Abstract
Natural raw materials such as essential oils have received more and more attention
in recent decades, whether in the food industry, as flavorings and preservatives,
or as insecticides and insect repellents. They are, furthermore, very popular as fragrances
in perfumes, cosmetics, and household products. In addition, aromatherapy is widely
used to complement conventional medicine. This review summarizes investigations on
the chemical composition and the most important biological impacts of essential oils
and volatile compounds extracted from selected aromatic blossoms, including Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria recutita, Rosa x damascena, Jasminum grandiflorum,
Citrus x aurantium, Cananga odorata, and Michelia alba. The literature was collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Blossom
essential oils discussed in this work are used in a wide variety of clinical issues.
The application is consistently described as safe in studies and
meta-analyses, although there are notes that using essential oils can also have side
effects, especially dermatologically. However, it can be considered as confirmed that
essential oils have positive influences on humans and can improve quality of life
in patients with psychiatric disorders, critically ill patients, and patients in other
exceptional situations. Although the positive effect of essential oils from blossoms
has repeatedly been reported, evidence-based clinical investigations are still underrepresented,
and the need for research is demanded.
Key words
Aromatherapy - odor - volatiles - health care
