Lavandula × intermedia
Lavandula × intermedia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lavandula × intermedia, commonly known as lavandin, is a versatile plant prized for its rich concentration of bioactive compounds such as cosmosiin, cynaroside, polyphenols, and rosmarinic acid. These chemical constituents contribute to a diverse range of therapeutic activities, most notably providing potent antioxidant effects. Due to its medicinal profile, the plant is frequently utilized for its analgesic, anxiolytic, and anti-colitis properties. Various preparations are employed to harness these benefits, including extracts, hydrosols, and lavandin essential oil. Furthermore, modern applications even extend to the utilization of exhausted biomasses to maximize the plant's biological potential.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Lavandula × intermedia is a versatile hybrid known by several distinct names across different regions and contexts. It is widely recognized by its common name, Dutch lavender, which highlights its popularity in various landscapes. Some enthusiasts also refer to it as Spiklavendel or espignola, depending on local botanical traditions. In more descriptive circles, the plant may be called broadleaf barren lavender to distinguish its physical characteristics. Occasionally, it is even colloquially labeled as bastard lavender, reflecting its unique hybrid origins.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Lavandula × intermedia belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, serving as a quintessential example of botanical diversity. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Lamiales, which helps define its structural characteristics. As a member of the Lamiaceae family, it shares common traits with many aromatic herbs. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Lavandula, marking its place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Lavandula |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lavandula × intermedia is a versatile plant primarily distributed throughout the diverse landscapes of Europe. Within this continent, it finds particularly favorable growing conditions across the regions of Southwestern Europe. Its presence is notably strong in France, where it flourishes in various local environments. Additionally, the species maintains a significant and widespread distribution throughout Spain. These overlapping territories highlight the plant's adaptability to the Mediterranean climate.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Lavandula × intermedia exhibits significant antioxidant activity, making it a promising candidate for medicinal applications. Research indicates that the extract possesses a strong DPPH scavenging effect, a moderate ABTS scavenging effect, and a notable metal chelation capacity. These potent antioxidant properties are linked to a high concentration of phytochemicals such as cynaroside, cosmosiin, and rosmarinic acid. In experimental studies, the plant's antioxidant effects were shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing in corneal tissue damaged by UVB radiation. Ultimately, these findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the plant in protecting against oxidative stress-induced damage.
Compounds
Lavandula × intermedia possesses a complex chemical profile that includes a variety of both volatile and non-volatile compounds. Scientific analysis of the plant's flowers has identified the presence of specific volatile components such as borneol, eucalyptol, and camphor. Furthermore, the extract of this species is notably rich in phytochemicals, including the abundant compounds cosmosiin and cynaroside. These diverse constituents contribute to the plant's unique aromatic properties and its potential therapeutic benefits. Understanding this intricate chemical composition is essential for exploring the medicinal applications of the lavender species.
Conditions
Lavandula × intermedia demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating acute colitis caused by Citrobacter rodentium. This medicinal plant effectively protects against Citrobacter rodentium-induced colitis by modulating the enteric microbiota and inhibiting pathogen growth. In studies concerning ocular health, the extract serves to treat UVB-induced corneal damage through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the application of the plant helps treat the expression of Cox-1 and IL-1β, which are key markers in the inflammatory process. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's ability to mitigate both gastrointestinal inflammation and corneal tissue damage.
Preparations
Lavandula × intermedia is prepared as exhausted biomasses during the steam distillation process, which can then be used to recover bioactive polyphenols. This plant is also prepared as an extract that has demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and the ability to accelerate corneal healing. Furthermore, Lavandula × intermedia is prepared as hydrosols, which serve as aqueous co-products with distinct chemical signatures compared to other distillates. The species is frequently prepared as lavandin essential oil, a substance recognized for its diverse biocidal and therapeutic potential. Finally, Lavandula × intermedia is prepared as volatile oils that are widely utilized across the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.