Essential Oil 101 (11): Essential Oil Constituent Categories Part I
Few people appreciate how chemically complex essential oils are. They are rich tapestries of literally hundred of chemical components, however from nature, some of which --- even in small quantities --- contribute to their important therapeutic benefits.
We are by this series, introducing to you 15 categories of essential oil constituents. In this chapter, we are going to name the first FIVE, namely:
Note: Each essential oil may contain more than one of the many consituents, in anaylsing the therapeutic effects of an oil, the full spectrum of its constituents and their respective therapeutic effects have to be studied carefully.
1. Monoterpenes
Monoterpenes is the most common and is found in every essential oil. It is estimated that there are 1,000 different monoterpenes found in essential oils. Monoterpenes contain 10 carbons, have a name ending -ene Monoterpenes are highly volatile, meaning they evaporate quickly, and therefore often contribute to the top note in terms of perfumary, being those aromas that you smell first in the blend, but fade more quickly and before the middle and base notes. Essential oils high in monoterpenes include Angelica Root, Elemi, Nutmeg, Pine, Orange, Balsam Fir, Juniper, Frankincense, Ginger, Spruce, Bergamot, Rosemary and Basil, etc.
The therapeutic effects of monoterpenes include:
mucolytic and decongestant
analgesic
antiseptic
stimulant
tonic
antiviral
2. Sesquiterpenes
There are as many as 3,000 different sesquiterpenes are found in essential oils. This class of constituents contains 15 carbons and also have a name ending in -ene. A subset of the sesquiterpenes have a glorious blue colouration like in German Chamomile, Yarrow and Blue Cypress, which is the natural colour of the sesquiterpenes. Sesquiterpenes aren't as volatile as in monoterpenes, so essential oils with a higher percentage of sesquiterpenes are often middle or base notes. Woody smell is often the odour of essential oils rich in sesquiterpenes, such as Cedarwood, German Chamommile, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ginger, Vetiver, Blue Cypress, and Myrrh.
The therapeutic effects of sesquiterpenes include:
anti-inflammatory
antiseptic
antibacterial
calming
hypotensive
some are analgesic and anti-spasmodic
3. Alcohols
Alcohols are monoterpenols or sesquiterpenols, which contains a hydroxyl functional group -OH. The names of these constituents end in "-ol" such as Borneol is found in Lavandin; citronellol is in Rose; linalool is in Rosewood; α-terpineol and terpinen-4-ol are in Melaleuca; and lavandulol is in Lavender. Alcohols are also found in Eucalyptus and Fennel oils, as well as many more. Alcohols are energizing, cleansing, antiseptic, and anti-viral; they have a sweet floral aroma.
4. Phenols
Phenols are alcohols containing an aromatic ring. Like in monoterpenols and sesquiterpenols, they have a name ending in -ol. Common phenols found in essential oils are thymol (Thyme and Mountain Savory) and eugenol (Clove, Cinnamon, Basil, and Bay Laurel). Phenol is found in very minute quantities (<1%) in Cassia, Cinnamon, and Ylang Ylang. Essential oils with high percentage include Thyme, Oregano, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Leaf, Bay and Summer Savory.
The therapeutic effects of phenols include:
anti-microbial
immunostimulant
rubefacient*
tonic
stimulant
*can cause irriation to the skin, have to use with care; some phenols are super reactive and are highly irritating to the skin
5. Other terpenes
Diterpenes (20 carbons) are the heaviest molecules found in distilled essential oils. Jasmine essential oil contains about 14% diterpenes. Therapeutically, diterpenes have some of the same properties as sesquiterpenes and are considered to be expectorants and purgatives.
Triterpenes (30 carbons) and tetraterpenes (40 carbons) are larger molecules than diterpenes and are found mostly in the cold-pressed citrus oils of Orange, Tangerine, Lemon, Grapefruit and Lime and also in absolutes like Jasmine.
It was once believed that diterpene and triterpene molecules were too large to make it through distillation, but diterpenes like incensole have been documented in essential oils through GC-MS analyses, and triterpenic acids (such as boswellic acids) are detectable in Frankincense essential oil through High Performance Liquid Chromatrography (HPLC) testing.
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Continue reading:
Essential Oil 101 (12): Essential Oil Constituent Categories Part II
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Source：
1) Life Science Products and Publishing Essential Oils Desk References (8th Edition) LifeScience Products and Publishing
2) The Chemistry of Essential Oils, by David Stewart, Ph D
3) l'aromathérapie exactement by Pierre Franchomme and Daniel Pénoël
4) Advanced Aromatherapy Diploma, Centre of Excellence
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