Ecological and Biological Properties of Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Thymus spinulosus Ten.: Two Wild Officinal Species of Conservation Concern in Apulia (Italy). A Preliminary Survey.

Enrico V Perrino,Antonio Trani,Giuseppe N Mezzapesa,Shaima Jallali,Francesca Valerio

doi:10.3390/plants10091952

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of ecology (plant community, topography and pedology), as well as of climate, on the composition of essential oils (EOs) from two officinal wild plant species (Lamiales) from Apulia, namely Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Thymus spinulosus Ten. Few scientific data on their chemical composition are available, due to the fact that the first has a limited distribution range and the second is endemic of southern Italy. Results for both species, never officially used in traditional medicine and/or as spices, showed that the ecological context (from a phytosociological and ecological point of view) may influence their EO composition, and hence, yield chemotypes different from those reported in the literature. S. cuneifolia and Th. spinulosus can be considered good sources of phytochemicals as natural agents in organic agriculture due to the presence of thymol and α-pinene. Overall, the obtained trend for EOs suggests a potential use of both species as food, pharmacy, cosmetics and perfumery. Hence, their cultivation and use represent a positive step to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals and to meet the increasing demand for natural and healthier products.

Highlights

The aim of the present research was to investigate two wild species of conservation concern (SCC; species for which we have concerns about its ability to remain on a landscape for a long time), Satureja cuneifolia Ten. and Thymus spinulosus Ten., in order to: (a) perform ecological studies to understand the relationships existing between plant associations and their surrounding habitat; (b) verify and eventually explain the ecological context influences on the composition of essential oils (EOs); (c) determine chemical composition; (d) evaluate the potential for commercial purpose
In addition to the climatic differences, there are geolithological and ecopedological differences, with a more recent Pleistocene geology near the sea, where we find Terrigenous-skeletal limestones such as “Panchina”, and older in the hinterland (Upper Cretaceous) with skeletal limestones of neritic and carbonate platform facies
The composition of Satureaja cuneifolia EOs is only partially affected by differences in environmental conditions, for the geological, ecological, vegetational and pedological aspects

Summary

Introduction

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have a long history of being used for multiple purposes, including for food and therapeutics. Before the advances of modern medicine, ancient civilizations discovered a wealth of useful therapeutic agents from within the plant and fungi kingdoms [1]. Knowledge of these medicinal preparations was passed down through generations and was occasionally recorded in the herbal literature [2]. The use of these wild officinal plants became a significant aspect of populations’ cultural heritage and transformed into different traditions that kept on being passed down [3,4]

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