Applications of Essential Oils and Plant Extracts in Different Industries

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts are sources of beneficial chemical compounds that have potential applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and the agriculture industry. Plant medicines were the only option for preventing and treating mankind’s diseases for centuries. Therefore, plant products are fundamental sources for producing natural drugs. The extraction of the EOs is the first important step in preparing these compounds. Modern extraction methods are effective in the efficient development of these compounds. Moreover, the compounds extracted from plants have natural antimicrobial activity against many spoilage and disease-causing bacteria. Also, the use of plant compounds in cosmetics and hygiene products, in addition to their high marketability, has been helpful for many beauty problems. On the other hand, the agricultural industry has recently shifted more from conventional production systems to authenticated organic production systems, as consumers prefer products without any pesticide and herbicide residues, and certified organic products command higher prices. EOs and plant extracts can be utilized as ingredients in plant antipathogens, biopesticides, and bioherbicides for the agricultural sector. Considering the need and the importance of using EOs and plant extracts in pharmaceutical and other industries, this review paper outlines the different aspects of the applications of these compounds in various sectors.

Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Cymbopogon citratus Extract and Its Antibacterial Activity

“…While lemongrass oil is already known and widely used for its cleaning properties, it is important to focus on its novelty and differences compared to other essential oils, as well as the environmental implications of its widespread use. 23,31 Although lemon grass oil shares some similarities with other essential oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender, there are key differences that set it apart from other essential oils. The primary constituents are citral, geranial, and neral, which are responsible for the oil's strong lemon-like scent and its antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.…”

“…30 In addition to its medical applications, C. citratus is utilized as a scent in the production of fragrances, soaps, detergents, and home cleaning products, due to its antibactericidal action and pleasant fragrance after use. 29,31 Moreover, the secondary metabolites present in C. citratus extract, such as terpenes and phenols, 32 can act as reducing agents during the synthesis of ZnO NPs. These reducing agents are known to reduce the metal precursors and act as fuel for the reaction.…”

Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity

“…EOs are commonly used as natural alternatives to synthetic antioxidants. Their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties render them compounds of great importance for pharmaceutical, food, agricultural and health industries [ 15 ]. Currently, more than 3000 EOs are known [ 16 ]; however, the potential use of EOs as supplements/or nutraceutical additives has not yet been fully investigated.…”

“…They have found fertile ground in the food industry due to the consumers’ awareness of the effects of synthetic compounds on human health [ 17 ]. In the agricultural industry, EOs are used as insecticides and herbicides, for the germination of seeds and as antibacterial and antifungal agents [ 15 ]. Finally, various cosmetics products (such as moisturizers, lotions and cleansers for skin care) consist of Eos, exploiting their active ingredients to enhance anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activity [ 18 ].…”

Antimicrobial Activity and Multi-therapeutic Potential of Salvia officinalis and Mentha longifolia Essential Oils in Leaves

“…6 Plant essential oils contain a variety of active compounds, and depending on the active ingredient, the extraction protocol will vary. 7 Salvia officinalis L. is an evergreen, rounded shrub of the Lamiaceae family. The major genus in this family, Salvia, with close to 900 species.…”