Phytochemical profiling of Lavandula officinalis ethanolic extract: potential neuroactive metabolites for gut microbiota biotransformation

Lavender ( Lavandula officinalis ) infusion has been clinically demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of mild depression and anxiety with efficacy comparable to that of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) [ 1 ] [ 2 ]. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects remain poorly understood. Current hypotheses based on in vitro assays of isolated phytochemicals offer limited and inconclusive insights [ 3 ]. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may metabolize plant-derived compounds into bioactive metabolites capable of modulating neurophysiological processes via the gut-brain axis [ 4 ] [ 5 ]. To investigate this possibility, a crucial first step involves the isolation and structural characterization of the constituent compounds in lavender extract. The aim of the present study was to isolate and characterize secondary metabolites from the ethanolic extract of Lavandula officinalis flowers. The extract was subjected to sequential solvent partitioning with increasing polarity, followed by flash chromatography, and final purification using preparative HPLC. The isolated compounds were structurally elucidated using mass spectrometry (HPLC-DADIT-MS/MS) and NMR spectroscopy. The isolated compounds were classified into two major groups: phenolic acids and flavonoids. Phenolic acids included primarily umbellic, o -coumaric, and caffeic acid derivatives with frequent methoxylation. Second groups consist of derivatives of apigenin, luteolin, and tricetin. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were predominantly conjugated through ether linkages with glucose and glucuronic acid residues and formed complex structures. The most abundant compounds in extract were E/Z -melilotoside and E/Z -4-methoxy-melilotoside. These structurally diverse metabolites represent potential substrates for gut microbial metabolism. Future studies will focus on evaluating their biotransformation by gut microbiota and assessing their neuroactive potential. Funding The present research was financially supported by the National Science Centre Poland grant SONATA BIS 13 pt No DEC-2023/50/E/NZ7/00155. Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany