Optimization of Lavender Essential Oil and Phenolic Yield: Advances in Extraction, Metabolomics, and Functional Benefits

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is valued in the food and pharmaceutical industries for its unique aroma, owing to oxygenated monoterpenoids such as linalool, linalyl acetate, lavandulyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, and terpinene-4-ol, which contribute to the quality of lavender essential oil (LEO). It is rich in flavonoids and phenolics like rosmarinic acid. LEO and phenolic yields depend on agronomic attributes, processing techniques, and extraction methods. OBJECTIVES: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the newly developed technologies and their optimization parameters to maximize oil yield, aroma quality, and phenolic content. METHODS: Related sufficient evidence has been collected from prominent scientific databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Data concerning the phytochemistry, biological impacts, agricultural aspects, and processing approaches of Lavender were collected and assessed. RESULTS: The diverse aspects of LEO production, including agricultural factors, climatic conditions, and processing techniques, are reviewed to identify the optimal parameters. Furthermore, technologies including GC/MS, HPLC/MS, and IR highlight the relevance of metabolomics in lavender quality control and analysis. In addition, lavender's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibiting properties are highlighted. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolomic analyses offer comprehensive insights into the biochemical composition of lavender, allowing researchers to identify metabolites linked to favorable agricultural traits, disease resistance, optimized oil extraction, superior quality attributes, and potential nutraceutical value; these data-driven findings guide targeted breeding, cultivation strategies, and product development. Lavender (L. angustifolia) is widely recognized for its aroma and health-promoting compounds, including monoterpenoids and phenolics like rosmarinic acid. Essential oil yield and quality depend on cultivation methods and extraction techniques. This review evaluates recent technological advances to optimize oil production, aroma, and phenolic content, using metabolomics techniques to comprehensively analyze lavender constituents. This comprehensive profiling reveals lavender's defensive mechanisms by linking its constituents to considerable health benefits. The findings help improve lavender quality and use in health and well-being.