Variation in chemical composition of essential oil of populations of Lavandula × intermedia collected from Western Iran

• The leaves of the Borujerd population of L. × intermedia was rich in essential oil content.
• We identify the chemical composition of the essential oils of L. × intermedia leaves.
• The leaves of L. × intermedia are a potential source of 1,8-cineole for use in pharmaceutical industry.

Knowledge of population diversity is a main prerequisite and the first step in plant breeding and domestication. Essential oils from different species of Lavandula L. (Lamiaceae) are extensively used in cosmetics, hygiene products, and alternative medicines. The essential oils of Lavandula × intermedia leaves collected from ten regions from the Zagros regions, Western Iran were investigated for their chemical components and oil yield diversity. The hydrodistillated essential oil analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS. Results indicated differences (p ≤ 0.05) among the various populations of L. × intermedia for essential oil yield. The major components of the essential oils from various populations of L. × intermedia were 1,8-cineole (31.64–47.94%), borneol (17.11–26.14%), and camphor (8.41–14.4%). In conclusion, the main source of variability in chemical composition and oil yield seemed to be a difference in environmental conditions.

The leaves of Lavandula × intermedia.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide