European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW ON LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA

*Kalpana Sonwani

ABSTRACT

Lavandula species is a flowering plant that is common in Europe and across the Mediterranean. Lavender has many health benefits for humans. In addition to its use in herbal medicine, it is widely used in the fields of cosmetics, perfumes, foods, and aromatherapy. This present review aimed to focus on the lavender plant which used in alternative medicine for many centuries. Because of Lavandula species are highly aromatic plants and produce essential oils which composition varies within the same species and among different species. The oil contains hundreds of chemical compounds and the major compounds such as linalool, linalyl acetate, β-ocimene, terpinen-4-ol, lavandulyl acetate and more others act on many chronic and degenerative illnesses, such as cancer autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases. The secondary metabolites found in this plant have high antioxidant activity, important antimicrobial agents, and several microorganisms, have activity against many fungal species, antiproliferative activity, anti-inflammatory activity, pain relief effect, wound healing effect and recognized as an antiseptic and insecticide agent. Also used as an ingredient in bath salts and washing agents as well as commercial cosmetic products: hair shampoo, cosmetic and bath products.

Keywords: Essential oil, linalool, linalyl acetate, ?-ocimene.