Óleos essênciais : aspectos gerais e potencialidades

Abstract

Essential oils are volatile substances of plant origin obtained by a physical process through different extraction methods. Over the years, these natural products have gained more visibility. Through cientific research and technological advances, its numerous benefits could be proven, being developed the most diverse forms of applications. The market for essential oils has been growing gradually making it a good opportunity for those who want to work in this area that has a strong connection with the field, being able to generate extra income or add value to the existing production in an agroecological way including conventional. This study has the general objective of presenting a bibliographic review on the subject of essential oils, focusing on their main characteristics, as well as reporting the research projects that were developed at the Instituto Federal Farroupilha Campus Santo Ângelo with these natural products. The subject is relevant because it seeks to intensify the understanding of essential oils and their potential, to bring a more in-depth knowledge of this topic that is considered important nowadays. After all, these are products with numerous benefits, thus strengthening the productive chains with new opportunities.