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The chemistry of essential oils

Data

Official data in SubjectManager for the following academic year: 2026-2027

Course director

Number of hours/semester

lectures: 12 hours

practices: 0 hours

seminars: 0 hours

total of: 12 hours

Subject data

  • Code of subject: ÚJ_OAF-IOK-T
  • 1 kredit
  • General Medicine
  • Optional modul
  • both semester
Prerequisites:

-

Course headcount limitations

min. 5 – max. 12

Available as Campus course for . Campus-karok: ÁOK GYTK TTK

Topic

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.

Lectures

  • 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

Practices

Seminars

Reading material

Obligatory literature

Literature developed by the Department

Notes

Recommended literature

Clinical Aromatherapy

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

Conditions for acceptance of the semester

active participation, processing of a professional article

Mid-term exams

processing of a professional article

Making up for missed classes

One extra lesson

Exam topics/questions

processing of a professional article

Examiners

Instructor / tutor of practices and seminars

  • Kőnigné Péter Anikó
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