Essential Oils—Third Edition

Dear Colleagues,

Following the success of the first and second Special Issues "Essential Oils 2021" and "Essential Oils II”, we are launching the third edition “Essential Oils—Third Edition” to invite the selected experts in this field.

Essential oils are natural secondary metabolites, produced by aromatic plants, which are responsible for their distinctive scents. These liquid, volatile, and often colorful compounds are soluble in organic solvents and are complex mixtures of terpenoids, primarily monoterpenes (C10) and sesquiterpenes (C15). Essential oils can be found in various plant organs, including buds, flowers, leaves, seeds, twigs, stems, fruits, roots, wood, or bark and can be obtained through mechanical pressing or distillation. These concentrated plant extracts retain the natural aroma and flavor of their botanical sources. The chemical composition of an essential oil can vary significantly, not only within the same plant species but also from one individual plant to another. This variability is influenced by a range of factors, such as genetic makeup, geographical origin, environmental conditions, nutritional status, the specific plant parts extracted (e.g., stem, leaf, flower, etc.), and the extraction methods employed.

Since ancient times, plant-derived essential oils have been an integral part of traditional medicine and pharmacopoeia, particularly for their antimicrobial properties. However, their biological activities extend far beyond their antimicrobial effects. Essential oils have been found to exhibit a diverse array of beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, spasmolytic, sedative, anti-cancer, insecticidal, and insect-repellent activities. In the natural world, essential oils play a crucial role in the protection and interactions of plants. Their allelopathic potential can influence not only other plants but also the microorganisms present within the same agro-ecosystems. Understanding the complex mechanisms underlying the biological activities of essential oils remains an ongoing challenge for researchers.

This Special Issue aims to bring together a diverse range of contributions that delve into the various aspects of essential oils. We invite original research, mini-reviews, comprehensive reviews, brief communications, and perspectives that address any of the following topics:

• Biosynthesis of essential oils within plants;
• The functional roles of essential oils in plant physiology and ecology;
• Elucidating the mechanisms of action of essential oils;
• Investigating the in vitro and in vivo biological activities of essential oils.

By exploring the multifaceted world of essential oils, this Special Issue seeks to advance our understanding of these remarkable plant-derived compounds and their potential applications in various fields, from medicine and agriculture to environmental science and beyond.

Dr. Laura De Martino
Guest Editor

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