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Chemical Constituents of Essential Oils



The Chemical Constituents listed are quoted as a percentage of the whole, and are taken from one example of the discussed oil, there may be considerable differences with oils from other areas and other seasons.
Chemical Description
Anethole Anethole is the major constituent in oils such as aniseed, it is responsible for the distinctive odour. In tests, anethole is known as an antispasmodic for muscle tissue, in particular the intestines and uterus. Bronchial constriction may also be reduced by inhalation of the oils containing anethole. Some experts suggest that anethole may have mild estrogenic properties. (23)
Azulene Azulene is an organic compound whose molecules contain 10 carbons and 8 hydrogens. It is a monoterpene. It's name is derived from the Spanish word azul, meaning "blue", it is a dark blue crystaline solid used in many cosmetics. Azulene has a long history dating back to the 15th century as the azure-blue distillate obtained by steam distillation of Chamomile. The compound was discovered and named in 1863 by Septimus Piesse in azure-blue distillates from other sources such as yarrow and wormwood.
Caryophyllene Caryophyllene, or β-caryophyllene, is a natural bicyclic sesquiterpene that is a constituent of some essential oils, especially clove oil and the oil from the stems and flowers of Syzygium aromaticum. It is usually found as a mixture with isocaryophyllene (the cis double bond isomer) and α-humulene (obsolete name: α-caryophyllene), a ring-opened isomer. Caryophyllene is notable for having a cyclobutane ring, a rarity in nature. Caryophyllene is one of the chemical compounds that contributes to the spiciness of black pepper.
Cineol See Eucalyptol. Eucalyptol is also known by a variety of synonyms: 1,8-cineol, limonene oxide, cajeputol, 1,8-epoxy-p-menthane, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane, eucalyptol, eucalyptole, 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2,2,2]octane, cineol, cineole.
Eucalyptol Eucalyptol is a natural organic compound which is a colorless liquid. It is a cyclic ether and a monoterpene. Eucalyptol is also known by a variety of synonyms: 1,8-cineol, limonene oxide, cajeputol, 1,8-epoxy-p-menthane, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane, eucalyptol, eucalyptole, 1,3,3-trimethyl-2-oxabicyclo[2,2,2]octane, cineol, cineole. Eucalyptol comprises up to 90 percent of the essential oil of some species of eucalyptus (e.g.Eucalyptus polybractea), hence the common name of the compound. It is also found in bay leaves, mugwort, sweet basil, wormwood, rosemary, sage and other aromatic plant foliage. Eucalyptol has a fresh camphor-like smell and a spicy, cooling taste. It is insoluble in water, but miscible with ether, ethanol and chloroform. The boiling point is 176 °C and the flash point is 49 °C.

Because of its pleasant spicy aroma and taste, eucalyptol is used in flavorings, fragrances, and cosmetics. It is also an ingredient in many brands of mouthwash and cough suppressant. Eucalyptol has been demonstrated to be capable of reducing inflammation and pain. It has also been found to be able to kill leukaemic cells.
Eugenol Eugenol is a member of the allylbenzene class of chemical compounds. It is a clear to pale yellow oily liquid a major constituent in many essential oils especially from allspice, clove oil, nutmeg, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Eugenol is used in essential oils and in medicine as a local antiseptic and anaesthetic. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. It has a pleasant, spicy, clove-like odor. It is used in the production of isoeugenol for the manufacture of vanillin, though most vanillin is now produced from petrochemicals or from by-products of paper manufacture. When mixed with zinc oxide, eugenol forms a cement used in dentistry. Eugenol derivatives or methoxyphenol derivatives in wider classification are used in perfumery and flavoring. They are used in formulating insect attractants and UV absorbers, analgesics, biocides and antiseptics. They are also used in manufacturing stabilizers and antioxidants for plastics and rubbers.
Methyl Eugenol Methyl eugenol is a natural constituent in many types of plants and fruits consumed by humans and animals, (e.g., anise, nutmeg, mace, pixuri seeds, basil, blackberry essence, bananas, walnuts, citrus, black pepper). Methyl eugenol is also used as a flavoring added to ice cream, cookies, pies, puddings, candy, cola soft drinks, chewing and bubble gum, etc. For example, clove oil contains approximately 15% ME, and clove oil and its derivatives are affirmed as GRAS. Methyl eugenol will be used in insect traps and lure products to attract certain fruit flies such as the Oriental fruit fly on affected food crops.
Phellandrene Phellandrene is the name for a pair of organic compounds that have a similar molecular structure and similar chemical properties. α-Phellandrene and β-phellandrene are cyclic monoterpenes and are double bond isomers. In α-phellandrene both double bonds are endocyclic and in β-phellandrene one of them is exocyclic. Both are insoluble in water, but miscible with ether.

α-Phellandrene is a constituent of the some essential oils mainly Eucalyptus dives and of Eucalyptus phellandra (hence the name). β-Phellandrene has been isolated from the oil of water fennel and Canada balsam oil. The phellandrenes are used in fragrances because of their pleasing aromas. The odor of β-phellandrene has been described as peppery-minty and slightly citrusy.
Neral Part of a pair of terpenoids the other being geranial or α citral, jointly also known as Citral. Neral has a lemon odour less intense and sweeter than geranial, used as an 'aroma compound' for its citrus effect. Used with geranial as a flavor and for fortifying lemon oil.
Terpene Terpenes are a large and varied class of hydrocarbons, produced primarily by a wide variety of plants, particularly conifers. They are the major components of resin, and of turpentine produced from resin. The name "terpene" is derived from the word "turpentine". When terpenes are modified chemically, such as by oxidation or rearrangement of the carbon skeleton, the resulting compounds are generally referred to as terpenoids. Some authors will use the term terpene to include all terpenoids. Terpenes and terpenoids are the primary constituents of the essential oils.
Thujone Is the chemical compound notable for its presence in the alcoholic beverage absinthe. It is a colourless liquid with a distinctive menthol odour. It is a ketone and a monoterpene. It is used as a flavouring agent in certain foods and is a compound in a number of other food additives.
Thymol Monoterpene - Thymol is an aroma chemical used in flavour, fragrance, and personal care products and has antiseptic, anti-parasitic, and fungicidal properties. Thymol is also an intermediate in the production of menthol and is the raw material of choice as described in CSIR patented menthol process.


        
        
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