Safety Profile of Essential Oils

Abstract

Essential oils are complex mixtures of terpenes and phenylpropanoid compounds, present in multiple species of aromatic plants. They are extensively used in food and cosmetic industries in order to give flavor to food and drinks or as natural fragrances. Moreover, several compounds present in essential oils are important for the pharmaceutical industry due to their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anxiolytic or spasmolytic effects. Although many essential oils are generally recognized as safe, a series of adverse reactions have been reported after their use either by internal or external routes. The aim of this chapter is to increase the awareness of healthcare professionals concerning possible safety issues of essential oils. Common adverse effects of essential oils like sensitization and dermatitis but also more severe phenomena like neurotoxicity will be presented in detail, concerning their epidemiology, mechanism and clinical significance. A thorough understanding of the safety profile of essential oils is necessary for healthcare and food industry professionals in order to maximize their beneficial effects while minimizing the risk for the users.

Essential Oils as Natural Sources of Fragrance Compounds for Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals

“…For instance, essential oils are challenging to standardize because of the variable growing conditions, genetics, and harvesting of botanicals [ 102 ]. In fact, in recent years, several studies have been published with regard to the safety profiles on essential oils [ 103 , 104 ].…”

“…For this reason, proper storage of essential oils is required to preserve their effectiveness and decrease the risk of adverse reactions. Accordingly, essential oils should be properly stored in a dark, cool place or refrigerator, in firmly sealed brown bottles [ 104 ].…”

Validation of Qualitative Broth Volatilization Checkerboard Method for Testing of Essential Oils: Dual-Column GC–FID/MS Analysis and In Vitro Combinatory Antimicrobial Effect of Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris against Staphylococcus aureus in Liquid and Vapor Phases

“…As EOs are complex blends of components, individual volatile compounds need to be assessed as potential allergens. Currently, 26 ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions, including, e.g., linalool and limonene, are listed in the seventh amendment of directive 76/768 CEE (directive 2003/15/CE); however, these are all based on skin contact and not inhalation [ 81 , 82 ]. Regarding inhalation toxicity, which is a crucial aspect of inhalation administration, median lethal concentration (LC 50 ) values were determined neither for oregano nor for thyme EOs for the inhalation route.…”

Chemical Constituents and Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils of Needles of Pinus Sylvestris (Scots Pine) from South West Nigeria

“…Pinus koraiensis pinecone essential oil has been shown to be effective in the production of anti-tumor drugs for gastric cancer [8]. Thus, essential oils (EOs) from several plants, including coniferous plants, have antimicrobial properties [8][9][10][11][12] suggesting their use as alternatives to conventional synthetic antibiotics.…”