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Virga G, Sabatino L, Licata M, Tuttolomondo T, Leto C, La Bella S. Effects of Irrigation with Different Sources of Water on Growth, Yield and Essential Oil Compounds in Oregano. Plants (Basel) 2020; 9:E1618. [PMID: 33233856 PMCID: PMC7699947 DOI: 10.3390/plants9111618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aromatic plants can benefit from the use of treated wastewater to satisfy their water requirements, but the effects on the essential oil yield and quality need an assessment. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of freshwater and treated wastewater obtained from a Sicilian (Italy) pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system on plant growth and yield, essential oil yield and composition of oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) and soil characteristics. The system had a total surface area of 100 m2 and was planted with giant reed and umbrella sedge. An experimental open field of oregano was set up close to the system. Two years and two different sources of irrigation water were tested in a split-plot design for a two-factor experiment. Treated wastewater was characterized by higher values of mineral and organic constituents than freshwater. The results highlight that short-term irrigation with freshwater and treated wastewater, in both years, led to increased plant growth, dry weight and essential oil yield of oregano plants. However, it did not significantly affect the essential oil content and composition in comparison with the control. Furthermore, the year and source of irrigation water did not significantly vary the chemical composition of the soil. Our results suggest that treated wastewater can be considered an alternative to freshwater for the cultivation of oregano due to the fact that it does not greatly influence the yield quality and quantity of this species in the short-term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Virga
- Research Consortium for the Development of Innovative Agro-Environmental Systems (Corissia), Via della Libertà 203, 90143 Palermo, Italy; (G.V.); (C.L.)
| | - Leo Sabatino
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Claudio Leto
- Research Consortium for the Development of Innovative Agro-Environmental Systems (Corissia), Via della Libertà 203, 90143 Palermo, Italy; (G.V.); (C.L.)
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.S.); (S.L.B.)
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Building 4, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (L.S.); (S.L.B.)
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Licata M, Gennaro MC, Tuttolomondo T, Leto C, La Bella S. Research focusing on plant performance in constructed wetlands and agronomic application of treated wastewater - A set of experimental studies in Sicily (Italy). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219445. [PMID: 31287836 PMCID: PMC6615619 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Constructed wetlands are sustainable technologies for the treatment of wastewater. These biological systems have been widely studied throughout the world for more than 30 years; however, most studies have focused on the effects of design and engineering on pollutant removal from wastewater. Undoubtedly, agro-technical aspects have been given too little consideration by research. This paper reports the main results of a set of experiments carried out on two pilot horizontal subsurface flow systems in Sicily (Italy). Festuca, Lolium and Pennisetum spp. in combination and three emergent macrophytes–Arundo donax L., Cyperus alternifolius L. and Typha latifolia L.–alone, were assessed. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that, under predetermined hydraulic and design conditions, the choice of plant species and the management of the vegetation can significantly affect the pollutant removal performance of constructed wetlands. In addition, wastewater (after treatment) can also be used for agricultural purposes leading to increased sustainability in agricultural systems. Arundo and Typha-planted units performed better than Cyperus-planted units in terms of chemical, physical and microbiological contaminant removal. All the species adapted extremely well to wetland conditions. Polyculture systems were found to be more efficient than monocultures in the removal of dissolved organic compounds. The reuse of treated wastewater for the irrigation of open fields and horticultural crops led to significant savings in the use of freshwater and fertilizers. The results of physical-energy characterization of A. donax above-ground plant residues and pellets highlighted the fact that a constructed wetland could also be a potential source of bioenergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Research Consortium for the Development of Innovative Agro-environmental Systems, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gennaro
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Research Consortium for the Development of Innovative Agro-environmental Systems, Palermo, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Research Consortium for the Development of Innovative Agro-environmental Systems, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Research Consortium for the Development of Innovative Agro-environmental Systems, Palermo, Italy
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Maggio A, Loizzo MR, Riccobono L, Bruno M, Tenuta MC, Leporini M, Falco T, Leto C, Tuttolomondo T, Cammalleri I, La Bella S, Tundis R. Comparative chemical composition and bioactivity of leaves essential oils from nine Sicilian accessions of Myrtus communis L. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2019.1610089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Maggio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Monica Rosa Loizzo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Luana Riccobono
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruno
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Concetta Tenuta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Leporini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Tiziana Falco
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences (SAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences (SAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Ignazio Cammalleri
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences (SAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences (SAF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosa Tundis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Rende, CS, Italy
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Leto
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Dario Giambelluca
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Bruno
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Midiri
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Salvaggio
- Section of Radiological Sciences, Di.Bi.Med, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 127, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Siracusa L, Napoli E, Tuttolomondo T, Licata M, La Bella S, Gennaro MC, Leto C, Sarno M, Sperlinga E, Ruberto G. A Two-Year Bio-Agronomic and Chemotaxonomic Evaluation of Wild Sicilian Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Berries and Leaves. Chem Biodivers 2019; 16:e1800575. [PMID: 30561831 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201800575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A collection of nine Myrtus communis samples from different localities of Sicily was evaluated. Morphological traits and production characteristics have been chosen as parameters to arrange the samples into homogeneous groups and to identify the best biotypes for possible future agro-industrial exploitation. The plant material has been subjected to taxonomic characterization from biometric and phytochemical perspectives. Myrtle berries and leaves have been analyzed for their content in metabolites, applying a cascade extraction protocol for M. communis leaves and a single hydroalcoholic extraction for berries, whereas hydrodistillation procedures have been applied to obtain the essential oils from berries and leaves. The analyses of non-volatile components were carried out by LC-UV-DAD-ESI-MS. All the extracts were characterized by the presence of numerous polyphenols, namely highly hydroxylated flavonols such as quercetin and myricetin; and ellagic acid detected in all samples. In addition, myrtle berries contained nine different anthocyanins, namely delphinidin, petunidin, cyanidin and malvidin derivatives. The essential oils (EOs) were analyzed by a combination of GC-FID and GC/MS. A total of 33 and 34 components were fully characterized with the predominance of α-pinene, myrtenyl acetate, linalool, 1,8-cineole and linalyl acetate. All phytochemical profiles were subjected to cluster analyses, which allowed subdividing the myrtle samples in different chemical groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Siracusa
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami, 18 -, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Edoardo Napoli
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami, 18 -, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13 -, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Licata
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13 -, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13 -, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gennaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13 -, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Leto
- Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. Consorzio di ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali, Viale Libertà, 203 -, 90100, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mauro Sarno
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali (SAAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, 13 -, 90128, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisa Sperlinga
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami, 18 -, 95126, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ruberto
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami, 18 -, 95126, Catania, Italy
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Licata M, Tuttolomondo T, Leto C, La Bella S, Virga G. The use of constructed wetlands for the treatment and reuse of urban wastewater for the irrigation of two warm-season turfgrass species under Mediterranean climatic conditions. Water Sci Technol 2017; 76:459-470. [PMID: 28726711 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2017.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Constructed wetlands (CWs) represent low-cost technology for the treatment and reuse of wastewater in urban areas. This study aimed to evaluate the pollutant removal efficiency of a CW system and to assess the effects of irrigation using treated urban wastewater on soil and on two warm-season turf species. The research was carried out in Sicily (Italy) on a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow system which was fed with treated urban wastewater following secondary treatment from an activated-sludge wastewater treatment plant. The pilot system was located in an open urban park and comprised two separate parallel planted units. Experimental fields of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. and Paspalum vaginatum Sw. were set up close to the system and irrigated with both treated wastewater (TWW) and freshwater (FW). Irrigation with TWW did not result in a significant variation in soil pH and soil salinity in the topsoil. The turf species tolerated high sodium levels in the soil due to TWW irrigation. Savings in FW and mineral fertilizers were deemed significant. The results highlight the fact that use of CW systems for the treatment and reuse of wastewater can represent a sustainable way to obtain alternative water resources for turfgrass irrigation in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Palermo 90128, Italy E-mail:
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Palermo 90128, Italy E-mail:
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Palermo 90128, Italy E-mail:
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Palermo 90128, Italy E-mail:
| | - Giuseppe Virga
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, Palermo 90128, Italy E-mail:
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Saija A, Speciale A, Trombetta D, Leto C, Tuttolomondo T, La Bella S, Licata M, Virga G, Bonsangue G, Gennaro MC, Napoli E, Siracusa L, Ruberto G. Phytochemical, Ecological and Antioxidant Evaluation of Wild Sicilian Thyme: Thymbra capitata
(L.) Cav
. Chem Biodivers 2016; 13:1641-1655. [DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201600072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Saija
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali; Università di Messina; Contrada Annunziata IT-98168 Messina
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali; Università di Messina; Contrada Annunziata IT-98168 Messina
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche ed Ambientali; Università di Messina; Contrada Annunziata IT-98168 Messina
| | - Claudio Leto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF); Università di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze 13 IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF); Università di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze 13 IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF); Università di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze 13 IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Mario Licata
- Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali; Via Libertà 203 IT-90100 Palermo
| | - Giuseppe Virga
- Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali; Via Libertà 203 IT-90100 Palermo
| | - Giuseppe Bonsangue
- Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali; Via Libertà 203 IT-90100 Palermo
| | - Maria Cristina Gennaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF); Università di Palermo; Viale delle Scienze 13 IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Edoardo Napoli
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare; Via Paolo Gaifami 18 IT-95126 Catania
| | - Laura Siracusa
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare; Via Paolo Gaifami 18 IT-95126 Catania
| | - Giuseppe Ruberto
- Istituto del CNR di Chimica Biomolecolare; Via Paolo Gaifami 18 IT-95126 Catania
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Tuttolomondo T, La Bella S, Leto C, Bonsangue G, Leone R, Gennaro MC, Virga G, Inguanta R, Licata M. Effects of Plant Density on the Number of Glandular Trichomes and on Yield and Quality of Essential Oils from Oregano. Nat Prod Commun 2016; 11:849-852. [PMID: 27534133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants yields are influenced by agronomic techniques. Plant density is a complex issue and extremely important when maximizing both crop quality, and biomass and essential oil yields. Plants belonging to the Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum (Link) Ietswaart were grown adopting four types of plant density and were characterized in biometric and chemical terms. The samples were analyzed using the ANOVA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method regarding biometric aspects, EO yield and peltate hair density. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 45 compounds from the EO. Plant density affected production both in terms of biomass and EO. However, it was not found to have affected peltate glandular trichome density or EO quality.
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Tuttolomondo T, La Bella S, Leto C, Bonsangue G, Leone R, Gennaro MC, Virga G, Inguanta R, Licata M. Effects of Plant Density on the Number of Glandular Trichomes and on Yield and Quality of Essential Oils from Oregano. Nat Prod Commun 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1601100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants yields are influenced by agronomic techniques. Plant density is a complex issue and extremely important when maximizing both crop quality, and biomass and essential oil yields. Plants belonging to the Origanum vulgare subspecies hirtum (Link) Ietswaart were grown adopting four types of plant density and were characterized in biometric and chemical terms. The samples were analyzed using the ANOVA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method regarding biometric aspects, EO yield and peltate hair density. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 45 compounds from the EO. Plant density affected production both in terms of biomass and EO. However, it was not found to have affected peltate glandular trichome density or EO quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Dip. Scienze Agrarie e Forestall, Università dl Palermo, Vlale delle Sclenze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Dip. Scienze Agrarie e Forestall, Università dl Palermo, Vlale delle Sclenze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Claudio Leto
- Dip. Scienze Agrarie e Forestall, Università dl Palermo, Vlale delle Sclenze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bonsangue
- CoRiSSIA Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali, Vlale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaele Leone
- CoRiSSIA Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali, Vlale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Gennaro
- Dip. Scienze Agrarie e Forestall, Università dl Palermo, Vlale delle Sclenze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Virga
- CoRiSSIA Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali, Vlale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Inguanta
- Dip. Ingegneria Chimica Gestionale Informatica Meccanica, Viale delle Scienze bdg. 6, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Licata
- CoRiSSIA Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali, Vlale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Napoli EM, Siracusa L, Saija A, Speciale A, Trombetta D, Tuttolomondo T, La Bella S, Licata M, Virga G, Leone R, Leto C, Rubino L, Ruberto G. Wild Sicilian rosemary: phytochemical and morphological screening and antioxidant activity evaluation of extracts and essential oils. Chem Biodivers 2016; 12:1075-94. [PMID: 26172328 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201400274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To identify the best biotypes, an extensive survey of Sicilian wild rosemary was carried out by collecting 57 samples from various sites, followed by taxonomic characterization from an agronomic perspective. All the biotypes collected were classified as Rosmarinus officinalis L. A cluster analysis based on the morphological characteristics of the plants allowed the division of the biotypes into seven main groups, although the characteristics examined were found to be highly similar and not area-dependent. Moreover, all samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, applying an extraction protocol to obtain the nonvolatile components and hydrodistillation to collect the essential oils for the volatile components. The extracts were characterized by LC-UV-DAD/ESI-MS, and the essential oils by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. In the nonvolatile fractions, 18 components were identified, namely, 13 flavones, two organic acids, and three diterpenes. In the volatile fractions, a total of 82 components were found, with as predominant components α-pinene and camphene among the monoterpene hydrocarbons and 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, and verbenone among the oxygenated monoterpenes. Cluster analyses were carried out on both phytochemical profiles, allowing the separation of the rosemary samples into different chemical groups. Finally, the total phenol content and the antioxidant activity of the essential oils and extracts were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) colorimetric assay, the UV radiation-induced peroxidation in liposomal membranes (UV-IP test), and the scavenging activity of the superoxide radical (O$\rm{{_{2}^{{^\cdot} -}}}$). The present study confirmed that the essential oils and organic extracts of the Sicilian rosemary samples analyzed showed a considerable antioxidant/free radical-scavenging activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo M Napoli
- Istituto del C.N.R. di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, IT-95126 Catania, (phone: +39-0957338347; fax: +39-0957338310)
| | - Laura Siracusa
- Istituto del C.N.R. di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, IT-95126 Catania, (phone: +39-0957338347; fax: +39-0957338310)
| | - Antonella Saija
- Dipartimento Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti per la Salute, Università di Messina, Contrada Annunziata, IT-98168 Messina
| | - Antonio Speciale
- Dipartimento Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti per la Salute, Università di Messina, Contrada Annunziata, IT-98168 Messina
| | - Domenico Trombetta
- Dipartimento Scienze del Farmaco e dei Prodotti per la Salute, Università di Messina, Contrada Annunziata, IT-98168 Messina
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Mario Licata
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Giuseppe Virga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Raffaele Leone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali (SAF), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, IT-90128 Palermo
| | - Claudio Leto
- Co.Ri.S.S.I.A. Consorzio di Ricerca per lo Sviluppo di Sistemi Innovativi Agroambientali, Via Libertà 203, IT-90100 Palermo
| | - Laura Rubino
- Istituto del C.N.R. di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, IT-95126 Catania, (phone: +39-0957338347; fax: +39-0957338310)
| | - Giuseppe Ruberto
- Istituto del C.N.R. di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, IT-95126 Catania, (phone: +39-0957338347; fax: +39-0957338310).
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Licata M, Tuttolomondo T, Leto C, Virga G, Bonsangue G, Cammalleri I, Gennaro MC, La Bella S. A survey of wild plant species for food use in Sicily (Italy) - results of a 3-year study in four Regional Parks. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2016; 12:12. [PMID: 26860327 PMCID: PMC4748641 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-015-0074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in four Regional Parks of Sicily (Italy), concerning traditional knowledge on food use of wild plant species. The main aims of the paper were: (i) to verify which wild plant species are used for food purpose in the local culture based on information provided by elderly inhabitants (ii) to verify the presence of wild plant species which have not been cited for food use in previous studies in the Mediterranean area (iii) to determine how many of the most frequently cited wild plant species are cultivated by the local population in the four Sicilian Parks. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities of the four Regional Parks between 2007 and 2010. A total of 802 people over the age of 60 were interviewed. Cultural Importance Index was used to evaluate the level of importance given to any wild plant species as a food in the local culture. The level of appreciation of the wild plant species and the possible effects of wild plants on human health were also investigated. RESULTS Local communities currently use a total number of 119 wild species for food purposes. Asteraceae and Brassicaceae were the most represented botanical families. In each of the four Sicilian Parks, Cichorium intybus L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. obtained the highest Cultural Importance Index values. Sixty-four species were indicated as also having medicinal properties. Leaves and other aerial plant parts were the parts most-used for the preparation of traditional recipes. CONCLUSIONS The research shows that the level of traditional knowledge on the food uses of wild plant species in the study area is poor. The food uses of plants which are most likely to survive over time are those at the interface of food and medicine. Further agronomic studies are needed for a number of species with a view to introducing them as a crop into non-intensive agricultural systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Virga
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Bonsangue
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Cammalleri
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Gennaro
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128, Palermo, Italy.
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Tuttolomondo T, Martinelli F, Mariotti L, Leto C, Maggio A, La Bella S. Agronomic, metabolomic and lipidomic characterisation of Sicilian Origanum vulgare (L.) ecotypes. Nat Prod Res 2015; 30:1103-7. [PMID: 26540480 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1104672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although Origanum vulgare (L.) has been deeply analysed at phytochemical level, poor knowledge is available regarding non-volatile compounds such as lipids. The aim of this work was to characterise five wild Sicilian Origanum ecotypes from an agronomic, metabolomic and lipidomic perspective. Serradifalco presented higher dry weight and inflorescences/plant than the others while Favara had a significantly higher number of branches per plant and more extensive flowered stratum. Metabolomic analysis, performed with LC-MS-TOF, allowed a preliminary characterisation of the non-volatile metabolome of the five oregano ecotypes Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum. Twenty-five metabolites were identified belonging to organic acids, amino acids, lysophosphatidylcholines, carnithines, nucleic bases and lysophosphatidylethanolamines. Lipidomic analysis identified 115 polar plant membrane glycerolipid species. Thirteen of them were differentially present in the two chosen ecotypes. The role of these metabolites in plant physiology from a qualitative and pharmacological point of view was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tuttolomondo
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali , Università degli Studi di Palermo, viale delle scienze Ed. 4 , Palermo , Italy
| | - Federico Martinelli
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali , Università degli Studi di Palermo, viale delle scienze Ed. 4 , Palermo , Italy.,b Department of Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity and Food Security , I.E.M.E.S.T. Istituto Euro Mediterraneo di Scienza e Tecnologia , Palermo , Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mariotti
- c Dipartimento di Biologia , Università degli Studi di Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Claudio Leto
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali , Università degli Studi di Palermo, viale delle scienze Ed. 4 , Palermo , Italy
| | - Antonella Maggio
- d Dipartimento STEBICEF , Università degli Studi di Palermo, viale delle scienze , Palermo , Italy
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali , Università degli Studi di Palermo, viale delle scienze Ed. 4 , Palermo , Italy
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La Bella S, Tuttolomondo T, Dugo G, Ruberto G, Leto C, Napoli EM, Potorti AG, Fede MR, Virga G, Leone R, D'Anna E, Licata M. Composition and Variability of the Essential Oil of the Flowers of Lavandula stoechas from Various Geographical Sources. Nat Prod Commun 2015; 10:2001-2004. [PMID: 26749848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Samples of flowers of wild Lavandula stoechas L. spp. stoechas populations were collected in three areas of Sicily (Italy) and were characterized in agronomic and chemical terms. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses permitted identification of 89 compounds from the EO. The samples were separated into 3 groups using PCA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method, with reference to the chemical composition of the EO. All three Sicilian populations of lavender were identified as the fenchone chemotype with percentage content ranged between 52.8-71.1%. The population of Partinico showed the highest dry weight of flowers per plant (221.3 g), but the lowest EO yield (0.37%). The essential oils of the three wild Sicilian populations of L. stoechas L. spp. stoechas showed a greater chemical differentiation than those obtained from other Mediterranean areas.
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Bella SL, Tuttolomondo T, Dugo G, Ruberto G, Leto C, Napoli EM, Potortì AG, Fede MR, Virga G, Leone R, D'Anna E, Licata M. Composition and Variability of the Essential Oil of the Flowers of Lavandula stoechas from Various Geographical Sources. Nat Prod Commun 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x1501001150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Samples of flowers of wild Lavandula stoechas L. spp. stoechas populations were collected in three areas of Sicily (Italy) and were characterized in agronomic and chemical terms. Essential oil (EO) was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. GC-FID and GC-MS analyses permitted identification of 89 compounds from the EO. The samples were separated into 3 groups using PCA (Principal Component Analysis) statistical method, with reference to the chemical composition of the EO. All three Sicilian populations of lavender were identified as the fenchone chemotype with percentage content ranged between 52.8–71.1%. The population of Partinico showed the highest dry weight of flowers per plant (221.3 g), but the lowest EO yield (0.37%). The essential oils of the three wild Sicilian populations of L. stoechas L. spp. stoechas showed a greater chemical differentiation than those obtained from other Mediterranean areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore La Bella
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giacomo Dugo
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente, della Sicurezza, del Territorio, degli Alimenti e della Salute, Università di Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ruberto
- Istituto del C.N.R. di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, I-95126 Catania, Italy The authors contributed equally
| | - Claudio Leto
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Edoardo M. Napoli
- Istituto del C.N.R. di Chimica Biomolecolare, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, I-95126 Catania, Italy The authors contributed equally
| | - Angela Giorgia Potortì
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente, della Sicurezza, del Territorio, degli Alimenti e della Salute, Università di Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Fede
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Ambiente, della Sicurezza, del Territorio, degli Alimenti e della Salute, Università di Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d'Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Virga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Raffaele Leone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Eleonora D'Anna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Licata
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Forestali, Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Ackermann M, Ajello M, Atwood WB, Baldini L, Ballet J, Barbiellini G, Bastieri D, Gonzalez JB, Bellazzini R, Bissaldi E, Blandford RD, Bloom ED, Bonino R, Bottacini E, Brandt TJ, Bregeon J, Britto RJ, Bruel P, Buehler R, Buson S, Caliandro GA, Cameron RA, Caragiulo M, Caraveo PA, Carpenter B, Casandjian JM, Cavazzuti E, Cecchi C, Charles E, Chekhtman A, Cheung CC, Chiang J, Chiaro G, Ciprini S, Claus R, Cohen-Tanugi J, Cominsky LR, Conrad J, Cutini S, D’Abrusco R, D’Ammando F, Angelis AD, Desiante R, Digel SW, Venere LD, Drell PS, Favuzzi C, Fegan SJ, Ferrara EC, Finke J, Focke WB, Franckowiak A, Fuhrmann L, Fukazawa Y, Furniss AK, Fusco P, Gargano F, Gasparrini D, Giglietto N, Giommi P, Giordano F, Giroletti M, Glanzman T, Godfrey G, Grenier IA, Grove JE, Guiriec S, Hewitt JW, Hill AB, Horan D, Itoh R, Jóhannesson G, Johnson AS, Johnson WN, Kataoka J, Kawano T, Krauss F, Kuss M, Mura GL, Larsson S, Latronico L, Leto C, Li J, Li L, Longo F, Loparco F, Lott B, Lovellette MN, Lubrano P, Madejski GM, Mayer M, Mazziotta MN, McEnery JE, Michelson PF, Mizuno T, Moiseev AA, Monzani ME, Morselli A, Moskalenko IV, Murgia S, Nuss E, Ohno M, Ohsugi T, Ojha R, Omodei N, Orienti M, Orlando E, Paggi A, Paneque D, Perkins JS, Pesce-Rollins M, Piron F, Pivato G, Porter TA, Rainò S, Rando R, Razzano M, Razzaque S, Reimer A, Reimer O, Romani RW, Salvetti D, Schaal M, Schinzel FK, Schulz A, Sgrò C, Siskind EJ, Sokolovsky KV, Spada F, Spandre G, Spinelli P, Stawarz L, Suson DJ, Takahashi H, Takahashi T, Tanaka Y, Thayer JG, Thayer JB, Tibaldo L, Torres DF, Torresi E, Tosti G, Troja E, Uchiyama Y, Vianello G, Winer BL, Wood KS, Zimmer S. THE THIRD CATALOG OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI DETECTED BY THEFERMILARGE AREA TELESCOPE. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1088/0004-637x/810/1/14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 424] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Licata M, Tuttolomondo T, Dugo G, Ruberto G, Leto C, Napoli EM, Rando R, Rita Fede M, Virga G, Leone R, La Bella S. Study of quantitative and qualitative variations in essential oils of Sicilian oregano biotypes. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2015.1045088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Tuttolomondo T, Dugo G, Ruberto G, Leto C, Napoli EM, Cicero N, Gervasi T, Virga G, Leone R, Licata M, La Bella S. Study of quantitative and qualitative variations in essential oils of SicilianRosmarinus officinalisL. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:1928-34. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1010084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Tuttolomondo T, Dugo G, Ruberto G, Leto C, Napoli EM, Potortì AG, Fede MR, Virga G, Leone R, Anna ED, Licata M, La Bella S. Agronomical evaluation of Sicilian biotypes ofLavandula stoechasL. spp.stoechasand analysis of the essential oils. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2014.1001527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Tuttolomondo T, Dugo G, Leto C, Cicero N, Tropea A, Virga G, Leone R, Licata M, La Bella S. Agronomical and chemical characterisation ofThymbra capitata(L.) Cav. biotypes from Sicily, Italy. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:1289-99. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2014.997726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Tuttolomondo T, Licata M, Leto C, Bonsangue G, Letizia Gargano M, Venturella G, La Bella S. Popular uses of wild plant species for medicinal purposes in the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy). J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 157:21-37. [PMID: 25239832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The area of the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy) has been quantitatively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 90 wild species are used for medicinal purposes and the uses of 5 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy (e.g., the use of Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz. for the treatment of rheumatic pains, the use of Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke for the treatment of liver diseases). The aim of this paper was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the rural populations of the Nebrodi Park. Materials and methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities within the Nebrodi Regional Park with local people retained experts in rural traditions. A total of 226 people over the age of 60 were interviewed. Local plant uses were evaluated using ethnobotanical indices (e.g., cultural importance index, index of ethnobotanical diversity, informant consensus factor) and then compared with uses in other localities in Sicily, Italy and the Mediterranean area. Results Local communities use a total number of 90 wild species belonging to 44 plant families as medicinal remedies. The majority of the species are used as treatments against gastrointestinal system. The cultural importance index showed that Malva sylvestris (1.31) and Clinopodium nepeta (0.86) are the most important species to the Nebrodi area in terms of medicinal use. The use of Brassica rupestris Raf. for therapeutic purposes is limited to Sicily and it is an innovative finding of this study. CONCLUSIONS The research shows an ongoing process of cultural erosion in an advanced stage, but quantitative indices still highlight only for those species was a natural remedy deemed highly effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Bonsangue
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Letizia Gargano
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Venturella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Tuttolomondo T, Licata M, Leto C, Gargano ML, Venturella G, La Bella S. Plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge on medicinal use of wild shrub and herbaceous plant species in the Etna Regional Park (Eastern Sicily, Italy). J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 155:1362-1381. [PMID: 25077465 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in the Etna Regional Park (Eastern Sicily, Italy) concerning the traditional knowledge on medicinal use of wild plant species. It contains the results of a quantitative analysis carried out for the first time. A total of 71 wild species are used for medicinal purposes. Two species, Astracantha sicula (Biv.) Greuter and Trifolium phleoides Willd., are little known as medicinal in the Mediterranean area. The main aim of the study was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the elderly population of the Etna Regional Park. A further aim was to identify species not previously reported as medicinal in the Mediterranean area with a potential agricultural interest. METHODOLOGY The information was obtained using a semi-structured interview format performed on a sample of 196 people over the age of 60 who were considered experts in rural traditions. The plant uses were compared with other medical-ethnobotanical studies carried out in other areas of Sicily, Italy and various other Mediterranean countries. A number of quantitative indices were also used in order to verify the incidence of the species cited in the study within the culture and traditional medicine. RESULTS Local communities currently use a total number of 71 wild species (34 families) as remedies for medicinal purposes. Most of the species were used as treatments against metabolic disorders and for general health. The leaves and the aerial parts of plants are the most-used parts of the plant and the most common preparation methods are decoction and direct application of plant parts. Astracantha sicula and Trifolium phleoides have never been documented as a species with medicinal properties in the Mediterranean literature. CONCLUSIONS Only very few medicinal uses are widely known by all the informants and, on many occasions, a specific medicinal use is cited by only very few people. The quantitative analysis shows that the level of traditional knowledge on medicinal use of plants in the study area is poor, highlighting a considerably advanced state of cultural erosion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo - Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo - Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo - Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Letizia Gargano
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo - Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Venturella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo - Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo - Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Tuttolomondo T, Licata M, Leto C, Savo V, Bonsangue G, Letizia Gargano M, Venturella G, La Bella S. Ethnobotanical investigation on wild medicinal plants in the Monti Sicani Regional Park (Sicily, Italy). J Ethnopharmacol 2014; 153:568-86. [PMID: 24632020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The area of the "Monte Sicani Regional Park" (Central Western Sicily, southern Italy) has been quantitatively and extensively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 108 wild species are used for medicinal purposes, while, according to our study, the uses of 9 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy (e.g., the use of Kickxia elatine (L.) Dumort. for the treatment of hyperhydrosis of the feet, the use of Lavatera agrigentina Tineo for cough and bronchitis). AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this paper is to analyze, through quantitative indicators, the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal uses of plants in the area, evaluating also the features of uniqueness and commonality of this knowledge in comparison with other Italian and Mediterranean areas. METHODOLOGY Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities between 2009 and 2010 within the Monti Sicani Regional Park with local people retained experts in rural traditions. A total of 230 people were interviewed about their knowledge on medicinal plant uses. Local plant uses were evaluated using ethnobotanical indices (e.g., cultural importance index, ethnobotanicity index, informant consensus factor) and then compared with uses in other localities in Sicily, Italy and the Mediterranean basin. RESULTS Local communities currently use a total number of 108 wild species (43 families) as remedies for human and livestock ailments. The majority of plants are used in the treatment of articular, skin and gastrointestinal problems. The use of some species is limited to Sicily (e.g., Rhus coriaria L., Athamanta sicula L., Senecio delphinifolius Vahl). CONCLUSIONS The research shows an ongoing process of cultural erosion in an advanced stage, but results still highlight an interesting cultural identity as regards the local folk medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Mario Licata
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Claudio Leto
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Valentina Savo
- Hakai Network for Coastal People, Ecosystems and Management, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, BC, Burnaby, Canada V5A 1S6.
| | - Giuseppe Bonsangue
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Maria Letizia Gargano
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Venturella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Salvatore La Bella
- Department of Agricultural and Forest Sciences, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Tuttolomondo T, Leto C, Leone R, Licata M, Virga G, Ruberto G, Napoli EM, La Bella S. Essential oil characteristics of wild Sicilian oregano populations in relation to environmental conditions. Journal of Essential Oil Research 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2014.882278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Tuttolomondo T, La Bella S, Licata M, Virga G, Leto C, Saija A, Trombetta D, Tomaino A, Speciale A, Napoli EM, Siracusa L, Pasquale A, Curcuruto G, Ruberto G. Biomolecular characterization of wild sicilian oregano: phytochemical screening of essential oils and extracts, and evaluation of their antioxidant activities. Chem Biodivers 2013; 10:411-33. [PMID: 23495158 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201200219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
An extensive survey of wild Sicilian oregano was made. A total of 57 samples were collected from various sites, followed by taxonomic characterization from an agronomic perspective. Based on morphological and production characteristics obtained from the 57 samples, cluster analysis was used to divide the samples into homogeneous groups, to identify the best biotypes. All samples were analyzed for their phytochemical content, applying a cascade-extraction protocol and hydrodistillation, to obtain the non volatile components and the essential oils, respectively. The extracts contained thirteen polyphenol derivatives, i.e., four flavanones, seven flavones, and two organic acids. Their qualitative and quantitative characterization was carried out by LC/MS analyses. The essential oils were characterized using a combination of GC-FID and GC/MS analyses; a total of 81 components were identified. The major components of the oils were thymol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene. Cluster analysis was carried out on both phytochemical profiles and resulted in the division of the oregano samples into different chemical groups. The antioxidant activity of the essential oils and extracts was investigated by the Folin-Ciocalteau (FC) colorimetric assay, by UV radiation-induced peroxidation in liposomal membranes (UV-IP test), and by determining the O(2)(∙-)-scavenging activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Tuttolomondo
- Dipartimento dei Sistemi Agro-Ambientali (SAGA), Università di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, I-90128 Palermo, Italy
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Leto C, Tuttolomondo T, La Bella S, Licata M. Ethnobotanical study in the Madonie Regional Park (Central Sicily, Italy)--medicinal use of wild shrub and herbaceous plant species. J Ethnopharmacol 2013; 146:90-112. [PMID: 23276781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/18/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE This paper illustrates the results of an ethnobotanical study carried out in the Madonie Regional Park (Central Sicily, Italy). It specifies the medicinal uses of plants in the study area and contains the results of a quantitative analysis carried out for the first time in an area noted for its high degree of biodiversity. It also introduces 28 species not previously accounted for in the area of study for their medicinal uses, highlighting Silene flos-cuculi L. Greuter & Burdet, little known as medicinal in the Mediterranean area. AIM OF THE STUDY To understand to what extent current knowledge on medicinal-use plants is still an element of the culture within the elderly population of the Madonie Regional Park. METHODOLOGY The information was obtained using a semi-structured interview format performed on 150 informants over the age of 60 who were considered experts in plants and rural traditions. The taxa were identified and the results were analysed also using a range of quantitative ethnobotanical indices. RESULTS A census was made of 174 wild plant species, 100 of which with medicinal and veterinary uses, belonging to 49 botanical families. Of the 170 endemic species found in the Madonie Regional Park, only 2 species were cited in this study for medicinal purposes. Most of the species were used against dermatological diseases, general health and metabolic disorders. The leaves were the most-used parts of the plant and the most common preparation methods were decoction and infusion. The level of knowledge on medicinal uses of the plants was not found to be high within the elderly population, demonstrating an ongoing process of cultural erosion. CONCLUSIONS Only very few medicinal uses are widely known by all the informants and, on many occasions, a specific medicinal use was cited by only very few people. Further study is required in order to find out to what extent knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still present in the younger generations in this area of Sicily, and what methods might be adopted in order to halt this gradual loss in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Leto
- Department of Agri-Environmental Systems, University of Palermo, Viale delle Scienze 13, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
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Leto C, Nemer V, Braud A, Macquart Moulin G, Genre D, Hoarau D, Cailhol J, Viens P, Maraninchi D. Iterative measure of sides effects by nurse during chemotherapy with linear analogic scale followed by interventions: feasability in a department of medical oncology. Eur J Cancer 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(01)82074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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