Essential oils, also called natural essential oils, are derived from the steam distillation of plant components, like seeds, flowers, leaves, stems, aromatic woods and roots and retain the flavour and smell of their source

1. How are plant essential
oils valuable as
functional ingredients?
An Academic presentation by
Dr. Nancy Agnes, Head, Technical Operations,
FoodResearchLab
Group: www.foodresearchlab.com
Email: info@foodresearchlab.com

2. WHAT IS NATURAL
ESSENTIAL OIL?
Essential oils, also called natural essential oils, are derived from the
steam distillation of plant components, like seeds, flowers, leaves,
stems, aromatic woods and roots and retain the flavour and smell
of their source [1].

3. INTRODUCTION
Essential oils are colourless liquids consisting of organic, aromatic,
volatile and lipid-soluble molecules.
They are widely used as a perfume due to their distinctive scent.
In the food and beverage industries, they are used as flavouring agents-
for example, vanilla essential oil and cardamom essential oil.

4. The Food and Drug Administration has categorised about 300
essential oils as Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS).
Recently, they have gained attention for their use as natural food
preservatives due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
There is also an increasing interest in incorporating essential oils as
a valuable ingredient in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals [1].

5. ESSENTIAL OILS AS FOOD
PRESERVATIVES
Essential oils are rich in bioactive compounds, and there are multiple
mechanisms involved in their antimicrobial activity, for they are significantly
different in their chemical structure.
However, the hydrophobic nature of the bioactive compounds destroys the
bacteria, thereby preventing food degradation, leading to increased shelf
life and functioning as a food preservative.

6. Research has shown that lemon essential oil,
oregano essential oil, rosemary essential oil
and vanilla essential oils can be used to
preserve seafood, meat, fruits, vegetables
and cereal products.

7. ESSENTIAL OILS AS FUNCTIONAL
INGREDIENTS
Probiotics have been gaining attention in recent years for restoring the
microbial balance in the digestive system and promoting digestive health.
Since essential oils have antimicrobial properties, they can be used with
probiotics to treat pathogenic infections in the digestive system.
Flavoured curd, flavoured yoghurt and fermented drinks from milk are
some examples of essential-oil-enriched probiotics.

8. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of the probiotics were
also significantly increased.
Examples of essential oils included in probiotics are- eucalyptus,
myrrh, Mexican mint and holy basil.
In addition, the shelf-life of these products was also significantly
increased.
Essential oils have also been studied for managing inflammatory
bowel disease.
Essential oils from coriander showed a reduction in the symptoms of
Ulcerative Colitis (UC) in rats and can potentially be used to manage
the symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis in humans.

9. Other essential oils researched for managing the symptoms of Irritable
Bowel Disease Include lavender, lemon and myrtle.
Other disorders where essential oils could be used to manage their
symptoms include metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension and
obesity and protect liver health and promote digestive health, owing to
their anti-inflammatory properties.

10. Essential oils have been gaining attention as preservatives used in food, and there
have been studies on the beneficial effects of essential oils when used as a functional
ingredient in nutraceuticals and supplements.
Techniques like microencapsulation could be implemented to reduce their intense
flavour and aroma, and thus they can be incorporated as a nutraceutical into
functional foods and beverages.
CONCLUSION

11. HOW THE FOOD RESEARCH
LAB CAN HELP
The Food Research Lab offers ingredient development solutions for clients worldwide.
We thoroughly assess the suppliers and food raw materials for their safety and quality.
Apart from developing products, we ensure the beverage, nutraceutical and food
product label adheres to the regulations, making them successful.

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