Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the chemical constituents and evaluating the antioxidant activity of essential oil of dry flowers’ of lavender (Lavandula stoechas). Extraction of essential oil was carried out by water distillation. The essential oils yield based on dry weight was 3.41% (v/w). The gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC/FID) technique was used and identification of separated components was achieved by retention times in comparison with respective standards. According to the results, 6 compounds were identified and the most important ones are: linalyl acetate (15.26%), linalool (10.68%), 1-8 cineole (10.25%), γ-terpinene (11.2%) and camphor (11.25%). The study of antioxidant power of this oils was carried out by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryhydrazyl (DPPH•) method. The results obtained showed the existence of an antioxidant activity of the essential oil from the dried flowers of L. stoechas, but less effective compared with vitamin E.

Key words: Essential oil, Lavandula stoechas composition, antioxidant activity.