The comprehensive guidance in essential oil research to discover the undiscovered areas in the UAE

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Suzan M Shahin and Mohammed A Salem

United Arab Emirates University, UAE

: J Pharm Drug Deliv

Abstract

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The first databank for the native essential oil-bearing plants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) had been established. The database was constructed based on different methodologies, including, extensive literature review “for around 800 species”, frequent field survey and specimen display approach. It includes collection of extensive knowledge for 135 native and naturalized species. Also, it provides a solid base ground to take quick decisions in plant selection, and to start up an innovative essential oil-based research pathway, that can lead to new chemotypes, and potential discoveries. In addition, the databank offers the essential oil research centers, universities and manufacturing companies, the opportunity to highlight the most important indigenous species in the UAE, which have the capability to produce expensive raw materials and is highly recommended to be conserved from decision maker for sustainability purposes. The national essential oil database is a friendly and easy use excel software, with filtering options, demonstrating much detailed information for the 135 plant species (e.g. scientific name “in Arabic & English”, family name “in Arabic & English”, plant form, life cycle, characteristics, difficulties, status, availability in the country, economical value, functional parts for essential oil extraction, essential oil yield, essential oil extraction method, extract biological activity). The established database is the first of its kind in the UAE, and would accelerate the research, discoveries and investments in the essential oil field.

Biography

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Suzan M Shahin is a Lead Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) graduate students. She is a researcher and PhD candidate in the Aridland Agriculture Department, College of Food and Agriculture, UAEU. Her research interests are the UAE indigenous plants, essential oil extraction and analysis, natural resources, natural drugs, environmental sciences, sustainable environmental approaches.

Email: suzan.shahin@uaeu.ac.ae