Work

Characterisation and authenticity assessment of rosemary and laurel essential oils using compound specific isotope analysis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The chemical composition, antioxidant activity and authenticity of commercially available rosemary (REO) and laurel (LEO) essential oils from the Slovenian market were investigated. In both EOs, 1,8-cineole was identified as the most abundant compound. It was determined that VOCs in lower concentrations contribute more to antioxidant activity compared to more abundant compounds. Key isotopic markers for adulteration detection were determined using compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA). The sensitivity of the developed method was evaluated, demonstrating the best sensitivity for linalool in REO and for α-pinene in LEO, which means if the sample contains more than 19% of linalool (47% for α -pinene) synthetic fraction, it is almost certain (95% probability) that falsification will be suspected. When analysing commercial EOs declared as natural, the δ 13 C VPDB values indicated possible falsification of several VOCs in EOs. The developed methodology has shown great promise in the quality control of EOs, verifying labelling claims and detecting adulteration.

Source: Food Chemistry

DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2026.149404

Authors: Pavle Simić, Lidija Strojnik, Nives Ogrinc, Nataša Poklar Ulrih

Institutions: University of Ljubljana, Jožef Stefan Institute

Language: English

Topic: Essential Oils and Antimicrobial Activity

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,930

Funders: Royal Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, Javna Agencija za Raziskovalno Dejavnost RS