Traditional use of polar extracts from lavender flowers – systematic review of literature data

Abstract

Lavender is one of the most popular herbal medicines used to treat mild mood disorders like anxiety and depression. The most cultivated species is Lavandula officinalis, which has a diverse traditional use. This plant is valued for antibacterial, antifungal, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-aging, diuretic, sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. However, most often it is used as a water extract for treatment of mild mood disorders (restlessness, insomnia) as additional therapy. Most of the studies were dedicated to the volatile compounds contained in lavender flowers, but few of them were focused on water extract, which contains fewer essential oils, but more polar natural products (polyphenols and other non-volatile compounds). This medicinal plant species is rich in phytochemicals belonging to different chemical groups, including phenolic acids, phenolic aldehydes and flavonoids. Pharmacotherapy of mild mood disorders with infusion of lavender can improve quality of life, so that’s why it needs to be investigated more.