Lavandula Angustifolia Research Articles (Page 1)

Lavandula angustifolia essential oil attenuates chronic prostatitis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways.

This study investigates the efficacy of a dermocosmetic formulation containing essential oil from Lavandula officinalis cultivated along the Montenegrin coast. A randomized, placebo-controlled in vivo study was conducted on 14 healthy volunteers (mean age: 24 ± 1.2 years) to assess effects on skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and pH. Using bioengineering techniques and validated measurement tools, assessments were performed at baseline and at 30, 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after application. The lavender cream significantly improved hydration (p<0.05), with no adverse effects on TEWL or pH. The results confirm the efficacy and safety of the cream, supporting the inclusion of lavender essential oil in dermocosmetic formulations.

The growing medium is one of the key factors determining the yield and quality of lavender oil. The research conducted in greenhouse conditions aimed to assess the impact of a substrate with a reduced peat content enriched with compost from sewage sludge and bark on the growth, yield, and chemical composition of the oil from the inflorescences and leafy stems of English lavender ‘Sentivia Blue’. The plants were grown in pots filled with peat and chemical fertilizer, or in a substrate containing bark and sewage sludge compost, with or without fertilizer. Media affected the growth, leaf greenness index, and biomass production of lavender. Plants growing in peat with fertilizer were the tallest and widest. In turn, the highest number of inflorescences and the highest dry weight of inflorescences and leafy stems were found in plants grown in a mixture of bark and sewage sludge compost, with the addition of fertilizer. A significant interaction between the plant organ and the type of substrate was demonstrated, which affected the content of specific oil components. The content of essential oil was higher in inflorescences (1.15%) than in leaves (0.21%). The oil from the inflorescences was dominated by linalool, caryophyllene oxide, and linalyl acetate, while caryophyllene oxide, borneol, and geranyl acetate dominated in the leafy stems. The highest linalool content was found in oil obtained from inflorescences of plants grown in both media, based on bark and sewage sludge compost. The results show that the best quality parameters of the raw material and oil, including particularly high dry weight and linalool content, were obtained when the plants were grown in a medium consisting of bark, sewage sludge compost, and chemical fertilizer.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (LAEO) in vitro and in the vapor phase (in situ) against selected bacteria and yeasts, and against Escherichia coli in a sous‐vide potato model, while characterizing its chemical composition. GC–MS identified 40 compounds covering 99.8% of the oil, dominated by linalyl acetate (37.4%) and linalool (34.3%). By disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays on six bacterial and five yeast strains, the best inhibition zone was observed for Bacillus subtilis (17.33 mm) and the lowest for Candida parapsilosis (6.67 mm); the most favorable MIC was for Candida glabrata (MIC 50 0.533 mg/mL). In situ, the highest dose (500 μg/L) yielded the strongest effects on fruit models: B. subtilis inhibition 96.55% (strawberry) and Listeria monocytogenes 86.13% (banana). On vegetable models, the lowest dose (62.5 μg/L) was most effective, with 95.93% inhibition of E. coli on potato and 96.55% of Yersinia enterocolitica on radish. Kinetic growth experiments confirmed the potential of LAEO, particularly at elevated temperatures, to suppress E. coli . In the sous vide potato food model, counts were monitored on days 1 and 7; groups treated with LAEO showed the most pronounced inhibitory effects. Across the sous‐vide potato model, MALDI‐TOF profiling most frequently recovered members of Enterobacteriaceae and Pectobacteriaceae, with E. coli , Pectobacterium carotovora subsp. carotovora , and Bacillus licheniformis among the dominant taxa. Overall, the data support the antimicrobial potential of LAEO, with a matrix‐ and dose‐dependent action in the vapor phase and a modest but measurable benefit in sous‐vide potatoes, indicating promise as a natural preservative for plant‐based foods and SV potatoes.

This research assesses a novel cosmetic ingredient blending Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract and dipeptide-4 (LA-DP4, hereafter 'the blend'), for its potential to mitigate oxidative and glycation damage, boost autophagy and regulate circadian rhythms. Using fibroblast, full-thickness skin models and exvivo human skin, we measured markers like phosphorylated H2AX (γ-H2AX), reactive oxygen species (ROS), ATP, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), alongside effects on autophagic markers, melatonin production and extracellular matrix components. The blend significantly reduced γ-H2AX and ROS levels in UVA-stimulated fibroblasts, enhanced ATP and SOD levels, decreased AGEs in exvivo tissues and improved tissue morphology in full-thickness models. Notably, it increased melatonin production and autophagic markers LC3a and LC3b, indicating a comprehensive role in skin health. The blend addresses skin ageing by offering multifaceted benefits: antioxidant, anti-glycation, autophagy enhancement and melatonin production, marking a pioneering contribution to cosmetic ingredients that significantly boost melatonin production. Our findings advance the understanding of invitro and exvivo efficacy testing methods for these properties, aiding cosmeceutical development.

Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius is significant pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of Lavandula angustifolia Mill., (Lamiaceae) essential oil (LAEO) against A. fumigatus strain from a cystic fibrosis patient, focusing on chitin synthesis and hyphal morphology. LAEO showed MIC of 4425 μg/mL, compared to 0.25 µg/mL for voriconazole, 1 µg/mL for amphotericin B, and 2 µg/mL for caspofungin. A synergistic effect was observed only between LAEO and caspofungin. Chitin content quantified by calcofluor white fluorescence and expressed as mean gray value (MGV), was markedly reduced in LAEO-treated hyphae (33.8 MGV) compared to the untreated control (80.4 MGV), amphotericin B (74.7 MGV), voriconazole (84.1 MGV), and caspofungin (106.3 MGV). LAEO reduced hyphal thickness (1.9 µm) compared to untreated control (3.6 µm), amphotericin B (3.9 µm), voriconazole (4.1 µm), and caspofungin (4.4 µm). These findings indicate that LAEO interferes with chitin synthesis and compromises hyphal integrity in A. fumigatus.

Application of lavender essential oils (EOs) for food hygiene has been encouraged by its antibacterial activity. The aim was to determine the chemical composition of Algerian Lavandula latifolia and Lavandula angustifolia EOs using gas chromatography-flame ionization detection analysis and assess the antibacterial proprieties against Bacillus cereus isolated from dairy industry pipelines. Disc diffusion and microdilution assays were used for susceptibility testing. Qualitative and quantitative variations in the oil composition were shown, with L. latifolia being mostly composed by monoterpene epoxides (74.8%), whereas L. angustifolia is mostly monoterpene esters (39.3%). 1,8-Cineole, limonene, and camphor were the most abundant constituents for L. latifolia EO, whereas linalol and linalyl acetate were abundant for L. angustifolia EO. Susceptibility results revealed that L. latifolia EO was the most effective against all eleven strains. The molecular docking of the main oil products with the B. cereus target protein showed that hexyl butyrate, lavandulyl acetate, linalol, and linalyl acetate bound efficiently to the protein active site. The results of molecular docking were in line with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results, agreeing that L. latifolia OE might be more active on B. cereus. These EOs from Lavandula species grown in Algeria showed antimicrobial activity on B. cereus and can be used for food hygiene and biopreservation.

Oxidative stress and inflammation induced by ultraviolet (UV) exposure significantly accelerate skin aging, necessitating effective bioactive agents to prevent photodamage. This study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cell extracts from Lavandula angustifolia cell suspension cultures, assessing their potential applications in preventing skin aging and mitigating inflammation. L. angustifolia cell suspension cultures were established from callus derived from lavender stem tissues. Notably, treatment with methyl jasmonate (MJ) significantly enhanced secondary metabolite production, as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The MJ-treated lavender cell extract (LC-MJ) improved cell viability and inhibited early apoptosis in mouse fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LC-MJ extract effectively downregulated inflammatory pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6. This anti-inflammatory effect was associated with the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, indicating a protective role in inflammation-related conditions. These observations imply that LC-MJ extract could be utilized as a functional bioactive agent in the management of oxidative stress and inflammation, particularly in the prevention of skin aging and UV-induced photodamage.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-23620-9.

The improvement of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. seed germination represents a crucial step towards the development of eco-biotechnological solutions for the sustainable propagation of aromatic plants. This study evaluated the effects of four biostimulant formulations, namely Amino 16 (amino acid-based), Razormin (humic–fulvic complex), Germinoseed (phytoextract-based), and Atonik (nitrophenolate), together with a non-treated control, on the germination efficiency and early growth of nine Lavandula genotypes under controlled laboratory conditions. A factorial design (9 × 5) with four replications was applied, and multiple germination indices were calculated. Data were analysed using a two-way ANOVA with genotype and treatment as main factors. Results indicated significant genotype-dependent responses. Amino 16 and Razormin markedly increased germination percentage, speed of emergence, and seedling vigour, achieving up to 100% germination in responsive genotypes such as ‘Ellagance Snow’ and ‘Blue Spear’. Correlation and clustering analyses revealed strong links between seed size, germination rate, and seedling development, suggesting a possible synergistic role of amino and humic substances in stimulating metabolic activation during germination. These findings demonstrate that eco-friendly biostimulants function as effective biotechnological activators of seed physiology, supporting low-input propagation systems and the transition toward a circular green bioeconomy.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in oral pathogens drives interest in natural alternatives such as essential oils (EOs). Methods: The chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, and Lavandula angustifolia EOs were investigated. Oils were profiled by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 using the disc diffusion method (triplicate, 1 µL/disc, ~850–950 µg). Results: O. vulgare oil produced the strongest inhibition against C. albicans (18.4 ± 0.5 mm), T. vulgaris was most active E. coli (13.0 ± 0.5 mm), while L. angustifolia showed negligible activity (6–7 mm). All EO inhibition zones were smaller than those of antibiotics. Conclusions: At clinically relevant doses, Oregano and Thyme oils showed modest antimicrobial effects, whereas Lavender was inactive. However, these findings are limited by the use of ATCC strains, small sample size, and reliance on the disc diffusion method, which provides only qualitative data and does not capture biofilm or host interactions. Future studies should include minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) assays, biofilm models, and cytotoxicity testing. AI-assisted GC-MS analysis and automated inhibition zone measurement should be considered as future perspectives to improve reproducibility and translational potential.

In spring 2025, a nursery grower in Wimauma, FL, USA, submitted ‘Avignon Early Blue’ lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) plants (one-month-old, 1L pots) exhibiting stunted growth, leaf chlorosis and necrosis to the Plant Diagnostic Clinic at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Disease incidence on this sole cultivar was about 90% (n = ~1500) and severity was about 50%, distributed in three different areas of the nursery, under field conditions. Abundant sporangia and conidiophores that were characteristic of downy mildew pathogens were observed on the abaxial leaf surface. Severely affected leaves developed curling as necrosis progressed. Based on microscopy, the pathogen was identified as a downy mildew, evidenced by coenocytic mycelia dichotomously branched conidiophores, and sporangia. Conidiophores bearing sporangia were harvested from three separate plants (one from each infested area in the nursery) using a sterile needle, and DNA was extracted using the FastDNA kit (MP Biomedicals, Solon, OH). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1A), beta-tubulin (TUB), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and ll (COX1, 2) were sequenced according to Hoffmeister et al. (2020). Sequences of the three isolates were deposited in GenBank (ITS: PV954822 to 24; COX1: PV995061 to 63; COX2: PV995064 to 66; EF1A: PV995067 to 69; TUB: PV995070 to 72; HSP90: PV995073 to 75). BLASTn searches revealed that isolates were 100% identical to Peronospora choii (holotype BPI 893223) accession numbers MN450333 (ITS, 1135/1135 bp), MN546902 (EF1A, 867/867 bp), MN546927 (TUB, 919/919 bp), MN547003 (HS90, 907/907 bp), MN546953 (679/679 bp), and MN546979 (496/496 bp). Phylogenetic analysis also revealed isolates grouped with Pe. choii. For morphological characterization, fifty conidiophores and fifty sporangia were collected, mounted on slides, and measured under the microscope. Conidiophores measured in length 363-798 μm (Average=420, Standard Deviation=5.3) and had submonopodial branching. Sporangia were greyish to pale brownish, ovoidal to ellipsoidal, and measured 13-25 μm long (Avg=21, SD=3.3), and 12-22 μm in width (Avg=19, SD=2.4). Oospores were not observed. For pathogenicity, ten ‘Avignon Early Blue’ plants were used, five for inoculation, and five as non-inoculated controls. Symptomatic tissues from the submitted samples that were frozen at –80°C were washed with deionized water containing 0.1% Tween 20 to release the sporangia, and the suspension was adjusted to 104 conidia/ml. Plants were spray inoculated until run-off (~20 ml/plant) and kept inside clear plastic boxes for 72 h. Control plants were sprayed with sterile deionized water plus 0.1% Tween 20. Afterward, plants were kept in a growth room (25°C and 12/12-h light/dark). The experiment was repeated once. Two weeks after inoculation, symptoms were observed in all inoculated plants with abundant sporangia and conidiophores production under the leaves, identical to the symptoms observed on the original sample. The non-inoculated controls remained healthy. To our knowledge, this is the first report worldwide of Pe. choii, a new species arising out of the Pe. belbahrii complex, causing downy mildew on lavender. Little is reported about downy mildew of lavender, but in Israel, it has been attributed to Pe. belbahrii (Ben-Naim et al., 2019; Thines et al., 2020). Peronospora choii is a new species formerly recognized in 2020 by Hoffmeister et al. (2020), which was found on Plectranthus scutellarioides in Tennessee (2015) and Michigan (2007), USA. If downy mildew of lavender caused by Pe. choii were to become a major problem, targeted management efforts such as cultivar screening, optimized fungicide applications, epidemiological research, and surveys of alternative hosts would be essential.

Lavandula angustifolia is a plant with medicinal and edible values. In this study, we compared the effects of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and hot water extraction at different powers on the yield, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic activity of Lavandula angustifolia polysaccharides (LAP), which were isolated and purified and then subjected to different degrees of phosphorylation modification to obtain three derivatives (PLAP1-3). The physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of LAP and its derivatives were subsequently determined using a series of instruments. In addition, their antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity were evaluated. The results showed that the optimal extraction power of LAP was 300W, at which time the yield was 21.51 ± 0.82%, the DPPH radical scavenging rate was 56.76 ± 2.4%, and the α-amylase inhibition rate was 49.95 ± 1.97%, which were significantly higher than those obtained with other powers, MAE and HWE. A series of characterizations fully confirmed the phosphorylation modification of LAP. Phosphorylation improved the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activity of LAP and was positively correlated with the degree of substitution (DS), where PLAP2 with DS of 1.58 ± 0.23 exhibited strong antioxidant activities, including scavenging of DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals in vitro, and attenuated H2O2-induced HepG2 cell damage. In addition, PLAP2 exhibited enhanced inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and was able to significantly enhance glucose uptake and intracellular glycogen content in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells.

Synergistic anticonvulsant activity of oregano, chamomile, and lavender via intranasal administration: A dose-response modeling approach.

This paper reflects the effect of grinding lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) flowers cultivated in Serbia for obtaining essential oil (LEO) by intensified microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MWHD) and conventional hydrodistillation (HD). The LEO yield, chemical composition, and antimicrobial activity were greatly affected by incorporating the grinding pre-treatment. LEO isolated by MWHD from disintegrated and non-disintegrated plant material (oil yield 6.4502±0.02% and 5.9325±0.01%, respectively) was composed of 11 and 17 volatile components, respectively. On the other hand, LEO isolated by HD from disintegrated and non-disintegrated plant material (oil yield 5.7±0.1% and 5.1±0.1%, respectively) contained 29 and 51 compounds, respectively. Independent of extraction technique, the major constituents of LEOs were oxygenated monoterpenes, followed by oxygenated sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. MWHD-provided LEOs were more potent antimicrobial agents than the HD-provided LEOs; the most sensitive microorganisms were B. subtilis and C. albicans. The suggested combination of grinding and intensified MWHD is promising approach for producing potent antimicrobial LEO with the potential to be used in different industries.

Assessment of heavy metal uptake in lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) from contaminated urban sediment

BackgroundMADS-box genes encode transcription factors critical for plant development, particularly floral organogenesis, flowering time regulation, and adaptation to environmental stresses. Among these, the MIKCC-type genes are pivotal regulators in floral developmental processes. Although the evolutionary diversification and functional dynamics of MADS-box genes have been extensively characterized in model plants such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, their evolutionary relationships and functional profiles in Lavandula angustifolia, an economically significant aromatic plant, remain poorly understood.ResultsGenome-wide analysis identified 173 MADS-box genes in L. angustifolia, categorized into type I (Mα: 26; Mβ: 0; Mγ: 10) and type II (MIKCC: 125; MIKC*: 12) based on phylogenetic comparisons with A. thaliana. The MIKCC subgroup was further subdivided into 12 subclasses, including genes central to the ABCDE model of floral organ specification. Structural analyses revealed distinct conserved motifs and exon-intron configurations specific to each subgroup, indicative of functional divergence. Synteny analysis demonstrated Whole Genome Duplication (WGD) and segmental duplications as major contributors to MIKCC gene family expansion, notably among genes linked to floral organ development. Expression profiling via RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) showed type II MADS-box genes exhibited higher expression levels with pronounced tissue-specific and developmental stage-specific expression patterns compared to type I genes. Many type II genes displayed significant associations with floral organogenesis, floral transition, and abiotic stress responses, underscoring their essential roles in reproductive development and environmental adaptability in L. angustifolia.ConclusionsThe identification and comprehensive characterization of 173 MADS-box genes in L. angustifolia highlight the significant expansion of the MIKCC subgroup driven primarily by WGD and segmental duplications. The distinct structural features and specific expression patterns observed provide insights into the functional divergence and complexity of these genes, particularly regarding floral organogenesis and adaptation to environmental stress. This study establishes a robust molecular basis for further functional analysis and genetic improvement of aromatic plants.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-025-12120-9.

Our study is on the protective effect of lavender oil on oxidative stress caused by copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). For this purpose, 0.5 mg/kg body weight L. angustifolia, 5.0 mg/kg body weight CuO NPs and their mixtures (0.5 mg/kg body weight L. angustifolia +5 mg/kg body weight CuO NPs) were administered to mice by gavage method for 14 days. At the end of the time, antioxidant activities such as biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, T. Prot, Cholesterol) in mouse blood tissue and their combined effects on copper accumulation in kidney and liver tissues were investigated in male Swiss albino mice. The study results showed that copper accumulation in liver and kidney tissue increased significantly. While ALT and AST values in blood tissue increased compared to control, significant decreases were observed in T. Protein and cholesterol levels. These results showed us that lavender oil was significantly effective in homeostatic effects against any toxicity in mouse blood tissue.

Epilepsy manifests as recurrent spontaneous seizures associated with irregular brain activity. Recognizing the limitations of conventional antiepileptic treatments, we explored the therapeutic potential of essential oils (EOs) derived from Greek aromatic plants (Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata wild, Mentha piperita, Lavandula angustifolia and Origanum Dictamnus). Specifically, we explored their radical scavenging capacity (DPPH), as well as their antioxidant (AOP and MDA levels) and neuroprotective effect in a PTZ-induced epilepsy Balb/c mice model (animals were pretreated with EOs prior to PTZ treatment). Our results indicated that Mentha piperita emerges as the most promising EO, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity and the highest radical scavenging ability (IC50 = 1.9 mg/mL). Mentha pulegium also exhibited considerable antioxidant potential, demonstrating the strongest effect in the AOP assay when administered prior to PTZ treatment. Furthermore, Origanum dictamnus exhibited the strongest potential to attenuate MDA formation in the presence of PTZ. Finally, immunohistochemistry indicated a trend of neuronal preservation in animals pretreated with EOs prior to PTZ, with Mentha piperita demonstrating the most significant effect. Based on these findings, we suggest that certain EOs possess significant antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Further research is warranted to validate these results and elucidate the active ingredients responsible for the observed properties.

Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate affects the transcriptome of terpenoid biosynthesis genes in lavender and functional characterization of the candidate gene LabHLH74.

Dactylopius opuntiae, the invasive cactus cochineal, is a major pest threatening Opuntia ficus-indica cultivation, especially in arid regions. This study assesses the insecticidal and antibacterial properties of essential oils (EOs) from Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) as eco-friendly biocontrol agents. Laboratory (in vitro) and greenhouse (in vivo) tests were performed using emulsified EOs at 1%, 5%, and 10% concentrations. In vitro tests showed that lavender EO caused 95.0 ± 3.0% mortality in nymphs and adult females of D. opuntiae at 10% after 8 days, with an LT₅₀ of 3.0 days. Thyme EO was slightly less effective (90.0 ± 3.5%, LT₅₀ = 3.5 days). Greenhouse experiments indicated reduced but significant efficacy (85.5 ± 4.0% and 80.0 ± 4.5% mortality for lavender and thyme EOs at 10%, respectively). Disk diffusion and broth microdilution tests against Proteus penneri showed that thyme EO had stronger antibacterial activity (MIC = 0.625%, MBC = 1.25%) than lavender EO (MIC = 1.25%, MBC = 2.5%), both with bactericidal effects. These findings demonstrate the dual insecticidal and antibacterial potential of lavender and thyme EOs, supporting their inclusion in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs. Further research is needed to evaluate their field persistence, effects on non-target organisms, and formulation stability for sustainable cactus pest control.