Chemical profile and eco-safety evaluation of essential oils and hydrolates from Cistus ladanifer, Helichrysum italicum, Ocimum basilicum and Thymbra capitata

The demand for natural-based products industrial applications is increasing sharply and therefore the search new alternatives to plants traditionally used growing. These alternative can be an important source of bioactive compounds under a circular economy approach. Considering potential future use plant by industry, it necessary assess risk associated with their introduction into ecosystem. This work aims provide insight volatile profiles evaluate (eco)toxic effects essential oils (EO’s) hydrolates four species, namely rockrose (Cistus ladanifer), curry (Helichrysum italicum), conehead thyme (Thymbra capitata) basil (Ocimum basilicum). Chemical analysis were performed GC-MS acute toxicity tests using model organism Daphnia magna. oil hydrolate from H. italicum, as well all other caused no immobilization up highest concentrations tested, suggesting that present low towards D. Similarly, presented negligible For C. ladanifer T. capitata oils, EC50 (the concentration estimated immobilize 50 per cent Daphnia) at 48 h varied between 199.7 mg/L 12.1 mg/L, respectively. was mainly characterised monoterpene hydrocarbons, while italicum richer in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Both contained exclusively hydrocarbons particularly high content carvacrol. higher attributed amount carvacrol distillate. Overall, classified practically non-toxic, except that, according Globally Harmonized System Classification Labelling Chemicals (GHS) United Nations, moderately toxic.