Phytochemistry, Medicinal Uses, and Beneficial Nutritional Effects of Essential Oils

Abstract

Plants contain a considerable reservoir of secondary metabolites (flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils). These molecules exhibit variations in chemical structure as well as a very wide range of biological activities. Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites produced by aromatic plants. EOs contain bioactive molecules, mainly represented by monoterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The organoleptic properties and biological activities of EOs are distinguished by their respective compositions. They have long been recognized for their medicinal properties such as antibacterial, antifungal, bioherbicide, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and hepato-nephroprotective activities. These organic compounds also exert beneficial effects on the nutrition of ruminants, by modulating digestibility and reducing the emission of methane, a greenhouse gas. This chapter is devoted to the study of chemical composition, medicinal uses, and beneficial nutritional effects of essential oils.