Essential Oils as Antimicrobial and Food Preservatives

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites produced by aromatic and medicinal plants. These oils have a wide range of applications in the culinary, perfume, antimicrobial and food industries. Because of several reported side effects of synthetic oils, the use of essential oils as antimicrobials and food preservatives is a source of concern. For cereals, grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, essential oils have the potential to be employed as a food preservative. When compared to synthetic compounds, EOs derived from safe natural sources and are effective for human health. This chapter will shed light on some medicinal plants that are rich in essential oils, as well as their antimicrobial properties. Because essential oils are rich in a number of active ingredients [e.g., terpenes, terpenoids, carotenoids, coumarins, curcumins] that are important in food industry, they have strong antimicrobial and food preservation. As a result of the diverse properties of essential oils, they can be used in a natural, safe, eco-friendly, cost-effective and renewable manner. Examples of some foodborne diseases will also be highlighted.