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Officinal plants are a source of metabolites whose chemical composition depends on pedoclimatic conditions. In this study, the NMR-based approach was applied to investigate the impacts of different altitudes and agronomical practices (Land, Mountain Spontaneous, and Organically Grown Ecotypes, namely LSE, MSE, and OE, respectively) on the metabolite profiles of Burdock root, Dandelion root and aerial part, and Lemon balm aerial part. Sugars, amino acids, organic acids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and other metabolites were identified and quantified in all samples. Some metabolites turned out to be tissue-specific markers. Arginine was found in roots, whereas myo-inositol, galactose, glyceroyldigalactose moiety, pheophytin, and chlorophyll were identified in aerial parts. Caftaric and chicoric acids, 3,5 di-caffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids were detected in Dandelion, Burdock and Lemon balm, respectively. The metabolite amount changed significantly according to crop, tissue type, and ecotype. All ecotypes of Burdock had the highest contents of amino acids and the lowest contents of organic acids, whereas an opposite trend was observed in Lemon balm. Dandelion parts contained high levels of carbohydrates, except for the MSE aerial part, which showed the highest content of organic acids. The results provided insights into the chemistry of officinal plants, thus supporting nutraceutical–phytopharmaceutical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through the years, the need of reducing waste from the food industry has become a global concern and researchers are trying to understand how to decrease this loss along the supply chain. Officinal plants and vegetables are known to be rich in bioactive metabolites with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Based on this consideration, in this work, all parts of edible plants (Malva sylvestris L. and Calendula officinalis L.) and all parts of two varieties of asparagus were used to prepare infusions without producing any kind of waste through the application of a patented process. The total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity were measured on fresh, dried, and freeze-dried sample powders obtained by non-thermal, solvent-free, non-invasive patented technological process. Infusions from Malva sylvestris L. and Asparagus officinalis L. var. Early California powders showed a higher content of polyphenols than Calendula officinalis L. and Asparagus officinalis L. var. Vegalim. Further analyses are in progress to compare these infusions with commercial ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Officinal plants are a source of metabolites whose chemical composition depends on pedoclimatic conditions. In this study, the NMR-based approach was applied to investigate the impacts of different altitudes and agronomical practices (Land, Mountain Spontaneous, and Organically Grown Ecotypes, namely LSE, MSE, and OE, respectively) on the metabolite profiles of Burdock root, Dandelion root and aerial part, and Lemon balm aerial part. Sugars, amino acids, organic acids, polyphenols, fatty acids, and other metabolites were identified and quantified in all samples. Some metabolites turned out to be tissue-specific markers. Arginine was found in roots, whereas myo-inositol, galactose, glyceroyldigalactose moiety, pheophytin, and chlorophyll were identified in aerial parts. Caftaric and chicoric acids, 3,5 di-caffeoylquinic acid, and chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids were detected in Dandelion, Burdock and Lemon balm, respectively. The metabolite amount changed significantly according to crop, tissue type, and ecotype. All ecotypes of Burdock had the highest contents of amino acids and the lowest contents of organic acids, whereas an opposite trend was observed in Lemon balm. Dandelion parts contained high levels of carbohydrates, except for the MSE aerial part, which showed the highest content of organic acids. The results provided insights into the chemistry of officinal plants, thus supporting nutraceutical–phytopharmaceutical research.

The article is devoted to the generalization of literary data on the medicinal properties of plants of aquatic flora of the territory of the Poltava city and its surroundings, studied in the course of original research. From the compiled floristic list, a spectrum of medicinal plants was selected, their degree of introduction into medical practice, belonging to protected lists, frequency of occurrence in the study area was analyzed. It was established that 45 (78%) of the 58 species of vascular plants have medicinal properties, including 4 species are officinal, 18 species are folk medicine plants, 23 species are promising for use in pharmacy. For each species, an annotation of its medicinal properties is compiled, which indicates the type of medicinal raw materials and medicinal forms, chemical composition, directions and mechanisms of physiological action on the human body, indications for the use of medicinal preparations. It was found that, despite the high participation of medicinal plants in the aquatic flora of the Poltava city and its surroundings, their harvesting in the research area is not appropriate for various reasons: official species (Acorus calamus, Iris pseudacorus, Nuphar lutea, Nymphaea alba) – because of their limited distribution, belonging to various protection lists, and as for mass anthropotolerant species, promising for use in pharmacy (in particular, Ceratophyllum demersum, Lemna minor, Phragmites australis, Typha angustifolia, T. latifolia), their use is limited due to the ability to accumulate harmful substances from polluted ecotopes in urban territory. The compromise solutions for harvesting valuable species of medicinal plants that have a limited distribution in nature or grow in polluted ecotopes can be introduction (artificial cultivation of plants ex situ) and biotechnology (cultivation of cells, tissues and organs isolated from the plant on artificial nutrient media in vitro, which allow obtaining a specific target product). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the recent revival of traditional liqueurs, from the cultivation of medicinal herbs in the Piedmont Alps through the ethnographic analysis of the entrepreneurial activity that has contributed significantly to the growth of this market segment in recent years. Field research surveyed a company that produces liqueurs and other alpine herb-based spirits in the Valli di Lanzo (Torino). The company is a significant example of how the revival of cultivating medicinal herbs not only sustains a local productive tradition but also contributes to the greater trend of repopulating the Alps.

Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is an endemic species growing on the Alps and traditionally used in several medicinal remedies. For its aromatic properties, it is also collected for food purposes. Chemical content and biological activity of A. moschata oil are not extensively studied. We investigated whether the different lithological and geomorphological features of two alpine areas including Vallone dello Scerscen and Valle dei Ratti, located in the Sondrio Province (Northern Italy), can influence the essential oil (EO) composition and the related antioxidant activity of the respective A. moschata populations. The essential oils obtained by steam distillation from the dried aerial parts were investigated by GC/FID and GC/MS. Several compounds were identified belonging to different chemical classes, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes as the most abundant constituents, together with ketones, alcohols, phenols, acids and esters. A variation in the quantitative composition of several constituents was recorded in the two oils. The main constituents were camphor (23.4-34.2%), 1,8-cineole (9.8-16.4%), trans-tujone (3.6-13.4%), sesquicineole (3.5-5.8%), borneol (1.1-4.8%), -caryophyllene (2.7-4.4%) and myrcene (1.3-4.2%). Their antioxidant activity was measured in vitro by the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS·+) and 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH·) stable radical assays. The essential oils showed similar and significant scavenger effects, possibly due to the synergistic action of all components including compounds present in small quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, in Italy the cultivation of tobacco has strongly decreased and there is the need to organize substitute production chains that take into account current market demands. Medicinal plants can represent a possible alternative and an opportunity for the Italian agricultural sector. The aim of the present study was to assess the quality and the environmental sustainability of medicinal plants cultivation and processing using different drying techniques in a hilly area of the Campania region. The research was designed to investigate two drying systems (the recovery of a wooden structure for drying tobacco in the open air and a specific electric prototype for drying medicinal plants) and five cultivated medicinal species (marsh-mallow, absinthe, Californian poppy, lemon balm, thyme). To assess and compare quality efficiency and environmental performance, the life cycle assessment methodology was applied according to the ISO 14040-44. The functional unit was the production of one kilo of dried medicinal plants and, to meet the objectives of the research, the system boundaries included the cultivation of the plants, their transport to the drying structure and the herbs drying. Priority was given to primary data in terms of input material typologies and amounts used to estimate direct and indirect emissions. Results showed a good adaptability of the species to the pedo-climatic environment with high biomass yields. Both drying structures allowed to reach a final product with high quality and low moisture. The cultivation and the drying of one kg of medicinal plants caused mainly marine and fresh water ecotoxicity, abiotic depletion, eutrophication, air acidification and global warming. The lowest impacts occurred when drying took place in the open air under the wooden structure. The combination of the two systems organized with a first phase of drying in the open air at the individual farms by recovering the tobacco structures, and the next artificial stabilization of the product at a cooperative center, would reduce the overall environmental impact and ensure the quality of the product regardless of the harvesting period. These results could be easily used to support the quality supply chain of medicinal plants with low environmental impacts. Moreover, they highlighted an encouraging approach to evaluate a resilient reorganization when different agricultural productions go into crisis.

Marginal rural areas are undergoing major pressures from the effects of globalization, especially when no alternative has been found to conventional extensive agriculture and a lack of investments and vision squeezes the income of farmers. The objective of the paper is to show how Integrated Supply Chain Projects (Progetti Integrati di Filiera (PIF)), Italian rural policy tools funded in the framework of EU's Rural Development Policy, can integrate supply chain innovation and territorial integrated strategies, fostering a multifunctional development of marginal rural areas towards a newly discovered identity. The case study is the PIF "Flora Aromatica Santa Luce" funded by the Tuscany Regional Administration RDP in 2016. The project aims at creating a new supply chain of organic aromatic plants in the Santa Luce Valley (PI). The integration is based, on the one side, on the creation and valorization of the new supply chain product, represented by an organic cosmetic line made with lavender essential oil, and, on the other side, on the territorial development of the Valley, in an economic, social, environmental and touristic perspective. From a theoretical point of view, the approach used was based on the new rural development paradigm, assuming that the processes of broadening, deepening and regrounding, together compose the main axis of rural development. The canvas model was used in order to identify a business model for the new supply chain and the territorial development of the area, while, at the methodological level, a participatory action research (PAR) approach was adopted. Results show how a supply chain project (like a PIF) can enhance innovation and stable commercial relationships within the supply chain and support processes of vertical and horizontal coordination, but also stimulate extended territorial strategies supporting the integration processes between agriculture, processing and other economic activities following a territorial multifunctional development logic. At the same time, key benefits for the policymaker and local administrations can also be identified in particular for marginal rural areas where farmers and other local actors are weaker and collective action is more difficult. Thanks to the PAR approach, a PIF can stimulate participation of farmers to relevant RDP measures but also allow convergence of individual actions towards wider regional and local strategic objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, in Italy the cultivation of tobacco has strongly decreased and there is the need to organize substitute production chains that take into account current market demands. Medicinal plants can represent a possible alternative and an opportunity for the Italian agricultural sector. The aim of the present study was to assess the quality and the environmental sustainability of medicinal plants cultivation and processing using different drying techniques in a hilly area of the Campania region. The research was designed to investigate two drying systems (the recovery of a wooden structure for drying tobacco in the open air and a specific electric prototype for drying medicinal plants) and five cultivated medicinal species (marsh-mallow, absinthe, Californian poppy, lemon balm, thyme). To assess and compare quality efficiency and environmental performance, the life cycle assessment methodology was applied according to the ISO 14040-44. The functional unit was the production of one kilo of dried medicinal plants and, to meet the objectives of the research, the system boundaries included the cultivation of the plants, their transport to the drying structure and the herbs drying. Priority was given to primary data in terms of input material typologies and amounts used to estimate direct and indirect emissions. Results showed a good adaptability of the species to the pedo-climatic environment with high biomass yields. Both drying structures allowed to reach a final product with high quality and low moisture. The cultivation and the drying of one kg of medicinal plants caused mainly marine and fresh water ecotoxicity, abiotic depletion, eutrophication, air acidification and global warming. The lowest impacts occurred when drying took place in the open air under the wooden structure. The combination of the two systems organized with a first phase of drying in the open air at the individual farms by recovering the tobacco structures, and the next artificial stabilization of the product at a cooperative center, would reduce the overall environmental impact and ensure the quality of the product regardless of the harvesting period. These results could be easily used to support the quality supply chain of medicinal plants with low environmental impacts. Moreover, they highlighted an encouraging approach to evaluate a resilient reorganization when different agricultural productions go into crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the guaiacol-dependent peroxidase activities have been studied by different pH in lamina of Plantago major L.

For the first time, the guaiacol peroxidase activity have been studied at different pH in lamina of Achillea asiatica Serg., Veronica chamaedrys L., Taraxacum officinale Wigg., Alchemilla subcrenata Buser.

This work demonstrates the use of a triple detector for the screening of antioxidants in officinal plants. The triple detector consisted of a coulometric array (CAD), a diode array (DAD) and a mass spectrometer (MS) detector, which were connected to a HPLC system. DAD gave an overall profile of bioactive compounds. CAD allowed to select the most promising redox species and quantify their concentration based on the Faraday's law. Finally, MS was used for identification. The approach was applied to screen the main antioxidants in 19 officinal plants. Furthermore, the electron transfer properties obtained by CAD were highly correlated with the results of classical DPPH (r = 0.80), FRAP (r = 0.87) and ORAC (r = 0.90) assays and, thus, could be used to predict the antioxidant capacity of plant extracts by stepwise linear regression models (R2 = 0.99). Overall, the triple detector system allows a comprehensive approach to screen and characterize the antioxidant compounds in natural plant extracts. • Triple detector was used to detect antioxidant compounds in 19 officinal plants. • Triple detector was for the first time used for screening of antioxidants. • The quantification can be achieved with the application of the Faraday's law. • The main compounds were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry. • The correlation between coulometric array detector and antioxidant capacity is high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: This work increases the ethnobotanical data from Northern Italy and, in particular, the Lombardy region, till now poorly documented, safeguarding the local folk knowledge, and provides information on new or scarcely reported properties of medicinal plants, whose traditional use needs to be validated experimentally. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to gather, analyse and evaluate the ethnobotanical information on the species used for medicinal and food purposes by the native people of Val San Giacomo. Materials and methods: The plant use was documented by speaking with more than 100 people, mainly over 60 years old, born and resident in Val San Giacomo. Information was collected using semi-structured interviews and then analysed by indices such as Ethnophytonomic Index (EPI), Ethnobotanicity Index (EI), relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), relative importance (RI) and factor informant consensus (FIC). Results: Information on 66 plants belonging to 35 families (Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae, mainly) was gathered. The preference ranking placed Achillea moschata Wulfen at first place, both for the citation number and for RFC and UV. Arnica montana L., Thymus pulegioides L. and Artemisia genipi Stechm. were also in relevant use. Sixty species were wild and six were cultivated. Leaves, flowers, complete aerial parts and fruits were the plant parts most commonly used for remedy preparation (infusion, especially). The interviewees collected local flora for medicinal purposes, specifically. About 51.5% of the plant species were used to treat gastrointestinal tract of humans as digestive, depurative, appetiser, laxative, astringent and carminative remedies. About 56% of the plants were used in cookery, 24.2% in veterinary field, and 3% as cosmetics. The calculated indices demonstrated that in the studied area there is a small retention of plant knowledge. Only 6.2% of the autochthonous plants proved useful in folk tradition. Despite this, the uses of Sempervivum montanum L., Rhododendron ferrugineum L. and Panicum miliaceum L. were never documented by other ethnobotanical investigations conducted in the alpine area. Conclusions: This survey was an extension of the ethnobotanical investigations performed in the Italian Alps. A study like this, though performed in a small area with a reduced traditional knowledge, could be the basis for subsequent research on the species that are interesting from a phytochemical point of view and on the potential use of their active metabolites. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Water scarcity is one of the most detrimental effects on crop yield. We studied the effect of water stress on carbon acquisition and allocation to monoterpenes of commercial importance in spearmint and rosemary plants. Increasing levels of water stress reduced photosynthesis and plant biomass. Under increasing water-stress levels photosynthesis was limited by low CO2 availability due to reduced stomatal and mesophyll conductance, while photochemical and biochemical processes were not affected. At the balsamic period, significantly higher amounts of monoterpenes per unit mass were formed in water-stressed leaves with respect to irrigated controls. However, because of plant biomass reduction, water stress reduced the total yield of monoterpenes. Appropriate irrigation strategies may, therefore, potentially improve yield of monoterpenes in field grown spearmint and rosemary crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article, starting from a new solid-liquid extractive principle an innovative solid-liquid extractor is showed. Extractor Naviglio® works at room temperature and it does not need to heat the extractive system; this fact is important in the field of officinal plants and in many other cases when the objective of the extraction are the active principles or compounds sensible to the temperature. Experimental trials have demonstrated that two hours are sufficient to extract the more common plants like wild camomile, calendula, peppermint, tea, etc.; while more time for complete extraction of roots or cortex is requested. Extractor Naviglio® changes the philosophy of solid-liquid extraction because it does not work on diffusion and osmosis principle like the major part of actual solid-liquid extraction techniques but it works on a new extractive principle: Naviglio's Principle, based on generating of a gradient pressure between the inner and the outlet of solid matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achillea moschata Wulfen, which grows in the Alps, is extensively used by local people for its medicinal properties. Two studied samples were collected, at the flowering stage, in Val Mustair (Switzerland) and Valchiavenna (Italy), respectively. The aerial parts were defatted with petroleum ether (PET) and successively extracted with dichloromethane (DCM) and methanol (MeOH). High-performance liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analyses of the methanolic extracts evidenced that flavonoids were the predominant compounds compared to phenolic acids in both samples (89.5 vs. 33.0 μg/mg DW in A. moschata Valchiavenna and 82.5 vs. 40.0 μg/mg DW in A. moschata Val Mustair). Among flavonoid derivatives, luteolin and apigenin were the predominant aglycones, free and glycosilated. The A. moschata Valchiavenna extract was characterized by apigenin as the main compound (60.4 μg/mg DW), while A. moschata Val Mustair was characterized by its derivative apigenin 7-O-glucoside (44.7 μg/mg DW). The antioxidant activity of all the obtained extracts was tested by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl) and ABTS (2,21-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) methods, which showed their increasing scavenger capacity in relation to extract polarity (PET extract < DCM extract < MeOH extract). The extracts were also investigated against three Gram-positive (Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus) and three Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacterial species using the disc diffusion assay. DMC and PET were the most active extracts (inhibition diameter: ≥12 mm).