Uses and Bioavailability of Essential Oils Essential oils are volatile aromatic compounds that are fat soluble and liquid. With more than 3,000 compounds properly identified, the clinical efficacy of essential oils is well established. A number of studies that have demonstrated the therapeutic properties of volatile aromatic compounds in a test tube, but how does this data correlate to the complex physiology of the human body? Investigating the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of volatile aromatics is the key to linking the data from test tube studies to real models of human use. There is adequate evidence suggesting that although essential oils are metabolized quickly, their distribution throughout the body is considered to be relatively high. Traditionally, there have been three acceptable models for essential oil usage: topical, oral, and aromatic. Previous research trials have demonstrated the value of topical and aromatic protocols. Due in part to the volatility of essential oils, aromatic exposure is by far the most effective. Aromatics are easily inhaled and then absorbed through the respiratory tract and lungs and then circulated through the blood stream. Topical application is also effective for initiating a response throughout the body because the fat soluble nature of essential oils allows them to easily penetrate through the membranes of cells and be rapidly absorbed through the skin. Monoterpenoid compounds, just one of the many types of chemical constituents found in essential oils, are readily absorbed after topical application. The absorption of monoterpenoid compounds has been verified through analysis of blood concentrations of essential oils compounds. Maximum levels were achieved in as little as 10 minutes. The oral ingestion of essential oils is still under investigation. It is appropriate to assume that the effects of essential oils may be due to a single compound or the entire mixture of chemical components in the essential oil. How essentials oils affect the body depends on their interaction with the bloodstream, hormones, and enzymes. Currently, human trials studying essential oil pathways are limited, but emerging science continues to support the use of volatile compounds internally. There is great interest in understanding more about the direct activity of essential oils in the human body, especially in regard to internal use. Current scientific research has identified several possible mechanisms of absorption and metabolism. Considering that data is only valuable if it uses correct methods and principles of human physiology, there are two key elements to determining the effectiveness of oral administration. First, it is important to understand the pathways by which essential oils are absorbed. Secondly, it is important to develop a specialized delivery system to maximize absorption of essential oils throughout the entire body. Most studies suggest that essential oil compounds are easily absorbed and that only a small portion of the essential oil remains unchanged. This means then that much of the essential oil is metabolized regardless of the method of application. After being properly metabolized, essential oil compounds are eliminated through the kidneys or other drug metabolism pathways. Another interesting aspect of essential oil metabolism is that the compounds in the oil are not metabolized in identical ways. Take thymol for example, (an aromatic compound present in many different essential oils). One study showed that when used internally, thymol was absorbed quickly and detected in the blood in only 20 minutes. This quick absorption suggests that thymol was absorbed through the small intestine, the upper most absorptive organ of the digestive tract. What appears to be most relevant in essential oil application methods is the consistency with which essential oil compounds are delivered and are useable to target organs and cells. It is reasonable to suggest that current research has shown both aromatic and topical applications are beneficial and effective. With respect to oral use, the potential of essential oils to have therapeutic benefits throughout the body depend on dosage, chemical structure, and other variables. This does not, however, suggest that internal use is unsubstantiated. Sufficient studies and other models of personal and clinical reference support this type of usage. New medical technology is designed to optimize systemic delivery of fat soluble compounds. Fats are poorly soluble because they are not easily absorbed through watery layers such as those found in the intestinal tract. Self-Emulsifying technology allows fat soluble molecules to become emulsified, or dispersed into a watery substance. In the intestinal tract, this technology allows fat soluble components to be delivered through the intestinal wall. This is a specialized delivery system that allows for isolated molecules to be delivered throughout the body. dōTERRA uses this technology in its xEO Mega and DDR Prime soft gels. I believe that future study will illustrate more methods of use to achieve the full benefit of the medicinal qualities of essential oils. While there is much yet to understand, I maintain a perspective of belief and appreciation for what has been a well-founded and historically relevant review of essential oil usage. Dr. David K. Hill Chief Medical Advisor for dōTERRA Intl, LLC Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee for dōTERRA Intl, LLC Read the full story here. doterrablog/uses-and-bioavailability-of-essential-oils For more information and to purchase CPTG Essential Oils and other dōTERRA products please contact me. Zachary M West, D.E.O.S., N.S.P.H.S., D.S.H.E.A. Certified Owner, Nohelani Natural Health 816-200-1097 (Work) 816-289-1884 (Mobile) eyota2004@gmail mydoterra/nohelani
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 16:15:59 +0000
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