The chemistry of essential oils

Daten

Offizielle Daten in der Fachveröffentlichung für das folgende akademische Jahr: 2026-2027

Thematik

Essential oils form a vital defense system for plants, helping to repel pests and attract pollinators. In human use, these complex compounds form the basis of aromatherapy, supporting physical and mental well-being. Due to their chemical diversity, they have significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising active ingredients in modern drug research. The active ingredients of the oils enter the bloodstream through inhalation or absorption through the skin, and some of their components are even able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Their use in modern therapies is seen as a natural alternative. The course provides an opportunity to learn about the latest research findings.

Vorlesungen

• 1.

  Introduction to the world of essential oils, historical overview

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 2.

  How is oil produced? Secondary metabolic processes in plants, biosynthesis pathways

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 3.

  Volatility and physical properties: Why do oils evaporate? Issues of polarity and solubility

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 4.

  Structure and basic properties of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, characteristic aroma profiles. Citrus fruits, pine trees, frankincense, tea tree, chamomile

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 5.

  Chemistry and characteristic aroma profiles of alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Lavender, geranium, lemongrass, cinnamon

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 6.

  Esters, oxides, phenols and phenylpropanoids, characteristic aroma profiles. Eucalyptus, thyme, oregano, clove

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 7.

  Basics of gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), their role in essential oil research

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 8.

  Chemical methods for detecting synthetic additives and dilution

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 9.

  Scent tasting; comparison of synthetic and natural scents

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 10.

  Chemistry in the body: Absorption, metabolism, and excretion of essential oils

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 11.

  Synergy and antagonism between components. Safety regulations

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó
• 12.

  Presentation and discussion of articles collected by students

  - Kőnigné Péter Anikó

Praktika

Seminare

Materialien zum Aneignen des Lehrstoffes

Obligatorische Literatur

Vom Institut veröffentlichter Lehrstoff

Skript

Empfohlene Literatur

Clinical Aromatherapy

K. Husnu Can Baser, Gerhard Buchbauer: Handbook of Essential Oils
Worwood, Valerie Ann: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Voraussetzung zum Absolvieren des Semesters

active participation, processing of a professional article

Semesteranforderungen

processing of a professional article

Möglichkeiten zur Nachholung der Fehlzeiten

One extra lesson

Prüfungsfragen

processing of a professional article

Prüfer

Praktika, Seminarleiter/innen

• Kőnigné Péter Anikó