A review on the versatile applications of plant-based essential oils in food flavoring, culinary uses and health benefits

作者：Alissar Hassid, Mohamed Salla, M. Krayem, Sanaa Khaled, Hussein F. Hassan, Sami El Khatib · 发表于：Discover Food · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1007/s44187-025-00417-3 · 被引用次数：27

Plant-based essential oils are complex natural products composed of volatile compounds with wide applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Their bioactive properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, make them promising candidates for food flavoring, preservation, and therapeutic uses. Variations in chemical composition are influenced by geographical, climatic, and extraction factors, necessitating further investigation into their functional roles. This review aims to explore the versatile applications of plant-based essential oils, emphasizing their use in food flavoring, culinary practices, and health benefits. The paper highlights their potential as natural preservatives, flavor enhancers, and bioactive agents, while also addressing challenges such as toxicity, allergenicity, and interactions with food components. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze studies on the extraction methods, chemical compositions, and biological activities of essential oils. Data was gathered to evaluate their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and preservative properties, along with their impact on food quality and safety. Essential oils exhibit significant antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, enabling their use as natural preservatives in food systems, active packaging, and edible coatings. Their incorporation into products such as cheese, ice cream, and beverages has demonstrated enhanced sensory attributes and prolonged shelf...