VOLATILE PROFILE OF LAVENDER HYDROLATE

Hydrolates are obtained during the distillation process to obtain essential oils and hold economic importance. They consist of an aqueous solution containing small amounts of essential oil, comprising volatile compounds from different chemical classes in their composition. In both national and international markets, one of the most popular and commercially available hydrolates is lavender hydrolate. Its demand is driven by its characteristic floral and fresh aroma, as well as its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and sedative properties, among others. The aim of this work was to evaluate the volatile profile of lavender hydrolate from Brazil. The volatile compounds were separated, identified, and quantified using a high resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and retention indices. Among the thirty-nine volatile compounds detected, thirty-two were identified, comprising 94% of the chromatogram area. The main chemical class was terpenes (28), followed by alcohols (3). The major volatile compounds were eucalyptol (30%), camphor (19%), delta-terpineol (9%), and alpha-terpineol (7%). In addition to terpenes, three alcohols were also identified: cis-3-hexen-1-ol (0.5%), 1-hexanol (0.09%), and 1-octen-3-ol (0.2%). These results provide important information regarding the chemical composition of lavender hydrolate produced in Brazil, and contribute to the scientific knowledge about lavender and its co-products. Furthermore, these findings can be useful for the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, in order to exploit the properties of these compounds in creating high quality products.