Lippia origanoides HBK essential oil production, composition, and antioxidant activity under organic and mineral fertilization: Effect of harvest moment

Essential oils (EOs) chemical profile is behind a series of bioactive properties highly valued in diversified industrial sectors. Strategies and control of factors affecting EO's composition are very important and needed. In this work, the chemical composition, antioxidant activity and production of EO's from Lippia origanoides H.B.K. plants grown under organic and mineral fertilization, and harvested at different plant growth stages (T150, T240, T330, T420), were studied. Results demonstrate that EO's production and composition is not affected by fertilization, both organic and mineral. Nevertheless, plant growth stage influences considerably EO's composition and antioxidant activity, reducing EO production. EO's from grown plants displayed lower antioxidant activity than young plants. Organic fertilization also displayed better antioxidant potential than EO obtained from mineral fertilization. In order to improve the potentialities and properties of L. origanoides EO's, plants should be harvested still young and organic fertilizers could be applied to improve bioactivity. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.