IMPORTANCE OF VOLATILE OILS

SIGNIFICANCE:

Volatile oils have great significance for both the plant and human beings. The exact role of volatile oils in plants is not known. They are produced as a result of metabolism in the plant, however they are said to be important for;

(i) Insect repellant due to their specific odour, thus preventing the destruction of flowers.

(ii) They also serve as insect attractant, thus helping in cross-fertilization in plants.

There are three main uses of volatile oils in human life.

(i) They are used therapeutically.

(ii) They are used as flavoring agents.

(iii) They are used perfumery and cosmetics.

Therapeutically:

1. They are used as irritant. When applied to skin it produces dose dependent irritation, which may reach the range of severe inflammation and sometimes blisters as well.

2. They improve local circulation and this property is applied in making lotions and linaments e.g. camphor and turpentine.

3. They act as carminative e.g. oils from coriander, fennel, and cardamom. They improve digestion and appetite is increased.

4. They act as local anesthetics e.g. clove oil (applied to teeth).

5. When given internally it reduces the secretions of lungs, particularly the cough in asthma e.g. menthol in ammonium chloride syrup.

6. Some of them are used as antiseptic, anti bacterial and fungicidal. Eucalyptol oil and thymol (1: 100) are used in the growth of bacteria in foods.

7. They are employed as antihermatic e.g. chenopodium oil.