C h a p te r - 9

L a va n d u la officinalis

LAVA.NDULA OFFICINALIS fWI'LL

(L A IW IA C E A E )

Iiilroiluction

Lavandula is a small genus of perennial aromatic herbs, sub-shrubs or shrubs confined to

the Nortli temperate and tropical regions of the Old World. Two species occur in hidia.

Three spccic.s ol' hivandula are extensively utilized in Iiuropc and the Mediterranean

region lor extracting essential oils, known in conimcrcc as lavender oil, spike lavender oil

and hivendin oil. T'hese are L. officinalis Mill (true lavender), L laUfolia Mcdic {spil<c

lavender) and L. hyhrida Reverchan (lavendin), a hybrid between true lavender and spike

lavender. L. officinalis yields oil with a retresliing and delightful fragrance. L Icilifolia

grows v/ild in the lower altitudes of Southern France, Spain and Italy; it yields inferior

oil. L hybrida possesses the characteristics o f both parent plants and yields oil, which

combines the fragrance of true lavendei' with tlie camphoraceous harshness o f spike

Lavender (Schweisheinier, 1960; Cavanagh and Wilkinnson, 2002; Anonymous, 2001).

L. ojjicirialis Mill is a native of tlie mountainous regions of Southern Europe bordering on

the western lialf of tlie Mediterranean and extending from the eastern coast of Spain to

Calabria (Italy) and North Africa, It is extensively cultivated in southern France and

utilized for the production of lavender oil; more than 85% of the world’s oil supplies

come from France. Other countries producing lavender oil are Italy, Russia, Hungary,

England, Australia and USA (Anonymous, 2001).

Attem])ts liave been made to cultivate lavender in India. Cultivation on an experimental

scale has been under-taken at several places in Kashmir at altitudes of 1500 m and the

results are promising. There are at present 8 acres under this crop in some parts of

Nilgiris. The oil produced is of as good a quality as that of European countries (Sharma ef

aL, 1983; Tajuddin et ciL, 1983; Dhar et a i , 1982; Husain , 1989; Mallavarapu et al.,

2000).

Common Names: Lavender, Garden Lavender, Spike Lavender and Common Lavender,

Chainer-9 _______ _________________________ _ _ ______ LAVANDULA O m C IN A L IS

SI

M orplioiogy

I’jranched low shrub, 0,3-1.2 m in height, [..eaves opposite, oblong-linear tir lanccokitc,

tomentose; flowers srnail, highly fragrant, in terminal spikes. Inflorescence in a terminal

spike, flowers in verticellaster, arising from a rliomboidal bract. Individual llowcrs up to

5 ram Icngtli, 1 to 2 mm wide, bluish-violet to palc-brown in colour, calyx tuhukir ribbed,

lined toothed, pubescent, .sliining oil glands visible amongst the liains. corolla pui'plc urcx’.

tubular, two lipped, posterior lip having two lobes and anterior one i.e. three lobc.s. four

.stamens e,x:erted from hairy corolla otx'.a.sional leaf fragments up to 2 cm in leiigtli and 2

to 3 mm wide; dark green in colour ( Anonymous, 2001; Sharnia et al., 1983).

Chcinical Composition

Lavender oil contains p-farnesene, p-bisabolene, caryopliyllene, 5-cadinene and y-

cadinene (Rastogi and Mehrotra, 1990). Umbelliferone and its methyl ether were isolated

from lavender oil. A series o f monoterpenoids I-VLII were identified in lavender oil

(Rastogi and Mehrotra, 1991). Seed coat was found to contain ursolic acid and its acetate,

while as seed oil contained diiriethyl adipic acid (Rastogi and Mehrotra, 1993). Various

other acids isolated from lavender were ursolic, 194iydroxyursolic, oleanolic and

betulinic acids (Rastogi and Mehrotra, 1998).

The principal con.stituent of lavender oil is linalyl acetate. French oils contain 30-60%

acetate, English oil contained 8-18% while as a sample o f oil fi'om Kashmir contained

24.8% linalyl acetate (Agnel and Tiesseire, 1984; Boelens 1995; Lawareiice, 1985, 1994,

1996). Other constituents present in the oil were linalool, geraniol and its esters,

lavandulol, nerol, cineole, caryophyllene, liinonene, P-ocimene, thujone and

pinocamphone. (Schiweisheimer, 1960; Tewari and Sharnia 1987; Venskutonsis et a l ,

1997; Ramie e! al. 1982; Reverchon et al., 1995). Solvent extracted perfumer contains

umbelliferone methyl ether (7-methoxy coumarin) and coumarin. Several grades oi'

lavender oil are available in commerce and the quality is mainly evaluated on the basis of

its ester content (linalyl acetate). English lavender oil differs itom the French product in

having much lower ester content and an appreciable proportion o f cineole that imparts a

Chapter-9^ ^ ______________ ____________ LA VANDULA. OFFICINALIS

82

amp(er-9__ ̂ ̂ ^ LAVANDULA OFFICINALIS

characteristic pungency to the oil (Anonymous, 2000; Porter c7 «/.; 1982. Reverchon ci

a i , 1995; Venskutonsis t '/ «/., 1997),

Two series o f carbonyl compounds with either santalane and cadinane skeletons or

caryophyllanc and ccdrane skeletons have been reported (Kaiser e( al., 1983a; 1983b),

Phytoclicniiscally L officuniails was reported to have t'uran, coumarins and related

derivatives (N ai't;/<7/., 1997; Brown, 1965),

F ha nil a co logic a i A ctio ns

The main comjionents of volatile oil of lavender oil viz. linaltiol and linalyl acetate

showed a.scaricidal activity (Perrucci, 1995). 'I'he oil is claimcd to possess anlibacterial,

anti-fungal, carminative, sedative, antidepressant cffcct in addition to its use for buniK

and insect bites (Cavanagh and Wilkinson, 2002; Lis-Ba!chin ct ai, 1998; Buchbauer et

al., 1993).

Uses

Lavender oil is undoubtedly the most versatile and useful of all tlie essential oils. It is

very clTective in the treatment of bums and scales. It is a natural antibiotic, antiseptic,

antispasmodic, sedative and detoxifier, which promotes healing and prevent.^ scarring. It

may be used to clean cuts, bruises and skin irritations. It is also anti-inflammatory,

analgesic, anti-infectious, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticoagulant.

Lavender stimulates the immune system and contributes to the healing process by

stimulating the cells o f wound to regenerate more quickly. Although not known

specifically as a circulatory stimulant, lavender oil certainly seems to allay the effects o f

clinical shock and acts as mood tonic and antidepressant, it helps to deal with the

psychological shock of injury (Anonymous, 2001).

Traditional uses include muscle relaxant, soothing agent, skin conditioner and astringent.

It is also used to relieve headaches and PMS symptoms. The fragrance is calming,

relaxing and balancing both physically and emotionally, (Arionymous, 2001;

Schweishmer, 1960).

83

Discussion

Ani'ih'sis 1)1' llie oil by GLC and (jC-MS melhods resulted in idemificalion t)l' 24

components representing 61.7% of total volatiles, Out of these 22 components {about

60%) were C t:)n ip le te ly idenlified while one corni'ionent (0.7%) was partially idetililled

and another one (1,4%) remained unknown. The components o f the oil, their retention

indices and percentage are summarized in Table 9.1. The components are arrani’ed in the

order of elution on IJlbon HR-1 fu.sed silica coliunn, Cigiit peak index of components and

their structural formulae are tabulated in Table 9.2

(luantitatively tlie oil was characterized by large amount of nionoterpcne.s (,57.3“/<i).

which comprised of three hydrocarbons (4.8%) and twelve oxygenated monoterpenes

(52.4%). Oxygenated fraction con,sisted mainly of alcohols and their esters, e.g. linalool

(14.3%), lavaiidulol (10%), geraniol (9.3%), 1, 8-cineol (5.9%), dihydrocarvcol (3%), cx-

terpineol (3.4%) and (x-terpcnyl acctate (1.1%). p-Cymene (4.4%)) was the main

nwnoterpene hydrocarbon, The composition of the oil is generally similar to that reported

in earlier studie.s except that sesqiiiterpenic fraction i.s represented by only caryophyltene

(0.6%). Non'terpenic components consisted of oieic acid (0.2%), eicosane (0.2%),

decane (0.1%), octane (0.1%)), cyclooctane (0.1%) and acetic acid (0.1%)).

The composition of tlie oil in the present study was found to be similar to that of the oils

produced in China, France, Italy and USA (Agnel et a i , 1984); Tlie quality of the oil

appears to be quite good as some of the important compounds contributing to tlie odour

value were found to be present in significant concentrations, as specified by AFNOR, a

French specification organization (Lalande, 1984).

The odour characteristic of the oil can be described with reference to the chemical

constituents as follows: linalool, lavanduloi, geraniol, a-terpineol and the acetates

provide fresh lioral notes while as 1, 8-eineole in the oil contributes towards little

pungency of the oil (Boelens, 1995).

C h a p le r ~ 9 __________ ^ ^ _ LAVANDIJLJ O FFICINALIS

84

Table 9.1: Clieniical comfiositioii ofvoliitiie oil o(Lavandula offkinaHsPeak No. Com |)0 !ieii(s Rl %

1 Acetic acid - 0 ,!

2 Octane - O.l

3 Cycloocatanone - 1.1

4 a-!’inene 937 0.2

5 (3-Myi'ccene 970 0.2

6 />Cyiric!ic 1005 4,4

7 Decaiie - 0.1

8 1,8 -Cineok; 1035 5.9

9 Linalool 1080 14.3

10 M3-Pinen-2-ol 1085 1.6

11 Ipsenol 1087 1.3

12 I'agetonol 1138 0.4

13 LavaiKltiiof 1156 10.0

14 a-Tcrpineoil 1162 3.4

15 Dili^airocarveol 1177 3.0

16 Geraniol 1260 9.3

17 l"/;“Menthen-8-yl acetate 1285 1.8

18 Citronallic acid 1301 0.3

19 a-Tcrpenyl acetate 1342 1,1

2 0 Unknown - 1.4

21 - 6.7

22 Caryophyllene 1421 0.6

23 Oleic acid - 0,2

24 C20H42 - 0.2

Total (24) 61.7

* Partially Identified

Monoterpene Hydrocarbons (3) = 4.8%

Oxygenated Monoterpenes (12) = 52.4%

Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons (1) = 0.6%

Others ( 8 ) = 3.9%

Total (24) = 61.7%

TABLE 9.2: Eight peaic mass index of volatile oi! of Lavandula officinaHs

s . No. Name of CoiiipoaentAcctic acid

60

/■/-OcatneCsHi«114

Structure

CH3COOH

(::n3(CH2)6cii3

a-PinciicC k)H|6136

Cyclooctanoncderivative

MassFnigincntatieii45, 43(74), 44(37). 60(38), 42(18), 46(13), 83(12), 85(9)43, 57(86), 41(62). 70(59), 55(42), 69(39), 61(29), 42(21)93, 91(53), 77(44). 92(39), 79(33), 41(33), 53(20), 51(14)55, 43(45), 41(38). 69(34), 57(33), 56(21), 70(14), 83(11)

P-MyrceneC10H16136

\

41, 69(37), 93(33). 43(22), 91(11), 53(11), 77(9), 79(9)

«-DecaneC 10H22142

CH3(CH2)8CH3 43, 57(71), 41(33), 61(57), 70(44), 69(38), 55(35), 42(25)

/>CymeneCioHif,136

41, 119(87), 91(55), 93(46), 77(29), , 69(24), 65(20), 134(21)

1,8-CineoleCioHigO154

43,41(62), 68(51), 93(46), 81(33), 53(29), 55(28)

10

II

12

LiiiaioolCioHisO154

/-3-Pinen-2-ol

CioHifiO154

TaRctaCioIIisO154

GeraniolCioHuiO154

o

Vo

C ' 4 i(B9) ; 69(3 f);..93(30), 91(10), 53(10), 77(9), 79(9)

43, 41(84), 55(74), 69(71), 57(70), 70(33), 56(31), 71(28)68, 93(33), 41(33), 67(25), 41(22), 79(18), 53(17), 77(14)43741(63), 71(59); 55(35), 57(31), 95(30), 68(27), 56(23)

43, 95(77), 81(62), 55(53), 69(43), 67(33), 83(28), 108(26)

14 LavaiidulolCioHisO154

69,41(98), 43(93), 55(30), 68(30), 57(20), 67(17), 70(17)

15 a-TcrpeneolC„)H,6136

59,43(74), 41(43), 93(41), 81(26), 121(22), 67(22), 71(22)

"!6

17

IK

19

20

Dihydrocaveo!C ioH ikO154

l-/>Menthen-8-yIacctatc.

Citronellic acid

41, 69(59), 55(25). 67(22), 43(22). 6S(l4),56(i3!. 53(11)

l3 T T lp ) r5 5 (2 7 ) :“ 93(22), 68(21). 69(19), 67(18). 79(17)

a-Tcrpenyl acetate

Unknown

X “ “

43, 69(96), 41(96)." 55(92), 57(68), 56(37), 70(32). 83(31)

43,41(61), 69(53), 93(42), 68(34), 67(21), 126(14), 94(13)

\-OCOCHt

149,43(60). 35(69), 30(55), 25(41), 21(57), 20(77), 18(65)

CaryophyllcneC 15H24204

43,41(82), 63(65), 73(60), 57(58), 55(57). 31(30), 2.9(27)

22 C isHm 41, 79(42), 55(34). 69(3.3), 93(31), 67(30). 91(29), 53(15)

23 Oleic acidC,8H;,r,02284

CH3(CH2)k,COOH 43,41(82), 63(65), 73(60). 57(58), 55(57), 31(30), 29(27)

24 CH3(CH2),8CH3C20H42282

Cll3(CH2),sCH3 57,149(30), 43(28), 41(26), 71(15), 70(13), 77(12), 55(H)

Responss [mV]

orno'-‘s

B.

©'KoM,

a§

§-

I|S^-

i l li i

„ 27,58-....' 28.93

1,90kM

IIS"sss6<3

79,59

o

gmo<ONwiia£•o

O'

0

1I-

IS‘a

a m p le r ^ ^ _ LA VANDULA OFFICINALIS

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Cha[Hcr-9 _ ̂ ^ LAVAhUMJlA OFFICINALIS

86

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Chapler-9 OFFICINALIS

87