Comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals in edible sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L., Apiaceae) grown in central Italy

Abstract

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is an edible plant cultivated in high-salinity environments, thus representing an ideal crop in a climate change scenario. Polar extracts and essential oils obtained from this crop cultivated in central Italy were analysed. A total of 21 bioactive compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, have been identified in the extracts, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (2.24 g/100 g) was the most abundant compound. Noteworthy, melatonin, a hormone of the pineal gland that regulates the sleep/wake cycle, and circadian and seasonal rhythms, and that can act as an immunostimulatory and cytoprotective agent, has been identified for the first time in sea fennel extract. The essential oil was made up of monoterpene hydrocarbons (e.g., γ-terpinene 50.0 %) and oxygenated monoterpenes (e.g., methyl thymyl ether 18.2 %). The obtained results highlight the potential use of sea fennel as an edible plant, not only for culinary purposes, but also as a source of nutraceutical compounds.