Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in Afyonkarahisar-Turkey

Modeling the richness and spatial distribution of the wild relatives of Iranian pears (Pyrus L.) for conservation management

The preservation of the genetic resources of crop wild relatives (CWRs) is crucial for food production systems and is considered a vital measure for global agricultural health and food security. The identification of potential areas where CWRs can thrive is one of the first steps towards their conservation. In this study, we used a maximum entropy model (MaxEnt) to determine the habitat suitability of seven wild relatives of pears (Pyrus L.) for the first time. We aimed to identify high-priority areas for conservation and determine the hotspots for rich biodiversity in Iran. The study showed excellent predictive performance for all species studied (AUC value ≥ 90). The soil depth, solar radiation, minimum temperature of the coldest month (Bio6), and precipitation of the wettest quarter (Bio16) were the main environmental factors that influenced the habitat suitability of all seven species, according to permutation importance. The projected maps revealed that P. elaeagnifolia had the largest suitable habitat area, while P. glabra had the lowest. The results also showed that less than 5% of the suitable habitats for these seven species were in protected areas. This research highlights the need for national preservation policies and the development of cultivation and rehabilitation strategies for these threatened species.

The essential oil chemical composition of a sicilian (Italy) accession of Doronicum caucasicum M. Bieb

Doronicum is a relatively small genus belonging to the tribe Senecioneae (Fam. Asteraceae), distributed in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. Some of its species are considered toxic due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids whereas some other ones are largely utilised in the ethnopharmacology of several countries. In the present study, the essential oil composition of a Sicilian accession of Doronicum caucasicum M. Bieb (syn. D. orientale Hoffm.), not previously investigated, is particularly rich in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (80.3%) with germacrene D (58.9%), α-humulene (8.8%), and β-caryophyllene (6.5%) as main metabolites. A comparison with all the essential oils from Doronicum taxa studied so far has been carried out.

Long-Term Monitoring of the Traditional Knowledge of Plant Species Used for Culinary Purposes in the Valencia Region, South-Eastern Spain

The aim of this study is to inventory and study ethnobotanical knowledge of edible plants in the Valencian Community (Spain). In respect to culinary uses, 92 species of plant were reported to be edible, finding the following uses: 58 raw, 52 cooked, 16 fried, 7 dried, 21 in liquors and beverages, 25 in dessert and sweets, 11 as seasoning, 17 in pickles, and 10 to curdle milk. We prepared a database that includes genus, family, scientific, and vernacular names in Spanish and Catalan for each plant. We also created a classification of nine edible uses and plant parts used, being Asteraceae (n = 18), Brassicaceae (n = 7), Chenopodiaceae (n = 6), and Rosaceae (n = 6) the families most characterized for gastronomic purposes. The species with the most elevated cultural importance (CI) values were Foeniculum vulgare (CI = 1.389), Cynara scolymus (CI = 1.374), Papaver rhoeas (CI = 1.211), Beta vulgaris (CI = 1.167), and Juglans regia (CI = 1.155). The most used parts were the leaves (71), flowers (25), and branches (19), while the least used were roots (9) and seeds (8). Traditional knowledge of these plants helps to preserve traditional cuisine, promote the local economy and, in several species, encourage their cultivation.

Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Assessment of the Aerial Parts from Three Mediterranean Alkanna Species (A. orientalis, A. tinctoria, A. kotschyana) in the Boraginaceae Family

This study focuses on the phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of three Alkanna species: A. orientalis (L.) Boiss., A. tinctoria Tausch. and A. kotschyana A. DC. (Boraginaceae) growing wild in the Mediterranean basin, as mostly the roots of the genus have been widely researched. Their methanol extracts were subjected to qualitative LC-MS analyses, resulting in the annotation of 28 different secondary metabolites, with 27 originating from A. orientalis, 25 from A. tinctoria and 23 from A. kotschyana. The detected metabolites are categorized into three chemical types: organic acids (2), flavonoids and their glycosides (17), and caffeic acid derivatives (9). Furthermore, the chemical profiles of the three species are discussed chemotaxonomically. Caffeic acid and its derivatives, along with glucosides of quercetin and kaempferol, were identified in all three studied species. Additionally, their total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated through various chemical assays, as well as their in vitro enzyme inhibitory properties towards cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The results showed that A. tinctoria exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (211 mgTE/g extract in DPPH and 366 mgTE/g extract in ABTS), probably due to its high total phenolic (53.3 mgGAE/g extract) and flavonoid (20.8 mgRE/g extract) content, followed by A. kotschyana. These chemical and biological findings provide valuable insights for potential promising applications of the aerial parts of the species outside of the well-known uses of their roots.

Teucrium montanum L.-Unrecognized Source of Phenylethanoid Glycosides: Green Extraction Approach and Elucidation of Phenolic Compounds via NMR and UHPLC-HR MS/MS

Health-oriented preferences, a demand for innovative food concepts, and technological advances have greatly influenced changes in the food industry and led to remarkable development of the functional food market. Incorporating herbal extracts as a rich source of bioactive compounds (BC) could be an effective solution to meet the high demand of consumers in terms of expanding the high-quality range of functional foods. The aim of this study is the valorization of the bioactive potential of T. montanum L., an understudied Mediterranean plant species, and the in-depth elucidation of a polyphenolic profile with a UHPLC-HR MS/MS and NMR analysis. The total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (AC) were determined on heat-assisted (HAE), microwave-assisted (MAE) and subcritical water (SWE) extracts. In terms of antioxidant capacity, SWE extracts showed the most notable potential (ABTS: 0.402-0.547 mmol eq Trolox g-1 dw, DPPH: 0.336-0.427 mmol eq Trolox g-1 dw). 12 phenolic compounds were identified in the samples of T. montanum from six microlocations in Croatia, including nine phenylethanoid glycosides (PGs) with total yields of 30.36-68.06 mg g-1 dw and 25.88-58.88 mg g-1 dw in HAE and MAE extracts, respectively. Echinacoside, teupolioside, stachysoside A, and poliumoside were the most abundant compounds HAE and MAE extracts, making T. montanum an emerging source of PGs.

Genus Equisetum L: Taxonomy, toxicology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

INTRODUCTION

The genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae) is cosmopolitan in distribution, with 41 recognized species. Several species of Equisetum are widely used in treating genitourinary and related diseases, inflammatory and rheumatic problems, hypertension, and wound healing in traditional medicine practices worldwide. This review intends to present information on the traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of Equisetum spp. and to analyze the new insights for further study.

METHODS

Relevant literature has been scanned and collected via various electronic repositories, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Connect, and Science Online, from 1960 to 2022.

RESULTS

Sixteen Equisetum spp. were documented as widely used in traditional medicine practices by different ethnic groups throughout the world. A total of 229 chemical compounds were identified from Equisetum spp. with the major group of constituents being flavonol glycosides and flavonoids. The crude extracts and phytochemicals of Equisetum spp. exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties. A wide range of studies have also demonstrated the safety of Equisetum spp.

CONCLUSION

The reported pharmacological properties of Equisetum spp. support its use in traditional medicine, though there are gaps in understanding the traditional usage of these plants for clinical experiments. The documented information revealed that the genus is not only a great herbal remedy but also has several bioactives with the potential to be discovered as novel drugs. Detailed scientific investigation is still needed to fully understand the efficacy of this genus; hence, very few Equisetum spp. were studied in detail for phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Moreover, its bioactives, structure-activity connection, in vivo activity, and associated mechanism of action ought to be explored further.

Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally for Skin Related Problems in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean Region—A Review

A review research was conducted to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medical practices for the treatment of skin disorders in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The geographical and ecological characteristics of the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea, along with the historical connection among those countries, gave rise to the development of a distinct flora and to the uses of common medicinal plants against various skin ailments, respectively. The review focuses on the detailed study of 128 ethnobotanical surveys conducted in these areas and the species used for skin ailments were singled out. The analysis showed that 967 taxa belonging to 418 different genera and 111 different families are used in the treatment of skin related problems. The majority of the plants belong to the families of Asteraceae (11.7%), Lamiaceae (7.4%), Rosaceae (6.7%), Plantaginaceae (5.4%), and Malvaceae (3.8%). Their usage is internal or external to treat ailments such as wounds and burns (22.1%), hemorrhoids (14.7%), boils, abscesses, and furuncles (8.2%). Beside specific skin disorders, numerous species appeared to be used for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic activity (9.1%). Literature evaluation highlighted that, the most commonly used species are Plantago major L. (Albania, Turkey), Hypericum perforatum L. (Greece, Turkey), Sambucus nigra L. (Cyprus, Greece), Ficus carica L. (Cyprus, Turkey), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Cyprus, Greece), and Urtica dioica L. (Albania, Turkey), while many medicinal plants reported by interviewees were common in all four countries. Finally, to relate this ethnopharmacological knowledge and trace its expansion and diversification through centuries, a comparison of findings was made with the use of the species mentioned in Dioscorides’ “De Materia Medica” for skin disorders. This work constitutes the first comparative study performed with ethnobotanical data for skin ailments gathered in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean areas. Results confirm the primary hypothesis that people in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey are closely related in terms of traditionally using folk medicinal practices. Nevertheless, more field studies conducted, especially in remote places of these regions, can help preserve the traditional medical knowledge, aiming at the discovery of new phytotherapeutics against dermatological diseases.

Chemical Constituents and Biological Properties of Genus Doronicum (Asteraceae)

The genus Doronicum, belonging to tribe Senecioneae (Fam. Asteraceae), is found mainly in the Asia, Europe and North Africa. This genus of plant has always been used in traditional medicinal treatments due to the many biological properties shown such as killing parasitic worms and for relieving constipation, as well as to improve heart health, to alleviate pain and inflammation, to treat insect bites, etc. According to the World Flora the genus Doronicum contains 39 subordinate taxa.^[1-3] The purpose of this article, which covers data published from 1970 to 2021 with more than 110 articles, aims to carry out a complete and critical review of the Doronicum genus, examining traditional uses and reporting the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity shown from crude extracts or essential oils, and from single isolated compounds. Furthermore, critical considerations of the published data have been highlighted by comparing them with the results obtained from species of other genus belonging to the Asteraceae family.

Collection calendar: the diversity and local knowledge of wild edible plants used by Chenthang Sherpa people to treat seasonal food shortages in Tibet, China

BACKGROUND

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are non-cultivated and non-domesticated plants used for food. WEPs provided food, nutrition, herbs and other plant products for people in underdeveloped areas, such as the Everest region, to maintain their daily lives. Chenthang Town is the only Sherpa ethnic township in Tibet, China. The core purpose of this research is to investigate, collect and record the WEPs and related local knowledge and functions within the Sherpa community. The ultimate goal is to answer the question of why Sherpa people choose these particular plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The field study was carried out in the six Sherpa communities of Chenthang Township from September 2019 to August 2020. The WEPs and related local knowledge were collected through semistructured interviews and direct observations. The field work was performed with the assistance of local guides. During the field survey, we collected plant specimens based on the principle of one plant with one vernacular name. In this study, we utilised a use report (UR) and cultural importance index (CI) to evaluate the comprehensive utilization value of WEPs in the daily diet of Sherpa people.

RESULTS

We interviewed 78 people individually who provided us with 1199 use reports. In total, we collected 84 WEPs belonging to 65 genera in 41 families. These species were identified as 78 distinct ethno-species by local people, and the vernacular name of each ethno-species was recorded. Then, these use reports were classified into six use categories. All these plants were native wild plants. In these plants, Arisaema utile, Sorbus cuspidata and Elaeagnus umbellata have been introduced into home gardens by local people. Following the description of the Sherpa people, we articulated a collection calendar for WEPs. The Sherpa collect WEPs throughout nearly the entire year, January and February being the exceptions.

CONCLUSION

The collection calendar of wild edible plants reflects the wisdom of the Sherpa in terms of survival. The Sherpa cleverly survive the food shortage periods by harnessing the phenology of different species. In general, WEPs can provide the Sherpa with seasonal carbohydrates, nutrition, healthcare supplements and other products and services necessary for survival, which is likely why the Sherpa choose these plants.

Plants used against obesity in Turkish folk medicine: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Obesity is one of the growing public health problems in Turkey, as well as all over the world, threatening people of almost all ages. Turkey has a large potential for research on this topic due to owning broad ethnomedicinal experience and the richest flora (34% endemic) of Europe and the Middle East. Herbs that they have utilized for centuries to treat and prevent obesity can provide useful options to overcome this issue.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This survey was carried out to disclose the inventory of plant taxa that the people of Turkey have been using for a few centuries in treating obesity without any side effects or complications, and to compare them with experimental studies in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The research was achieved in two phases on the matter above by using electronic databases, such as Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, Medline, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, HighWire Press, PubMed and Google Scholar. Both results were shown in separate tables as well as the regional comparative analysis.

RESULTS

117 herbal taxa belonging to 45 families were identified among the selected 74 studies conducted in the seven regions of Turkey. However, only 49 (41.9%) of them were found to be subjected to worldwide in vitro and in vivo research conducted on anti-obesity activity. Quercetin (9.1%), gallic acid (6.1%) and ferulic acid and epigallocatechin gallate (4.5%) have been recorded as the most common active ingredients among the 66 active substances identified. Prunus avium (32.4%) and Rosmarinus officinalis (25.7%) were identified as the most common plants used in Turkey. Also, Portulaca oleracea and Brassica oleracea emerged as the most investigated taxa in the literature.

CONCLUSION

This is the first country-wide ethnomedical review conducted on obesity treatment with plants in Turkey. Evaluating the results of the experimental anti-obesity research conducted in the recent years in the literature, it was determined that forty-nine plants were verified. This clearly shows that these herbs have a high potential to be a pharmacological resource. Moreover, 68 (41.9%) taxa, which haven't been investigated yet, are likely to be a promising resource for national and international pharmacological researchers in terms of new natural medicine searches.

Ethnomedicinal Plants of Hasankeyf (Batman-Turkey)

Hasankeyf is an ancient city, dating back to more than 10,000 years, in the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. The area is separated by the Tigris River on both sides and located in the Batman province. However, as a result of a dam project, in February 2020, this ancient city and some of its surrounding villages were totally flooded. The residents were moved to new settlements. This study aimed to prevent the possible loss of ethnomedicinal knowledge of plants due to migration as well as to pass on this knowledge to the future generations. The field studies were conducted between March 2017 and November 2019 in the city center and 22 rural settlements of Hasankeyf. Also, the areas where intensive migration was experienced were visited frequently. Interviews were conducted with a total of 131 participants (76 women and 55 men) while gathering plants with them. Information was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The results were analyzed by quantitative indices of information consensus factor (FIC) and use value (UV). A total of 94 plant taxa belonging to 40 families were identified in the study area. The most common medicinal plant families are Lamiaceae (13), Asteraceae (8), Rosaceae (6), Malvaceae (6), Amaryllidaceae (5), Brassicaceae (4), and Solanaceae (4). The most common preparations were infusion, fresh application, and crushing. The taxa having the highest count of use value (UV) were Teucrium polium, Matricaria aurea, Urtica dioica, Mentha longifolia, and Quercus brantii. Besides, the recorded ailments were grouped into categories based on information provided by the interviewees. The most important use categories among the informants were diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, and dermatological disorders. The present study represents the first medical-ethnobotanical documentation and analysis of the traditional use of medicinal plants in Hasankeyf.

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Different Cichorium Species (Asteraceae): A Review

Cichorium species have been used widely in traditional medicine universally. It is reported as a treatment for various respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as diabetes and rheumatism. A range of constituents including phenolic and poly phenolic compounds, fatty and organic acids and essential oils comprise the chemical composition of Cichorium species. Furthermore, modern investigations on these species has shown different pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antiproliferative, anti-inflammation, antibacterial, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects which are associated with divers molecular pathways and mechanisms. In this chapter, we have summarized comprehensive information regarding traditional and ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical analysis and pharmacological aspects of Cichorium species.

Garlic and onions: An eastern tale

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Garlic and its wild relatives have a long tradition of use world-wide dating back to the early ages as food and medicine. This exceptional group deserves to be taken into consideration to rethink its potential health effects in light of its cultural and historical background, as well as ethnobotanical practices.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Garlic, onion, and other related vegetables have been indispensable for Turkish daily life. This review focuses on the wild, as well as cultivated, Allium species from the broad historical perspective of Turkish culture. Its goal is also analyze how food and medicine have been perceived as closely connected entities in a specific cultural sphere.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature survey was conducted on these species by referencing scientific databases such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, Elsevier E-Book, Scopus, ISI-Web of Science, and E book Central (Ebrary).

RESULTS

The integration of historical and ethnobotanical data have enabled us to understand the unique position of Alliums in a specific human geography. Garlic and onions have been used in this region as food and for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. The perceived health benefits of consuming garlic and onions are well documented in the literature. There are more than 200 Allium species naturally distributed in Turkey, and around 30 of those have been widely used for various purposes by local people as a vegetable, spice, condiment, and medicine.

CONCLUSIONS

The desire for good health and wellness has been traced across many cultures throughout history. Healthy foods like garlic were and will be a critical component of maintaining good health.

The first bioactivity studies of Acantholimon lycopodioides from high altitude Karakoram-Himalayan desert

Couple of ethnopharmacological surveys in the Indian Ladakh and Pakistani Shigar valleys has reported the medicinal use of Acantholimon lycopodioides against cardiac and gastric disorders that however, remains without scientific rationale or experimental validations. Here, we assess the in vitro bio/therapeutic activities of A. lycopodioides extracts as well as chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions. The in vitro β-carotene-linoleic acid bleaching and DPPH radical scavenging methods demonstrated a very high anti-oxidative property of chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions compared to others. Cell viability assay (MTT) on human cervical (HeLa), breast (MDA-MB321) and liver (HepG2) cancer cells revealed their differential cytotoxicity, except the chloroform fraction. Of these, the precipitate exerted highest cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells followed by aqueous fraction on MDA-MB321 cells. Notably, the non-cytotoxicity of chloroform fraction coincided with its highest anti-oxidative activity. Further, the chloroform fraction showed marked hepatoprotection (up to 84%) against 3'7'dichlorofluorescin triggered free radicals induced oxidative damage. Also, the hepatoprotective chloroform fraction mildly activated CYP3A4 in HepG2 cells (dual-luciferase assay). Moreover, the A. lycopodioides extracts and fractions showed differential anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Of these, while S. aureus was more sensitive to the water-insoluble extract, ethyl acetate fraction showed moderate activity against E. coli and C. albicans. On the other hand, the chloroform fraction showed promising activity against S. Aureus, C. albicans, P. vulgaris and E. faecalis. In conclusion, our data for the first time, demonstrated promising anti-oxidative, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and CYP3A4 activating salutations of A. lycopodioides. This warrants further studies towards isolation and identification of its therapeutically active principles.

Plant leaves for wrapping zongzi in China: an ethnobotanical study

BACKGROUND

Zongzi, a common Chinese rice-pudding and one of the most symbolic foods in traditional Chinese festivals, is integral to both Chinese traditional culture and daily meals. Traditionally, the leaves of different plant species have been used to wrap zongzi. The variety of zongzi leaves (ZLs) can contribute to the zongzi-based cultural diversity. Given the cultural and dietary significance of zongzi, the ethnobotanical surveys were carried out, aiming to investigate the diversity of plant species and associated traditional botanical knowledge of ZLs, which could attract particular attention for their further studies.

METHOD

Both literature studies and field surveys were conducted in the study. The field investigations were carried out from May 2006 to June 2018 throughout China. Ethnobotanical information about ZLs was obtained by direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and key informant interviews.

RESULTS

In total, ZLs from 57 plant species were identified and recorded, belonging to 38 genera and 18 families. Several folk legends have been formed to explain the origin of using plant leaves to pack zongzi. Over time, Chinese people have developed diverse traditional botanical knowledge surrounding ZLs, especially regarding the zongzi flavor, antiseptic functions, and medicinal values. Based on the literature review, some species of ZLs such as the leaves of Corchorus capsularis and Vernicia fordii may even pose a potential threat to human health. Presently, in some regions of China, the traditional ZLs, such as Cocos nucifera, Tilia tuan, and Zizania latifolia, are being substituted by commercialized ZLs such as Phragmites australis and Indocalamus tessellatus.

CONCLUSION

A variety of traditional ZLs have been discovered in China. Although diverse traditional knowledge exists in China surrounding the usage of ZLs, some species may have the potential of threatening human health. Therefore, further explorations are necessary to comprehensively evaluate traditional ZLs, the results of which could help to conserve the cultural diversity of zongzi, to guarantee food safety, and to encourage the uses of plant leaves in food, medicine, and environmental management, for our human health.

Wild edible plants in Yeşilli (Mardin-Turkey), a multicultural area

BACKGROUND

The Yeşilli district (Mardin) is located in the southeastern of Turkey and hosts different cultures. The objective of this study was to record the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used by indigenous people in Yeşilli, where no ethnobotanical studies have been conducted previously.

METHODS

An ethnobotanical study was carried out in Yeşilli district in March 2017-March 2019 to document the traditional knowledge of wild edible plants. The data were collected by interviewing 62 informants. Additionally, the data were analysed based on the cultural importance index (CI) and factor informant consensus (F_İC) to determine the cultural significance of wild edible plants and knowledge of wild edible plants among the informants.

RESULTS

We documented 74 wild edible taxa belonging to 31 families and 57 genera in the present study. The richness of the wild edible taxa was highest for vegetables (46 taxa), followed by medicinal plants (17 taxa) and fruit (14 taxa). The most important families were Asteraceae (ten taxa), Rosaceae (seven taxa) and Fabaceae (six taxa). The most culturally important taxa (based on the CI index) were Ficus carica subsp. carica, Lepidium draba, Anchusa strigosa, Rhus coriaria, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Sinapis alba, Gundelia tournefortii, Notobasis syriaca, Onopordum carduchorum, Malva neglecta, Mentha longifolia, Juglans regia and Urtica dioica. The maximum number of use reports was recorded for vegetables (1011). The factor informant consensus index (F_ic) varied between 0.95 and 0.98 for preserved vegetables, beverages and spices and processed fruits have the highest F_ic (0.99). We reported for the first time the ethnobotanical usage of 12 taxa as food. We also recorded the use of Allium wendelboanum, an endemic species in the study area.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data were compared with data from other wild edible and ethnobotanical studies conducted in Turkey and particularly those conducted in eastern Turkey. Furthermore, the data were compared with data from studies conducted in the bordering countries of Iraq and Armenia. The present study reflects the cultural diversity of the region, and it is necessary to conduct more studies since it is thought that this diversity will contribute to the economy. This study will enable the traditional use of wild plants as food sources to be passed on to future generations.

The wild taxa utilized as vegetables in Sicily (Italy): a traditional component of the Mediterranean diet

BACKGROUND

Wild vegetables in the Mediterranean Basin are still often consumed as a part of the diet and, in particular, there is a great tradition regarding their use in Sicily. In this study, an ethnobotanical field investigation was carried out to (a) identify the wild native taxa traditionally gathered and consumed as vegetables in Sicily, comparing the collected ethnobotanical data with those of other countries that have nominated the Mediterranean diet for inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and (b) highlight new culinary uses of these plants.

METHODS

Interviews were carried out in 187 towns and villages in Sicily between 2005 and 2015. A total of 980 people over the age of 50 were interviewed (mainly farmers, shepherds, and experts on local traditions). Plants recorded were usually collected in collaboration with the informants to confirm the correct identification of the plants. The frequencies of citation were calculated.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-three taxa (specific and intraspecific) belonging to 39 families, and 128 genera were recorded (26 were cited for the first time). The most represented families were Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Apiaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Malvaceae, and Polygonaceae. Only 14 taxa were cited by 75% of the people interviewed. The aerial parts of wild plants, including leaves, tender shoots, and basal rosettes, are the main portions collected, while the subterranean parts are used to a lesser extent. For some vegetables, more parts are utilized. Most of the reported vegetables are consumed cooked. In addition to the widely known vegetables (Borago officinalis, Beta spp., Cichorium spp., Brassica spp., Carduus spp., etc.), the so-called ancient vegetables are included (Onopordum illyricum, Centaurea calcitrapa, Nasturtium officinale, Scolymus spp., Smyrnium rotundifolium), and some unique uses were described. Comparing the Sicilian findings to those from other countries, a very high number of vegetable taxa were detected, 72 of which are eaten only in Sicily, while 12 are consumed in all the Mediterranean countries examined.

CONCLUSIONS

The research shows a high level of Sicilian knowledge about using wild plants as a traditional food source. Wild vegetables are healthy and authentic ingredients for local and ancient recipes, which are fundamental to the revitalization of quality food strictly connected to traditional agroecosystems.

An ethnobotanical study in Midyat (Turkey), a city on the silk road where cultures meet

BACKGROUND

Studies of ethnobotanical usages in south-eastern Turkey are rare. To widen this field of knowledge, we conducted an ethnobotanical study in Midyat (Mardin Province), Turkey.

METHODS

The field study was completed during three years (2007-2010). Our aim was to document the ethnobotanical uses of local plants and to make an ethnobotanical inventory of uncommon plants using qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

During field studies, 368 voucher specimens were collected in the investigated area. Ninety-two traditionally used plant species were reported from Midyat and surrounding vicinities in Turkey. Among the 92 taxa (129 usages), 35% were used for medical purposes, 22% for food, 13% for animal fodder, 7% as ornamental plants and dyes, 6% as brooms, 4% for latex and as fragrance, 4% for herbal tea, molasses and wine preparation, 3% for agricultural purposes, and 6% for other purposes. Comparative assessment showed that Teucrium polium (0.51), Matricaria aurea (0.26), Alcea setosa (0.21), and Malva neglecta (0.21) have the highest recorded UVs, and the following taxa had UVs between 0.10-0.20: Anthemis cotula (0.12), Allium cepa (0.13), Alcea striata subsp. striata (0.14), Crupina crupinastrum (0.12), Papaver rhoeas (0.13), Salvia multicaulis (0.14), Thymbra spicata (0.11), and Vicia pannonica subsp. striata (0.15). We reported the ethnobotanical usages of 21 taxa for the first time, in addition to indicating usages previously recorded in the literature. We also recorded four endemic plant usages in the area: Alkanna trichophila var. mardinensis, Centaurea kurdica, Centaurea stapfiana, and Sideritis libanotica subsp. linearis. They have variable leaf and flower morphology that are used traditionally. They are present as well-developed populations and thus their conservation status is not compromised. Additionally, Thymbra sintenisii is a recorded species that is classified as a rare and extensively used species in the region.

CONCLUSIONS

These results contribute to the fundamental knowledge of ethnobotanical usages in Midyat. To date, ethnobotanical studies have not been carried out in this region. This investigation uncovered usages of endemic medicinal plant species and traditional knowledge of Midyat communities living in a mixed culture. The people of Midyat, Batman, and Şırnak are Turkish citizens from various ethnic backgrounds, such as Kurdish, Arabic, and Syriac. We compared our data with results from other studies conducted in Turkey, particularly in south-eastern and eastern regions, as well as with studies from bordering countries, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Iran. Nonetheless, more work needs to be conducted to extend the present knowledge for locals to contribute to and evaluate economic potential in the region.

Shedding light on the biological and chemical fingerprints of three Achillea species (A. biebersteinii, A. millefolium and A. teretifolia)

Representatives of the Achillea genus are widely used as foods or nutraceuticals. Considering the increasing demand for herbal dietary supplements with health promoting effects, the objective of this research was to evaluate the biological and chemical profiles of different extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol and water) obtained from three Achillea species (A. biebersteinii, A. millefolium and A. teretifolia). The antioxidant (free radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS), reducing power (CUPRAC and FRAP), metal chelating and phosphomolybdenum), enzyme inhibitory (anti-cholinesterase, anti-tyrosinase, anti-amylase and anti-glucosidase) and antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) effects were assessed to investigate their biological profiles. Moreover, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined and LC-MS analysis was performed for the chemical profile of the investigated extracts. The LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several caffeoylquinic acids in these extracts. Generally, the methanol and water extracts exhibited stronger antioxidant abilities, which correlated with the higher levels of phenolic compounds when compared to the ethyl acetate extracts. In addition, the best antimicrobial activities were obtained for the ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts. However, the ethyl acetate extract had remarkable enzyme inhibitory potential. On the basis of our results, Achillea species may be promoted as promising sources of natural agents and used for the development of nutraceuticals or functional food ingredients.