Investigation of the alteration of the composition of various essential oils used in aroma lamp applications

Abstract

The alteration of the composition of 15 samples of various essential oils used in aroma lamps and their corresponding headspace samples were analysed by GC±FID, GC±FTIR±MS and GC-sning technique to obtain information on the changes of aroma compounds under cold and hot conditions. The samples investigated were genuine essential oil and corresponding cold headspace samples and headspace samples of heated tubs and half-full tubs after the heating experiments. No detectable quantities of volatile pyrolysis products with health-dangerous eects were found, but there were signi®cant alterations in composition. Therefore, the aroma-relevant compounds of the essential oils investigated pass from the aroma lamp tub to the air without forming new components and the detected volatiles can thus be inhaled for aromatherapeutical use. Only a time-dependent change from highly volatile to less volatile essential oil constituents in the heating experiments was registered.

Can Aromatherapy Make People Feel Better Throughout Exercise?

“…The lamp diffusion method was also used as it is the most common and easiest among inhalation methods. The effects of the lamp diffusion method can be seen directly, and because its effects are quick, it is often used to calm psychological tension or inspire moods and feelings [33]. As the fragrance begins to diffuse through the lamp, everyone in the room can receive the effects of aromatherapy.…”

Vapour phase: a potential future use for essential oils as antimicrobials?

“…The heating of EOs can increase the evaporation rate of the oils but can also destroy or alter some of the components and thus possibly affect the antimicrobial effect of the oils (Su et al 2007). When 15 EOs were dispersed using a heated aroma lamp and assessed for their volatile components, it was found that those volatiles trapped in the headspace of the aroma lamp had altered from being mainly monoterpene hydrocarbons (high volatility) to low volatility monoterpene alcohols and sesquiterpenes (Oberhofer et al 1999). The incorporation of oils into candles as a means of dispersion (Su et al 2007) has a different effect than that of merely heating the oils as it is proposed that the ionized vapour molecules have a greater attachment to the bacterial cell membrane, increasing permeability and hence cell death as shown by the enhancement of antibacterial activity of b-pinene vapour against Escherichia coli when the vapour is combined with an ionizing source such as a corona discharge or a candle flame (Gaunt et al 2005).…”

Gas chromatography/Fourier transform infrared/mass spectrometry coupling: a tool for Li-ion battery safety field investigation

“…This coupled technique was originally developed in the 1980s by Wilkins [15][16][17] and permits complementary analysis by IR and MS in the fragrance and essential oil elds. 18 Through two detailed examples relevant to the Li-ion batteries' safety eld, this paper points to the genuine reasons that make such coupled techniques efficient and deserving more use for safety or environment-focused applications in relation to energy storage. The rst example deals with the thermal runaway phenomenon and more specically with the characterization of volatile compounds released upon heating of a lithiated negative electrode active material in contact with an electrolyte.…”