BIOACTIVE MOLECULES FROM ESSENTIAL OIL EXTRACTION WASTES.

The essential oils production processes generate several solid wastes that represent an environmental problem due to their costly industrial management. On the other hand, extraction processes that lead to their valorization are extremely important, as they could provide bioactive molecules to be used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food sectors. The aim of our study was to optimize eco-friendly treatments to obtain bioactive molecules (polyphenols, flavonoids and molecules with high antioxidant activity) from the wastes of the essential oil extraction processes, in a current of steam, of lavender and mint plants. Good extraction yields of bioactive molecules were found for both essential herbs. This yield was strongly dependent on the percentage of solvent and water in the extraction mixture. Furthermore, all the extracts showed a high antioxidant activity.