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. 2021 Mar 18;10(3):574.
doi: 10.3390/plants10030574.

Ecological and Plant Community Implication on Essential Oils Composition in Useful Wild Officinal Species: A Pilot Case Study in Apulia (Italy)

Enrico V Perrino  1 , Francesca Valerio  2 , Ahmed Gannouchi  1 , Antonio Trani  1 , Giuseppe Mezzapesa  1
Affiliations

Ecological and Plant Community Implication on Essential Oils Composition in Useful Wild Officinal Species: A Pilot Case Study in Apulia (Italy)

Enrico V Perrino et al. Plants (Basel). .

Abstract

The study focused on the effects of ecology (plant communities and topographical data) on composition of essential oils (EOs) of some officinal wild plant species (Lamiales): Clinopodium suaveolens, Salvia fruticosa subsp. thomasii, Satureja montana subsp. montana, and Thymbra capitata, in different environments of Apulia (Italy). C. suaveolens and S. fruticosa subsp. thomasii are rare species of conservation interest, while S. montana subsp. montana and T. capitata, have a wide distribution and are used in traditional medicine or as spices. Results showed that the ecological context (phytosociological and ecological features) may influence the composition of EOs of the studied species. High differences in the compound composition have been found in S. montana subsp. montana, whereas minor effects were observed in C. suaveolens, S. fruticosa subsp. thomasii, and T. capitata accessions. The understanding of such aspects is necessary for providing optimal conditions to produce EOs rich in compounds known for their biological activities. The results are of great interest also for EOs producers and at the same time to improve our knowledge and valorize wild officinal plants.

Keywords: correlation; ecology; essential oils; lamiaceae; vegetation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Sites location of the studied officinal wild species.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Clinopodium suaveolens (Sm.) Kuntze: (a) in flowering; (b) in its habitat, Acinos suaveolentis-Stipetum austroitalicae association.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Salvia fruticosa Mill. subsp. thomasii (Lacaita) Brullo, Guglielmo, Pavone & Terrasi: (a) trilobe leaves; (b) in its habitat, Ruto chalepensis-Salvietum trilobae Biondi & Guerra 2008.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Satureja montana L. subsp. montana: (a) in flowering; (b) in its habitat, Asyneumo limonifolii-Saturejetum montanae, Biondi & Guerra 2008.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. (a) in flowering; (b) in its maritime habitat.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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