Biological potential of essential oils in pharmaceutical industries

Abstract

Essential oils are worthful natural products that are acquired from different parts of plants including leaves, barks, roots, wood, etc. Correspondingly denoted as ethereal oils, they are extensively expended in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, sanitary, household, agricultural, and food industries. The aroma, versatility, and biological activity of essential oils is allied to the assortment of chemical classes, primarily terpenes, phenylpropanoids, aliphatic compounds, and other constituents in minor incidence. The prevalence of these active components validates the varied pertinence of these products. With quite a few techniques of extraction, pharmaceutical and bioactivity of these essential oils are labeled as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and other miscellaneous activities. The role and significance of these products in a variety of health problems have already been identified and prescribed by the traditional medical system all over the world. Increasing consumer demand for safe, natural, and healthy components and products paired with their versatility and broad functioning has always kept these products renowned. This chapter primarily focuses on the importance, chemistry, biological activities, and medicinal applications of essential oils.