Essential oil composition

Abstract

To provide an essential oil composition having antioxidant activity.SOLUTION: An essential oil composition having antioxidant activity is provided, comprising Kunzea ericoides essential oil, Pelargonium graveolens essential oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil, Laurus nobilis essential oil, and Origanum vulgar essential oil.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an essential oil composition (also called blend essential oil) containing Kunzea ericoides essential oil, Pelargonium graveolens essential oil, Cinnamon essential oil, Laurus nobilis essential oil and Origanum vulgar essential oil, and further relates that the essential oil composition can be used for antioxidant purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Skin is the most important defense for protecting the human body. As skin ages, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in the skin is promoted by environmental factors (e.g., ultraviolet (UV), ionizing radiation, air pollution, and chemicals) or physiological factors (e.g., fatigue, stress, and chronic inflammation). When the amount of accumulated reactive oxygen species and free radicals exceeds the antioxidant capacity of cells or tissues themselves, oxidative stress occurs, which further leads to skin aging, skin dysfunction, and impairment of skin immunity.

[0003] The demand for human skin care is increasing day by day. The use of natural ingredients is a trend in the current medical beauty market, especially since the use of natural ingredients is less likely to cause adverse side effects on the skin. Therefore, researchers in this field are looking for active components from natural sources that are safe and have antioxidant effects to meet the market demand.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an essential oil composition containing Pelargonium graveolens essential oil, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) essential oil, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil, Laurus nobilis essential oil, and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oil. In the examples of Patent Document 1, it is demonstrated that the essential oil composition has an antioxidant effect.

[0005] However, there is still a need in the art for products that have excellent antioxidant effects without adverse side effects on the skin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Patent No. I397424 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an essential oil composition having antioxidant activity and uses thereof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides an essential oil composition having antioxidant activity, characterized in that it contains kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, bay laurel essential oil, and oregano essential oil. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive experiments and found that the antioxidant effect exhibited when kanuka essential oil (Kunzea ericoides) is used alone is lower than the antioxidant effect exhibited when lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil is used alone. However, when the lemongrass essential oil in the essential oil composition described in Patent Document 1 is replaced with kanuka essential oil, and the essential oil composition of the present invention containing kanuka essential oil, pelargonium graveolens essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil is used, the radical scavenging ability, ferrous ion chelating ability and reducing ability exhibited are superior to the radical scavenging ability, ferrous ion chelating ability and reducing ability of the essential oil composition described in Patent Document 1, and an unexpected synergistic effect is observed. They found that the α-amyloid effect was observed.

[0010] Therefore, the essential oil composition of the present invention has high potential for development into antioxidant products. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First, it should be understood that the citation of any prior art document in this specification does not represent general knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains in Taiwan or any other country.

[0012] It will also be understood that the term "comprising" means "including but not limited to" and the term "comprises" has a corresponding meaning.

[0013] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art will recognize and be able to use many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein in the practice of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure is in no way limited to the methods and materials described.

[0014] In order to more clearly describe the objectives, technical means and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention in combination with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. It is clear that the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided below in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation on the protection scope of the present invention, but only represents selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] The present invention provides an essential oil composition having an antioxidant effect, which contains kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, bay laurel essential oil, and oregano essential oil.

[0016] According to the present invention, pelargonium is also called fragrant pelargonium, cinnamon is also called Ceylon cinnamon, laurel is also called Laurus nobilis, and lemongrass is also called Lemon grass.

[0017] Kanuka oil, pelargonium graveolens oil, cinnamon oil, bay laurel oil, and oregano oil may be commercially available or may be prepared by extraction methods commonly known and conventional to those skilled in the art.

[0018] The operating conditions of the extraction method vary depending on factors such as the processing method (including the extraction parts and extraction solvents) of kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, bay laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil, and the proportion of the amounts of these solvents used, in order to obtain the optimal extraction effect.

[0019] Moreover, the operating conditions can be routinely determined by a person having ordinary skill in the art of the present invention.

[0020] In some embodiments, kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, bay laurel essential oil, and oregano essential oil are obtained by extracting kanuka leaves, pelargonium flowers, cinnamon leaves, bay laurel leaves, and oregano whole plants, respectively, by water distillation.

[0021] The content of each component in the essential oil composition of the present invention can be adjusted according to actual use. In some embodiments, the essential oil composition comprises 15wt%-25wt% kanuka essential oil, 10wt%-20wt% pelargonium essential oil, 15wt%-30wt% cinnamon essential oil, 15wt%-25wt% bay laurel essential oil, and 15wt%-30wt% oregano essential oil, with the total weight of the essential oil composition being 100wt% (i.e., the total weight of the essential oil composition is used as the basis of calculation).

[0022] In some embodiments, the essential oil composition comprises 15 wt% kanuka essential oil, 10 wt% pelargonium essential oil, 30 wt% cinnamon essential oil, 15 wt% bay laurel essential oil, and 30 wt% oregano essential oil, where the total weight of the essential oil composition is 100 wt%.

[0023] In another specific example, the essential oil composition comprises 20 wt% kanuka essential oil, 10 wt% pelargonium essential oil, 25 wt% cinnamon essential oil, 20 wt% bay laurel essential oil, and 25 wt% oregano essential oil, with the total weight of the essential oil composition being 100 wt%.

[0024] In another specific example, the essential oil composition comprises 25 wt% kanuka essential oil, 20 wt% pelargonium essential oil, 15 wt% cinnamon essential oil, 25 wt% bay laurel essential oil, and 15 wt% oregano essential oil, with the total weight of the essential oil composition being 100 wt%.

[0025] Additionally, the essential oil composition of the present invention may further comprise a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier.

[0026] For example, the pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier may include at least one of the following agents: solvent, buffer, emulsifier, suspending agent, decomposer, disintegrating agent, dispersing agent, binding agent, excipient, stabilizing agent, chelating agent, diluent, gelling agent, preservative, wetting agent, lubricant, absorption delaying agent, liposome, and the like. The choice and amount of these agents is within the expertise and routine skill of one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention.

[0027] Additionally, the essential oil compositions of the present invention may further comprise cosmetically acceptable adjuvants that are widely used in the cosmetic manufacturing art.

[0028] For example, cosmetically acceptable adjuvants may include at least one of the following agents: solvents, gelling agents, active agents, preservatives, antioxidants, screening agents, chelating agents, surfactants, coloring agents, thickening agents, fillers, fragrances, and odor absorbers. The selection and amounts of these agents are within the expertise and routine skill of one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention.

[0029] The present invention provides a use of the essential oil composition, which is to use the essential oil composition in the manufacture of a medicine having an antioxidant effect or a cosmetic having an antioxidant effect.

[0030] The pharmaceutical agent can be prepared into a topical dosage form by techniques commonly known to those skilled in the art.

[0031] The pharmaceutical agent may be prepared into an external preparation suitable for topical administration to the skin by techniques commonly known to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Such topical preparations include, but are not limited to, tonic waters, essences, emulsions, gels, ointments, creams, patches, liniments, powders, aerosols, sprays, lotions, serums, pastes, foams, drops, suspensions, salves, and bandages.

[0033] The topical preparation can be prepared by mixing the pharmaceutical agent of the present invention with a base generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0034] The base may contain the following additives: water, alcohols, glycols, hydrocarbons (e.g., petroleum jelly and white petrolatum), waxes (e.g., paraffin and yellow wax), preserving agents, antioxidants, surfactants, absorption enhancers, stabilizing agents, gelling agents (e.g., carbopol® 941, microcrystalline cellulose, and carboxymethylcellulose), active agents, humectants, odor absorbers, fragrances, pH adjusting agents, chelating agents, emulsifiers, occlusive agents, emollients, thickeners, solubilizing agents, and the like. The composition may include at least one of the following: cosmetic agents, penetration enhancers, anti-irritants, colorants, and propellants.

[0035] The selection and amounts of these additives are within the expertise and routine skill of one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention.

[0036] The cosmetic product may be prepared in a form suitable for skincare or makeup by techniques generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0037] Such forms include, but are not limited to, aqueous solutions, aqueous-alcohol solutions or oily solutions, oil-in-water type masks, water-in-oil type masks or combination masks, packs, mousses, sunblocks, lotions, foundations, eyeshadows, makeup remover products, soaps and other body cleansing products.

[0038] The cosmetic product may contain at least one of the following known external use agents: moisturizers, anti-inflammatory agents, bactericides, skin nutrients, anesthetics, anti-acne agents, antipruritic agents, analgesic agents, antidermatitis agents, antihyperkeratolytic agents, anti-dry skin agents, antipsoriatic agents, antiaging agents, antiwrinkle agents, antiseborrheic agents, wound-healing agents, corticosteroids, and hormones.

[0039] The choice and amounts of these topical agents are within the expertise and routine skill of one of ordinary skill in the art of the present invention.

[0040] The present invention provides a method of antioxidant therapy comprising administering to an individual in need thereof an essential oil composition as described above.

[0041] In some embodiments, the methods comprise applying to the individual an effective amount of the essential oil composition and allowing a sufficient amount of time to pass until oxidative stress is significantly ameliorated.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "administration," "administer," "application," and "applying" are interchangeable and mean "introducing, providing, or delivering a predetermined active ingredient to a subject by any suitable route to perform its intended function."

[0043] As used herein, the term "subject" refers to any mammalian animal of interest, including humans, monkeys, cows, sheep, horses, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, mice, and rats.

[0044] As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to a safe dosage that is sufficient to provide the desired antioxidant effect without causing adverse side effects when the essential oil composition of the present invention is administered to an individual having antioxidant need.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "effective amount," "effective dose," "antioxidant effective amount," and "antioxidant effective dose" are interchangeable.

[0046] The effective amount and frequency of application of the essential oil compositions of the present invention will vary depending on the initial condition of oxidative stress and the ultimate antioxidant effect that is desired to be achieved.

[0047] Generally, when the essential oil compositions of the present invention are applied topically to the skin, the effective amount per application is typically 5 mg / cm 2 . 2 ) ~10 mg / cm2 of skin area, approximately 1-2 times daily.

[0048] Detailed Description of the Embodiments Examples of the present invention will now be described, with the understanding that these examples are illustrative and explanatory and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. EXAMPLES

[0049] General Experimental Materials 1. Information on each essential oil used in the following examples (including extraction part, extraction solvent and source) is summarized in Table 1 below.

[0050] [Table 1]

[0051] General Experimental Method 1. Statistical analysis: In the following examples, each set of experiments was repeated three times, and the experimental data are presented as "mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)."

[0052] Example 1 Preparation of an essential oil composition of the present invention First, three types of essential oil compositions (hereinafter referred to as essential oil compositions 1 to 3 of the present invention) were obtained by mixing the kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil described in "General Experimental Materials" according to the amounts shown in Table 2.

[0053] For comparison, three essential oil compositions (hereinafter referred to as control essential oil compositions 1 to 3) containing pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, lemongrass essential oil, laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil in the amounts shown in Table 2 were obtained according to the method described in Patent Document 1.

[0054] [Table 2]

[0055] In addition, the experimental results were compared when the kanuka essential oil used in the production of the above essential oil composition was used alone (hereinafter referred to as single essential oil 1) and when lemongrass essential oil was used alone (hereinafter referred to as single essential oil 2).

[0056] Example 2 Evaluation of the antioxidant efficacy of the essential oil composition of the present invention

[0057] In this example, in order to evaluate whether the essential oil composition of the present invention has an antioxidant effect, each of the essential oils obtained in Example 1 was analyzed for its radical scavenging ability, ferrous ion chelating ability, and reducing ability for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) free radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, ABTS) free radical.

[0058] Experimental Method A. Analysis of the radical scavenging ability of DPPH free radical The radical scavenging ability of DPPH free radical was analyzed by the method described in Wang HF et al. (2010), J. Food Drug Anal., 18:24-33, with minor modifications.

[0059] Briefly, an appropriate amount of each essential oil obtained in Example 1 was dissolved in ethanol to obtain a sample solution with a concentration of 1 mg / mL.

[0060] Then, take 50 μL of each sample solution and add 1.52 × 10 -4 The mixture was then placed in the dark at room temperature for 1 hour, and the absorbance (OD) was measured using a spectrophotometer (manufacturer: Jasco, model number: V-630) at a wavelength of 517 nm. 517 ) was measured.

[0061] As a control, 50 μL of 5 mg / mL dibutyl hydroxytoluene (BHT) was taken and diluted with 1.52 × 10 -4 M ethanol solution of DPPH was added and mixed thoroughly. The mixture was then placed in the dark at room temperature for 1 hour, and the mixture was taken as a control sample, and the absorbance value (OD) was measured using the above spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 517 nm. 517 ) was measured.

[0062] The absorbance value (OD 517 ) is lower, the radical scavenging ability of the DPPH free radical is stronger.

[0063] The radical scavenging rate (%) of the DPPH free radical was calculated by measuring the absorbance value (OD 517 ) was calculated using the following formula 1.

[0064] Formula 1: A=[1-(B / C)]×100 A = Radical scavenging rate of DPPH free radical (%) B = OD obtained by measuring each test sample 517 Absorbance value C = OD obtained by measuring the control sample 517 Absorbance value

[0065] The experimental data obtained was then analyzed according to the method described in "1. Statistical Analysis" in the "General Experimental Methods" above.

[0066] B. Analysis of the radical scavenging ability of ABTS free radical The radical scavenging ability of ABTS free radicals was also analyzed using the method described in Wang HF et al. (2010), J. Food Drug Anal., 18:24-33, with minor modifications.

[0067] Briefly, 250 μL of deionized water, 250 μL of 8.8 U / mL peroxidase, 250 μL of 1000 μM ABTS, and 200 μL of 250 μM hydrogen peroxide were thoroughly mixed and allowed to stand at room temperature for 10 minutes to obtain a reaction solution.

[0068] An appropriate amount of each essential oil obtained in Example 1 was dissolved in ethanol to obtain a sample solution with a concentration of 0.1 mg / mL.

[0069] Then, 250 μL of each sample solution was taken, and one of the above reaction solutions was added to each, followed by thorough mixing.

[0070] The mixture was then placed in the dark at room temperature for 1 hour, and centrifuged at 600 rpm for 8 minutes. The supernatant was taken as the test sample, and the absorbance value (OD) was measured using an ELISA reader (manufacturer: BMG Labtech, Germany, model number: SPECTROstar Nano) at a wavelength of 410 nm. 410 ) was measured.

[0071] As a control, 250μL of 5mg / mL butylated hydroxylanisole (BHA) was added to one of the above reaction solutions and mixed thoroughly, and the resulting mixture was left in the dark at room temperature for 1 hour, then centrifuged at 600rpm for 8 minutes, and the supernatant was taken as the control sample, and the absorbance value (OD410) was measured at a wavelength of 410nm using the above ELISA reader.

[0072] The absorbance value (OD 410 ) is lower, the radical scavenging ability of ABTS free radicals is stronger.

[0073] The radical scavenging rate (%) of ABTS free radical was calculated by measuring the absorbance value (OD 410 ) was calculated using the following formula 2.

[0074] Formula 2: D=[1-(E / F)]×100 D = Radical scavenging rate of ABTS free radical (%) E = OD obtained by measuring each test sample 410 Absorbance value F = OD obtained by measuring the control sample 410 Absorbance value

[0075] The experimental data obtained was then analyzed according to the method described in "1. Statistical Analysis" in the "General Experimental Methods" above.

[0076] C. Redox potential analysis The reducing ability was analyzed by the method described by Oyaizu M. et al. (1986), Japan. J. Nutr., 44:307-315, with minor modifications.

[0077] Briefly, an appropriate amount of each essential oil obtained in Example 1 was dissolved in ethanol to obtain a sample solution with a concentration of 10 mg / mL.

[0078] Then, 500 μL of each sample solution was taken, and 250 μL of 0.2 M sodium phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.6) and 250 μL of 1% potassium ferricyanide solution were added to each, mixed uniformly, and then placed in a water bath at 50°C for 20 minutes and cooled at 4°C for 5 minutes.

[0079] Then, 250μL of 10% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution was added and mixed uniformly, followed by centrifugation at 600 rpm for 8 minutes. 100μL of the supernatant was taken, and 250μL of deionized water and 100μL of 0.1% FeCl3 solution were added to the 100μL of the supernatant, mixed thoroughly, and then left in the dark at room temperature for 10 minutes. The resulting mixture was used as a test sample, and the absorbance (OD) was measured using the above spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 700 nm. 700 ) was measured.

[0080] As a control group, 500μL of 5mg / mL BHA was taken, and 250μL of 0.2M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) and 250μL of 1% erythrocyte saline solution were added and mixed uniformly, then the mixture was placed in a water bath at 50℃ for 20 minutes, and cooled at 4℃ for 5 minutes. Then, 250μL of 10% trichloroacetic acid solution was added and mixed uniformly, and centrifuged at 600rpm for 8 minutes. Then, 100μL of the supernatant was taken, and 250μL of deionized water and 100μL of 0.1% FeCl3 solution were added to the supernatant, mixed thoroughly, and then left in the dark at room temperature for 10 minutes. The mixture obtained was used as a control sample, and the absorbance (OD) was measured using the above spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 700nm. 700 ) was measured.

[0081] The absorbance value (OD 700 The higher the value, the stronger the reducing power.

[0082] The reducing power (%) was calculated by measuring the absorbance value (OD 700 ) was calculated using the following formula 3.

[0083] Formula 3: G=(H / I)×100 G = reducing power (%) H = OD obtained by measuring each test sample 700 Absorbance value I = OD obtained by measuring the control sample 700 Absorbance value

[0084] The experimental data obtained was then analyzed according to the method described in "1. Statistical Analysis" in the "General Experimental Methods" above.

[0085] D. Analysis of Ferrous Ion Chelating Ability Analysis of ferrous ion chelating ability was performed as described in Ramkissoon, JS et al. (2016), Asian Pac. J. Trop. Biomed., 6:492-500.

[0086] Briefly, an appropriate amount of each essential oil composition obtained in Example 1 was dissolved in ethanol to obtain a sample solution with a concentration of 100 mg / mL.

[0087] Then, 500 μL of each sample solution was taken, and 250 μL of methanol and 30 μL of 2 mM FeCl2 solution were added to each, and the mixture was mixed by shaking for 30 seconds. The mixture was then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes, and the supernatant was taken as a test sample, and the absorbance value (OD) was measured using the above spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 562 nm. 562 ) was measured.

[0088] As a control, 500 μL of 1 mg / mL ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was taken, 250 μL of methanol and 30 μL of 2 mM FeCl2 solution were added, and the mixture was mixed by shaking for 30 seconds. The resulting mixture was used as a control sample, and the absorbance (OD) was measured using the above spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 562 nm. 562 ) was measured.

[0089] The absorbance value (OD 562 ) the stronger the ferrous ion chelating ability.

[0090] The ferrous ion chelating rate (%) was calculated by the absorbance value (OD 562 ) was calculated using the following formula 4.

[0091] Equation 4: J=[1-(K / L)]×100 J = Ferrous ion chelation rate (%) K = OD obtained by measuring each test sample 562 Absorbance value L = OD obtained by measuring the control sample 562 Absorbance value

[0092] The experimental data obtained was then analyzed according to the method described in "1. Statistical Analysis" in the "General Experimental Methods" above.

[0093] result: Table 3 shows the radical scavenging rate (%) of DPPH free radical, radical scavenging rate (%) of ABTS free radical, reducing power (%), and ferrous ion chelation rate (%) obtained by measuring each essential oil.

[0094] According to Table 3, for single essential oils, the radical scavenging rate of DPPH free radicals, the radical scavenging rate of ABTS free radicals, and the reducing power obtained by measuring single essential oil 2 are higher than those obtained by measuring single essential oil 1. However, for essential oil compositions, the radical scavenging rate of DPPH free radicals, the radical scavenging rate of ABTS free radicals, the reducing power, and the ferrous ion chelation rate obtained by measuring essential oil compositions 1 to 3 of the present invention are higher than those obtained by measuring control essential oil compositions 1 to 3 of the control essential oil compositions.

[0095] That is, the antioxidant effect exhibited when kanuka essential oil is used alone is lower than the antioxidant effect exhibited when lemongrass essential oil is used alone, but when kanuka essential oil is used in combination with pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil, the antioxidant effect exhibited when kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil are used in combination is higher than the antioxidant effect exhibited when lemongrass essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, laurel essential oil and oregano essential oil are used in combination.

[0096] According to the experimental results, the essential oil composition having the composition specified in the present invention showed an unexpected synergistic effect in terms of antioxidant activity. [Table 3]

[0097] All patents and other documents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event of any discrepancies, the interpretations (including definitions) in the description of the present specification shall prevail.

[0098] While the invention has been described in connection with what are considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various arrangements within the broadest spirit and scope so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

[0099] The above embodiment is illustratively intended to explain the principles and effects of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make some changes or modifications to the above embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention should be considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0100] The essential oil composition of the present invention exhibits antioxidant activity and is therefore suitable for use in products in the medical and cosmetic fields, for example.

Claims

1. An essential oil composition having an antioxidant effect, The essential oil composition comprises kanuka essential oil, pelargonium essential oil, cinnamon essential oil, bay laurel essential oil, and oregano essential oil.

2. 2. The essential oil composition according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains kanuka essential oil having a content of 15 wt% to 25 wt%, pelargonium essential oil having a content of 10 wt% to 20 wt%, cinnamon essential oil having a content of 15 wt% to 30 wt%, bay laurel essential oil having a content of 15 wt% to 25 wt%, and oregano essential oil having a content of 15 wt% to 30 wt%, with the total weight of the essential oil composition being 100 wt%.

3. 2. The essential oil composition of claim 1, further comprising a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier or a cosmetically acceptable adjuvant.

4. An essential oil composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it is used for the manufacture of a medicine having antioxidant activity or a cosmetic having antioxidant activity.

5. The essential oil composition according to claim 4, characterized in that the pharmaceutical is in a topical dosage form.

Images