Basil Essential Oil: Methods of Extraction, Chemical Composition, Biological Activities, and Food Applications

In recent years, the search for alternatives to the use of synthetic chemical additives in food has led to an increase in research focused on essential oils (EOs). Among the EOs with food applications already described in the literature, the essential oil extracted from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) stands out, which presents several biological activities. This review was conducted to discuss the basil essential oil (BEO), presenting information on the different extraction methods and their influence on the compounds, in addition to presenting biological and toxicological aspects. The extraction method and the qualitative and quantitative variation of the compounds are highly dependent on factors such as type of cultivar; date, place, and conditions of cultivation; and seasonal variation and harvest. In addition, the main biological activities of basil essential oil are dependent of the chemical constituents, such as estragole, linalool, eugenol, eucalyptol, and bergamotene, and can act in isolation or in synergism.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been an increase in research on essential oils as alternatives to synthetic chemical additives in food, with particular attention being paid to basil essential oil due to its various biological activities. The extraction methods and compounds of basil essential oil are influenced by factors such as cultivar type, cultivation date, place and conditions, seasonal variation, and harvest methods. The biological activities of basil essential oil are dependent on chemical constituents like estragole, linalool, eugenol, eucalyptol, and bergamotene, which can act independently or synergistically.