Comparative Antioxidant Effects of Essential Oil Blends and Individual Oils Using the DPPH Radical-Scavenging Assay

Abstract

Oxidative stress is recognized as a major contributor to conditions such as cancer, aging, and inflammation. Consequently, there is a growing interest in the use of natural antioxidants, particularly essential oils, owing to their safety benefits and potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effects of four essential oil blends (Refresh, Zest, Revitalizing, and Relax Oil), as well as those of the single essential component oils using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging method. Essential oils diluted in distilled water (DW) were evaluated, and the absorbance was measured using a Flexstation 3 ELISA reader. Vitamin C was used as a positive control. In the DPPH radical-scavenging assay, the scavenging abilities of oil blends B1, B2, B3, and B4 were 92%, 93%, 95%, and 92%, respectively, with the negative control set at 100%. Meanwhile, individual oils, S1, S2, S3, and S4 exhibited scavenging abilities of 94%, 97%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. Overall, essential oil blends showed higher antioxidant activity than most individual essential oils, suggesting a possible synergistic effect among their antioxidant components. Therefore, blending can effectively maximize the antioxidant activity of individual oils, offering a valuable approach for maximizing the efficacy of natural antioxidants, with substantial implications for their potential application in various industries.