Exploring the Bioactive Components of Stevia Essential Oil and Their Versatile Applications in the Food, Cosmetic,...

Essential oils have become popularized in various sectors due to their numerous beneficial effects. The global prominence of essential oils is attributed to the synergistic impact of their bioactive constituents. To meet the ever rising demand, industries are looking for the new renewable and natural sources of essential oils or their components. Stevia, primarily known as a natural sweetener, also contains essential oils that possess various biological properties. Different parts of Stevia plant possess essential oils and their components vary depending on the extraction method and physical or geographical conditions. The volatile oil obtained from Stevia contains several active components including aromatics, aldehydes, monoterpenes, and sesquiterpenes with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, which are important in food preservation. The constituents of Stevia essential oil hold promising potential for application in the agricultural sector as anti-plasmodia, aphicidal, and insecticidal agents. In addition, their anti-inflammatory, antiaging, and skin-brightening effects make them valuable for use in cosmetic formulations. Evaluating the safety assessment of various components of Stevia essential oil is critical to support its potential use in various industries, highlighting its broad spectrum of applications.