- Mevalonate pathway leading to sesquiterpenes
- Methyl-erithrytol-pathway leading to mono- and diterpenes
- Shikimic acid pathway en route to phenylpropenes

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Essential oils (EOs) are very fascinating natural plant products and have different biological properties. “Biological” includes all activities that these mixtures of volatile compounds (mainly mono- and sesquiterpenoids, benzenoids, phenylpropanoids,
etc.) exert on humans, animals, and other plants.

Essential Oils (EOs)

Baser, K. H. C., & Buchbauer, G. (2009). Handbook of essential oils: science, technology, and applications. CRC press.

Handbook of essential oils: science, technology, and applications

- Industrial 
- Laboratory-Scale 
- Microsampling

Essential Oils extraction techniques

Main biosynthetic pathways yield to (EOs)

- Food flavorings
- Feed additives
- Cosmetics and perfumes
- Air fresheners and deodorizers
- Pharmacy, balneology, massage, and homeopathy
- Aromatherapy and aromachology
- Biocides and insect repellents

Usages of Essential Oils

"Product obtained from vegetable raw material—either by distillation with water or steam or—from the epicarp of Citrus fruits by a mechanical process, or—by dry distillation" (ISO/DIS 9235.21997, p. 2).

International Standards Organization (ISO) definition of an Essential Oil

- Climate
- Soil quality and preparation
- Water stress and drought
- Insect stress and microorganisms
- Location of oil cells
- Types of biomass used
- Timing of the harvest

Factors influencing EOs production

- Generally, high production of English lavender(true Lavender) essential oil needs a warm and dry climate and medium altitudes (700–1200 m).
- For inflorescences of English lavender(true Lavender), the essential oil content is higher in button and preanthesis/anthesis.
- The majority of essential oil is obtained from the flowers, but leaves have also a lower amount of EOs. In the case of English lavender, flowers' Oil is 4-5 times higher than the leaves' oil and has a finner fragrance.
- Prolonged storage of dried lavender flowers before hydrodistillation reduces the essential oil content by about 0.007%/day, or around 2.56%/year.
- True lavender EO has a sweet floral, herbaceous, refreshing odour with a pleasant,
balsamic-wood undertone, and a fruity-sweet top note.

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