Essential oils (EOs) are natural volatile fractions extracted from aromatic plants and are formed in the secondary metabolism. Several classes of substances can be found in their chemical composition, such as esters of fatty acids, mono- and sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, alcohols, aldehydes, and, in some cases, aliphatic hydrocarbons. This variation in composition depends on physiology, environmental conditions, geographic variations, seasonality, genetic factors and plant evolution. As a result, physicochemical properties of EOs can be altered and concentrations of oils in plant parts including the stem, leaves, flowers and fruits can increase or decrease.
EOs are widely studied, mainly for their potential applications as agents that promote biological activities. The volatile compounds present in EOs have presented several pharmacological applications, including antioxidant, anticancer, antiprotozoal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, phytotoxic and neuroprotective activities, among other important potential activities. Additionally, EOs have low cytotoxicity, reducing the risk of intoxication.
EOs play an important role in plants with regards to protection and communication. The chemical protection that these secondary metabolites provide plays a decisive role in the resistance of plants against phytopathogens and herbivores. For communication, the plant can use a chemical agent that travels through the atmosphere and activates defensive genes in other plant species.
Notably, the extraction technique of EOs can also influence their chemical composition, yield and biological properties. Traditionally, the extraction of EOs involves common conventional techniques, such as hydrodistillation and steam distillation, however, other extraction techniques are also efficient, such as microwave and supercritical CO2 extraction.
The aim of this topic is to address the main advances related to extraction and chemical characterization of essential oils in the context of their pharmacological activity and safety. Advances in pharmacological applications relating to oxidative stress inhibitor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiprotozoal, neuroprotective, anticancer and antiviral activities are central themes in the context of pharmacology.
This Research Topic will be dedicated to advanced studies on EOs and their pharmacological applications. This topic strongly welcomes, but is not limited to, submissions in the form of Original Research or Literature Review articles, that cover, but are not limited to the following themes:
• Advances in the understanding of the pharmacological effects of EOs and their applications in EO research
• Pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of EOs
• Extraction techniques and chemical characterization of EOs
• Insights and advances in pharmacological research of medicinal plants, aromatic plants and other natural products
All the manuscripts submitted to the collection will need to fully comply with the
Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology. You can freely download the full version
here.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
