Fast gas chromatography–surface acoustic wave sensor: An effective tool for discrimination and quality control of Lavandula species

Fast gas chromatography combined with surface acoustic wave sensor (GC/SAW) has been applied for the detection of the volatile aroma compounds emanated from various Lavandula medicinal plants such as Lavandula angustifolia (Norfolk, England; Tasmania, Australia; Sault, France; Sequim, USA), Lavandula hybrida (Valensole, Sault, France), L. angustifolia “Royal Velvet”, L. hybrida “Grosso”, and L. hybrida “Provence” (Olympic, USA). The GC/SAW involving the fragrance pattern analysis provides a novel analytical method with a very fast separation and the characterization of aromas caused by the difference of chemical composition according to botanical origin. The aim of this study is to show the capability of GC/SAW for the characterization and pharmacologically active aroma quality control to the analysis of Lavandula species. Finally, GC/SAW provided sufficiently reliable results for species identification and quality control.