CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OILS FROM MEDICINAL PLANTS

Essential oils from medicinal plants are complex mixtures of volatile compounds with significant biological activity. This study reviews the chemical composition and antimicrobial potential of essential oils obtained from medicinal plant species. The analysis demonstrates that terpenes, phenolics, aldehydes, and alcohols are major active components responsible for antibacterial and antioxidant effects. The findings support the use of essential oils as promising natural agents in medicine, pharmacology, and food preservation.