Lavandula stoechas L. (Lamiaceae)

Abstract

It is an ornamental plant, native to southern Europe (Spain) and various species are called Lavender. Dioscorides stated that this plant is called Stoechus from its growing on the Stoechades, a group of islands on the south coast of Gaul (a region in Western Europe) near Massilia (modern Marseilles). Three species, L. stoechas, L. pedunculata and L. dentata were known to Romans, and in Spain L. stoechas was known as ‘Romero Santo’ (sacred rosemary), and its oil was used as hemostatic and for cleansing wounds. Avicenna called it Astaadus or Astiqoos, mentioned in his book of cardiotonic drugs as the most effective in expelling black bile from brain, and is especially useful as brain tonic and for diseases like epilepsy, melancholy, mania and amnesia. It has been called the ‘broom of the brain’ that it sweeps away all phlegmatic impurities, and removes obstructions, strengthening its powers, expelling vain crudities and rarifying the intellect, and is also used as a carminative, resolvent, antispasmodic and stimulant. In Murcia (southeastern Spain), it is used as an herbal remedy for stomachache, and is one of the most commonly used plant in the traditional medicine of Marmaris district of southwest Anatolia of Turkey, and in Sakarya province of northwest Turkey to treat infections. Ibn al-Baitar said that if it is used continuously until one develops diarrhea, then the diseases of melancholy and epilepsy are cured. Aerial parts show the presence of novel acetylated glucosides, apigenin 7-O-glucoside and luteolin 7-O-glucoside. Essential oils extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCD) extraction and steam distillation show different compositions. Essential oils obtained by SCCD extraction showed higher antioxidant activity than steam distilled oil. Fifty-one constituents were identified in the EO of L. stoechas growing wild in Greece, and the oil was rich in fenchone and camphor ; whereas in the majority of lavender species, the main component is linalool. Hydromethanol extract of flowers significantly reduced the severity, increased the latency of PTZ-induced convulsions, and reduced mortality of mice. It was devoid of hypnotic effect per se but prolonged pentobarbital sleeping time in mice.