Plants of the GenusLavandula: From Farm to Pharmacy

Abstract

The Lavandula genus, belonging to the Lamiaceae, includes 39 species, with nearly 400 registered cultivars. Lavandula are worldwide plants that occur over the Mediterranean, Europe, North Africa, southwest Asia to southeast India. Lavandula plants have been used since ancient time to flavor and preserved food, to treat diseases including wound healing, sedative, antispasmodic, microbial and viral infections. Numerous researches have described the chemical composition and the primary components of lavender oils are the monoterpenoids (linalool, linalyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, β-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor), sesquiterpenoids (β-caryophyllene and nerolidol) and other terpenoid compounds (e.g., perillyl alcohol). The high concentrations of linalyl acetate make them attractive in perfumery, flavoring, cosmetics and soap industries. Currently, data on the antimicrobial activity of lavender plants have been scientifically confirmed. Indeed, lavender essential oils possess wide spectra of biological activities such as antispasmodic, carminative, analgesic, sedative, hypotensive, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiuretic and general tonic action. In addition, clinical studies support their uses as treatment of health conditions. However, further clinical studies are necessary to define the magnitude of the efficacy, mechanisms of action, optimal doses, long-term safety, and, potential side effects of lavender plants.

Diet, Lifestyle and Cardiovascular Diseases: Linking Pathophysiology to Cardioprotective Effects of Natural Bioactive Compounds

“…Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has been known to play a crucial role in arterial blood pressure regulation and CV function [38]. Therefore, the inhibition of this enzyme via plant-food bioactives is a significant area of research in the treat hypertension [39,40]. Numerous studies have reported plant-based ACE-inhibitors from beans, cereals, legumes, nuts, seeds and other sources [41,42].…”

Immunomodulatory Activities of Selected Essential Oils

“…LEO is steam-distilled from the flowers and leaves of the plant and contains high concentrations of the monoterpenoids linalool, linalyl-acetate, 1,8-cineole, camphor, and terpinen-4-ol ( Figure 2 and Table 1 ). However, the oil composition strongly varies depending on the geographical origin of the plant, environmental factors and extraction parameters [ 69 , 70 ]. LEO is regarded as one of the mildest essential oils, however concerns about possible allergenic or irritant skin reactions are rising.…”

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents Combination: A Green Strategy to Improve the Recovery of Phenolic Compounds from Lavandula pedunculata subsp. lusitanica (Chaytor) Franco

“…Lavandula is considered one of the most important genera in the vast vegetation cover of Mediterranean region. This genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family and comprises 39 species, many hybrids and nearly 400 cultivars [ 1 , 2 ]. Many of these plants have been cultivated in different regions, like Europe, North and South America, India, South West Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula [ 3 ].…”

“…Many of these plants have been cultivated in different regions, like Europe, North and South America, India, South West Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula [ 3 ]. Lavandula species have an interesting economic value as ornamentals and in several industry branches, like pharmaceutical, food, aromatherapy, perfumery and cosmetics, due to its essential oils [ 2 , 3 ]. Traditionally, in Portuguese folk medicine, some diseases (i.e., bronchitis, cough, anxiety, insomnia and anorexia) are treated with the consume of infusions prepared from flowered aerial parts of these plants [ 3 , 4 ].…”