Lavandula dentata L. essential oil: a promising antifungal and antibiofilm agent against oral Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is the main fungal species involved in oral candidiasis, and its increasing resistance to pharmacological treatment encourages the search for improved antifungal agents. Lavandula dentata L. essential oil (LD-EO) has been recognized for its antimicrobial activity, but little is known about its role against oral C. albicans. This study evaluated the antifungal and antibiofilm activities, mechanisms of action, and toxicity of LD-EO from Brazil against oral strains of C. albicans. Antifungal activity was assessed based on Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), association study with miconazole (Checkerboard method), and sorbitol and ergosterol assays. Inhibition of biofilm formation and disruption of preformed biofilm were considered when studying the effects of the product. Additionally, the toxicity of LD-EO was evaluated by a hemolysis assay on human erythrocytes. Phytochemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry identified eucalyptol (33.1%), camphor (18.3%), and fenchone (15.6%) as major constituents. The test substance showed mainly fungicidal activity (MIC100 = 8 µg/mL; MFC = 16 µg/mL), including against two miconazole-resistant isolates of C. albicans. The effects of LD-EO were synergistic with those of miconazole and appeared not to involve damage to the fungal cell wall or plasma membrane. Its effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation was higher than the effect of disrupting preformed biofilm. Finally, the product exhibited low hemolytic activity at MIC. Based on the favorable and novel results described here, LD-EO could constitute a promising therapeutic alternative for oral candidiasis, including miconazole-resistant cases.

Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil Inhibits the Ability of Fusobacterium nucleatum to Produce Volatile Sulfide Compounds, a Key Components in Oral Malodor.

Oral malodor still constitutes a major challenge worldwide. A strong effort is invested in eliminating volatile sulfur compound-producing oral bacteria through organic natural products such as essential oils. Fusobacterium nucleatum is a known volatile sulfur compound-producing bacteria that inspires oral malodor. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of lavender essential oil on the bacterium's ability to produce volatile sulfide compounds, the principal components of oral malodor. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of lavender essential oil on Fusobacterium nucleatum was determined in a previous trial. Fusobacterium nucleatum was incubated anaerobically in the presence of sub-MIC, MIC, and above MIC concentrations of lavender essential oil, as well as saline and chlorhexidine as negative and positive controls, respectively. Following incubation, volatile sulfur compound levels were measured using GC (Oralchroma), and bacterial cell membrane damage was studied using fluorescence microscopy. Chemical analysis of lavender essential oil yielded five main components, with camphor being the most abundant, accounting for nearly one-third of the total lavender essential oil volume. The MIC (4 µL/mL) of lavender essential oil reduced volatile sulfur compound secretion at a statistically significant level compared to the control (saline). Furthermore, the level of volatile sulfur compound production attributed to 1 MIC of lavender essential oil was in the range of the positive control chlorhexidine with no significant difference. When examining bacterial membrane damage, 2 MIC of lavender essential oil (i.e., 8 µL/mL) demonstrated the same, showing antibacterial membrane damage values comparative to chlorhexidine. Since lavender essential oil was found to be highly effective in hindering volatile sulfur compound production by Fusobacterium nucleatum through the induction of bacterial cell membrane damage, the results suggest that lavender essential oil may be a suitable alternative to conventional chemical-based anti-malodor agents.

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. inhibits high glucose and nicotine-induced Ca2+ influx in microglia and neuron-like cells via two distinct mechanisms.

Smoking remains a significant health problem in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study compared intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in microglia, neurons, and astrocytes in the presence of high glucose (HG) and nicotine and evaluated the effects of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on this process. [Ca2+]i concentrations were measured by monitoring the fluorescence of Fura-2 acetoxymethyl ester. Treatment with HG and nicotine significantly increased [Ca2+]i in both microglia and neurons through Ca2+ influx from extracellular sources. This increased Ca2+ influx in microglia, however, was significantly reduced by LEO, an effect partially inhibited by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) inhibitor Ni2+. Ca2+ influx in neuron-like cells pretreated with HG plus nicotine was also significantly decreased by LEO, an effect partially inhibited by the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine and the T-type Ca2+ channel blocker mibefradil. LEO or a two-fold increase in the applied number of astrocytes attenuated Ca2+ influx caused by high glucose and nicotine in the mixed cells of the microglia, neuron-like cells and astrocytes. These findings suggest that LEO can regulate HG and nicotine-induced Ca2+ influx into microglia and neurons through two distinct mechanisms.

Variations in the biochemical characteristics of Lavandula sublepidota Rech.f. in response to the foliar enrichment of green-synthesized copper nano complexes from extract of neem and jujube.

Copper (Cu) is an essential micronutrient in plant physiology and biochemistry. This article synthesized copper nano complexes (Cu-NCs) based on aqueous extracts of jujube and neem leaves. The effects of foliar application of Cu-jujube and Cu-neem Cu-NCs at concentrations of 0, 10, 25, and 50 mg L-1 on the bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and essential oil of the Iranian native medicinal herb Lavandula sublepidota Rech. f. was investigated. The highest levels of flavonoids and polyphenols were observed in the plants treated with Cu-NCs at 25 mg L-1. However, no superiority was observed between the two types of Cu-NCs. Furthermore, 25 mg L-1 nCu-Z and nCu-N foliar application boosted essential oil yield (48 and 52%, respectively) over control. This suggests an ideal threshold beyond which toxicity was found. Similarly, the amount of commercially significant secondary metabolites increased at 25 mg L-1 CuNCs compared to 10 and 50 mg L-1 concentrations. The maximum antioxidant activity was found in extracts of lavender that had been treated with 25 mg L-1 CuNCs. When CuNCs were applied exogenously, the extracts' antibacterial activity (MIC µg mL-1) was substantially increased against the three pathogen strains. The results suggest that CuNCs demonstrate notably greater effectiveness, particularly at an ideal concentration of 25 mg L-1, in enhancing the production of essential oil and bioactive compounds in Lavandula sublepidota Rech. f. Therefore, these findings indicate the importance of the biosynthesis of NCs using plants and measuring the phytochemical changes of lavender plants.

Comparative analysis of the differences in volatile organic components of three lavender essential oils in Ili region using sensory evaluation, GC-IMS and GC-MS techniques.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) is a widely utilized aromatic plant, with the economic value of its essential oil (EO) largely dependent on its aroma. This study investigated the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) within the EOs of three species of lavender (H70-1, French blue, Taikong blue) in Ili region from 2019 to 2023 with the combination of sensory evaluation, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The EO from Taikong blue lavender exhibited greater stability in VOC composition compared to the other two varieties. Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) effectively distinguished the aromas of the three EOs aroma. Combining odor activity value (OAV) and variable importance in projection (VIP) values identified five VOCs crucial for discriminating among the three lavender EO types. This study provides theoretical support for the cultivation and commercialization of lavender as an industrial crop, as well as for quality control of EO production in the Ili region.

Medicinal Anti-Inflammatory Patch Loaded with Lavender Essential Oil.

Transdermal drug delivery offers a promising alternative for administering medications like ibuprofen, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, with reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to oral administration. This study explored the potential synergistic effects of combining ibuprofen with lavender essential oil (LEO) in transdermal patches. The composition of LEO was analyzed, revealing predominant compounds such as linalyl acetate and linalool, which are known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The physicochemical properties of the patches were investigated, indicating improved cohesion with the addition of LEO. Additionally, thermal stability assessments demonstrated enhanced stability with LEO incorporation with an increase in onset decomposition temperature from 49.0 to 67.9 °C. The antioxidant activity of patches containing LEO was significantly higher with a free radical scavenging ability of 79.13% RSA compared to 60% RSA in patches without LEO. Release and permeation studies showed that patches with LEO exhibited an increased permeation of ibuprofen through the skin with 74.40% of the drug released from LEO-containing patches compared to 36.29% from patches without LEO after 24 h. Moreover, the permeation rate was notably faster with LEO, indicating quicker therapeutic effects. The inclusion of LEO in transdermal patches containing ibuprofen holds promise for enhancing drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness, offering a potential strategy for improved pain management with reduced side effects.

Flower Power: An Overview on Chemistry and Biological Impact of Selected Essential Oils from Blossoms.

Natural raw materials such as essential oils have received more and more attention in recent decades, whether in the food industry, as flavorings and preservatives, or as insecticides and insect repellents. They are, furthermore, very popular as fragrances in perfumes, cosmetics, and household products. In addition, aromatherapy is widely used to complement conventional medicine. This review summarizes investigations on the chemical composition and the most important biological impacts of essential oils and volatile compounds extracted from selected aromatic blossoms, including Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria recutita, Rosa x damascena, Jasminum grandiflorum, Citrus x aurantium, Cananga odorata, and Michelia alba. The literature was collected from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Blossom essential oils discussed in this work are used in a wide variety of clinical issues. The application is consistently described as safe in studies and meta-analyses, although there are notes that using essential oils can also have side effects, especially dermatologically. However, it can be considered as confirmed that essential oils have positive influences on humans and can improve quality of life in patients with psychiatric disorders, critically ill patients, and patients in other exceptional situations. Although the positive effect of essential oils from blossoms has repeatedly been reported, evidence-based clinical investigations are still underrepresented, and the need for research is demanded.

Anthelmintic effects of some medicinal plants on different life stages of Fasciola hepatica: Evidence on oxidative stress biomarkers, and DNA damage.

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major public health and economic problem worldwide. Due to the lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance to the drug triclabendazole, alternative phytotherapeutic approaches are being investigated. This study investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) essential oils (EOs) against F. hepatica. The in vitro study was based on an egg hatch assay (EHA), adult motility inhibition assays, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level along with several oxidative stress biomarkers including glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). To this end, different concentrations of L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs (1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/mL) were used to assess anthelmintic effects on different life stages including egg, and adults of F. hepatica for 24 hrs. The results indicated that these EOs play a significant role as anthelminthics, and the effect was dependent on time and concentration. The in vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs increased DNA damage, ROS production and induction of oxidative stress (decreased SOD, GST and GSH, and increased MDA), significantly compared to control. Therefore, it can be concluded that L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs have the potential to be used as novel agents for the control and treatment of F. hepatica infections. Further studies are required to investigate their pharmacological potential and effectiveness in vivo for the treatment of parasitic infections.

The Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender Essential Oil on the Sleep and Fatigue Level of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in Turkey: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common problem in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is one of the most serious symptoms of the disease. Although many factors play a role in the etiology of fatigue in patients with MS, it has been reported that fatigue is caused by irregular or disrupted sleep patterns. AIM: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of lavender oil aromatherapy on the sleep and fatigue of MS patients. METHODS: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial and was conducted in Turkey. The data of the study were collected using the Patient Description Form, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS: The mean FSS score in the experimental group was 6.86 ± 0.94 before the procedure and 3.42 ± 0.85 after the procedure, the mean PSQI score was 9.45 ± 1.23 before the procedure and 6.68 ± 2.87 after the procedure, and the difference in the mean scores between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil has significant impacts on fatigue and sleep in MS patients. Lavender essential oil aromatherapy can be used by nurses as an independent nursing practice. It is an inexpensive, noninvasive, and reliable technique to manage fatigue in individuals with MS.

Recent developments in the encapsulation of lavender essential oil.

The unregulated and extensive application of synthetic compounds, such as preservatives, pesticides, and drugs, poses serious concerns to the environment, food security, and global health. Essential oils (EOs) are valid alternatives to these synthetic chemicals due to their therapeutic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Lavender essential oil (LEO) can be potentially applied in food, cosmetic, textile, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. However, its bioactivity can be compromised by its poor stability and solubility, which severely restrict its industrial applications. Encapsulation techniques can improve the functionality of LEO and preserve its bioactivity during storage. This review reports recent advances in the encapsulation of LEO by different methods, such as liposomes, emulsification, spray drying, complex coacervation, inclusion complexation, and electrospinning. It also outlines the effects of different processing conditions and carriers on the stability, physicochemical properties, and release behavior of encapsulated LEO. Moreover, this review focuses on the applications of encapsulated LEO in different food and non-food products.

Comparative analysis of essential oil efficacy against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae).

This study evaluated the potential repellent and acaricidal effects of 4 essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint) against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, a vector of various tick-borne diseases in medical and veterinary contexts. Selected for their potential repellent and acaricidal properties, the 4 essential oils were tested on adult and nymph H. longicornis ticks at different concentrations. The experiment assessed mortality rates and repellency, particularly during tick attachment to host skin. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in tick mortality and repellency scores across all groups. At a 1% concentration, adult tick mortality ranged from 36% to 86%, while nymph mortality ranged from 6% to 97%. Clove oil exhibited notable efficacy, demonstrating high mortality rates of nymphs and adults. Clove oil also displayed strong repellency properties, with a repellency index of 0.05, surpassing those of mint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. Clove oil showed the highest effectiveness in deterring nonattached adult ticks (90%) and nymphs (95%) when applied to skin. Clove oil was the most effective against adult and nymph ticks, achieving mortality rates of 86% and 97%, respectively, and led to the highest nonattachment rates when applied to skin. In conclusion, essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint oils present promising results for tick population control.

Sex differences in the effects of aromatherapy on anxiety and salivary oxytocin levels.

Objective: Aromatherapy is a holistic healing method to promote health and well-being by using natural plant extracts. However, its precise mechanism of action and influence on the endocrine system remains unclear. Since recent studies reported that a neuropeptide, oxytocin, can attenuate anxiety, we hypothesized that if oxytocin secretion is promoted through aromatherapy, it may improve mood and anxiety. The present study is aimed to investigate the relationship between oxytocin and the effects of aromatherapy with lavender oil on anxiety level, by measuring salivary oxytocin levels in healthy men and women. Methods: We conducted a randomized open crossover trial in 15 men and 10 women. Each participant received a placebo intervention (control group) and aromatherapy with lavender oil (aromatherapy group). For the aromatherapy group, each participant spent a 30-min session in a room with diffused lavender essential oil, followed by a 10-min hand massage using a carrier oil containing lavender oil. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the intervention, 30-min after the start of intervention, and after hand massage, in both groups. Saliva samples were collected at the same time points of the STAI. Results: In women, either aromatherapy or hand massage was associated with a reduction in anxiety levels, independently. Moreover, salivary oxytocin levels were increased after aromatherapy. On the other hand, in men, anxiety levels were decreased after aromatherapy, as well as after hand massage, regardless of the use of lavender oil. However, there were no significant differences in changes of salivary oxytocin levels between the control and aromatherapy groups during the intervention period. Interestingly, there was a positive correlation between anxiety levels and salivary oxytocin levels before the intervention, but a negative correlation was observed after hand massage with lavender oil. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that in women, aromatherapy with lavender oil attenuated anxiety with increase in oxytocin level in women, whereas in men, there was no clear relationship of aromatherapy with anxiety or oxytocin levels but, there was a change in correlation between anxiety and oxytocin. The results of the present study suggest that the effect of aromatherapy can vary depending on sex.

Interaction between Enrofloxacin and Three Essential Oils (Cinnamon Bark, Clove Bud and Lavender Flower)-A Study on Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from 1-Day-Old Broiler Chickens.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes a variety of infections outside the intestine. The treatment of these infections is becoming increasingly difficult due to the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, which can also be a direct or indirect threat to humans as consumers of poultry products. Therefore, alternative antimicrobial agents are being sought, which could be essential oils, either administered individually or in interaction with antibiotics. Sixteen field isolates of E. coli (originating from 1-day-old broilers) and the ATCC 25922 reference strain were tested. Commercial cinnamon bark, clove bud, lavender flower essential oils (EOs) and enrofloxacin were selected to assess the sensitivity of the selected E. coli strains to antimicrobial agents. The checkerboard method was used to estimate the individual minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each antimicrobial agent as well as to determine the interactions between the selected essential oil and enrofloxacin. In the case of enrofloxacin, ten isolates were resistant at MIC ≥ 2 µg/mL, three were classified as intermediate (0.5-1 µg/mL) and three as sensitive at ≤0.25 µg/mL. Regardless of the sensitivity to enrofloxacin, the MIC for cinnamon EO was 0.25% v/v and for clove EO was 0.125% v/v. All MDR strains had MIC values for lavender EO of 1% v/v, while drug-sensitive isolates had MIC of 0.5% v/v. Synergism between enrofloxacin and EO was noted more frequently in lavender EO (82.35%), followed by cinnamon EO (64.7%), than in clove EO (47.1%). The remaining cases exhibited additive effects. Owing to synergy, the isolates became susceptible to enrofloxacin at an MIC of ≤8 µg/mL. A time-kill study supports these observations. Cinnamon and clove EOs required for up to 1 h and lavender EO for up to 4 h to completely kill a multidrug-resistant strain as well as the ATCC 25922 reference strain of E. coli. Through synergistic or additive effects, blends with a lower than MIC concentration of enrofloxacin mixed with a lower EO content required 6 ± 2 h to achieve a similar effect.

Lavender essential oil alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol-withdrawn rats: Insights from gut metabolites and hippocampal transcriptome analysis.

Lavender, an aromatic plant with a history dating back to ancient Egypt and Greece, is consumed because of its diverse pharmacological properties, including sedation, sleep aid, and antidepressant effects. However, the mechanisms underlying these antidepressant properties remain unclear. In this study, we explored the impact of lavender essential oil (LEO) inhalation on the diversity of gut microbiota, metabolites, and differential gene expression in the hippocampus of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats. Additionally, we examined alterations in the hippocampal transient receptor potential (TRP) channel-mediated inflammatory regulation within the brain-gut axis of depressive rats. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in sucrose preference, diminished activity in the central zone of the open field test, and prolonged immobility time in the forced swim test in alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, indicating the amelioration of depressive states following lavender essential oil inhalation. 16 S rDNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant reduction in Bacteroidota and Muribaculaceae in the gut of alcohol-withdrawn depressive rats, whereas lavender essential oil significantly increased the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae and other bacterial species. Metabolomic analysis identified 646 distinct metabolites as highly correlated biomarkers between the model and lavender essential oil groups. Furthermore, lavender essential oil inhalation significantly attenuated hippocampal inflammatory factors IL-2, IL-6, IL-1ß, and TNF-α. This study identified elevated expression of Trpv4 and Calml4 in the hippocampal region of alcohol-withdrawn depressed rats and showed that lavender essential oil inhalation regulated aberrantly expressed genes. Our research suggests that lavender essential oil downregulates Trpv4, modulates inflammatory factors, and alleviates depressive-like behavior in alcohol withdrawal rats.

Water deprivation modifies the metabolic profile of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) leaves.

Lavender plantation is globally expanded due to the increasing demand of its essential oil and its popularity as an ornamental species. However, lavender plantations, and consequently essential oil industries, are threatened by more frequent and severe drought episodes in a globally changing climate. Still little is known about the changes in the general metabolome, which provides the precursors of essential oil production, by extended drought events. Prolonged drought fundamentally results in yield losses and changing essential oil composition. In the present study, the general metabolome of a main cultivated lavender species (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) in response to water deprivation (WD) and re-watering was analyzed to identify the metabolomics responses. We found prolonged WD resulted in significant accumulations of glucose, 1,6-anhydro-ß-D-glucose, sucrose, melezitose and raffinose, but declines of allulose, ß-D-allose, altrose, fructose and D-cellobiose accompanied by decreased organic acids abundances. Amino acids and aromatic compounds of p-coumaric acid, hydrocaffeic acid and caffeic acid significantly accumulated at prolonged WD, whereas aromatics of cis-ferulic acid, taxifolin and two fatty acids (i.e., palmitic acid and stearic acid) significantly decreased. Prolonged WD also resulted in decreased abundances of polyols, particularly myo-inositol, galactinol and arabitol. The altered metabolite profiles by prolonged WD were mostly not recovered after re-watering, except for branched-chain amino acids, proline, serine and threonine. Our study illustrates the complex changes of leaf primary and secondary metabolic processes of L. angustifolia by drought events and highlights the potential impact of these precursors of essential oil production on the lavender industry.

The efficacy of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil on menopausal symptoms, serum lipid profile, and cortisol concentration in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil (LEO) on menopausal symptoms, serum cortisol level, and lipid profile in postmenopausal women. METHODS: This was a triple-blind parallel-armed randomized trial. Seventy-two postmenopausal women aged 50-65 years referring to healthcare centers in Tabriz, Iran with a score of 15-42 on the Green scale were included from May 10, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups with a 1:1 ratio and using four and six blocks. One group received LEO soft gel 80 mg per day, and another group received a similar placebo for 60 days. A demographic questionnaire and a Greene menopause symptom scale were used for data collection. The lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL) and the serum levels of cortisol were measured using biochemical methods. Chi-square, Fisher's exact tests, Independent samples t-test, Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), Repeated measure ANOVA, and Paired sample t-test were utilized for analyses. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The demographic and personal characteristics of the participants were similar. After two months of intervention, all symptoms in psychological, physical, vasomotor, anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction domains were significantly relieved (decreased) among both groups (p < 0.003), except for sexual dysfunction, the reduction of which was not significant in the placebo group (p = 0.317). The mean (SD) total score of menopausal symptoms reduced from 27.4 (6.3) at baseline to 17.7 (4.9) at the end of the study in the LEO group (p < 0.001). It also decreased from 27.4 (7.1) to 17.6 (5.1) in the placebo group (p < 0.001). However, between-group analyses revealed that this reduction was significantly greater in the LEO group compared to the placebo group only in the sexual dysfunction (Mean (SD): 1.3 (0.6) vs. 1.0 (0.5); adjusted mean difference (95% confidence interval); p: - 0.35 (-0.67 to -0.02); 0.039). No significant within-group changes or between-group differences were observed (p > 0.05) in terms of studied serum markers. CONCLUSION: The oral LEO exhibited a significant enhancement in sexual dysfunction among postmenopausal women. Therefore, it can be used alongside other therapies to improve sexual dysfunction during menopause. LEO did not affect lipid profile and serum cortisol level in this study.

Chemical profiles and bioactivities of polyphenolic extracts of Lavandula stoechas L., Artemisia dracunculus L. and Ocimum basilicum L.

This study assessed the chemical profiles and bioactivities of the infusions, decoctions and hydroethanolic extracts of tarragon, basil and French lavender. The extracts were chemically characterised (HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS) and their bioactivities were evaluated in vitro. All extracts revealed antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant properties. French lavender extracts showed higher total phenolic content, regardless of the extraction method used, and antioxidant and antitumour capacities, but no anti-inflammatory action. All basil and two of the tarragon extracts revealed anti-inflammatory power. Thus, tarragon, basil and French lavender extracts may be considered for inclusion in foods, as preservatives or functional ingredients. Nonetheless, further studies must be conducted to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of the bioactive compounds.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of New Lavandula angustifolia Ecotypes.

The purpose of this study was to characterize ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers of two ecotypes (PL-intended for industrial plantations and KC-intended for cut flowers) of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. The plant was cultivated in 2019 in southern Poland as part of a long-term research plan to develop new varieties resistant to difficult environmental conditions. The collected leaves and flowers were used to prepare ethanol extracts, which were then analyzed in terms of phytochemical composition and antioxidant, bactericidal, and fungicidal properties. Using UPLC techniques, 22 compounds belonging to phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified. UPLC test results indicated that ethanol extracts from leaves and flowers differ in phytochemical composition. Lower amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids were identified in leaf extracts than in flower extracts. The predominant substances in the flower extracts were rosmarinic acid (829.68-1229.33 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside III (810.97-980.55 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside II (789.30-885.06 µg/g). Ferulic acid glucoside II (3981.95-6561.19 µg/g), ferulic acid glucoside I (2349.46-5503.81 µg/g), and ferulic acid glucoside III (1303.84-2774.17 µg/g) contained the highest amounts in the ethanol extracts of the leaves. The following substances were present in the extracts in trace amounts or at low levels: apigenin, kaempferol, and caftaric acid. Leaf extracts of the PL ecotype quantitatively (µg/g) contained more phytochemicals than leaf extracts of the KC ecotype. The results obtained in this study indicate that antioxidant activity depends on the ecotype. Extracts from the PL ecotype have a better ability to eliminate free radicals than extracts from the KC ecotype. At the same time, it was found that the antioxidant activity (total phenolic content, ABTS•+, DPPH•, and FRAP) of PL ecotype leaf extracts was higher (24.49, 177.75, 164.88, and 89.10 µmol (TE)/g) than that determined in flower extracts (15.84, 125.05, 82.35, and 54.64 µmol (TE)/g). The test results confirmed that leaf and flower extracts, even at low concentrations (0.313-0.63%), significantly inhibit the growth of selected Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Candida yeasts. Inhibition of mold growth was observed at a dose extract of at least 1 mL/100 mL.

Chemical Composition and Acaricidal Activity of Essential Oil of Lavandula dentata L. on Engorged Females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae).

PURPOSE: Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one the most significant ectoparasite in cattle farming in tropical and subtropical regions, causing problems to livestock health worldwide. The control of this ectoparasite primarily relies on the use of synthetic acaricides. However, the emergence of acaricide resistance has stimulated the search for new control alternatives, including phytocompounds with acaricidal and insecticidal potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal potential of Lavandula dentata essential oil against the engorged females of R. (B.) microplus. METHODS: Engorged females were obtained from infested bovines in dairy farms in Pernambuco, Brazil. L. dentata essential oil was extracted, and adult immersion test assays were performed using the following oil concentrations: 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1%. RESULTS: L. dentata essential oil at a concentration of 1% was lethal to all engorged females, and concentrations of 0.6% and 0.8% caused mortality of 98.6% and 99.1%, respectively. These concentrations disrupted the reproductive capacity of engorged females, reducing oviposition by more than 90% and preventing egg hatching by over 87%. CONCLUSION: The data revealed that L. dentata essential oil possesses effective pharmacological properties against R. (B.) microplus and could be used for tick control following in vivo evaluation, thus contributing to mitigating the negative impacts of synthetic acaricide use.