Molecular, biomedical and phytosanitary biodiversity of Lavandula stoechas: A vulnerable and underexploited medicinal plant in Morocco

Abstract

• Comprehensive Analysis : This review explores Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas , detailing its botanical classification, taxonomic characteristics, and ecological features. • Chemical Composition: It provides an in-depth examination of extraction methods and analyzes the chemical compositions of various extracts and essential oils. • Therapeutic Applications: The research discusses the pharmacological uses of these extracts and essential oils, highlighting their potential in treating various diseases. Across the globe, climate change and forest fires are disrupting natural ecosystems and threatening several species. The genus Lavandula is widespread in the Mediterranean region and its species, especially Lavandula stoechas subsp. stoechas , is valuable sources of active compounds with several biological benefits that need to be preserved and valorized. This plant is a part of the flora found in cork oak forests ecosystem, restricted to acidic siliceous soils. It contains numerous phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids such as epicatechin and epicatechin gallate, phenols like rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, essential oils with camphor, fenchone and 1,8 cineole as main compound and many other biomolecules. This literature review article was carried out by searching studies in multiple databases, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Wiley Online Library and SpringerLink. We have compiled a set of scientific research results on L. stoechas with the aim of further clarifying the medicinal and phytosanitary importance of this plant, as well as raising awareness about its preservation and sustainable exploitation. In a comparative spirit, the extraction methods of this plant as well as the pharmacological uses of the extracted biomolecules have been well specified and discussed, with an emphasis on their efficacy and safety. The comprehensive results conducted on L. stoechas have shown that this plant possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, anti-leishmanial, antispasmodic, sedative, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. These corroborate its traditional medicinal applications. There is evidence to encourage multiplication and cultivation of this plant, especially in Morrocco, where its habitat is declining due to anthropogenic pressures.