Bay Laurel

Laurus nobilis L. – Lauraceae

Bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree from the family of the same name, Laurel (Lauraceae), growing up to 18 meters tall, creating a wide and dense crown, most widespread in the Mediterranean region.

The active ingredients of laurel are alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, sabinene, alpha-terpinene, linalool, alpha-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, eugenol, methyleugenol, 1,8 cineole. The active ingredients of laurel contribute to a strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and also exert a positive effect on glucose in people with diabetes. 1,8 cineole, alpha pinene inhibit the activity of alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase, and have a strong hypoglycemic effect.

Fresh bay leaf essential oil has a strong anti-free radical activity, when compared to the vitamin E analogue Trolox, which is considered the most powerful anti-free radical agent.

Phytochemical examination of fresh leaves of L. Nobilis essential oil revealed the presence of a high content of monoterpenoids (74.55%). It has been confirmed that monoterpenes enter the bloodstream and act as therapeutic molecules and possess a number of pharmacological properties, such as antispasmodic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antiaggregatory, anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Bay leaf essential oil has been tested against various types of cancer, including breast tumor cells, skin tumors and colorectal adenocarcinoma. Laurus nobilis has proven antibacterial activity against the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus and the fungal infection Candida albicans.

Bay Laurel

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