Análise físico-química de óleos essenciais comerciais de lavanda (Lavandula spp. L.)

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs) are a set of volatile, lipophilic, and aromatic substances extracted from different parts of a plant. Lavender essential oil can be used as a complementary therapy for anxiety disorders through aromatherapy. However, EOs lack specific regulation in Brazil, which leads to possible adulteration and a lack of quality control. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of lavender essential oils commercialized in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. Five products from different brands were purchased, and analyses were performed regarding packaging information, organoleptic evaluation, refractive index, density, fixed oil adulteration, and identification by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Oils number 1 and 5 showed refractive index and/or density results that were inconsistent with the values established by official compendia. Additionally, the results evidenced the addition of fixed oils in these same samples. In the TLC analysis, it was possible to observe less visible bands for the major monoterpenes in sample 1. These results reinforce the need for standardization and specific regulation of these products in Brazil, especially for their commercialization as health-related products. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]