Main nanocarriers used in essential oils with antioxidant purposes: a literature review

Resumo

Essential oils are oily, volatile, aromatic liquids widely used in the food, dental and cosmetic industries due to their antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. However, they have some limitations such as low oxidative stability and high volatility, which can be overcome with the use of nanotechnology. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate which are the main nanocarriers of essential oils for antioxidant purposes. This study is characterized as an integrative literature review. Data collection was performed from March to April 2019, in the Bireme electronic database. The Boolean descriptors and operators used were: Nano* AND Essential Oils AND Antioxidant. Articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese were included in the sample. The search in the databases resulted in the collection of 58 articles, of which 22 met the inclusion criteria. All nanocarriers of essential oils maintained or increased antioxidant activity, reducing tissue damage action due to oxidative stress. Research has shown that the use of nanotechnology is effective when applied as carriers of essential oils for antioxidant actions.