using essential oils... A journey through time
All human beings from different cultures, since the beginning of
the times have felt attracted by the fascinating aromas of the
nature. And it has indicated to them through smell the benefits
contributions for the healing of diseases of the body and of the soul.
There are reports of the use of vegetable oils for at least 3500 BC for purposes
bandages and magical-rituals. Primitive man developed his sensitive intuition to
survive, in this way he could distinguish edible herbs, fruits, and roots, to the
how soon they discovered medicinal and magical powers. With the recognition of the
plants found that some aromas caused euphoria or excitement, while others could
induce them to sleep or meditation1.
The Egyptians are considered pioneers in the use of aromatherapy, they were the
first to use a primitive form of distillation to extract essential oils
of the plants. The plants were heated in clay pots, the mouths of which were covered with
linen filters. The steam carried the essential oils with it, and they were impregnated in
a filter, which was squeezed to obtain the essential oil that was used in
medicine, in cosmetics and for religious rituals1,2.
The Greeks took the Egyptian experiences and, like great alchemists, improved them.
distillation system. For the Greeks, aromatic plants were a form of
life that they incorporated into their baths, food, rituals, and magic, etc.
The Arabs, in the 11th century, perfected the art of distillation to isolate the principles.
active ingredients of plant oils. They introduced the cooling system in the process
distillation. This made the process of extracting essential oils have less
waste and greater purity3.
In the 20th century, René Maurice Gatefosse (French chemist), known as 'the father of the
modern aromatherapy", accidentally discovered the therapeutic properties of the
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
essential oils when, working in his laboratory, had severe burns in a
hand and immersed it in a container of lavender essential oil, the oil calmed him
pain and avoided the infection. In Milan, Dr. Paolo Rovesti alleviated depression and states
of anxiety by letting their patients smell pieces of cotton soaked in oil
essential, stimulating their limbic system and thus releasing traumatic situations.
The doctor and surgeon Jean Valnet made the greatest contribution to aromatherapy to be
valued and recognized as medicine capable of healing. It used essential oils for the
wounds and burns of the soldiers in World War II, achieving this
relieve both physical and mental problems in a few days, thus verifying the speed
how do oils act in the body1,2,3.
1.2
Definition
Essential oils are the volatile liquid fractions, generally distilled by
steam distillation, responsible for the aroma of plants, are complex mixtures
made up of different types of organic compounds. In nature, oils
essentials play an important role in the defense and protection of plants4. Himself
evaporated by exposure to air at ambient temperature and pressure. Generally, they are
insoluble in water except for the essential oil of true lavender or angustifolia. They must
store in a cool place and in glass containers. They should not be used pure or by
direct application to the eyes, nose, ear canal, genital areas. They usually have a
high price4.5.
Essential oils have a significant impact on the food and cosmetics industries.
pharmaceutical and agricultural. It is currently an industry in constant development and
growth in different countries4.
1.3. Classification
Essential oils are the fluid essences obtained solely by hydrodistillation.
or steam dragging. They are liquids at room temperature and can be classified according to:
Origin and nature
Chemistry of the major components
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October 2011
There are other plant extracts that may have aromatic characteristics and can be
classify according to their extraction method or consistency in balms and oleoresins.
The Balmsexudates obtained by incision of the stems or woods. They have
thicker consistency, they are low in volatility and prone to undergo reactions of
polymerization, examples of balms are: copaiba balm, the balm of
Peru, Benjui, balsam of Tolu, storax, etc.6.
The oleoresinswhen obtained through a non-polar solvent (hexane, ether of
oil, acetone, ethyl acetate, butane, n-butane, etc.) or ethanol, eliminating it
subsequently by evaporation at low temperature or with the help of vacuum. The residue
the resulting substance is semi-solid, pasty and outside the aromatic part contains oily parts,
waxes, chlorophyll, pigments, etc. They have the advantage of easy dosing, the
possibility of homogenizing quality, the absence of problems due to pollution and due to
or greater stability. In some circumstances, essential oils are preferred.
for containing not only the volatile compounds of the plants but also others
compounds that create flavor, texture, pungency, solubility, and the harmony of their
organoleptic characteristics have the aroma of plants in a concentrated form and are
typically very viscous liquids or semisolid substances such as rubber, gutta-percha,
gum, balata, paprika oleoresin, black pepper oleoresin, clove oleoresin, etc.6.
Origin: Essential oils are classified as natural, artificial, and synthetic.
The naturals are obtained directly from the plant and do not undergo physical modifications or
subsequent chemicals, due to their very low yield, are very expensive. The artificial ones
are obtained through processes of enriching the same essence with one or several
of its components, for example, the mixture of essences of roses, geranium, and jasmine
enriched with linalool, or the anise essence enriched with anethole. The essential oils
Synthetic, as its name suggests, are those produced by the combination of their
components which are most often produced by synthesis processes
chemistry. These are cheaper and therefore are much more commonly used as
flavorings and flavor enhancers (vanilla extract, lemon, strawberry, etc.)5,6.
Chemical composition: Despite its complex composition with different types of
Substances, essential oils can be classified according to the type of substances.
what are the major components. According to this, essential oils rich in
monoterpenes are called monoterpenic essential oils (peppermint, basil,
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
salvia). Those rich in sesquiterpenes are sesquiterpenic essential oils (copaiba,
pine, juniper). Those rich in phenylpropanoids are the phenylpropanoid essential oils.
(clove, cinnamon, anise).
Monoterpenes: They are organic compounds of natural origin, composed of 10 atoms of
Carbon. They are classified into acyclic, monocyclic, and bicyclic. Sometimes they are
oxygenated.
O
Sesquiterpenes: They are organic compounds of natural origin, formed by 15 atoms of
C. They can be acyclic, monocyclic, bicyclic And tricyclics are generally
bleached.
H
O
HO
Phenyl propanols: They are organic compounds that have an aromatic ring and
alkyl substituents (propane). They are present in the essential oils of cloves,
cinnamon and anise.
COH
H3CO
O
HO
O
OCH3
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
1.4. Distribution and Natural State
Aromatic plants are those that contain in their flowers, leaves, roots, or stems.
essential oils. The essential oil is found in tiny glands that can
to be in one or more parts of the plant, for example in the leaves (wormwood, basil, buchu,
cidrón, eucalipto, hierbabuena, limoncillo, mejorana, menta, pachulí, quenopodio,
rosemary, sage, lemon balm). In the flowers (arnica, lavender, chamomile, pyrethrum, thyme, clove)
of odor, rose). In the pericarp of the fruit (lemon, mandarin, orange). In the seeds (anise,
cardamom, dill, fennel, cumin). In the stems (cinnamon, caparrapí). And in the roots
(angelica, asaro, saffron, calamus, turmeric, galangal, ginger, sandalwood, sassafras, valerian)
vetiver6,7.
There are different families of plants that contain essential oils. From plants
superior to algae with aromatic properties. They are considered to be
approximately 60 recognized botanical families with such properties, among them:
Labiatae, Umbelliferae, Pinaceae, Verbenaceae, Myrtaceae, Lamiaceae, Rutaceae, Lauraceae
Piperaceae and Asteraceae.
Monoterpenoids are mainly found in plants of the orders
Ranunculales, Violales and Primulales, while they are scarce in Rutales, Cornales,
Lamiales and Asterales. In contrast, sesquiterpenoids are abundant in Magnoliales.
Rutelids, Cornales, and Asterales.
Although in essential oils both mono-, sesquiterpenes, and phenylpropanoids
they are found in free form, more recently those that have been researched
linked to carbohydrates, as they are considered the immediate precursors of oil
as such.
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
2. EXTRACTION METHODS AND APPLICABILITY
The process of obtaining an essential oil takes place in several stages (Figure 1):
Acquisition of plant material: by collection or purchase.
Sample adjustment: this stage involves the selection of plant material, it
they employ healthy individuals, at a certain age, in some cases at the stage of
flowering, etc. These parameters are variable depending on the plant that is going to be
used in the extraction of oil. Essential oils are generally obtained from
starting from fresh material, however in cases where there is a high presence of fats
or waxes, it is recommended to dry the plants in order to optimize the extraction. This drying
small bundles of the material should be hung in a descending manner
ventilated places, with low humidity and without direct exposure to the sun (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Diagram of the essential oil extraction process
As part of the sample preparation, the material must be cut into pieces.
vegetal, in order to increase the surface area for extraction (Figure 1).
JBBEssential Oils Course: Chemistry and Production Process
October 2011
Extraction of essential oil: Essential oils can be obtained from the
plant samples through different extraction techniques such as dragging
with water vapor, hydrodistillation, expression and enfleurage. Next,
they describe the most used techniques in the obtaining of A.E, their advantages and disadvantages.
2.1 Extraction and isolation
Expression and exudate
They are direct methods of oil extraction, requiring no sophisticated setups.
the plant material is mechanically squeezed (scraped or compressed) to
release the oil. The oil is collected and filtered. This method is used for the
obtaining citrus essences (mandarin, lemon, bergamot, orange, etc). In the
Mechanical injuries are made on the bark of trees to obtain the exudate.
that is collected and processed. This method is used to obtain gums, resins or
balms.
Steam distillation
Steam distillation is a technique used to separate substances.
insoluble organic substances in water and slightly volatile, from other non-volatile ones that
they are found in the mixture, such as resins or inorganic salts. With this technique, it is possible to
separate immiscible substances in water and that decompose at their temperature of
boiling or near it, so it is often used to separate oils
natural essentials found in the leaves, peels, or seeds of certain plants8.
The plant material, generally fresh and cut into small pieces (chopped), is
place in a closed container and subject to currents of superheated steam. The
volatile compounds that are present in the sample are carried by the vapor of
water, this subsequently condenses and is collected over a container that holds water,
which allows for a separation of two phases (Figure 2). The oils
essentials are generally insoluble in water and less dense than it, which facilitates the
separation of the organic phase, which is obtained at the top of a U-tube or a
decantation funnel. This technique is widely used and recognized, it is used
generally to extract fluid essences, used for perfumery and cosmetics. They
it is used at an industrial level due to its high yield, the purity of the oil obtained, and
because it does not require sophisticated technology6.
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
Figure 2: Setup for steam distillation
Hydrodistillation
Hydrodistillation is a direct distillation technique. In this type of extraction, the
vegetal material that can be ground, cut, whole or a combination of these, is
place it in a closed container and add water until it is half full
container. Subsequently, it is subjected to heating during the process of
extraction. When water reaches the boiling point, it generates steam. The generation of steam
it must be internal (bottom of the container), producing enough pressure to overcome the
hydraulic resistance of plant material. As the vapor comes into contact with the
plant, this extracts the volatile components. The mixture of saturated steam and oil
essential, flows into a condenser, where it condenses and cools to the temperature
environment (Figures 3 and 4). At the outlet of the condenser, a liquid emulsion is obtained.
unstable, which is separated in the Dean-Stark trap or in a separating tube (Figures
3), where the essential oil accumulates due to its immiscibility in water. The
trap has a lateral branch through which water is displaced to facilitate the
accumulation of oil. This technique is commonly used to extract essential oil
different types of vegetables9.
JBB Essential Oils Course: Chemistry and Production Process
October 2011
Figure 3: Clevenger-type hydrodistillation setup
Plant material
and water
Exit of
water
Entry of
water
Collection of
oil
Figure 4: Hydrodistillation setup
Extraction with volatile solvents
Solvent extraction is not a technique for obtaining pure essential oils.
It is more commonly used for obtaining extracts of non-volatile components. Through
From this technique, other compounds present in the plant material are also extracted.
they are soluble in organic solvents such as waxes, fats, and pigments.
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
The dry and ground plant material is subjected to extraction by maceration or percolation.
with low polarity solvents such as petroleum ether, ethyl ether, hexane, among others.
Subsequently, the solvent should be removed using reduced pressure distillation. The
final extract presents the volatile components and other impurities. This technique only
carried out at the laboratory level, due to the high cost involved in using solvents
organic.
Enfleurage
The enfleurage method is the oldest extraction technique that
It is known. This procedure was developed in the south of France in the 19th century for the
production of high-quality concentrates, due to the high impact of fragrances on the
French society.
In this technique, the plant material (usually flowers) is brought into contact with a
oil (figure 4). The essence is solubilized in the vegetable oil that acts as a vehicle
extractor. Initially, a mixture of essential oil and vegetable oil is obtained which is
subsequently separated by other physical-chemical means. This technique is used for
the obtaining of floral essences (rose, jasmine, orange blossom, etc.), but their low yield and the
difficult separation of the extractor oil makes it costly6.
In cold flowering, a framed glass plate is coated with a layer of grease.
animal or plant, and it is left in contact with the flowers for a period of 1 to 3 days (Figure 4).
The process is repeated by replacing the fresh flower petals until the
fat has reached a desired degree of fragrance saturation. For the flowering in
hot, solid fats are heated and mixed with the flowers. After a lapse of
Every 3 days, the flowers are replaced with fresh ones; this process is repeated until the fat
saturate with the fragrance.
In both cases, once the fat is saturated with the fragrance, it is called "ointment".
of deflowering." The deflowering ointment is extracted with ethyl alcohol to extract the
volatile compounds. The alcoholic extract is concentrated to obtain the essential oil.
greasy residue can be used to make soaps as it retains the characteristics of
color.
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
Figure 4: Enfleurage
Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation
Microwave technology is being used recently in various processes.
nature, both at the industrial level and on a laboratory scale. In the operations of
Separation is a technique widely used to make them energetically economical.
and environmentally viable. Over the years, the procedures based on the use of the
Microwaves have replaced some conventional processes, as well as some
thermal extraction techniques that have been commonly used in laboratories
chemicals. Currently, processes such as solvent-assisted extraction are used
microwave (MASE), microwave hydrodistillation (MWHD), solvent-free extraction
microwave solvent extraction (SFME), steam-assisted distillation with
microwave (MASD), among others10.
In microwave-assisted hydrodistillation, a Clevenger-type setup is used in the
Which replaces the heating blanket with a common microwave oven. To the oven
a groove is made on the opposite lateral side to where the board is located
digital, through this hole the Dean-Stark trap and the condenser are set up. With the
microwave oven heating is done in batches of 3 minutes. Through this
the technique increases the extraction yield and reduces the times of
warming and the costs of extraction.
Extraction with supercritical fluids
The extraction method with supercritical fluids is of more recent development in
extraction terms however is not considered a technique for the
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
extraction of essential oils, because this technique extracts others
non-volatile components. The plant material cut into small pieces, blended or
ground, it is packed in a stainless steel chamber and circulated through the
It shows a supercritical liquid (for example, carbon dioxide), the essences are like this.
solubilized and dragged and the supercritical liquid that acts as an extracting solvent and is
eliminate by progressive decompression until reaching ambient pressure and temperature,
and finally a pure essence is obtained (Figure 5). Although it presents several advantages
as high performance, it is ecologically compatible, the solvent is easily removed and
It is inclusive that recycling can take place, and the low temperatures used for extraction do not.
they chemically change the components of the essence, however the required equipment
it is relatively expensive, as high-pressure pumps and systems are required
extraction also resistant to high pressures11.
Figure 5: Extraction with supercritical fluids
2.2
Essential oils in aromatherapy, perfumery, and cosmetics
There are different types of applications for essential oils. Their use as
Fragrance in cosmetic formulations is one of the oldest uses that is
They know. In Egypt and in the Roman Empire, different plants were used for perfumes.
both objects and people. For example, the women of the empire would rub their
basil leaves before their encounters with men.
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October 2011
Currently, different industries use essential oils to impart fragrance,
being the perfumery industry the most important. The following are mentioned
some of the industries that employ AI for this purpose12:
Perfumes: to accentuate the top, middle or heart notes, and base notes.
reduction of perfumes, fragrance waters, toilet waters, colognes
fresh waters and bath waters.
Cosmetics: to make something more pleasant, attractive, or to impart identity to it.
cosmetic product: soaps, shampoos, deodorants, lipsticks, creams
ointments, toothpastes.
Hygiene and Cleaning: to provide fragrance to personal cleaning products,
floor cleaning, air fresheners, bathroom cleaning, kitchens
etc.
Plastics: to mask the bad smell that some rubbers and plastics have.
In this way, scent is given to toys, bags, among others.
Textiles: as odor masking agents in treatments with mordants
before and after dyeing.
Paints: as odor masking agents for paints and varnishes.
Stationery: to infuse notebooks, notes, cards, paper with fragrances.
hygienic, facial and sanitary towels, etc.
Only the global perfume industry generates sales of 3 billion US dollars.
Europe, in 1994 represented 1,630 million US$ and 108,000 tons, with a prediction for
In 1998, 1,785 million and 118,000 tons. France is the leader in this region, with 334 million.
US$. Then there is Germany with 312 million US$ and the United Kingdom with 274 million.
US$. These three countries control 57% of the European market.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy was born with the use of aromatic plants for treatment of
physical and mental ailments at least 3500 years ago.
500 years ago, in China and India, techniques for prevention and healing were developed.
with aromatic plants and included their everyday use for health care and the
beauty, as well as to obtain well-being and serenity. In pre-Hispanic America all the
cultures that flourished across the continent have left evidence of the use of the
aromatic plants for healing and ritual purposes. The Egyptians gave attention
particularly essential oils, using them in their daily lives for healing effects,
JBBCourse on essential oils: Chemistry and production process
October 2011
cosmetics and in the preparation of inert bodies for their preservation on the journey to the
eternity13.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, more than 100 essential oils were used for
investigate traditional medicine formulas. With the arrival of the industrial era, the therapeutic action
The aromas and other health alternatives were relegated. But it is at the beginning of the century
XX, which is reborn in this wonderful world of health and beauty when the French chemist
René-Maurice Gattefossé, known as the father of aromatherapy, used this term
for the first time13.
The word 'aroma', used by the Greeks to refer to spices, means fragrance;
'Therapy' is synonymous with treatment; thus 'Aromatherapy' refers to
curative treatment through the use of fragrances.
Aromatherapy is an ancient technique that uses pure essential oils extracted from
medicinal plants to prevent and cure physical and emotional diseases. This
the technique has a wide range of therapeutic uses. Essential oils are
highly concentrated and powerful natural origin fractions. The word natural does not
means that it does not carry side effects or that they are harmless. Therefore, the AEs
they must be used cautiously, certain restrictions must be taken into account, and very few
They can be ingested. Most essential oils cannot be used directly.
about the skin, it almost always requires a vehicle that can very well be a vegetable oil
neutral or a neutral cream base.
ROUTES OF ABSORPTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS
The main routes of use of essential oils in aromatherapy are the respiratory and cutaneous routes:
Airways: (lungs and bronchi). They are used by classical inhalation, or in
diffusion and saunas.
Transdermal: In aesthetic treatments, exfoliations or massages. They can be applied.
over the entire body except for mucous areas. They are always applied diluted in
neutral oil or cream.
The table describes some essential oils and their main uses in Aromatherapy.
JBBEssential Oils Course: Chemistry and Production Process
October 2011
Some Uses
Oils
Properties
Basil
It is a penetrating aroma, used in treatment for
respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, acne
ulcers and intestinal problems. This oil has
Vaporized and mixed with
other oils for massages and
bathrooms. This oil cannot be
to ingest.
qualities
antivirals
antiseptics
antispasmodic and antibacterial.
Bergamot is a refreshing oil and helps to calm the
nerves. Helps improve stress, depression and
fatigue. Helps to cure respiratory infections and
pulmonary problems is a natural deodorant and
helps to harmonize the environment. It is also used in
the treatment of acne and oily skin.
This oil is used in everything,
cosmetics, for baths, oil
of massages, evaporators and
perfumes.
Cedar
It has antiseptic, astringent properties,
diuretics, expectorants, and insect repellents.
If
USA
in
cosmetics
evaporators, and treatments
for certain conditions of the
skin like dermatitis
eczema.
y
Cinnamon
They say that cinnamon attracts abundance. It helps with the
digestion, respiration, and circulation. It is a
It is used in oil to treat the
infections. The vapor
antiseptic
strong
y
possesses
qualities
they improve the melancholy. The
rubbed oil helps to regulate
menstrual periods.
antispasmodics. Used in large quantities
It can cause skin irritation.
Nail
It is a natural stimulant, antiseptic, anesthetic,
helps with digestion and protects clothing against
mug.
In pads, it is used for the
toothache. The steam
balance the environment and
helps with mental peace.
October 2011
Jasmine
Jasmine oil is one of the most oils.
expensive and difficult to obtain. This oil is
warm and seductive. The jasmine has many
It is used in cosmetics for
striations. In evaporators and in
perfumes.
properties
it
a
antispasmodic
stimulant, antidepressant, antiseptic, and
aphrodisiac. Jasmine in its purest form
when it evaporates it creates an environment of
relaxation and excites the senses. It is not used
during pregnancy.
Ginger
It is good for the lungs and the intestines.
It is a carminative, analgesic oil,
stimulant, antiseptic, appetizer, digestive
antipyretic.
This oil is used in massages,
sanitary pads, baths, cosmetics
natural and medicines. It is an oil
very hot so it is good
frothed (diluted with another oil).
Ginger is also used in tea in
cold climates.
lavender
It is probably the most used oil.
lavender has many properties, it is a
natural calming agent for the nervous system.
It also acts as an analgesic, and it is a
effective antibiotic. Lavender has effects
antispasmodics, antiseptics, healing agents,
diuretics, insect repellent, anti-
Lavender is used almost everywhere:
cosmetics, medicines, baths,
inhalations,
evaporators,
incense, massages, compresses,
sitz baths and more.
migraines
emenagogos
hypotensive,
parasitic, diaphoretic, expectorant
anti-rheumatics.
y
Lemon
Lemon is well known and a remedy for
many evils. It is an antiseptic, astringent,
calming, anti-rheumatic, helps the system
nervous, depurative diuretic, anti-anemic
expectorant, helps to combat acidity
This is another oil that mixes well
and has very varied uses. It is used
in bathrooms, massages, cosmetics,
medicines,
evaporators,
pads, incense and others.
October 2011
Melisa
It has proven sedative effects. It is a
antispasmodic oil, digestive
toning.
It is used in natural medicines,
Lemon balm
y
bathrooms
y
some cosmetics.
It is usually used mixed with
other oils.
Mint
Orange
Neroli
It is one of the best-selling oils in the world.
It is an oil that dominates the blends. Among
we can mention that its properties
it is: an analgesic, carminative,
Mint is widely used in
medicines and cosmetics. Its aroma
purifier
is
used
for
inhalations, compresses, ingested
applied evaporators diluted for
headaches and for massages.
antiseptic
antispasmodic
hepatic,
stimulant and stomachic.
The orange is an antidepressant, sedative,
antispasmodic, digestive, and helps in the
digestion. Aromatherapists believe that
this aroma helps to improve communication and
it is very effective against cellulite
because it helps to activate circulation.
It is used in cosmetics
y
medicines,
inhalations
pads.
bathrooms,
massages
evaporators
y
This citrus oil (comes from the orange
It is used in cosmetics, essences,
evaporators, baths, massages,
sanitary towels and as perfume
wild
is
antidepressant
antiseptic
antispasmodic and aphrodisiac. It is an oil
calming agent that helps balance the system
nervous and to control anxiety. Helps to
reduce scars, improves stretch marks.
2.3. Essential oils with therapeutic importance
October 2011
2.4.
Phytotherapeutics
Phytotherapy can be defined as the science that studies the use of products and
plant origin with a therapeutic purpose, whether to prevent, alleviate or heal a
pathological state. The production, processing, and marketing of phytotherapeutics
constitutes an option with great potential for development in Latin America, where there
it concentrates the greatest plant diversity on the planet.
It is estimated that approximately 10,000 species contain active principles with
therapeutic purposes. There is an ancestral knowledge about the use of these resources in
treatment of diseases, that has been generated on the continent for thousands of
years. These traditional practices are still preserved in the communities.
rural areas, where the only accessible therapeutic alternative consists of the
use of available natural resources. By the end of the 1970s,
World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the role of medicinal plants in
treatment of various diseases that affect mankind. From that fact, it is confirmed
an increasing dissemination of knowledge and cultivation methods for obtaining
natural products. This has generated strong demand for raw materials for these
species, which when satisfied by indiscriminate harvesting, represents a growing
threat to them, by reducing both the genetic base and the natural sources of
raw material reserve. In 1987, the WHO emphasized the initiation of programs for the
identification, preparation, cultivation, and conservation of medicinal plants used in
traditional medicine, ensuring quality control in drugs derived from
remedies of traditional medicine through the use of modern techniques, using
adequate standards and good manufacturing practices. Plant sourcing
medicinal is carried out from collections or from its cultivation, for which there is a guide on
good agricultural and collection practices published by WHO15.
2.5.
Essential oils for pest control
Since ancient times, there have been diseases and plagues in plants, however,
it was with the evolution and transformation of man into a farmer - modifying the lands and
cultivating them, when the causative agents of these diseases began to take
a notable importance, negatively impacting agricultural production.
Currently, man with his eagerness to obtain a great variety of plant products
for food, medicinal, and industrial purposes, along with trade facilities
worldwide, has introduced numerous species in its settlements, and with them,
such pests and diseases in many cases. For this reason, the balances
natural relationships between plants and their enemies have been affected to such an extent that some
Pests have proliferated alarmingly, forcing man into a continuous struggle.
against these diseases and pests. A dramatic example of this was the case of the phylloxera.
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(Daktulosphaira vitifoliae), which was introduced to Europe from America in the late
from the 19th century and wiped out all the vineyards16.
Among the main plant afflictions are diseases
caused by pathogens (fungi, bacteria, and viruses) as well as the damage caused
by weeds, insects, rodents, and birds, which affect not only plant production but
that can also affect some animals that depend on plants in
the food chain. Hence, the main problem of insects, diseases or
weeds also act as limiting factors in agricultural production,
they can become, due to their unexpected massive development, in the form of plagues,
which can destroy entire crops or harvests in just a few hours17.
Africa and Western Asia periodically suffer from desert locust plagues, which
under favorable humidity conditions it reproduces in large quantities and if they are seen
favored by warm winds, travel at great speed thousands of kilometers, forming
clouds made up of more than 400 million insects, each of which eats
daily a volume of vegetation equivalent to its own weight. Pests cost
billions of dollars annually due to agricultural production losses and rodents.
insects destroy at least 10% of stored crops18.
In Colombia, the agricultural sector is the most representative in the country's economy.
considering its contribution (20%) to the gross domestic product19According to the FAO of the 20
the most exported products by Colombia, 13 are agricultural products among which are
coffee and bananas stand out. Annually, the agricultural sector suffers millions in losses
due to diseases caused by phytopathogens, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Also
the damage caused by weeds, insects, rodents, and birds, which affect not only the
plant production but can also affect some animals that
they depend on plants. To counteract these pests, pesticides have been used and
synthetic insecticides such as organochlorines, organophosphates, and carbamates20This type
Insecticides have been very effective; however, they are highly toxic and accumulate.
in the crops and soils, generating a high degree of contamination in the environment
environment. The indiscriminate use of these products has generated resistance from
pests and also poisoning in the global population due to mass consumption of
foods treated with these substances. Currently, research has shifted to
search for new sources of pest control that are effective and more environmentally friendly
the environment.
Currently, phytochemical studies have gained great momentum in the search for
substances with insecticidal properties, in order to find economical solutions and
low environmental impact for pest control. Mainly the use of
essential oils from different plant species as insecticides The oils
plant essentials are generally composed of complex mixtures of
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monoterpenes, biosynthetically related phenols and sesquiterpenes, and it
they are characterized by their neurotoxic action on insects and by their low toxicity to
mammals. For example, the major component of the essential oil of Rosmarinus
medicinal includes 1,8-cineole, that of Eucalyptus globulus, that of Syzygium
aromatic eugenol and Mentha sp. menthol21.
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3. ANALYSIS AND QUALITY CONTROL IN ESSENTIAL OILS
3.1. Industrial processes in quality control and purification of AE
These processes are applied to separate and concentrate the components, to facilitate their
industrial processing or simply to homogenize the quality. Among them
we have12:
Rectification: it is the most common process, consisting of fractionating in a column of
rectification of the AE obtaining portions that are analyzed individually. Those
Those of the same quality come together. Generally, an AE is divided into three parts:
head or light fraction, the heart or middle part, and the heavy fractions.
Subdivision: similar to the previous one, but with a more specific partition, e.g.: the AEs
with 60-70% citral, they are fractionated attempting to eliminate the accompanying compounds.
to achieve 90-97% purity.
De-terpenated: by removing the terpenes, when they do not have the property
organoleptic quality that is pursued, improves the solubility of the AE in water and concentrates the flavor and
the smell.
Descerado: when an AE is extracted by expression and not by steam drag, it contains,
in addition to the volatile terpenic fraction, compounds such as the waxes of the epicarp of the
fruits.
Filtration: to remove impurities from raw AE, they are filtered with the help of earths.
filters or other materials that retain wastewater (anhydrous sodium sulfate,
magnesium carbonate... etc.)
Chemical reactions: to obtain new aromatic products with greater value
added, with more pleasant notes, including: esterification (cedar,
vetiver and mint), hydrogenation (citronella), hydration (turpentine).
Standardization: it is not an industrial process in itself; it arises as a necessity of
homogenize or normalize the quality of a product due to the infinite variables that
they modify their characteristics. It is carried out to meet the demands of the industry.
which requires the same characteristics regardless of origin, year, and era of
harvest.
Isolation of specific products: some essences are marketed to isolate them
some major components such as eugenol from clove oil or cedrol from
the cedars.
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3.2. Classes of essential oils according to their quality
They can be classified into two major groups: raw or low-quality AE and AE
purified or refined ones that are of high quality.
Raw materials: no additional value has been added to them and they are used as raw material for candles.
urns, toiletries and cleaning products, and even insecticides, stationery or toys from
plastic.
Purified AE: of high quality, they have the highest added value and are used in the
food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and perfume industry
The table makes a comparison of the AE costs of citrus fruits according to their
quality
Citrus
Mandarin
Lemon
Cost of crude AE
US $ 48/Kilo
US $ 13/Kilo
US $0.7/Kilo
Purified AE cost
US $ 235/Kilo
US $34 per kilo
Orange
US $ 75/Kilo
3.3. Determination of the composition of an AE
Previously, the investigation of an AE was conducted by identifying the components.
individuals through long and costly chemical processes that included isolation and
purification, using thin layer chromatographies, column chromatographies,
fractional distillation, etc., for its subsequent structural determination by methods
traditional chemicals such as obtaining derivatives, coloring reactions, the
functional group tests, etc.
Currently, cutting-edge technology uses modern techniques of chemical analysis.
instrumental such as gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled to
mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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2011
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10 of 2011.
4. Bandoni, A. et al. 2000. "Aromatic Plant Resources in Latin America".
Science and Technology for Development CYTED. University Press
from the River Plate, La Plata - Argentina.
Aromatic Substances. I. Natural Aromatic Substances
Hoepli. Rome.
Martínez, A.
7. Lawrence, B.M. 1995. "Uncommon Essential Oils as Sources of Common Natural"
Aroma Chemicals. Perfume. Fav: 10:45-48.
[Link]://[Link]/ibq/Main/SteamDistillation
Consulted: October 11, 2011.
Hydrodistillation of Essential Oils
(Doctorate in Chemical Engineering) University of Valladolid. Faculty of Sciences.
Department of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Technology.
10.N. Sahraoui, M. A. Vian, I. Bornard, C. Boutekedjiret and F. Chemat. “Improved
microwave steam distillation apparatus for isolation of essential oils Comparison
with conventional steam distillation. Journal of Chromatography. 2008; 229-233.
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[Link] Resources Research Institute Alexander von
Humboldt. Bogota, Colombia. 109.
13. Steflitsch, W.; Steflitsch. "Clinical aromatherapy". Practising Medicine. 2008; 5(1):
74-85.
14. Bakkali, F; Averbeck, S.; Averbeck, D.; Idaomar, M.; Biological effects of essential
oils – A review. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2008, 46:
15. VillamiL, J.; bonnecarrére, V. New approaches in the field of plants
aromatic and medicinal: the production of phytotherapeutics, INIA Journal. 2005; 5: 43-
46: 446-475.
16. Jiménez, J.M. 1991. Evaluation of the possible insecticidal activity of the extracts of
Senna spectabilis I. and Ricinus communis L. sobresitophilus oryzae L. in corn
stored. Degree thesis in Agricultural Engineering. Faculty of Agronomy,
National University of Colombia. Bogotá.
[Link]énez, G. 1995. Evaluation of the possible insecticidal activity of the extract of grains of
Chenopodium quinoa W. on Sitophilus oryzae L. in stored grains of corn, rice
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and sorghum. Bachelor's thesis in Agricultural Engineering. Faculty of Agronomy, University
National of Colombia. Bogotá: 1-34.
[Link], M. M. The Myristicaceae family. Possibilities for multiple and sustainable use in
tropical rainforests of Colombia. Degree thesis in Biology. University
National of Colombia. Bogotá, 1994.
[Link]és, E., Orozco, M., Bautista, G., Valencia, H. 2001. Fusarium oxysporum, the fungus that
We need to know. Colombian Biological Act. 6(1).
[Link], E., Arranz, M., Eslava, A. 2000. Pathogenicity factors of Botrytis cinerea. Rev
Iberoam Micol. 17: S43-S46.
21. Prieto, J. A.; Patiño, O. J.; Pabón, L. C.; Delgado, W. A.; Cuca, L. E.; Ávila, M. C.
Evaluation of Fumigant Activity of Essential Oils as an Alternative for
Control of the Rice Weevil. 2009.
JBB Essential Oils Course: Chemistry and Production Process