Biologically Active Compounds from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants for Industrial Applications

Medicinal and aromatic plants or MAPs can be defined as plants containing compounds with medicinal and aromatic properties that can have a positive effect on the human or animal body. In addition, medicinal and aromatic plants are known to contain biologically active compounds. Bioactive components obtained from these plants can be used in various industrial applications. These plants are effectively used in several fields such as health protection, nutritional supplements, essential oils, inks, paints, lubricants, cosmetics, plastics, and nutrition. Essential oils have a wide range of uses in the pharmaceutical, food, feed, and other sectors. In addition, oils from various aromatic plants are also used as lubricants. Another application of medicinal and aromatic plants is fabric coloring. The extracts of these plants are used to color fabrics as a natural and environmentally friendly alternative, while their flowers, leaves, or roots are used to make perfumes in the cosmetics industry. They can also be used as natural packaging materials in the food industry to extend shelf life. Medicinal aromatic plants have increased interest in the industry by offering economically and environmentally sustainable alternatives. This chapter aims to identify and examine the various uses of compounds derived from medicinal aromatic plants.