Microfused® Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants. They’re a type of phytonutrient that act as the plant’s defense system against insects, bacteria, fungi and other stressors.

Phytonutrients (also called phytochemicals) are a broad class of natural compounds produced by plants. There are over 100,000 different phytonutrients, each with unique benefits. They’re grouped into categories like polyphenols, terpenes, carotenoids and polysaccharides.

Essential oils are one type of phytonutrient, specifically, the volatile oils made up of compounds like terpenes and phenols. So, while all essential oils are phytonutrients, not all phytonutrients are essential oils.

Ralco uses a broad spectrum of phytonutrients, or natural compounds produced by plants to support growth. Technically, these fall under what are known as phytochemical classifications, which group compounds based on their chemical structure and function.

There are thousands of individual phytonutrients, but most fall into these 12 major classes:

• Polyphenols – Includes flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins and lignans known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Carotenoids – Compounds like β-carotene and lutein that support immune and cellular health.
• Glucosinolates – Sulfur-containing compounds known for detoxification.
• Polysaccharides – Prebiotic fibers such as inulin, arabinoxylans and pectins that promote gut health and immune function.
• Terpenes – The foundation of essential oils.
• Alkaloids – Bioactive compounds with a range of effects.
• Allium Compounds – Found in garlic and onions. Supports immune function and metabolic balance.
• Capsaicinoids – Compounds like capsaicin that support circulation and metabolism.

No. The properties of essential oils can vary widely depending on several factors:

• Plant species and variety – Different plants produce different oils with unique active compounds.
• Environment – Soil, weather and growing conditions affect the essential oil’s chemical makeup.
• Harvest timing – When a plant is harvested affects the strength and composition of its essential oils.
• Extraction method – How the oil is processed (steam, solvent, cold press, etc.) influences potency and consistency. It’s similar to the difference between espresso and light roast coffee. Same plant, but very different profiles depending on how and when it’s processed.

Even essential oils from the same plant species can perform differently depending on how and where they’re grown. At Ralco, we test every batch against strict regulations to ensure consistent, reliable performance on every farm.

Essential oils can vary significantly in quality and performance without strict control measures in place. That’s why Ralco manages the entire process from plant to product.

Ralco:

• Works with exclusive licensed growers
• Controls seed selection, inputs and farming practices
• Monitors plant growth and harvest at the exact stage for optimal oil extraction
• Oversees the distillation process to preserve key active compounds
• Analyzes every batch in our lab to ensure it meets our strict specifications before it goes into any product

This level of control ensures that the essential oils we use are consistent and effective all the time.

Essential oil properties are determined by the specific compounds, called constituents, within each oil, and how those compounds interact. Measuring these requires advanced analytical tools.

While most suppliers don’t have full-spectrum analysis on essential oils, Ralco does. We utilize Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC/FID) machines to analyze every batch of oil in-house.

This allows us to:

• Identify and quantify the constituents that give oils their biological activity
• Maintain a consistent standard of quality and efficacy
• Build the largest known essential oil database with 95% constituent composition mapped per oil

We’re also expanding our capabilities with technologies to further deepen our understanding and precision to the full 100%.

We first identify the specific condition that needs support, then select a specific formulation utilizing phytonutrients based on our in-depth NEXUS database. By understanding how each oil functions and the inclusion level required, we have proven results with greater consistency.

Our proprietary NEXUS formulation uses an extensive library of phytonutrient data to match the most effective oil combinations based on our proven scientific research results. This is a precise, research-based process that goes far beyond trial and error.

After the formulation is defined, we apply our Microfused technology to deliver the oils in a stable and consistent form that performs effectively in the gut. This two-pronged approach ensures each product is both purposeful and reliable in real-world production environments. Not just a one-size-fits-all formulation.

No, not when they’re formulated and delivered correctly. Some essential oils can have strong aromas or tastes that reduce palatability, but Ralco’s Microfused Essential Oils are specifically designed to avoid that issue. By controlling droplet size, concentration and blend profile, we ensure animals stay on feed.

Yes. Many essential oils contain powerful antioxidant compounds. Ralco has conducted extensive testing and found specific phytonutrients or essential oils have up to 49x the antioxidant capacity of natural vitamin E.

Antioxidants are important because they protect against oxidative stress, a condition caused by an excess of unstable molecules called free radicals. These free radicals can damage proteins, fats and DNA, leading to inflammation, poor performance and reduced immunity in animals.

The antioxidant compounds in essential oils, especially phenolic compounds, work by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize free radicals. This breaks the oxidation chain reaction and reduces the formation of damaging compounds in the body. In short, essential oils help defend animals at the cellular level, supporting health, performance and recovery during stress.