Search Results (105)

This study, conducted in Southern Italy in 2023, investigated the effects of a dynamic agrivoltaics (AV) system on microclimate, water consumption, plant growth, and essential oil yield in six medicinal species: lavender (Lavandula angustifolia L. ‘Royal purple’), lemmon thyme (Thymus citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. ar. ‘Aureus’), common thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. ‘Severn seas’), mint (Mentha spicata L. ‘Moroccan’), and sage (Salvia officinalis L. subsp. Officinalis). Due to the rotating solar panels, two distinct ground zones were identified: a consistently shaded area under the panels (UP), and a partially shaded area between the panels (BP). These were compared to an adjacent full-sun control area (T). Microclimate parameters, including solar radiation, air and leaf infrared temperature, and soil temperature, were recorded throughout the cultivation season. Reference evapotranspiration (ET_O) was calculated using Turc’s method, and crop evapotranspiration (ET_C) was estimated with species-specific crop coefficients (K_C). Results showed significantly lower microclimatic values in the UP plot compared to both BP and especially T, resulting in ET_C reductions of 81.1% in UP and 13.1% in BP relative to T, an advantage in water-scarce environments. Growth and yield responses varied among species and treatment plots. Except for mint, all species showed a significant reduction in fresh biomass (40.1% to 48.8%) under the high shading of UP compared to T. However, no biomass reductions were observed in BP. Notably, essential oil yields were higher in both UP and BP plots (0.60–2.63%) compared to the T plot (0.51–1.90%). These findings demonstrate that dynamic AV systems can enhance water use efficiency and essential oil yield, offering promising opportunities for sustainable, high-quality medicinal crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

Lavender essential oil (LEO) was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with a mass selective detector (GC-MS), detecting linalool and linalyl acetate as its major constituents. The biological activity of the LEO was evaluated in vitro using a normal mouse fibroblast cell line (L929), where it showed no cytotoxic effects. To assess its therapeutic effect in vivo, a broiler chicken model (Ross 308) was employed. Birds were divided into three groups: the control group (C) without any hydrogel supplementation; the H group, supplemented with alginate hydrogel capsules without LEO; and the HE groups, which received hydrogel capsules containing immobilized LEO. Capsules were provided on chick paper for voluntary intake from day 1 to day 10. At the end of the production cycle, the cecum was dissected and preserved for subsequent molecular analyses. Results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with alginate hydrogel containing immobilized LEO (HE group) positively influenced the production parameters and intestinal health in broiler chickens. Dietary supplementation with alginate hydrogel-encapsulated LEO exerts therapeutic effects in broilers. Full article

Efficient adventitious root formation is crucial for Lavandula angustifolia Mill. propagation. This study evaluated the effects of continuous and short-duration pulse applications (1 min, 1 h, and 1 day) of the auxin dichlorprop (DCP) and its prodrug dichlorprop-2-ethylhexyl ester (DCPE) at varying concentrations on adventitious rooting and callus formation. DCPE generally proved more effective than DCP in promoting rooting, especially at lower concentrations, with continuous application of 0.1 µM DCPE yielding the highest number of adventitious roots. Notably, a brief 1 min pulse of 2.5 µM DCPE induced superior rooting, including high root number and weight, while minimizing callus formation compared to longer exposures. In contrast, 1 h pulse treatments showed a positive correlation between auxin concentration and root number but led to substantial callus development. These findings highlight DCPE’s potential as an efficient auxin source for lavender propagation, likely due to its rapid hydrolysis to active DCP within plant tissues, facilitating systemic distribution. The enhanced rooting achieved with short pulse treatments offers significant implications for optimizing commercial propagation for this economically important aromatic plant. Full article

Lavender species hold substantial economic importance due to their widespread cultivation for essential oils (EOs). Lavender EOs contain terpenes essential for industries such as cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. In the biosynthetic pathway of EOs, Lavandula angustifolia bornyl diphosphate synthase (LaBPPS) catalyzes the conversion of geranyl diphosphate (GPP) to bornyl diphosphate (BPP). However, the functional mechanisms of LaBPPS remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted mutational experiments based on the molecular docking results, and found that mutations at positions D356A, D360A, R497A, D501A, or E508A led to a 50- to 100-fold reduction in the activity. Deletion of region 1–58 (∆1–58) did not affect activity compared to the wild-type (WT) protein, while deletions of regions 1–74 or 59–74 (∆1–74 or ∆59–74) significantly decreased the activity. Conversely, deletion of residues 578–602 (∆578–602) dramatically increased the activity. The LaBPPS gene showed dramatically higher expression levels in flowers compared to other tissues (stems, leaves and roots), peaking at 8:00. Our results provide valuable insights into EO biosynthesis in lavender and suggest potential strategies for genetic engineering aimed at improving EO quality. Full article

Lavandula angustifolia Mill., lavender, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae family. Lavender, which is native to the Mediterranean region but cultivated throughout the world, is an important economic plant. Several studies have investigated two aspects of this aromatic plant: (1) which pollinators, particularly bees, pollinate lavender, and (2) the composition of lavender essential oil. However, little research has been conducted to investigate how pollination affects either the yield or phytochemistry of lavender. The current study, which was conducted in North America, investigates which bee species visit lavender and how pollination affects plant chemistry, specifically the essential oil produced by lavender. Over the course of the 5-week observational period, a total of 12 species (across 10 genera) of bees were identified visiting lavender. Compared to previous studies on cultivated lavender at the same site (Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm, Mona, UT), four bee species not previously observed on lavender were identified. These included Hoplitis producta, Nomada sp., Osmia trevoris, and Megachile snowi. Pollinated lavender, compared to lavender excluded from pollinators, produced more essential oil (yield (w/w) = 1.49% vs. 1.07%), lower relative amounts of linalool (35.4% vs. 39.9%), and higher relative amounts of linalyl acetate (21.3% vs. 16.8%). The findings of this study demonstrate the ecological interactions between pollinators and lavender, and how those interactions impact phytochemistry. Full article

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a widespread pathogen responsible for recurrent infections, primarily affecting the skin and mucous membranes. With the aim of targeting both the viral infection and the associated inflammatory response, biotechnologically produced Lavandula angustifolia Miller (L. angustifolia) extract, rich in rosmarinic acid, was incorporated into liposomal formulations intended for topical application. Lavender is known for its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antiviral properties. However, its low stability under certain conditions limits its therapeutic potential. Four different formulations were developed: conventional liposomes, glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes. The vesicles were characterized for size, stability, and entrapment efficiency. Glycerosomes were the smallest (~58 nm), while the other formulations ranged around 77 nm, all maintaining a highly negative surface charge, ensuring stability and reduced aggregation. Glycerol-containing formulations demonstrated superior stability over 12 months, while liposomes and hyalurosomes increased their size after only two months. Entrapment efficiency reached up to 100% for most vesicles, except for glycerohyalurosomes (~54%). In vitro studies on Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts (NHDFs) demonstrated that all formulations were biocompatible and enhanced cell viability under oxidative stress. Glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity by reducing MMP-1 and IL-6 levels in LPS-stimulated fibroblasts. Furthermore, these preliminary results highlighted promising antiviral activity against HSV-1 of the obtained formulations, particularly when applied during or post-infection. Overall, these phospholipid vesicles offer a dual therapeutic approach, combining antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral effects, positioning them as promising candidates for the treatment of HSV-induced skin lesions and related inflammatory conditions. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands novel strategies, including the use of plant-derived agents. This study investigates the chemical profile and in vitro antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Lavandula angustifolia (LEO), cultivated in Northeastern Bulgaria. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed the presence of a linalool/linalyl acetate chemotype, characteristic of high-quality lavender oil. LEO demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values of 0.31% (v/v) and moderate to weak activity against other Gram-positive and fungal strains. Time–kill assays revealed a concentration-dependent bactericidal effect on E. coli. The addition of LEO at subinhibitory concentrations increased the inhibition zones for all antibiotics. In silico analysis identified functional protein clusters potentially modulated by LEO constituents, including targets related to membrane integrity and metabolic regulation. The findings indicate the potential of lavender essential oil as a natural antimicrobial adjuvant; however, additional in vivo and clinical investigations are necessary to validate its therapeutic use. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis revealed a high binding affinity of linalool and linalyl acetate towards the FabI protein of E.coli, suggesting a potential inhibitory mechanism at the molecular level. Full article

People are paying more and more attention to their physical appearance. One way is the use of cosmetics containing antioxidants that slow down the skin ageing process. The application of photoprotective agents is another factor that protects the skin against ageing. Preparations based on natural raw materials are considered to be more safe. The evaluation of both antioxidant and photoprotective potential seems to be of interest for formulating new cosmetics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and in vitro photoprotective potential of Lavandula angustifolia alcoholic extracts. Two methods, i.e., DPPH and ABTS, based on spectrophotometric analysis were applied to determine antioxidant activity. Additionally, the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) of these extracts was determined and a correlation between this parameter and the antioxidant potential of the extracts was also evaluated. The extracts of dry flowers and herbs of lavender were prepared using ultrasound-assisted extraction. As extractants, four short-chain alcohols, i.e., methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and isopropanol, in three concentrations were applied to obtain the extracts. To evaluate the stability of the extracts, the determination of antioxidant activity by the DPPH and ABTS methods as well as the SPF value in vitro were performed twice: immediately after the preparation of the extracts and twelve months later. Moreover, the GC-MS analysis of certain extracts was also performed. In extracts made in diluted alcohols, a higher antioxidant potential was observed. A similar observation was made for the in vitro SPF determination. A significant correlation was seen between the antioxidant activity determined by the ABTS method and SPF (for herbs analysed immediately after extract preparation and twelve months later, r = 0.713 and 0.936, respectively, and for flower extracts, r = 0.640 and 0.801, respectively). For the DPPH method, a significant correlation was found only for herb extracts (r = 0.520 and 0.623, respectively). In general, slightly higher antioxidant or photoprotective in vitro potential were observed in later-analysed extracts. However, no significant differences were noted between the antioxidant activity or the photoprotection factor of the extracts determined immediately after their preparation and twelve months later, except for the flower extracts evaluated using the DPPH method (p < 0.0001). A very high correlation was found between the SPF values for both herb and flower extracts evaluated immediately and twelve months later, r = 0.953 and 0.899, respectively. Based on the obtained results, the extracts of Lavandula angustifolia Hidcote Blue variety could be considered as a possible component of anti-ageing cosmetics. Full article

Irrigation optimization is critical for sustainable agriculture in water-scarce regions, particularly for drought-tolerant crops like lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), where strategic water management can enhance productivity. This study evaluated the impact of different irrigation regimes on yield, yield components, essential oil content, water productivity, and irrigation water productivity of drip-irrigated lavender under the semi-arid conditions of Niğde, Turkey, over five growing seasons (2020–2024). Treatments included full irrigation (T₁), moderate deficit irrigation (T₂, 33% water deficit), severe deficit irrigation (T₃, 66% water deficit), and rainfed conditions (T₄). Results demonstrated that T₂ achieved fresh yields (144–227 kg da⁻¹) and oil yields (2.7–6.9 kg da⁻¹) comparable to T₁, with crop water consumption ranging 781.5–923.6 mm. Rainfed conditions significantly reduced yields but maximized water productivity, highlighting the potential for efficient water use even under substantial water deficits. Essential oil content remained stable (1.88–3.04%) across treatments, except in 2022 (p < 0.05). Lavender exhibited low drought sensitivity, with a yield response factor (k_y) of 0.25, indicating adaptability to controlled water deficits. Regression analyses revealed significant positive linear relationships between crop water consumption and fresh yield. Overall, the findings emphasize that improving water productivity through moderate-to-severe deficit irrigation strategies can support sustainable lavender production under semi-arid conditions, even when absolute yields are partially compromised. Results indicated that T₂ is recommended for optimizing water productivity with minimal yield reduction. However, in water-limited regions, T₃ provided viable productivity, offering a suitable balance for sustainable lavender production in semi-arid climates. Full article

In spite of the increasing industrial cultivation of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), no genetic linkage map and mapping of QTLs (quantitative trait locus) has been reported for Lavandula species. We present the development of a set of SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers and the first genetic linkage map of lavender following the genotyping of a segregating population obtained by the self-pollination of the industrial lavender variety Hemus. The resulting genetic map comprises 25 linkage groups (LGs) corresponding to the chromosome number of the lavender reference genome. The map includes 375 loci covering a total of 2631.57 centimorgan (cM). The average marker distance in the established map is 7.01 cM. The comparison of the map and reference genome sequence shows that LG maps cover an average of 82.6% of the chromosome sequences. The PCR amplification tests suggest that the developed SSR marker set possesses high intra-species (>93%) and inter-species (>78%) transferability. The QTL analysis employing the constructed map and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) dataset of flower extracted volatiles resulted in the mapping of a total of 43 QTLs for the accumulation of 25 different floral volatiles. The comparison of the genome location of the QTLs and known biosynthetic genes suggests candidate genes for some QTLs. Full article

In recent years, a significant increase in the market availability of products with a phytostimulant effect on plants has occurred. However, these products are not always low-cost, and their effects on crops are not always reproducible. In this study, an alternative use of lavender, already known for its antimicrobial activity, is proposed: an aqueous extract from self-produced lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., var. Hidcote) flowering tops was tested for its phytostimulant activity on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., var. Bionda d’estate) cultivated under organic farming management. Lettuce plants were planted in an open field on a private farm (in the Lazio region, Italy): lettuce plants were treated weekly for two months with lavender aqueous extracts while control plants were sprayed with water. Results showed that treatment with lavender extract enhanced fresh edible production and dry biomass (12.08% and 15.09%, respectively) in lettuce plants, as well as leaf area index (28.01%) and photosynthetic efficiency (increased SPAD). At the same time, an increase in mineral content was observed: compared to the control, a 30.46% increase was observed for N, 31.10%, 35.52%, 36.19%, 47.51%, 48.11%, and 91.44% for K, Ca, Mg, P, Mn, and Fe, respectively. All these factors contribute to enhancing the commercial and nutritional quality of lettuce, as well as strengthening its self-defense and extending its shelf life. Results of this study showed that lavender aqueous extract exhibits phytostimulant activity and could be a useful product for obtaining higher yield and better nutritional quality of lettuce in organic farming. Full article

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation disturbances, which contribute to microvascular and macrovascular complications. We evaluated the therapeutic effects of lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat model of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) with experimentally induced thrombosis. Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into control, thrombosis, diabetes, thrombosis–diabetes, and lavender oil pretreatment groups (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight [bw]). Lavender oil exhibited dose-dependent benefits, with the 200 mg/kg bw dose leading to significant reductions in proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α); regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES); and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)) and oxidative stress, along with improved glycemic control, the partial restoration of C-peptide levels, and the attenuation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9) activity (p < 0.0001). Histopathological and coagulation analyses confirmed its organ-protective and antithrombotic effects, including reduced tissue damage, vascular inflammation, and thrombus formation, and prolonged bleeding and clotting times. Our findings suggest that lavender oil exhibits dose-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and organ-protective effects, indicating its potential as a complementary therapy for managing inflammation in T1DM with or without thrombosis. Full article

Lavandula angustifolia is a promising essential oil and ornamental crop whose distribution in the temperate zone and northern regions is limited by its low winter hardiness. Analyzing the causes of low winter hardiness will facilitate the selection of the most winter-hardy hybrids. The study goal is to evaluate the climatic conditions and winter hardiness of narrow-leaved lavender and to determine critical conditions for the successful overwintering of plants in the conditions of Moscow. The studies were conducted in the laboratory of cultivated plants of MBG RAS from 2015 to 2022. The research objects were 72 lavender hybrids. The assessment of hybrids’ winter hardiness was carried out after complete snow melt. Average daily temperature, snow cover height, and precipitation were considered daily. Data statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel and PAST 4.5 software. Optimal lavender overwintering conditions were formed in 2018 and the greatest plant damage was observed in 2017. The research years were grouped by winter hardiness structured into clusters, which allowed us to identify common features in climatic conditions and to identify critical periods of the winter period leading to a decrease in winter hardiness. Temperature fluctuations in winter, frequent temperature transitions over the 0 °C mark, high levels of snow cover and the formation of ice deposits led to severe damage to some lavender hybrids. Severe frosts in the absence of snow cover can lead to the death of lavender plants in the temperate zone. Lavender hybrids were grouped by winter hardiness into two clusters and 11 subclusters. A group of hybrids with consistently high resistance has been selected throughout the years of the study; these hybrids are the most promising for further hybridization. Full article

The search for neuroprotective compounds in lavender is driven by its traditional use for brain health, with antioxidant activity serving as a key mechanism in reducing oxidative stress and supporting cognitive function. Lavender’s potential to protect neurons is based on its calming, anti-stress properties, which increase the brain’s resistance to neurodegeneration. Although lavender is not a traditional medicinal plant in Ukraine, it is increasingly recognised for its medicinal properties and is widely cultivated in the country. Lavender use in Ukraine is influenced by both global herbal practices and local medical traditions. The aim of this study was to optimise the preparation of lavender herb extracts, perform chemical profiling and evaluate their antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. The study focused on Lavandula angustifolia cultivated in Lviv, Ukraine. Modern analytical methods were used, including HPLC, spectrophotometry, molecular docking, lyophilisation and pharmacological testing. The selection of the optimal conditions for obtaining lavender herb extracts was determined on the basis of the results of the total yield of phenolic compounds in each extract, where it was found that the raw material–solvent ratio (1:10) in water and 50% ethanol gave the highest yield of substances; the preferred extraction time was 20 min, and the temperature was 60–70 °C, especially for water extraction. Further HPLC analysis identified marker compounds including rosmarinic acid (28.31 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (1.64 mg/g) and luteolin (0.23 mg/g) in the lyophilised ethanol extract, which were previously recognised as neuroprotective markers by molecular docking. The water extract showed higher antioxidant (total 50.85 mg/g) and neuroprotective activity, probably due to synergistic interactions among the components. Behavioural tests further demonstrated the neuroprotective potential of lavender herb. These results demonstrate the potential neuroprotective activity of lavender herb and open new possibilities for its use in the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Chronic pruritus, or persistent itching, is a debilitating condition that severely impacts quality of life, especially in palliative care settings. Traditional treatments often fail to provide adequate relief or are associated with significant side effects, prompting interest in alternative therapies. This review investigates the antipruritic potential of eight medicinal plants: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis), calendula (Calendula officinalis), curcumin (Curcuma longa), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis). These plants are analyzed for their traditional applications, active bioactive compounds, mechanisms of action, clinical evidence, usage, dosage, and safety profiles. Comprehensive searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and b-on, focusing on in vitro, animal, and clinical studies using keywords like “plant”, “extract”, and “pruritus”. Studies were included regardless of publication date and limited to English-language articles. Findings indicate that active compounds such as polysaccharides in aloe vera, curcuminoids in turmeric, and menthol in peppermint exhibit significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties. Chamomile and calendula alleviate itching through anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects, while lavender and licorice offer antimicrobial benefits alongside antipruritic relief. Evening primrose, rich in gamma-linolenic acid, is effective in atopic dermatitis-related itching. Despite promising preclinical and clinical results, challenges remain in standardizing dosages and formulations. The review highlights the necessity of further clinical trials to ensure efficacy and safety, advocating for integrating these botanical therapies into complementary palliative care practices. Such approaches emphasize holistic treatment, addressing chronic pruritus’s physical and emotional burden, thereby enhancing patient well-being. Full article