The biochemical composition of essential oils - Ketones

Ketones, present in certain essential oils, have a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, expectorant and muscle-relaxing properties. Their action is particularly targeted at tissues of ectodermal origin, such as the skin, central nervous system (CNS), sensory organs, as well as certain endocrine and adrenal glands.

These molecules play a key role in tissue regeneration, helping to heal wounds and burns, while thinning mucus in the respiratory and digestive systems. Their desclerosing, lipolytic and choleretic actions make them effective allies in decongesting tissues and dissolving fatty accumulations or mucus, particularly in the bronchi.

General properties of ketones

• Healing and regenerating action on cutaneous and mucosal tissue (burns, wounds, bedsores, ulcers...)
• Sclerosing action: inhibits abnormal connective tissue proliferation (scars, cellulite...)
• Mucolytiques and fluidifying: useful for dissolving mucus from the respiratory and female genital systems
• Lipolytics: useful for dissolving lipid bronchial mucus of dietary origin, as well as accumulations of dermal fat (obesity)
• Anti-hyperlipidemic
• Choleretic and cholagogic (menthone, carvone)
• Negative +++ (the fewer carbon atoms in the molecule, the stronger the ionization; the greater the number of ethylenic bonds, the stronger the ionization).
• Hematoma resorption action of certain essential oils (Helichrysum italicum).
• Anticoagulant, but activates the healing process (external)
• Mild antiseptics
• immune-stimulating
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antalgiques
• Antimycotic, antiviral for certain ketones
• Anti-parasitic ++++ (pinworms, taenia, roundworms)
• Antimycotic, antiviral for certain ketones
• Emmenagogue effect of the ketone-chamazulene pair through activation of the pituitary-ovarian axis, sometimes with risk of shortening the cycle
• Active on the CNS

Dose-dependent effects of ketones :

Ketones are particularly active biochemical compounds, whose effects vary rapidly according to the dose used. Their action is cumulative, as they rapidly bind to fats and phospholipids in the brain, which can lead to neurotoxic effects.

• Crossing the blood-brain barrier: their lipolytic action can alter myelin sheaths, disrupting neuronal conduction, particularly in bulbar and medullary centers.
• Inhibition of cellular respiration: At high doses, ketones can inhibit cellular respiration, making them rapidly neurotoxic.

Dose-dependent actions:

• Very low doses: Ketones act as nervous and general stimulants, increasing cerebral and physical activity. They also have sympathicotonic and tonicardiac effects.
• Low doses: They have calming, sedative and hypothermic properties.
• High doses: ketones can become epileptic, abortifacient and narcotic, increasing the risk of neurological toxicity.

Essential oils containing ketones

• Rosemary essential oil (Rosmarinus officinalis camphor): Contains camphor, a ketone with soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Peppermint essential oil (Mentha piperita): Contains menthone, known for its characteristic odor and refreshing effects.

• Caraway (Carum carvi) essential oil: Contains carvone, used in perfumery and aromatherapy for its carminative properties.

• Dill (Anethum graveolens) essential oil: Also rich in carvone, it is used for its digestive and aromatic effects.

• Thuja essential oil (Thuja occidentalis): Contains thujone, which can be toxic in large quantities and should be used with caution.

• Wormwood essential oil (Artemisia absinthium): Also rich in thujone, it is used in certain therapeutic contexts, but with strict precautions.

• Jasmine essential oil (Jasminum officinale): Contains jasmone, contributing to its distinctive floral aroma and soothing properties.

• Juniper (Juniperus communis) essential oil: Contains sabinene, which can be converted to thujone during distillation.

Ketone families and their actions

• Camphor: Found in rosemary and lavender essential oils. It has a minty fragrance and soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, often used to relieve muscle and joint pain.

• Menthone: A key component of peppermint essential oil, it gives this oil its characteristic minty scent. It is also used for its refreshing and toning properties.

• Carvone: Present in caraway and dill essential oils, it is widely used for its characteristic spicy scent. It has digestive properties and is used in perfumery and aromatherapy.

• Thujone: This ketone is found in cedar and wormwood essential oils. Although potentially toxic in high doses, it is known for its neurotoxic effects, requiring very careful use.

• Jasmone: A component of jasmine essential oil, it is the source of its sweet, floral aroma. It is widely used in perfumes and aromatherapy for its relaxing effect.

• Sabinene: Although not a ketone, it can be transformed into thujone during the distillation process. It is present in juniper essential oil and contributes to its fresh scent. It is also renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Precautions for use

Due to their neurotoxic power in high doses, ketones must be used with caution, as they cross the blood-brain barrier and can affect the myelin of neurons. At low doses, they stimulate the nervous system, but at higher doses, they can cause serious side effects, such as convulsions or neurological disorders.

Essential oils rich in ketones, such as those containing camphor or thujone, must be used with great caution, due to their toxic potential in high concentrations. It is essential to respect recommended dosages and consult a health professional to avoid serious adverse effects.

Appropriate use of essential oils rich in ketones can bring benefits, but extra vigilance is needed to minimize the risks associated with their toxicity.