Lavandula angustifolia as a dual pharmacological system: from essential oil to polyphenol-rich biomass

Abstract

Context: Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is a widely used medicinal and aromatic plant with well-documented pharmacological activity, primarily attributed to its essential oil. However, the contribution of nonvolatile constituents and post-distillation biomass remains insufficiently characterized despite growing evidence of their biological relevance. Objective: This study aimed to provide a structured narrative synthesis of the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and translational relevance of L. angustifolia, with particular emphasis on polyphenol-rich aerial biomass as an underexplored bioresource. Methods: A structured narrative review was conducted using ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and SpringerLink databases through an iterative literature retrieval and refinement process. Priority was given to recent peer-reviewed English-language journal articles, particularly those published after 2015, with selective inclusion of earlier foundational studies where relevant. Eligible sources included studies reporting phytochemical characterization, mechanistic, experimental, translational, or clinical pharmacological data, as well as investigations addressing post-harvest or post-distillation biomass utilization. Literature was screened and synthesized using a thematic analytical approach. Results: L. angustifolia demonstrates a dual pharmacological profile driven by both volatile and nonvolatile fractions. Essential oil is consistently associated with antimicrobial and anxiolytic effects, including evidence from clinical and mechanistic studies. In contrast, polyphenol-rich fractions exhibit pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity through modulation of key signaling pathways. Post-distillation biomass was identified as a relevant and underutilized source of bioactive phenolics with potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Conclusion: The findings establish L. angustifolia as a pharmacologically relevant dual-use plant system integrating essential oil production with biomass valorization. This approach supports circular bioeconomy strategies and highlights the translational potential of nonvolatile fractions in the development of value-added therapeutic products.