Allergenic components, biocides, and analysis techniques of some essential oils used in food products

Abstract

Nowadays, almost 300 essential oils (EOs) are commonly traded in the world market, with a prediction to be worth over $14 billion in 2024. EOs are natural preservatives for food products in order to reduce the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, therefore their use as an antioxidant or a preservative in foods has been encouraged. They are not only considered as antimicrobial or flavoring agents, but are also incorporated into food packaging materials. There are several types of EOs which have been approved as food additives by the Food and Drug Administration. Hence, it is important to use safe EO products to minimize possible adverse effect risks such as nausea, vomiting, necrosis, nephropathy, mucous membrane, and skin irritation. This review article gives information about some EOs that are used in the food industries and the types of some allergenic compounds and biocides which could make the EOs hazardous or may cause allergenic reactions in the human body. Besides, some analysis techniques of possible allergenic compounds or biocides in EOs were introduced and supported with the most relevant studies. The overall conclusion from the study is that pregnant women, patients taking drugs (e.g., diabetics) or the having a history of allergy are the most prone to be affected from EO allergenic components. As regards to biocides, organochlorine and organophosphorus types of pesticides that are carried over from the plant may be found mostly in EOs. The most common allergic reaction is skin sensitization and irritation if the EO components are oxidized during storage or transportation. Moreover, drug interactions are one of the other possible adverse effect. Hence, determination of biocides and possible allergenic component concentrations is an essential factor when they are used as a preservative or flavoring agent. The most prominent analysis techniques are gas and liquid chromatography because most of the allergens and biocides are mainly composed of volatile components. Practical Application Determining of the essential oil's content will be crucial if oils are used for food preservation or flavoring because they may have some hazardous effects, such as nausea, vomiting, necrosis and nephropathy. Therefore, after applying them to the food products, consumers (especially pregnant women) should be informed about their concentration levels and their possible adverse effects are taken into account when they are consumed over toxic limit. For this reason, we reviewed in our study that some allergenic components, biocides and toxic limits of EOs to be used in food products. In addition to this, recent analytical techniques have been explained and discussed which methods are suitable for analysis.

Chemical Variability of the Essential Oils from Two Portuguese Apiaceae: Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

“…Thus, depending on the purpose for which the OE is to be used, it is fundamental to determine its composition in order to meet the requirements of the several target industries, whether food and/or pharmaceuticals [ 35 ]. For instance, it has been proposed that a limit of 0.05 mg/kg should be required for the use of estragole in food due to its possible hepatocarcinogenic effect [ 63 ].…”

Behavioral avoidance and biological safety of vetiver oil and its constituents against Aedes aegypti (L.), Aedes albopictus (Skuse) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say

“…Many topical repellents contain essential oils, e.g., citronella, catnip, eucalyptus, etc ( Da Silva and Ricci-Júnior, 2020 ). However, some essential oils or terpenes are known to irritate the skin and mucous membranes, and prolonged exposure to them had caused contact dermatitis ( Türkmenoğlu and Özmen, 2021 ). The shortage of toxicological studies of natural products is also an argument against their use, due to concerns for potential mutagenic or genotoxic effects ( Pavela and Benelli, 2016 ).…”

Selective Separation of Polar Unsaturated Organics Using a Water Stationary Phase in Gas Chromatography

“…It also allowed for direct injection, which eliminated the need for any further sample preparation steps. Next examined were essential oils, which are commonly used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries [47]. However, since certain components can offer medicinal benefit while others can induce allergic reaction it is important to monitor their content [48].…”