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Essential Oils As Therapeutics

Essential Oils As Therapeutics

Article Essential oils as Therapeutics

S C Garg Department of Chemistry Dr. Harisingh Gour University, Sagar 470 003, Madhya Pradesh, India E-mail: [email protected] Kingdom. British nurses are insured by the Abstract Royal College of Nurses to use essential Essential oils are the volatile secondary plant metabolites which mainly oils both topically and inhalation for consist of terpenoids and benzenoids. Research in the later half of 20th century improved patient care. Lavender oil with has revealed that many curative properties attributed to various plants in its mild sedative powers is being tested as indigenous are also present in their essential oils. These oils exert a a drug replacement to treat older patients number of general effects from the pharmacological viewpoint. When applied suffering insomnia, anxiety and depression locally, the essential oils mix readily with skin oils, allowing these to attack the and to make terminal care patients more infective agents quickly and actively. Therapeutic properties of various essential comfortable. In New York hospitals oils based on folklore, experiences and claims of aromatherapists and scientific oil is released under patient’s noses to help studies have been summarised in this review. In vitro studies conducted by the them relax before an MRI scan. Italian author on and anthelmintic properties of some essential oils have research has shown it to relieve anxiety also been discussed. and fear. Keywords: Essential oils, Therapeutics, , Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic. Modes of usage IPC Code; Int. cl.7 ⎯ C11B 9/00, A61P/00, A61P 31/00, A61P 33/10 Inhalation for respiratory tract infections and physiological effect, topical Introduction anointments. In 1928, a French chemist application for burns, skin and muscular Dr. Rene Gattefosse, while working on problems, compress for swellings and are the gift of essential oils badly burned his hand in ingestion for intestinal complaints are ‘Mother Nature’ to its children, the laboratory and desperately plunged it into some suitable modes. Taking a bath in mankind. The fragrance of myriad flowers the nearest vat containing lavender oil. He water with few drops of some essential oils and enchants man, elevates the was astonished to see how quickly the pain is also very useful. with 1-3% (few mood and leads to feeling good. Essential ceased having no blisters and the skin drops) of essential oils in cold pressed oils, the secondary plant metabolites, and healed quickly than normal without carrier oils (vegetable oils) is another the most sublime extractive of plants, forming a scar. Later on he studied the mode of application of essential oils. found their way from . therapeutic benefits of essential oils and Except lavender and oils which Inhaling the aromas for therapeutic coined the word “Aromatherapie” (the are very mild, the essential oil should be purposes and then use of essential oils in anglicized form is Aromatherapy) and used after dilution in carrier oils or whatever way they are useful in therapy published first treatise on aromatherapy inhaled directly from a cotton wool or became the basis of aromatherapy. The in 19371. Thus, Aromatherapy is defined floating on the top of hot water. As essential recorded history of ancient civilizations as the use of essential oils for therapeutic oils have specific effects they are also used indicate the use of aromatic plants like purposes. in various combinations working in lavender, cedar and cypress for curing Aromatherapy has been accepted harmony having synergistic effect on the ailments, offerings to deities and as a part of nursing care in the United body.

18 Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 Article Therapeutics properties of lavender oil obtained from the flowering drops in a bath of warm water before bed some essential tips of the evergreen shrub, has been used time will relieve anxiety and alleviate oils in and aromatherapy. Lavender insomnia while having the bath with cool oil is rich in linalyl acetate, geraniol and water instead, will make one feel refreshed Therapeutic cineole. It is a natural , , and energized. properties of various anti-depressant and sedative. It is often Tea tree, essential oils based on used to treat scalds, minor burns, cuts, alternifolia Cheel () oil : folklore, experiences grazes, inflammation, eczema, dermatitis, It was used as a by Australian and claims of headaches, insomnia, , , soldiers during first world war. It was a aromatherapists and boils, rheumatism4, , leucorrhoea, part of the first aid kits of Australian 6, 8, 9 scientific studies have Lavender dysmenorrhoea and stretch marks . soldiers for bites and infections during the been summarised in this (Lavendula Lavender reduces anxiety, stress and second world war. Commercial houses review2-20. officinalis) tension and therefore it is used for claim it to be the greatest natural antiseptic Lavender, Lavandula calming, soothing and relaxation10. It is of the world. Aromatherapy claims it to angustifolia Mill. syn. L. officinalis used by way of vapours from oil burners, be effective in clearing colds and sour Chaix (Lamiaceae) oil: For centuries massage, bath water and inhaler. A few throat if its vapours are inhaled through

Rose (Rosa damascena) Sandal tree (Santallum album)

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Tea tree () () Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 19 Article steam. Mouth sores and gingivitis can be The oil is extracted by steam or successfully from as early as 1789. checked by the mouth wash made by hydrodistillation from and . Jasmine, Jasminum putting a few drops of the into India is the biggest exporter of this oil. It officinale Linn. (Oleaceae) oil: a cup of warm water. It is ascribed with supports the lymphatic system, nervous Jasmine was introduced in Europe from anti-inflammatory properties. The oil acts and cardiovascular system and relieves the India and Persia. It is best known for as an antiseptic for treating boils, rashes, symptoms of sciatica and lumbago. It has its use in perfumes. Benzyl acetate, linalyl cuts and scrapes as well as insects bites, been found to help remove negative acetate, geraniol, linalool and jasmone stings and carbuncles. It can be applied programming from the cells and increases are its main constituents. It is beneficial directly to the skin. The oil promotes oxygen around the pituitary and pineal for the skin reducing problems such as healing of minor wounds and minimise glands9. removes dry, irritated or sensitive skin, muscle any future scarring. It has been shown depression, anxiety, nervousness, stress spasms, sprains, laryngitis, , effective against Methicillin Resistant and insomnia. It helps to soften dry, labour pain, frigidity, depression, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mature or wrinkled skin. It may also and nervous exhaustion. It induces bacteria12. Tea tree oil helps in regulating reduce irritation from hives and other relaxation9. Sebum production. A gel containing 5% rashes. Topical application helps remove Rose, Rosa × damascena tea tree oil has been shown as effective in acne and herpes. α- and β–Santolol and Mill. (Rosaceae) oil: Rose oil has a long the treatment of acne as a lotion with 5% santenone are main constituents of the history of medicinal and cosmetic use. It with far less scaling and sandalwood oil. Sandalwood oil has been is perhaps the most precious of all itching13. A solution containing 0.5% tea shown to have antiviral activity against essential oils obtained by steam tree oil could offer protection against 1 and 2. The essential distillation, enfleurage or solvent Pityrosporum ovale, a common oil appeared to interfere with the virus’s extraction form petals. Its invigorating dandruff causing and head lice. It ability to replicate17. fragrance is almost intoxicating and could check fungal infection under toe- Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus aphrodisiac like. It enhances the nails and bromhidrosis (smelly foot). The globulus Labill. (Myrtaceae) oil: The frequency of every cell, bringing balance oil has been shown effective against essential oil from the is rich in and harmony to the body. It is anti- Candida albicans and Trichomonas cineole and affects the respiratory system. haemorrhaging, anti-infectious and vaginalis, two of the organisms that It is antibacterial, , antiviral, prevents scarring. It may help in chronic cause vaginal infections14. Tampons anticatarrhal, mucolytic, expectorant and bronchitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, moistened with a few drops of the oil or antidepressant. Inhalation of the oil is depression, emotional shock, stress18, its douches for a week are recommended effective in asthma, bronchitis, colds, flu, tension, aged and dry skin, frigidity, for this purpose. The oil has been found catarrh and sinus infections8. For this impotence, wrinkles, thrush and effective in chronic cystitis. Cytotoxicity sprinkle a few drops of the oil on a damp gingivitis6, 9. evaluation of the oil using human cell lines cloth and hold it close to the nose and Rose oil passeries are being tried supports the use of tea tree oil in topical exhale through the mouth for about a as a contraceptive. It is stimulating and applications but not for ingestion minute. It sooths dry . Topical elevating to the mind, creating a sense of purposes15. Biological activity of tea tree application of the dilute oil is effective in well being. It is a muscle relaxant. It tones oil has been recently reviewed16. burns, warts, insect bites, lice, herpes and the capillaries, improves blood circulation Sandalwood, Santalum foot odour9. It combats skin infections to the skin surface and revitalises it, thus album Linn. (Santalaceae) oil: such as boils and pimples. Mixed with refreshing a person’s looks and increases Sandalwood oil has been used in Indian carrier oil it can be used as a to confidence. Ayurvedic system for centuries. It is reduce swellings and muscle aches and Basil, Ocimum basilicum renowned for its sublime, aphrodisiac, pains. It promotes alertness, clears the Linn. (Lamiaceae) oil: Basil is native diuretic and urinary antiseptic properties. mind. has been used of India where it is regarded as a sacred

20 Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 Article and used traditionally in Indian stimulates appetite and combats its main constituent bicyclic ether 1, system of medicine. Now it is grown in diarrhoea. It helps heal acne and reduces 8-cineole act as an activating, refreshing Mediterranean and European countries other types of skin inflammation. remedy against exhaustion. The locomotor also. The essential oil from the leaves and Roman , activity of the test animals increased inflorescence, extracted by steam Chamaemelum nobile (Linn.) All. significantly by inhalation of this ether or distillation, is rich in methyl chavicol and syn. Anthemis nobilis Linn. this oil2. Pregnant ladies, epileptic and linalool. It has been found to be beneficial (Asteraceae) oil: The oil may also be hypertensive persons should avoid its use. for alleviating mental fatigue, spasms, used as an anti-inflammatory but it is used , Juniperus , and as a first aid treatment for more often in aromatherapy as an communis Linn. (Cupressaceae) wasp stings and snake bites. It may also antispasmodic and sedative. oil: Juniper has long been known for its help when there is a loss of smell due to , Mentha antiseptic and diuretic properties. The chronic nasal catarrh9. It can be used as piperita Linn. (Lamiaceae) oil: The essential oil is obtained by steam a mouthwash for relieving . It mentha oil helps to reduce , nausea, distillation from the . The oil may has antibacterial and expectorant qualities vomiting and aids in respiratory function. work as a detoxifier, astringent and apart from being useful in the treatment It helps in headaches, migraines, motion cleanser, reducing dermatitis, oozing of ringworm and some skin diseases. sickness and sinusitis6, 8. It helps cooling eczema and acne. It has also been used to Coriander, Coriandrum the body during hot summer days. promote better nerve and sativum Linn. (Apiaceae) oil: The , menthone and cineole are the function8. It helps to reduce cellulite. oil has anti-inflammatory and main constituents of the oil. α–Pinene, sabinene and juniperene are sedative properties9. A communication Petitgrain, Citrus its important constituents. from Cairo University indicates that the oil aurantium Linn. (Rutaceae) oil: The Sweet Marjoram, Origanum lowers glucose levels by normalizing oil is obtained from the leaves and twigs majorana Linn. (Lamiaceae) oil: It insulin levels and supporting pancreas of the bitter orange tree. It has a gentle is calming to the respiratory system and function. The main constituents of the oil sedative action on inhalation and is useful assists in relieving spasms and migraine are linalyl acetate, carvacrol and linalool in cases of insomnia and fatigue. It re- headaches. It increases peristaltic oxide. establishes nerve equilibrium. Terpene movements of intestine. It is soothing to , Syzygium alcohols and linalyl acetate are the main nerves and works as diuretic8. Sabinene, aromaticum (Linn.) Merrill & Perry constituents of the oil. Lemon, orange and α–, terpinene–4–ol, geraniol and (Myrtaceae) oil: The oil of clove bud is other citrus oils improve mood and linalool are the main constituents of the oil. used as an antiseptic and anesthetic in increase alertness. , Thymus vulgaris mouth infections. It is used in European , Rosmarinus Linn. (Lamiaceae) oil: It has a hospitals to dental infections. It is also officinalis Linn. (Lamiaceae) oil: spasmolytic and antiseptic effect and it has used in thyroid dysfunction11, 15. Eugenol The oil is extracted by steam distillation been successfully administered is the main constituent of the oil. of leaves and flowering tops. The oil can precutaneously to babies suffering from Chamomile, Matricaria be used in arthritic pain6, 8, asthma, pertusis. Thymol, carvacrol and camphene recutita Linn. (Asteraceae) oil: Oil bronchitis, catarrh, memory loss, mental are its main constituents. Valnet20 found it from the flowers has chamazulene which fatigue and muscular pain. It may be to destroy anthrax and bacillus and a gives the oil its classical anti-inflammatory beneficial for skin conditions and dandruff stronger antiseptic than phenol. , properties which have been shown and may help fight candida and support borneol, thymol and menthol are said to comparable to hydrocortisone19. It is immune system. It is a carminative also. possess stronger bactericidal properties renowned for its calming ability and skin α–Pinene, camphene, borneol, bornyl than those of phenol. Borneol was used care. It may help in leg cramps, muscle acetate, camphor and cineole are the main as a prophylactic to plague in middle ages. tension, insomnia and . It constituents of the oil. Rosemary oil and The active bactericidal constituent of the

Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 21 Article essential oil of garlic, allicin, retains its aureus, Salmonella typhi, coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, effect even in dilution of 1:1,25,00. The Aspergillus sp., Chrysosporium Shigella shiga, Staphylococcus sp., oil of wintergreen mainly containing indicum, Trichophyton Proteus vulgaris, Trichoderma methyl salicylate is used topically in the mentagrophytes 23. The oil has exhibited viride and Trichophyton rubrum, have treatment of rheumatism. good anthelmitic activity against been found susceptible for the oil29. Essential oils of Juniper berries Pheritma posthuma (earthworm), communis Linn. and dwarf pine needles acted in the same Taenia solium (tape worms) and (Myrtaceae): The oil from the leaves of way against exhaustion. Contingent Ascaris lumbricoides (round Myrtus communis var. microphylla negative variation (CNV) (it is a slow worms)24. caused strong inhibition to the growth of upward shift in brain waves recorded by Capillipedium foetidium Trichoderma viride, Candida the electro encephalogram EEG) studies (Poaceae): The oil has shown strong albicans, C. utilis and Aspergillus have showed that jasmine oil brought antibacterial and antifungal efficacy25. niger which cause dermatitis30. about an effect similar to the Curcuma longa Linn. Pavonia odorata Willd. administration of caffeine, i.e. an increase (Zingiberaceae): The essential oil is (Malvaceae): The oil has shown strong CNV after inhalation where as lavender oil effective against the conditions caused by anthelmintic activity against tapeworms caused CNV to decrease, similar to the Aspergillus sp., Bacillus subtilis, and roundworms24. Staphylococcus administration of tranquillizers, thus Corynebacterium diphtheriae, aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, leading to a sedation3. Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Trichophyton mentagorophytes, typhi and Escherichia coli 26. Chrysosporium indicum and Antimicrobial and anthelmintic Elettaria cardamomum Botrydiplodia sp. were also reported Maton (Zingiberaceae): The essential susceptible to the oil31. activities of some essential oil oil contains: cineole, 30.7; , Piper betle Linn. cv. ‘Sagar bearing plants 14.3; and terpenyl acetate, 28.1%. bangla’ (Piperaceae): Cultivar ‘Sagar Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacterium bangla’ is highly active against the Anacardium occidentale diphtheriae, Staphylococcus aureus, Keratinophilic fungi and bacterial Linn. (Anacardiaceae): On Salmonella typhi, Shigella sp., organisms, Bacillus subtilis, B. neuropharmacological studies the oil has Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger, pumulus, Staphylococcus aureus, been found to be CNS depressant on the A. fumigatus, Rhizopus oryzae, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio basis of its activity on behaviour, sodium Fusarium psidi and Curvularia cholerae. The essential oil was also found pentobarbitone induced hypnosis, rota lunata were found susceptible to the oil27. to be more effective against tapeworms rod performance, conditioned avoidance Eupatorium triplinerve (Taenia solium) and hookworms response and pain threshold of albino Vahl (Asteraceae): The oil from the (Bunostomum trigonocephalum) rats21. The oil has shown strong flowers is rich in thymohydroquinone than the synthetic anthelmintics, antibacterial activity against dimethyl ether (50.36%). It has shown Piperazine phosphate and Hexyl Pseudomonas mangiferae, P. good in vitro efficacy against Bacillus resorcinol32. aeruginosa, Salmonella sp., subtilis, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Zingiber officinale Rosc. Bacillus mycorides, Vibrio cholerae Vibrio cholerae and helminths, (Zingiberaceae): The oil has strong and Xanthomonas campestris 22. Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia activity against, Artemisia pallens Wall. ex solium28. Periplaneta americana and Bruchus DC. (Asteraceae): The essential oil has Feronia limonia (Linn.) pisorum33. strong antimicrobial activity against Swingle syn. F. elephantum Correa Essential oils isolates, cumaldehyde Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, (Rutaceae): The essential oil is very rich (Cuminum cyminum Linn.), Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus in methyl chavicol 68.3%, Escherichia 1,8-cineole [Luvunga scandens

22 Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 Article

(Roxb.) Buch.-Ham. ex Wight], against many pathogenic fungal in various problems and diseases is given caryophyllene and eugenol (Ocimum organisms34. in Table 19. sanctum Linn.) possess strong activity A summary of essential oils used

Table 1 : Summary of essential oils used in various diseases/problems

S.No. Diseases/other problems Essential oils

1. Abcesses Lavender, Tea tree. 2. Accumulation of toxins Birch, Carrot seed, Juniper. 3. Acne Bergamot, Chamomile, Geranium, Lavender, Palmarosa, , Sandalwood, Tea tree. 4. Amenorrhoea (missing or scanty period) Basil, Clary sage, Marjoram. 5. Anxiety Lavender, Chamomile, Tea tree, Geranium. 6. Arthritis Birch, , Chamomile, Eucalyptus, , Juniper, Rosemary. 7. Asthma Clary sage, Cypress, , Lavender, Marjoram. 8. Boils Bergamot, Chamomile, Lavender. 9. Bronchial infections (including colds, flu Basil, , Cajeput, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, and bronchitis) Frankincense, Ginger, Lavender, Marjoram, Myrtle, Peppermint, Pine needle, Sandalwood, Tea tree, Thyme. 10. Bruises, Burns , Marjoram. 11. Cold sores Bergamot, Eucalyptus, Tea tree. 12. Constipation Rose, Fennel. 13. Cystitis Bergamot, Lavender, Sandalwood. 14. Dandruff Lavender, Eucalyptus, Tea tree. 15. Depression Basil, Bergamot, Lavender, Lime, Sandalwood. 16. Dermatitis Birch, Chamomile, Lavender, Palmarosa, Basil. 17. Eczema Bergamot, Birch, Chamomile, Lavender, Melissa, Patchouli. 18. Fevers Eucalyptus, Lemongrass. 19. Griping pains , Peppermint. 20. Gout Benzoin, Carrot seed, Juniper, Lemon, Rosemary. 21. Basil, Chamomile, Lavender, Tea tree. 22. Insect repellent Lemongrass, Citronella, Lavender. 23. Insomnia Chamomile, Lavender, Marjoram.

Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 23 Article

S.No. Disease/other problems Essential oils

24. High BP Lavender, Ylang Ylang. 25. Leucorrhoea (white vaginal discharge) Bergamot, Lavender, . 26. Menopause (hot flushes, mood swings) Cypress, Chamomile, Fennel. 27. Migraine Lavender. 28. Muscular aches and Pains Basil, Black pepper, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary. 29. Nausea Cardamom seed, Chamomile. 30. Pruritis Bergamot, Myrrh, Tea tree. 31. Psoriasis Bergamot, Birch. 32. Pyorrhoea Fennel. 33. Haemorrhoids (Piles) Cypress, Parsley seed. 34. Sprains and Strains Chamomile, Lavender. 35. Herpes Tea tree, Sandalwood. 36. Stretch marks Mandarin, Lavender. 37. Rheumatism Benzoin, Birch, Chamomile, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Juniper, Lavender, Marjoram, Rosemary. 38. Scars Frankincense, Petitgrain, Lavender. 39. Vaginitis Tea tree. 40. Verrucas, Corns and Warts Lemon, Tea tree. 41. Vertigo Lavender, Peppermint. 42. Worms Chenopodium.

Practical guidelines to use the painful area of abdomen in a of steaming hot water and inhale the essential oils in some common health clockwise circulatory motion for few steam for 10 minutes. problems are: minutes. • Headache (from cold or allergic • Abdominal pain: Add 2 drops of • : Mix 3 drops of cedar wood, rhinitis): Pour 2 drops each of sweet bitter orange and 2 drops to 2 drops peppermint oil and 1 drop of marjoram, lavender and peppermint 2 cups of hot water and inhale the cajuput oil with 2 teaspoons of olive oils on a tissue and inhale deeply 3 times. fragrant vapours. Alternatively add 2 oil and massage on to throat and drops of peppermint oil, 2 drops of chest. • Nose bleeding: Cypress oil helps bitter orange, and 2 drops of caraway stop blood loss. Put a few drops on a oil in one teaspoon of a cold pressed • Earache: Add 4 drops of lavender, cotton wool ball and hold under the carrier oil and smooth this gently over cajuput or chamomile oil in half a litre nose to stop bleeding.

24 Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 Article Conclusion 5. Buchbauer G and Jirovetz L, peroxide in the treatment of acne, Aromatherapy – use of fragrances Med J Aust, 1990, 153, 455-458. As such there is reasonable and essential oils as medicaments, 14. Belaiche P, Treatment of skin and evidence that aromatherapy has scientific Flavour Fragr J, 1994, 9, vaginal infections with the essential basis and is gaining acceptance under 217-222. oil of Melaleuca alternifolia, holistic system of healing. European 6. Gwydion O’Hara, The magic of Phytotherapie, 1985, 15, 9-17. physicians and aromatherapists now aromatherapy, (Llewellyn frequently prescribe essential oils for a Publications, St. Paul, Minnesota), 15. Hayes AJ, Leach David N and variety of complaints including colds and 1998. Markham LJ, In vitro cytotoxicity stuffy nose, sinusitis, insomnia, migraine, of Australian tea tree oil using muscle aches and pains and digestive 7. Lawless J, Essential oils, the human cell lines, J Essent Oil problems. complete guide to the use of oils in Res, 1997, 9(5), 575-582. aromatherapy and herbalism, References (Element Book Ltd., Dorert, 16. Garg SC, A review on biological Massachusetts), 1999. activity of the tea tree oil, Indian Perfum, 2004, 48(2), 195-197. 1. Gattefosse M, Gattefosse’s 8. McDermott Alistair (Ed), Curing Aromatherapy [Aromatherapie “ les 17. Benevicca F and Courreges M, everyday ailments – The natural way, huiles esentieles Antiviral activity of sandalwood oil (Readers Digest, Sydney), 2000, vegetables”]. Tisserand R, Ed. Davies against Herpes simplex viruses 1 pp. 31, 331. L translator Saffron Walder (CW and 2, Phytomedicine, 1999, Daniel Co. Ltd., UK), 1993. 9. Singh Babita, Aromatherapy : The 6(2), 119-123. best way to relax using essential oils, 2. Kovar KA, Gropper B, Fries D and Agric Watch, 2001, 1(4), 50-62. 18. Rimmer L, The chemical use of Ammon HPT, Blood levels of 1,8– aromatherapy in the reduction of cineole and locomotor activity of 10. Buckle J, Aromatherapy: What is it, stress, Home Healthcare Nurse, mice after inhalation and oral Herbalgram, 2003, 57, 50-56. 1998, 16(2), 123-126. administration of rosemary oil, Planta Med, 1987, 53, 315-318. 11. Ludvigson H and Rottman T, Effects 19. Aerteets P, Albring M and Klascheka of ambient odours of lavender and F, Pharmacological investigations 3. Torii S, Fukuda H, Kanemoto H, on cognition, stress and with compounds of chamomile: Miyanchi R, Hamauzu Y and mood, Chem Sense, 1989, 14, Investigations on the antiphlogistic Kawasaki M, Contingent negative 525-536. effects of chamazulene and variation (CNV) and the matricine, Planta Med, 1985, 49, psychological effects of odour, In: 12. Carson CF, Cookson BD, Farrelly HD 67-73. Perfumery, The Psychology and and Riley TV, Susceptibility of Biology of Fragrance. St Van Toller methicillin resistant 20. Valnet J, The practice of and GH Dodd, eds. (Chapman & Staphylococcus aureus to the aromatherapy, (Healing Arts Press, Hall, London), 1988, 11, 107-120. essential oil of Melaleuca Rochester), 1990. alternifolia, J Antimicrob 4. Jager W, Buchbauer G, Jiroveta L and Chemother, 1995, 35, 421-424. 21. Garg SC and Kasera HL, Fritzer M, Percutaneous absorption Neuropharmacological studies of of lavender oil for a massage oil, 13. Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL and essential oil of Anacardium J Soc Cosmet Chem, 1992, Barnetson RS, A comparative study occidentale, Fitoterapia, 1984, 43(1), 49-54. of tea tree oil versus benzoyl 55 (3), 131-136.

Natural Product Radiance Vol 4(1) January-February 2005 25 Article

22. Garg SC and Kasera HL, Antibacterial Pharmazie, 1984, 39(1), 64; 30. Garg SC and Dengre SL, Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Antifungal efficacy of some essential efficacy of the essential oil of Anacardium occidentale, oils, 1988, ibid, 43, 141-142. Myrtus communis, Herba Indian Perfum, 1984, 28(2), Hung, 1988, 27 (2–3), 123-125. 95-97. 26. Garg SC and Jain RK, Antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of 31. Garg SC and Nakhare S, 23. Nakhare S and Garg SC, Curcuma longa, Indian Antimicrobial efficacy of essential oil Antimicrobial activity of the essential Perfum, 2003, 47(2), 199-202. of Pavonia odorata Wild., oil of Artemisia pallens Wall., Ancient Sci Life, 1992, 12 (1-2) Indian Perfum, 1996, 40(4), 27. Garg SC and Jain RK, Antimicrobial 227-230. 116-118. efficacy of essential oil of Elettaria cardamomum, Indian Perfum, 32. Garg SC and Jain Rajshree, 24. Garg SC, Anthelmintic activity of 2001, 45(2), 115-117. Biological activity of the essential oil some medicinal plant products, of Piper betle L. J Essent Oil In: Recent Progress in Medicinal 28. Garg SC and Nakhare S, Studies on Res, 1992, 4, 600-606. Plants Vol. II - Phytochemistry the essential oil from flowers of and , Eds. S Singh, Eupatorium triplinerve, Indian 33. Garg SC and Banerjee AK, Insect and VK Singh and JN Govil, (Research Perfum, 1993, 37(4), 318-323. pest control activity of essential oils, Periodicals and Book Publishing Indian Perfum, 1997, 41(2), 29. Garg SC, Antimicrobial activity of the 69-80. House, Houston), 2003, 207–217. essential oil of Feronia 25. Garg SC and Dangre SL, elephantum Correa, Indian J 34. Garg SC and Siddiqui N, Antifungal Antimicrobial activity of the essential Pharm Sci, 2001, 63(2), activity of some essential oil isolates, oil of Capillipedium foetidum, 155-157. Pharmazie, 1992, 47, 467-468. Antibacterial properties and potential applications of essential oils in foods Recently Sara Burt at Department organisms are slightly less susceptible than 0.5–20 µl/g in foods and about 0.1–10 of Public Health and Food Safety, Faculty Gram positive . A number of EO µl/ml in solutions for washing fruit and of Veterinary Medicine, University of components have been identified as vegetables. Physical conditions that Utrecht, The Netherlands has published a effective antibacterials, e.g. carvacrol, improve the action of EOs are low pH, low review entitled, ‘Essential oils: their thymol, eugenol, perillaldehyde, temperature and low oxygen levels. antibacterial properties and potential cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid, Synergism has been observed between applications in foods’ which conclude that having minimum inhibitory carvacrol and its precursor p-cymene and in vitro studies have demonstrated concentrations (MICs) of 0.05–5 µl/ml between cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) in vitro. A higher concentration is needed Synergy between EO components and mild against Listeria monocytogenes, to achieve the same effect in foods. Studies preservation methods has also been Salmonella typhimurium, with fresh , meat products, fish, milk, observed. Some undesirable organoleptic Escherichia coli O157:H7, Shigella dairy products, vegetables, fruit and effects can be limited by careful selection dysenteria, Bacillus cereus and cooked rice have shown that the of EOs according to the type of food [Sara Staphylococcus aureus at levels concentration needed to achieve a Burt, Int J Food Microbiol, 2004, between 0.2 and 10 µl/ml. Gram negative significant antibacterial effect is around 94(3), 223-253].

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