24 February 2024 | Robert Ancuceanu, Adriana Iuliana Anghel, Marilena Viorica Hovanet, Anne-Marie Ciobanu, Beatrice Elena Lascu, Mihaela Dinu
This narrative review examines the antioxidant activity of essential oils (EOs) from Pinaceae species, a family of gymnosperms with 11 genera and over 260 species. The review highlights the importance of EOs as chemotaxonomic markers and their potential health benefits, particularly their antioxidant properties. The methods used to assess antioxidant effects, including chemical-based assays (such as DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and enzyme-based assays, are discussed, along with the variability in their application and results. The review also compares the antioxidant effects of EOs from different Pinaceae species, plant parts, and extraction methods, noting significant intra-study variability. The chemical composition of EOs and its correlation with antioxidant activity is explored, emphasizing the influence of genetic and environmental factors. The study concludes by discussing the limitations of current methods and suggesting future research directions to better understand and utilize the antioxidant properties of Pinaceae EOs.This narrative review examines the antioxidant activity of essential oils (EOs) from Pinaceae species, a family of gymnosperms with 11 genera and over 260 species. The review highlights the importance of EOs as chemotaxonomic markers and their potential health benefits, particularly their antioxidant properties. The methods used to assess antioxidant effects, including chemical-based assays (such as DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and enzyme-based assays, are discussed, along with the variability in their application and results. The review also compares the antioxidant effects of EOs from different Pinaceae species, plant parts, and extraction methods, noting significant intra-study variability. The chemical composition of EOs and its correlation with antioxidant activity is explored, emphasizing the influence of genetic and environmental factors. The study concludes by discussing the limitations of current methods and suggesting future research directions to better understand and utilize the antioxidant properties of Pinaceae EOs.