Chapter Three

Volatile Oils
Volatile Oil:
Volatile oils are essential oils, evaporated on exposure of air or normal
temparature.
Example: Caster oil, Peanut oil, Olive oil, Coconut oil. Volatile oil can easily
vaporize at normal temp.
Volatile oils are sometimes called essential oils because they represent the
'essence' or the active constituents of the plants.

Essential Oils:
Essential oils are the concentrated extracts of potentially beneficial plants,
such as lavender and peppermint.
Properties of volatile oil:
1. Volatile oils are generally liquid and colorless at room
temperature.
2. They generally evaporated at room temperature.
3. They have a characteristic odor.
4. It usually liquid at room temperature and
5. They have a density less than water, with the exception of a
few cases ( example:cinnamon).
6. They have a refractive index and a very high optical activity.
Methods of obtaining volatile oils

1. Steam distillation
2. Expression
3. Means of volatile solvents
4. Adsorption in purified fat
 Steam distillation
Process of separating mixture components via di ering boiling
points by vaporizing volatile liquid and then condensing back
into the volatile liquid.

Volatile Oil

Steam

Water

Steam Aromatic water Aromatic water

+ Volatile Oil
 Steam distillation
Fresh plant parts are cutted into small
pieces

placed into the distillation tank and a

truck bed
Steam lines are attached to
the bottom of the distilling Volatile Oil
tank
Steam

Oil droplets form

Water

Passes to
condensing
chamber Steam Aromatic water
+ Volatile Oil
Aromatic water

Volatile
Oil
 Expression

Sponge Scarification
Method Citrus fruits
Method
 Expression
Sponge Method Scarification Method
Fruit rind is separated Fruit rind is separated

Rind is soaked in warm Placed into the apparatus

water

Pulps inverted and Citrus fruits Pressed and squeezed

squeezed

Sponge absorbed oil Rotating the apparatus

Sponge separated oil Forcing out all juice and oil

(Centrifugation) (Centrifugation)

Volatile Oil Volatile Oil

 Means of volatile solvent
* For heat sensitive oils.
Dried plant materials

Wash and Dry

Grinding

Maceration
Addition of organic solvents
(CHCl3, Benzene)
Dissoived / Mixed

Filtration / Vaporization

Distillation

Volatile Oil
Adsorption in purified fat A glass plate is taken

An odorless fat is spread on plates

Warmed at 50° C
Plates are covered with petals.
Kept for several days
Adsorption of volatile oil in fat
occurs
Petals are removed
Addition of Ethanol in fat.
Extraction of oil
Removal of solvent

Volatile oil
Terpene and Terpenoids

 Derived from isoprene units (C₅H₈)

 Most abundant compounds in essential oils
 Contribute to aroma and bioactivity

• Types of Terpenes
1. Monoterpenes (C₁₀H₁₆):
 Simplest, highly volatile
 Properties: Antibacterial, antifungal,
expectorant
 Examples: Limonene (citrus), Pinene
(pine), Myrcene (bay & hops oils)
Types of Terpenes continues…
[Link] (C₁₅H₂₄):
 Less volatile, stronger bioactivity
 Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
 Examples: Farnesene (chamomile), Caryophyllene (clove, black pepper)

[Link] (C₂₀H₃₂):
 Heavier, less volatile, biologically active
 Examples: Phytol (vitamin E precursor), Taxadiene (anticancer drugs)

 Terpenoids
 Terpenes with oxygen functionalities
 Enhanced solubility in polar solvents
 Examples: Thymol (thyme), Menthol (peppermint), Camphor (camphor tree)
 [Link]
These compoundsoidshave a benzene ring with a three-
carbon side chain and are derived from the shikimic acid
pathway. They are responsible for the spicy, warm, and
sweet fragrances of many essential oils.

Examples:
– Eugenol (clove oil) – strong antiseptic and
analgesic properties.
– Cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon oil) – potent
antimicrobial and flavoring agent.
– Anethole (fennel and anise oils) – provides
sweet licorice-like aroma with carminative
effects.
 3. Alcohols
Alcohols in volatile oils contribute to their antimicrobial, antifungal, and
aromatic properties.
 Examples:
– Geraniol (rose and geranium oils) – floral aroma with strong
insect-repelling properties.
– Citronellol (citronella oil) – mosquito-repelling and antibacterial
agent.
– Linalool (lavender oil) – known for its calming and sedative
effects.

[Link] and Ketones

These oxygenated compounds contribute to the strong
fragrance and biological activity of essential oils.
 Aldehydes:
 Citral (lemongrass and citrus oils) – strong lemon scent
with antimicrobial and sedative effects.
 Cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon oil) – exhibits strong
antibacterial and antifungal properties.
 Ketones:
• Camphor (camphor tree) – used in medicinal balms for its cooling effect.
• Carvone (spearmint and caraway oils) – used in flavoring and digestive aids.

5. Esters and Ethers

Esters and ethers provide the fruity and floral notes in many essential oils and
have calming and therapeutic properties.
Esters:
•Linalyl acetate (lavender oil) – responsible for the soothing floral scent.
•Methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil) – has analgesic properties, often used
in pain relief formulations.
Ethers
•Myristicin (nutmeg oil) – exhibits psychoactive effects in high doses.
•Anethole (anise oil) – has a sweet taste and is used in flavoring agents.
 Medicinal uses of volatile oil :
[Link]:
Tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil 6. Antimicrobial.
Uses: Wound healing, mouthwashes Tea tree oil, oregano oil
[Link] Relief: Uses :in antiseptic and antifungal treatments.
Examples: Peppermint oil, clove oil [Link] Properties
Bergamot oil, ylang-ylang oil.
Uses: Headaches, muscle pain, dental
pain relief Use: in stress relief therapies.
[Link] Care: 8. Wound Healing:
Tea tree oil, rose oil. Lavender oil, myrrh oil
Uses: for acne and skin hydration. Uses: in healing ointments and creams.
[Link] Relief: 11. Sedative ([Link])
Lavender oil, chamomile oil 12. Local anesthetic (e.g. clove)
Use: in aromatherapy. 13. Counter irritant ([Link] free water green)
5. Anti-inflammatory: 15. Diuretics ([Link])
Eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil. 16. Carminative ([Link] ferous fruit)
Uses:for joint and muscle [Link]-helmintic ([Link] oil)
inflammation.
 Commercial uses of volatile oil
[Link] Industry.
Menthol, thymol, eucalyptus oil. [Link] in Food.
Uses: Cough syrups, pain relief balms. Lemon oil, vanilla oil.

[Link] Control and Cleaning Products: 6. Industrial Products:

Neem oil, citronella oil. Neem oil, pine oil.
Uses: Natural insect repellents, household Used in animl feeds, insecticides, and paints.
cleaners.
[Link] and Pickles.
5. Soaps and Detergents. Clove oil, mustard oil.
Lavender oil, citrus oil. [Link] Drinks.
Uses: for fragrance and aantibacterial effects. Orange oil, cola nut oil.
[Link] Goods and Confections.
Peppermint oil, cinnamon oil
3. Perfumes and Skincare.
Rose oil, sandalwood oil.
Biosynthesis of Some Important Volatile Oils
:
Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, are secondary metabolites produced by plants.
These oils are made up of terpenoids (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes) and
phenylpropanoids,
Volatile oils (essential oils) are found in various parts of plants, such as leaves, flowers,
fruits, seeds, and bark. These oils have significant pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and
industrial applications due to their antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, and aromatic
properties.
They are synthesized mainly through three key pathways:

1. Mevalonate (MVA) Pathway – Occurs in the cytosol, producing sesquiterpenes (C15)

and triterpenes (C30).
2. Methylerythritol Phosphate (MEP) Pathway – Occurs in plastids, producing
monoterpenes (C10) and diterpenes (C20).
3. Shikimate Pathway – Leads to the formation of phenylpropanoids, which contribute
to the aroma and biological properties of essential oil.
Below is the biosynthetic pathway of some important volatile oils:
(1) Peppermint oil- Mentha spp :
Pathway: Mevalonate (MVA) pathway.
Precursor: Geranyl Pyrophosphate (GPP).
Steps:
GPP → Limonene→ Pulegone → Menthone→ Menthol
(via menthone reductase).
Uses: Cooling agent, analgesic, carminative.

(2) Clove oil- Syzygium aromaticum :

Pathway: Shikimate pathway.
Precursor: Phenylalanine.
Steps:
Phenylalanine → Cinnamic Acid → Caffeic Acid
→ Ferulic Acid → Eugenol.
(3) Thyme Oil - Thymus vulgaris :
Pathway: Mevalonate (MVA) pathway.
Precursor: Geranyl Pyrophosphate (GPP)
Steps:
GPP → γ-Terpinene → p-Cymene→ Thymol (via
hydroxylation)
Uses: Antimicrobial, antiseptic, antioxidant.

(4) Eucalyptus Oil - Eucalyptus spp :

Pathway: Methylerythritol Phosphate (MEP) pathway.
Precursor: Geranyl Pyrophosphate (GPP)
Steps:
GPP → α-Terpineol→ 1,8-Cineole (via cyclization)
Uses: Expectorant, antiseptic, decongestant.
(5) Lemongrass Oil - Cymbopogon spp :
Pathway: MEP pathway.
Precursor: Geranyl Pyrophosphate (GPP).
Steps:
GPP → Neral→ Geranial (isomeriza on).
Uses: Perfume industry, antimicrobial, insect repellent.

(6) Lavender Oil - Lavandula spp :

Pathway: MEP pathway.
Precursor: Geranyl Pyrophosphate (GPP)
Steps:
GPP → Linalool → Linalyl Acetate (via acetylation)
Uses: Calming, sedative, antimicrobial.
 Terpenes and sesquiterpenes
Terpenes and sesquiterpenes are classes of organic compounds found in plants,
especially in essential oils, and they play a key role in the aroma, flavor, and
medicinal properties of many plants, including herbs, flowers, and cannabis

Common types of terpenes:

• Monoterpenes (C₁₀H₁₆): Made up of two isoprene units. Examples:
Limonene (citrus), Myrcene (mango, cannabis), Pinene (pine trees).
• Sesquiterpenes (C₁₅H₂₄): Made up of three isoprene units. Examples:
Humulene (hops, cannabis), Caryophyllene (black pepper, cloves).
• Diterpenes (C₂₀H₃₂): Made up of four isoprene units. Example: Taxol
(anticancer compound from yew trees).
 Sesquiterpenes
Sesquiterpenes are a subclass of terpenes that consist of three isoprene
units (C₁₅H₂₄). They are more complex and tend to be less volatile than
monoterpenes, contributing to deeper, woody, spicy, or earthy aromas.
Many sesquiterpenes have therapeutic properties such as anti-
inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal effects.

Common Sesquiterpenes:
• Caryophyllene – Found in black pepper, cloves, and
cannabis; has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving
properties.
• Humulene – Found in hops, sage, and ginger; known for
antibacterial and appetite-suppressant effects.
• Farnesene – Found in green apples
 Turpentine:
Source: Turpentine is obtained by distillation of oleoresin of Pinnus palustris or Pinus
longifolia.
Family: Turpentine is derived from pine trees belonging to the Pinaceae family
Habitat: Pinus longifolia is cultivated in India and Pakistan and other species are cultivated in
USA, Europe, Russia and France.
Chemical Constituents:
terpenes, including:α-Pinene (major component, 50–60%),β-Pinene (15–25%), Camphene,
Limonene, Terpinolene, Longifolene.
It may also contain trace amounts of other hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds
Uses: • Solvent is used paints, varnishes, and lacquers
• Used in the manufacture of synthetic camphor and fragrances
• Used in liniments and rubefacients for muscle pain relief
• Has mild antiseptic and expectorant properties
• Cleaning agent and degreaser
• Insect repellent
• Used in traditional medicine for treating wounds, joint pain, and respiratory issues
• Raw material for chemical synthesis of resins and perfumes
 Juniper Plant (Juniperus sp)
Source :Juniper oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the dried ripe fruits of
Juniperus communis.
Family: Belongs to the Cupressaceae (Cypress) family.
Habitats: The plant is collected from Hungary, Italy, Yugoslavia, Poland, Sweden and
other countries.

Chemical Constituents: The main Constituents are volatile oil(0.5-1.5%), contains several
bioactive compounds, including: Essential oils (terpenes like α-pinene, β-pinene, myrcene,
limonene), Flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), Tannins, Alkaloids, Resins, Juniperic acid.

Uses: 1. Used as diuretic.

2. Used for bacterial and fungal infections.
[Link] as digestive aid.
[Link] for arthritis and rheumatism.
5. Beneficial in colds, coughs, and bronchitis.
[Link] berries are used as a spice, especially in seasoning meats and
making gin.
[Link] in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics.
 Turpentine oil (Pinus oil / Spirit of Turpentine)
Biological source: Turpentine oil is obtained by distillation of oleoresin of Pinus palustris or Pinus longifolia.

Chemical constituents:
About 40 monoturpenes have been reported in the oil. The major components are:

• α-Pinene(2030%
• β-Pinene,510%
• Camphene
• Limonene
• β-phellandrene
• p-Cymene

• Camphene
• Longifoline

• Limonene and
• Estragol etc.
Uses of Turpentine Oil

1 Counter-irritant 2 Antiseptic 3 Industrial Applications

Turpentine oil is used as a counter-irritant, As antiseptic in chronic bronchitis. Used in the preparation of insecticides, paints,

rubefacient in neuralgia and swelling. varnishes.

4 Rubber Solvent 5 Wax Solvent 6 Ointment Component

Used as a rubber solvent of manufacturing It is used as a solvent of waxes. Used as a constituent of stimulating ointments.

plastics.

7 Diuretic

Also used as a diuretic.

Juniper oil

Biological Source Extraction Process

Juniper oil is obtained from the steam distillation of the dried ripe fruits of Juniperus Steam distillation is used to extract the volatile compounds from the dried ripe fruits,

communis. preserving the therapeutic properties.

 Chemical Constituents and Uses of Juniper Oil

Chemical Constituents

 The main constituents are volatile oil 0.51.5%, invert sugar 33%) and resin.

 Juniper oil contains about 60 compounds of which the monoterpenes, α-pinene and

camphene, the sesquiterpene cadinene are the most prominent.

 It also contains borneol, geraniol, α-terpineol, ceneol and esters and various alcohols.
 Coriander Oil: From Seed to Essence

Biological Source
Coriander oil is derived from the dried ripe fruits of Coriandrum sativum, carefully harvested to preserve their essential
properties and aromatic compounds.

Key Constituents
Chemical constituents: Coriander fruits contain volatile oil 1%. The principal constituents of the volatile oil are
Dlinalool 6570%) and pinene. The other constituents are:
• Phellandrene

• Geraniol

• Borneol

• Fixed oils

• p-cymene

• Malic acid

• α and ẞ-terpinene

• Terpinene
Coriander Oil Uses
Medicinal Properties

Coriander is aromatic, stimulant, carminative, diuretic and stomachic.

Health Benefits

It is used to reduce skin inflammation, to control blood pressure and diabetes and to prevent

anemia and arthritis.

Flavoring Agent

It is used as flavoring agent to conceal the odor of other medicines.

 Sandalwood Oil: Heartwood's Aromatic Gift
Main Constituent

Biological Source The main odourous and medicinal constituent of sandalwood oil is
santalol (almost 90%, C15H24O. It is a mixture of a-santalol 5060%
Sandalwood oil is obtained by steam distillation from heart-wood of
2 and ẞ-santalol 2025%.
Santalum album. 1

3
5 Other Constituents
Additional Components
Hydrocarbons e.g., santene
4
Aldehyde e.g., noe-tricyclo-ekasantalol and Ketone e.g., l-santalone

Alcohols
Alcohols e.g., santenol & teresantalol
Uses of Sandalwood Oil

Perfume Industry Cosmetic Applications Traditional Medicine

In traditional medicine, sandalwood oil has
Sandalwood oils are widely used in perfume Sandalwood oil has a warm, woody odor and
been used as an antiseptic and astringent.
industry. is commonly used as a perfumes, soaps,

face cream, toiletries and powders.

Dermatological Benefits Ayurvedic Uses

The leaves and bark is used to treat In India, the essential oil, emulsion or paste

dandruff, lice and skin inflammation. of sandalwood is used in the treatment

common cold. Sandalwood has been used in

the traditional Ayurvedic mild stimulant and

for smoothing the skin. hemorrhoids and

scabies.
 Peppermint oil

Biological source
Peppermint consists of the dried leaves and flowering tops of Mentha piperita.

Main constituents
The peppermint oil contains volatile oil, resin, tannin and gum. The predominant constituent of
the volatile oil is Menthol 5090%.

Other compounds
I and d-menthone 10%, Cadinene, Isomenthone, Phellandrene, Neomenthone, Piperitone,
Menthofuran, Jasmone

Additional components
Methyl acetate, Cineole, α-pinene and ẞ-pinene, Amyl alcohol,
l-limonene, Acetic acid etc.
Uses of Peppermint Oil

Medicinal Applications
1 Used in flatulence, nausea and gastralgia

Antiseptic Properties
2
The oil has mild antiseptic and local anesthetic properties
2

Topical Applications
33 Used on the skin or mucous membrane as a counter-irritant, antiseptic and stimulant

4 Pain Relief
4
Used externally in rheumatism, neuralgia, congestive headache and toothache

Flavoring
5 Used as flavoring in pharmaceuticals, dental preparation, mouth washes,
drops, chewing gums, confectionary and alcoholic liqueurs

Adverse effects: Heartburn, dry mount, nausea & vomiting and diarrhea.
 Lavender
Biological source:
Lavender oil is obtained by rapid steam distillation from the freshly cut flowering tops and stalks of Lavandula angustifolia.

Chemical constituents:
The exact composition of lavender essential oil varies from species to species but consists primarily of monoterpeneoids and sesquiterpeneoids. Of these the major constituents of the oil are:

i. Linalool 30.6%

ii. ẞ-caryophyllene 4.7%

iii. Linalyl acetate 14.2%

iv. Lavandulyl acetate 4.4%

v. Geraniol 5.3%

Other components which are also present in low to moderate quantites are: Terpinen-4-ol,
Lavandulo, 1, 8-cineole, Camphor etc.
Uses of Lavender

1 Medicinal Uses
2 Other Health Benefits
3 Topical Applications

Lavender is used for restlessness, nervousness, It is also used for cancer and to promote Lavender is applied to the skin for hair loss, pain and

depression and digestive complaints including menstruation. to repel mosquitoes and other insects.

vomiting and upset stomach etc.

4 Culinary Uses
5 Industrial Applications

In foods and beverages, lavender is used as a flavor component. In manufacturing, lavender is used in pharmaceutical products and as a fragrance

ingredient in soaps, cosmetics, perfumes and decorations.

 Cinnamon Leaf / Bark

Biological Source
Cinnamon oil is obtained by the stem distillation of dried leaves

and bark of Cinnamomum cassia, Cinnamomum loureirii or

Cinnamomum zeylanicum.

Primary Constituents
Cinnamon contains volatile oil 16%, mucilage, calcium

oxalate, sugar and starch. The principal constituent of volatile

oil is cinnamic aldehyde(C6H5CHCHCHO 6075%.

Other Components
Other components identified are: i. Euginol 4%) ii. Pinene iii.

Phellandrene iv. A variety of resinous compounds e.g.,

cinnamate, cinnamic acid. v. Numerous essential oils e.g.,

cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, caryophyllene, terpineol, 1

borneol etc.
Cinnamon Uses and Side Effects

Aromatic Properties 1
Cinnamon has aromatic, antioxidant, astringent, stimulant, anti-inflammatory and

carminative properties.
Digestive Benefits
2
It is useful for checking nausea and vomiting.

Culinary Use
3
It is employed as a flavoring agent.

Antimicrobial Effects
4
It has antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antidiarrheal property.

Other Health Benefits 5

It is also used to improve gut health, reduce blood pressure and relieve digestive

discomfort.
Side Effects
6
May cause mouth sores, liver damage, low blood sugar, breathing problems; increase

the risk of cancer and interact with certain medications.

 Lemon peel

Biological Source
Lemon peel is obtained from the fresh ripe fruit of Citrus limon Linn. or Citrus medica Linn.

Chemical Composition
Lemon peel contains volatile oil 25%, vitamin C, hesperidin, mucilage, pectin and calcium oxalate.

Primary Constituents
The principal constituents of volatile oil are:

i. Limonene 90%

ii. Citronellal

iii. a-pinene

iv. Citral

v. Camphene

vi. Terpineol
Linalool Methyl heptanone
vii. Linalool

viii. Methyl heptanon etc.

Uses of Lemon Peel

Culinary Applications Therapeutic Properties

Digestive Benefits
• Flavoring – Adds zest to • Reduce cholesterol
Lemon peel is carminative and levels, and blood pressure.
dishes, desserts, and
stomachic. drinks. • Help to treat gallstones
• Preserved Lemon Peels – • Help with weight loss.
Used in pickles, jams, and • antimicrobial and antifungal
chutneys.
• Infused Oil or Vinegar – properties.
Enhances flavor in
cooking

Side effects: Lemon peel can causes skin irritation, tooth decay, Sunlight sensitivity and heartburn etc
 Ketons

SPEARMINT
•Biological Source: Dried leaves and flowering tops of Mentha spicata or Mentha cordiata
•Chemical Constituents:
Total 63 chemical compounds in spearmint oil
Main constituent:
• Carvone (50-55%)
Other constituents:
• Limonene (20-25%)
• Phellandrene
• Dipentene
• α-Pinene
• Dihydrocarveol acetate
• Cineol (4-4.5%)
 Carvone Limonene

Usage:
• Flavoring agent, spice, carminative
• Stimulant, digestive, spasmolytic, diuretic
•Used for fever, vomiting, bronchitis
•Employed as a lotion for aphthae
•Green leaves used in chutney, vinegar, jellies, cold drinks
•Widely used in the chewing gum industry
 CARAWAY

•Biological Source: Biennial herb, dried ripe fruits of Carum carvi

•Chemical Constituents:
Principal volatile oil (4-7%) components:
•Carvone (50-60%)
•Carvene
•Oxygenated oil carveol
•Dihydrocarveol
Other Constituents:
• Fixed oil (8-20%), Proteins, Calcium oxalate, Resins, Tannins, Sugars, Mucilage
 Carvone Dihydrocarveol

Usages:
•Effective in treating fungal infections and Candida infections.
•Both fruit and oil have aromatic, stimulant, and carminative properties.
•Acts as an anti-hyperglycemic and anti-cancer agent.
•Helps in reducing anxiety, tension and bloating.
 Phenols

Clove
Biological Source: Cloves are the dried flower buds of Syzygium
aromaticum.
Chemical Constituents:
• Eugenol
• Eugenyl acetate
• β-Caryophyllene
• Tannins
• Flavonoids
• Oleanolic acid
• Gallic acid
• Methyl salicylate
• oleic acid
• linoleic acid
 Eugenol Eugenyl acetate

Usage:
• Used as an antiseptic & analgesic (especially in dental care)
• Cloves are used as carminative & stimulant
• Used as antimicrobial agent
• Cloves are used as a flavoring agent in toothpaste, soaps, or cosmetics.
 Ajowan
Biological Source:Ajowan is the ripe dried seeds of Trachyspermum ammi.

Chemical Constituents:
• Carvacrol
• p-Cymene
• γ-Terpinene
• α-Pinene
• Fixed oils
• Flavonoids
• Tannins
• Saponins
• Oleic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Palmitic acid.
 Carvacrol p-Cymene

Usage:
• Used as a digestive stimulant & carminative.
• Used as antimicrobial & antifungal.
• Used as anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator agent.
• Used as an expectorant in emphysema & bronchial pneumonia.
 Ethers

Fennel
•Biological Source: Fennel consists of the dried ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.,
belonging to the family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae).

Chemical Constituents:
•Volatile oils (Anethole, Fenchone)
•Flavonoids
•Fixed oils
•Proteins
 Anethole Fenchone

Uses:
•Carminative (relieves bloating and gas)
•Digestive stimulant
•Expectorant (helps in respiratory conditions)
•Antimicrobial properties
 Nutmeg
•Biological Source: Nutmeg is the dried seed kernel of Myristica fragrans Houtt., belonging to the
family Myristicaceae.

•Chemical Constituents:
•Volatile oils (Myristicin, Elemicin, Safrole)
•Fixed oils
•Lignans
•Resins
 Myristicin

Uses:
•Carminative and digestive aid
•Mild sedative and aphrodisiac
•Used in flavoring foods and beverages
•Has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
 Peroxides

Chenopodium
Biological Source: Chenopodium consists of the dried aerial parts or seeds of
Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn., belonging to the family Chenopodiaceae.

Chemical Constituents:
•Volatile oils (Ascaridole, Limonene, p-Cymene)
•Flavonoids
•Alkaloids
 Ascaridole Limonene

Uses:
•Anthelmintic (used for expelling intestinal worms)
•Antispasmodic
•Used in traditional medicine for digestive and respiratory ailments
 WINTERGREEN OIL

Biological Source: Extracted from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens

(Wintergreen) or Betula lenta (Sweet Birch).
Chemical constituents:
Methyl salicylate is the main component of wintergreen oil, making up
about 98% of the oil. It's also found in other essential oils.
Other components are-
Limonene, β-pinene, α-pinene, sabinene, myrcene, Fenchone and
menthone
Linalool, phenol, vetispirane, and ethyl salicylate
Elsholtzia ketone and β-dehydroelsholtzia ketone
 Methyl salicylate Limonene

Uses:
• Analgesic (pain reliever, used in muscle and joint pain)
•Anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling and stiffness)
•Rubefacient (produces a warming effect, used in balms)
•Antirheumatic (beneficial in arthritis and gout)
•Used in liniments, ointments, and sports pain relief creams