Perfil químico e sensorial de odor para descrição e discriminação de óleo essencial de lavanda (Lavandula angustifolia Mill. e Lavandula dentata L.)

Abstract

Essential oils (EOs), particularly lavender oils, play significant roles in aromatherapy and the cosmetics industry due to their relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties. The essential oil (EO) of Lavandula angustifolia is known for its calming compounds, such as linalool and li- nalyl acetate, while Lavandula dentata contains 1,8-cineole and camphene, which confer antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, the growing demand for high-quality EOs has led to an increase in fraudulent practices in the commercialization of these products, compromising their efficacy and safety. In this context, chemical (GC-MS) and sensory (Flash Profile) analyses have become important methodologies to ensure the quality and authenticity of EOs. Thus, this study aimed to explore these methodologies as tools for the description and discrimination of lavender EOs from the species L. angustifolia and L. dentata. Five samples were analyzed, including a commercial EO sample of L. angustifolia imported from Spain, a commercial EO sold in Brazil with no defined origin, an EO originating from Spain and sold in Brazil at a price below market value, a commercial EO sample of L. dentata, and an EO extracted from L. dentata lavender grown in the Pato Branco region. The GC-MS results confirmed differences in the chemical composition of the analyzed samples. The EO of L. angustifolia was predominantly composed of linalool and linalyl acetate, while the samples of L. dentata were characterized by higher concentrations of 1,8-cineole, camphor, and fenchone. For the sensory analysis, an initial selection of evaluators with olfactory acuity was performed. The Flash Profile results showed that evaluators were able to differentiate lavender EOs by species and distinguish between samples within the same species. The odor attributes pungent, herbaceous, tea, eucalyptus, grass, earthy, and camphoraceous were strongly associated with L. dentata EOs, while floral and pine were correlated with any sample of L. angustifolia. Furthermore, specific odor sensory profiles were defined for each sample, highlighting the efficiency of this methodology in describing and discriminating EOs. Finally, the hedonic test revealed that consumers showed a greater preference for EOs from the L. angustifolia species. The methodologies used in this study proved to be effective tools in characterizing and distinguishing lavender EOs. Sensory results also revealed that consumers are able to discriminate between different species of lavender. which brings important insights with regard to quality control and consumer protection against fraud in EOs such as the use of essential oils from other, cheaper species.