Essential Oils: Sustainable Extraction Techniques and Nutraceuticals Perspectives

Essential oils in their unadulterated form, can be primarily classified into two fundamental chemical constituents, namely: hydrocarbons, oxygenated and terpenoidal bioactive compounds. The biochemical characteristics of essential oils exhibit significant variations contingent upon the specific extraction methods employed. While traditional techniques such as cold pressing, hydro-distillation, and maceration have long been prevalent, they are not without their drawbacks, such as lower yield, the potential for degradation of thermolabile compounds, and concerns regarding the environmental impact of solvent usage. In the pursuit of sustainable and effective extraction, modern methodologies have risen to prominence, including microwave-assisted, supercritical, and ultrasonic extraction techniques. These innovative approaches have circumvented the inherent limitations of conventional methods, offering novel possibilities for harnessing the full potential of essential oils. This chapter offers a brief review of both classical and contemporary extraction techniques, shedding light on their influence over the biochemical properties of essential oils. Furthermore, it delves into the promising perspectives of utilizing these oils in for nutraceutical applications, underscoring their potential for enhancing human well-being.