CCAP Essential Oil Chemistry Flashcards

Which chemical family in essential oils is primarily responsible for anti-inflammatory properties?

Answer: Sesquiterpenes

Sesquiterpenes, such as bisabolol and chamazulene, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory activity in clinical aromatherapy.

What does the term 'GC/MS analysis' refer to in essential oil quality testing?

Answer: Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

GC/MS (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) identifies and quantifies the individual chemical constituents present in an essential oil.

Phenols found in essential oils such as thymol and carvacrol are best characterized as:

Answer: Potent antimicrobials that can be skin-sensitizing

Phenolic compounds are highly effective antimicrobials but are also dermocaustic and can cause skin sensitization, requiring low dilution rates.

Which constituent class is characterized by the suffix '-ol' and is generally considered safe and skin-friendly?

Answer: Monoterpene alcohols

Monoterpene alcohols (e.g., linalool, geraniol, terpinen-4-ol) are generally well-tolerated on skin and exhibit antimicrobial and immunostimulant properties.

1,8-Cineole is a prominent oxide found in eucalyptus essential oil, known primarily for which therapeutic action?

Answer: Expectorant and mucolytic

1,8-Cineole acts as an expectorant and mucolytic, making eucalyptus essential oil effective for respiratory congestion and mucus clearance.

Esters in essential oils, such as linalyl acetate found in bergamot, are generally associated with which therapeutic properties?

Answer: Antispasmodic and calming

Esters are among the safest and most pleasant-smelling constituents, known for their antispasmodic and calming/balancing properties.