Two wild populations of Helichrysum (Mill.) located at Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Central I... more Two wild populations of Helichrysum (Mill.) located at Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Central Italy) were morphologically and phytochemically analyzed to taxonomically identify H. litoreum (population A) and H. italicum subsp. italicum (population B). Micromorphological and histochemical analyses were performed on the indumentum using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Light Microscope (LM). Morphometric analyses on vegetative and reproductive traits were also conducted. Finally, a chemotaxonomic analysis was carried out on the terpene profile of flowers, leaves and bark tissues using gas chromatography (GC-MS). Results suggested that morphological discriminant traits were mainly in leaves and cypselae glandular tissues. Phytochemical analysis indicated that a high relative content of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene were the main markers for population A, while a high relative content of neryl-acetate, α-curcumene, isoitalicene and italicene, especially in the terpene profile of ...
A novel perception of botanic gardens as complex “factories of molecules” (Lombardy Region Projec... more A novel perception of botanic gardens as complex “factories of molecules” (Lombardy Region Project–Lr. 25/2016, year 2021), that mediate plant–environment interactions, and are the basis of their utility for humans, is presented. The core-topic is the medicinal plant heritage of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Italy) of the University of Milan. In this work, we studied Myrtus communis L. subsp. communis (Myrtaceae) at multiple scale levels: macro- and micromorphological, with special emphasis on the secretory structures responsible for the production of secondary metabolites; phytochemical, with the analysis of the essential oil (EO) composition from leaves (fresh, dried, stored at −20 °C and at −80 °C) and fruits over two consecutive years (2018 and 2019); bio-ecological, with a focus, based on literature data, on the ecology and biological activity of the main EO components. The occurrence of secretory cavities producing terpenes, along with flavonoids, wa...
This work is based on the study of 150 majolica vases dated back to the mid XVII century that onc... more This work is based on the study of 150 majolica vases dated back to the mid XVII century that once preserved medicinal remedies prepared in the ancient Pharmacy annexed to the Ospedale Maggiore Ca’ Granda in Milan (Lombardy, Italy). The Hortus simplicium was created in 1641 as a source of plant-based ingredients for those remedies. The main objective of the present work is to lay the knowledge base for the restoration of the ancient Garden for educational and informative purposes. Therefore, the following complementary phases were carried out: (i) the analysis of the inscriptions on the jars, along with the survey on historical medical texts, allowing for the positive identification of the plant ingredients of the remedies and their ancient use as medicines; (ii) the bibliographic research in modern pharmacological literature in order to validate or refute the historical uses; (iii) the realization of the checklist of plants potentially present in cultivation at the ancient Garden, ...
The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of <i... more The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of <i>Salvia broussonetii</i> were analysed. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominate the VOCs from leaves (95.7%) and flowers (67.6%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (2.6 and 29.7%, respectively). The main common compounds are germacrene D, β-bourbonene, α-pinene, α-copaene and α-gurjunene, even if with divergent relative abundances. In the leaf EOs the sesquiterpenes prevail, even if not overwhelmingly (about 50.0%), followed by monoterpenes (23.0–35.0%) and by minor fractions of diterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpene derivates. The most abundant common compounds across the two sampling periods are α-pinene, β-pinene, isobornyl acetate, α-gurjenene, germacrene D and bifloratriene. A morphological characterisation of the trichomes responsible for the productivity in terpenes was also performed. Four different morphotypes were observed on the above ground organs of <i>S. bruss...
Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers. (Arecaceae), ‘Coco de Mer’, is a palm, growing as endemic in... more Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers. (Arecaceae), ‘Coco de Mer’, is a palm, growing as endemic in the Seychelles islands. Its fruit weighs up to 20 kg and is characterized by a fleshy and fibrous envelope surrounding the nutlike portion. The present work combines a morpho‐anatomical and a phytochemical analysis of the fruit exocarp and mesocarp.The exocarp is composed by a layer of palisade cells. The mesocarp is characterized by vascular bundles and by sclereids. In the aerenchyma, the internal zone of the mesocarp, cells aggregates were positive to phenols, while idioblasts were positive to terpenes.We performed a GC/MS analysis with a semi‐quantitative relative amount calculation of the recorded compounds.The GC/MS essential oil profile revealed the dominance of acyclic sesquiterpenoids (53.95 %), followed by bicyclic sesquiterpenoids (31.69 %), monoterpenes (11.89 %) and monocyclic sesquiterpenoids (2.44 %).The terpenes detected in higher amounts, β‐caryophyllene and bicyclogerm...
Within the Interreg Project Italy-Switzerland Bernina Terra Glacialis. Study and enhancement of a... more Within the Interreg Project Italy-Switzerland Bernina Terra Glacialis. Study and enhancement of a precious natural and cultural heritage in an open Alpin region, with innovative approaches to the future, it is planned to carry out an ethnobotanical investigation aimed at the study and enhancement of the plant and cultural biodiversity in Valmalenco (SO). The three-year project started in December 2018 and aimed to create a management model for the ongoing climate change. In this context, a precious heritage is represented by spontaneous plants. In the past, these species were used for human and animal health care, in the food sector, in cosmetics, for ritual purposes and manufacturing. This heritage of knowledge represents an important source for the local enhancement. Therefore, the project\u2019s goal is to conduct an ethnobotanical research in the Unione dei Comuni della Valmalenco (Chiesa in Valmalenco, Caspoggio, Lanzada, Spriana, Torre di Santa Maria). The investigation involves the proposal of dedicated interviews to the local population, with special attention to the intergenerational comparison about the traditional uses of plant species. The research program is going to be based on a dual study approach, anthropocentric and phytocentric, and it is going to be organised in three phases: 1st year) census of the local flora, interviews and elaboration of the collected data; 2nd year) comparison of these information with scientific literature in order to validate or disprove the traditional uses and to highlight relevant local uses characteristics, with the subsequent selection of species of interest; 3rd year) creation of places for the transmission of the intergenerational knowledge, in which learned information will be useful to generate new involvement perspectives. Among the species of interest, we are going to select some target species in order to: a) cultivate some of them; b) realize a Botanic Garden with an educational-informative value in Sant\u2019Antonio di Caspoggio; c) support the creation of shared Gardens in residential areas and individual homes. Return results by organizing different types of events will allow the local population to reach a wide knowledge concerning the native plant heritage and its potential for use. In this way, a greater awareness of the Valley\u2019s cultural value will be assured, affecting positively the attractiveness of the territory and promoting a new form of tourism
This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose ... more This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is...
The different germination behaviours of the seeds under induced water limitations may be related ... more The different germination behaviours of the seeds under induced water limitations may be related to the different adaptive capacities acquired at the diverse collection sites, as a response to the different environmental parameters. The island of Pianosa resulted the most performant in term of germination responses and the co-occurrence of xeromorphic anatomical evidences at root level confirmed this trend. Regeneration from seeds is an important co-determinant in the invasion ecology of black locust. In the attempt of providing new information on its invasion potential in Mediterranean Europe under the future scenario of global warming, we investigated the effects of induced water-deficit regimes on: (1) seed germination performance and (2) root growth and anatomy. Ripe seeds were collected from four populations established in Tuscany (Central Italy): mechanically scarified seeds were incubated in a range (− 0.2/− 0.8 MPa) of constant water stress conditions at 21 °C. The final germination rate drastically declined with increasing induced water-deficit conditions, with the highest value at control and at − 0.2 MPa (ca 50–97%), and the lowest at − 0.6 MPa (ca 10–33%). The mean germination time decreased with increasing water stress. At root level, xeromorphism relies on the combination of different anatomical traits which co-optimize water uptake/loss: thinner roots, higher number of xylem vessels, vessels with small-sized lumen and thinner cell walls. Seeds collected in sites characterized by different environmental parameters display a noteworthy difference in the germination dynamics: as far as the beginning and ongoing of germination, as well as the germination response in time is concerned, the seeds from the island of Pianosa showed the highest performance; the major arid conditions in Pianosa could have caused a “stress imprint” able to facilitate a fast and protective response to future drought events. As a whole, our results confirmed the great phenotypic plasticity of black locust as a response to variable water availability and provided evidence for the potential high germination capacity in drier environments, as seems to be the future Mediterranean Europe.
Four species of Hypericum growing in Italy were characterized morphologically and chemically: Hyp... more Four species of Hypericum growing in Italy were characterized morphologically and chemically: Hypericum perforatum L., H. maculatum Crantz., H. calycinum L. and H. pulchrum L. The composition of secondary metabolites (phloroglucinols, naphthodianthrones, flavonoids) in the aerial parts of plants collected in different habitats was analysed. The four species show different compositions of phloroglucinols and naphthodianthrones, but there was no qualitative difference in flavonoid content of the species analysed. Study of main-constituent variation during the ontogenetic cycle showed that hypericin decreases and hyperforin increases during the reproductive phase. In St. John's Wort, hypericin and hyperforin are thought to be localised in black nodules. Our investigation shows no clear correlation between either the presence or absence of nodules and hypericin or hyperforin content.
The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of Salvi... more The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of Salvia broussonetii were analysed. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominate the VOCs from leaves (95.7%) and flowers (67.6%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (2.6 and 29.7%, respectively). The main common compounds are germacrene D, β-bourbonene, α-pinene, α-copaene and α-gurjunene, even if with divergent relative abundances. In the leaf EOs the sesquiterpenes prevail, even if not overwhelmingly (about 50.0%), followed by monoterpenes (23.0-35.0%) and by minor fractions of diterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpene derivates. The most abundant common compounds across the two sampling periods are α-pinene, β-pinene, isobornyl acetate, α-gurjenene, germacrene D and bifloratriene. A morphological characterisation of the trichomes responsible for the productivity in terpenes was also performed. Four different morphotypes were observed on the above ground organs of S. brussonetii: peltates and capitat...
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Asteraceae) is a valuable medicinal plant utilized for silymarin pr... more Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Asteraceae) is a valuable medicinal plant utilized for silymarin production. However, only fragmentary and contradictory information about silymarin localization within S. marianum fruit are available. In this work, a twofold research approach was adopted in order to investigate the distribution and quantification of silymarin and of other phenolic compounds within the different fruit regions (pericarp, seed integument, cotyledon). Two S. marianum wild accessions with contrasting silymarin chemotype (A and B) and a mutant line (C) with an altered fruit colour were analysed. Fruits of Cynara cardunculus were studied as a reference. Firstly, the fruit morpho-anatomy was reviewed by means of light microscopy digital imaging and, secondly, a comprehensive histolocalization of the different classes of polyphenols within the fruit was carried out. The experimental evidences confirmed that silymarin, and its precursor taxifolin, are only accumulated in the see...
Two wild populations of Helichrysum (Mill.) located at Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Central I... more Two wild populations of Helichrysum (Mill.) located at Elba Island (Tuscan Archipelago, Central Italy) were morphologically and phytochemically analyzed to taxonomically identify H. litoreum (population A) and H. italicum subsp. italicum (population B). Micromorphological and histochemical analyses were performed on the indumentum using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Light Microscope (LM). Morphometric analyses on vegetative and reproductive traits were also conducted. Finally, a chemotaxonomic analysis was carried out on the terpene profile of flowers, leaves and bark tissues using gas chromatography (GC-MS). Results suggested that morphological discriminant traits were mainly in leaves and cypselae glandular tissues. Phytochemical analysis indicated that a high relative content of α-pinene and β-caryophyllene were the main markers for population A, while a high relative content of neryl-acetate, α-curcumene, isoitalicene and italicene, especially in the terpene profile of ...
A novel perception of botanic gardens as complex “factories of molecules” (Lombardy Region Projec... more A novel perception of botanic gardens as complex “factories of molecules” (Lombardy Region Project–Lr. 25/2016, year 2021), that mediate plant–environment interactions, and are the basis of their utility for humans, is presented. The core-topic is the medicinal plant heritage of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Italy) of the University of Milan. In this work, we studied Myrtus communis L. subsp. communis (Myrtaceae) at multiple scale levels: macro- and micromorphological, with special emphasis on the secretory structures responsible for the production of secondary metabolites; phytochemical, with the analysis of the essential oil (EO) composition from leaves (fresh, dried, stored at −20 °C and at −80 °C) and fruits over two consecutive years (2018 and 2019); bio-ecological, with a focus, based on literature data, on the ecology and biological activity of the main EO components. The occurrence of secretory cavities producing terpenes, along with flavonoids, wa...
This work is based on the study of 150 majolica vases dated back to the mid XVII century that onc... more This work is based on the study of 150 majolica vases dated back to the mid XVII century that once preserved medicinal remedies prepared in the ancient Pharmacy annexed to the Ospedale Maggiore Ca’ Granda in Milan (Lombardy, Italy). The Hortus simplicium was created in 1641 as a source of plant-based ingredients for those remedies. The main objective of the present work is to lay the knowledge base for the restoration of the ancient Garden for educational and informative purposes. Therefore, the following complementary phases were carried out: (i) the analysis of the inscriptions on the jars, along with the survey on historical medical texts, allowing for the positive identification of the plant ingredients of the remedies and their ancient use as medicines; (ii) the bibliographic research in modern pharmacological literature in order to validate or refute the historical uses; (iii) the realization of the checklist of plants potentially present in cultivation at the ancient Garden, ...
The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of <i... more The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of <i>Salvia broussonetii</i> were analysed. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominate the VOCs from leaves (95.7%) and flowers (67.6%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (2.6 and 29.7%, respectively). The main common compounds are germacrene D, β-bourbonene, α-pinene, α-copaene and α-gurjunene, even if with divergent relative abundances. In the leaf EOs the sesquiterpenes prevail, even if not overwhelmingly (about 50.0%), followed by monoterpenes (23.0–35.0%) and by minor fractions of diterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpene derivates. The most abundant common compounds across the two sampling periods are α-pinene, β-pinene, isobornyl acetate, α-gurjenene, germacrene D and bifloratriene. A morphological characterisation of the trichomes responsible for the productivity in terpenes was also performed. Four different morphotypes were observed on the above ground organs of <i>S. bruss...
Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers. (Arecaceae), ‘Coco de Mer’, is a palm, growing as endemic in... more Lodoicea maldivica (J.F.Gmel.) Pers. (Arecaceae), ‘Coco de Mer’, is a palm, growing as endemic in the Seychelles islands. Its fruit weighs up to 20 kg and is characterized by a fleshy and fibrous envelope surrounding the nutlike portion. The present work combines a morpho‐anatomical and a phytochemical analysis of the fruit exocarp and mesocarp.The exocarp is composed by a layer of palisade cells. The mesocarp is characterized by vascular bundles and by sclereids. In the aerenchyma, the internal zone of the mesocarp, cells aggregates were positive to phenols, while idioblasts were positive to terpenes.We performed a GC/MS analysis with a semi‐quantitative relative amount calculation of the recorded compounds.The GC/MS essential oil profile revealed the dominance of acyclic sesquiterpenoids (53.95 %), followed by bicyclic sesquiterpenoids (31.69 %), monoterpenes (11.89 %) and monocyclic sesquiterpenoids (2.44 %).The terpenes detected in higher amounts, β‐caryophyllene and bicyclogerm...
Within the Interreg Project Italy-Switzerland Bernina Terra Glacialis. Study and enhancement of a... more Within the Interreg Project Italy-Switzerland Bernina Terra Glacialis. Study and enhancement of a precious natural and cultural heritage in an open Alpin region, with innovative approaches to the future, it is planned to carry out an ethnobotanical investigation aimed at the study and enhancement of the plant and cultural biodiversity in Valmalenco (SO). The three-year project started in December 2018 and aimed to create a management model for the ongoing climate change. In this context, a precious heritage is represented by spontaneous plants. In the past, these species were used for human and animal health care, in the food sector, in cosmetics, for ritual purposes and manufacturing. This heritage of knowledge represents an important source for the local enhancement. Therefore, the project\u2019s goal is to conduct an ethnobotanical research in the Unione dei Comuni della Valmalenco (Chiesa in Valmalenco, Caspoggio, Lanzada, Spriana, Torre di Santa Maria). The investigation involves the proposal of dedicated interviews to the local population, with special attention to the intergenerational comparison about the traditional uses of plant species. The research program is going to be based on a dual study approach, anthropocentric and phytocentric, and it is going to be organised in three phases: 1st year) census of the local flora, interviews and elaboration of the collected data; 2nd year) comparison of these information with scientific literature in order to validate or disprove the traditional uses and to highlight relevant local uses characteristics, with the subsequent selection of species of interest; 3rd year) creation of places for the transmission of the intergenerational knowledge, in which learned information will be useful to generate new involvement perspectives. Among the species of interest, we are going to select some target species in order to: a) cultivate some of them; b) realize a Botanic Garden with an educational-informative value in Sant\u2019Antonio di Caspoggio; c) support the creation of shared Gardens in residential areas and individual homes. Return results by organizing different types of events will allow the local population to reach a wide knowledge concerning the native plant heritage and its potential for use. In this way, a greater awareness of the Valley\u2019s cultural value will be assured, affecting positively the attractiveness of the territory and promoting a new form of tourism
This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose ... more This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is...
The different germination behaviours of the seeds under induced water limitations may be related ... more The different germination behaviours of the seeds under induced water limitations may be related to the different adaptive capacities acquired at the diverse collection sites, as a response to the different environmental parameters. The island of Pianosa resulted the most performant in term of germination responses and the co-occurrence of xeromorphic anatomical evidences at root level confirmed this trend. Regeneration from seeds is an important co-determinant in the invasion ecology of black locust. In the attempt of providing new information on its invasion potential in Mediterranean Europe under the future scenario of global warming, we investigated the effects of induced water-deficit regimes on: (1) seed germination performance and (2) root growth and anatomy. Ripe seeds were collected from four populations established in Tuscany (Central Italy): mechanically scarified seeds were incubated in a range (− 0.2/− 0.8 MPa) of constant water stress conditions at 21 °C. The final germination rate drastically declined with increasing induced water-deficit conditions, with the highest value at control and at − 0.2 MPa (ca 50–97%), and the lowest at − 0.6 MPa (ca 10–33%). The mean germination time decreased with increasing water stress. At root level, xeromorphism relies on the combination of different anatomical traits which co-optimize water uptake/loss: thinner roots, higher number of xylem vessels, vessels with small-sized lumen and thinner cell walls. Seeds collected in sites characterized by different environmental parameters display a noteworthy difference in the germination dynamics: as far as the beginning and ongoing of germination, as well as the germination response in time is concerned, the seeds from the island of Pianosa showed the highest performance; the major arid conditions in Pianosa could have caused a “stress imprint” able to facilitate a fast and protective response to future drought events. As a whole, our results confirmed the great phenotypic plasticity of black locust as a response to variable water availability and provided evidence for the potential high germination capacity in drier environments, as seems to be the future Mediterranean Europe.
Four species of Hypericum growing in Italy were characterized morphologically and chemically: Hyp... more Four species of Hypericum growing in Italy were characterized morphologically and chemically: Hypericum perforatum L., H. maculatum Crantz., H. calycinum L. and H. pulchrum L. The composition of secondary metabolites (phloroglucinols, naphthodianthrones, flavonoids) in the aerial parts of plants collected in different habitats was analysed. The four species show different compositions of phloroglucinols and naphthodianthrones, but there was no qualitative difference in flavonoid content of the species analysed. Study of main-constituent variation during the ontogenetic cycle showed that hypericin decreases and hyperforin increases during the reproductive phase. In St. John's Wort, hypericin and hyperforin are thought to be localised in black nodules. Our investigation shows no clear correlation between either the presence or absence of nodules and hypericin or hyperforin content.
The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of Salvi... more The volatile profiles (VOC) and the essential oil (EO) composition from the aerial parts of Salvia broussonetii were analysed. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominate the VOCs from leaves (95.7%) and flowers (67.6%), followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons (2.6 and 29.7%, respectively). The main common compounds are germacrene D, β-bourbonene, α-pinene, α-copaene and α-gurjunene, even if with divergent relative abundances. In the leaf EOs the sesquiterpenes prevail, even if not overwhelmingly (about 50.0%), followed by monoterpenes (23.0-35.0%) and by minor fractions of diterpene hydrocarbons and non-terpene derivates. The most abundant common compounds across the two sampling periods are α-pinene, β-pinene, isobornyl acetate, α-gurjenene, germacrene D and bifloratriene. A morphological characterisation of the trichomes responsible for the productivity in terpenes was also performed. Four different morphotypes were observed on the above ground organs of S. brussonetii: peltates and capitat...
Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Asteraceae) is a valuable medicinal plant utilized for silymarin pr... more Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn (Asteraceae) is a valuable medicinal plant utilized for silymarin production. However, only fragmentary and contradictory information about silymarin localization within S. marianum fruit are available. In this work, a twofold research approach was adopted in order to investigate the distribution and quantification of silymarin and of other phenolic compounds within the different fruit regions (pericarp, seed integument, cotyledon). Two S. marianum wild accessions with contrasting silymarin chemotype (A and B) and a mutant line (C) with an altered fruit colour were analysed. Fruits of Cynara cardunculus were studied as a reference. Firstly, the fruit morpho-anatomy was reviewed by means of light microscopy digital imaging and, secondly, a comprehensive histolocalization of the different classes of polyphenols within the fruit was carried out. The experimental evidences confirmed that silymarin, and its precursor taxifolin, are only accumulated in the see...
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