Indicators for the medicinal and aromatic potential of endemic plants in the Peloponnese (Greece)

Medicinal and aromatic plants are natural raw materials. Since ancient times these herbal materials are being commonly used as herbal drugs, food products, and cosmetics. The phytomolecules isolated from the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are in high demand specifically in drug industries. However, these phytomolecules have certain limitations of low absorption, high toxicity, and other side effects, bioavailability and efficacy. These limitations may be overcome by using nanotechnological tools. The plant extract or essential oil of MAPs are also useful in the synthesis of nanoparticles. In future this combinatorial application of MAPs and nanotechnology would be advantageous in thehealthcare area. Literature search was performed using databases like Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar with the keywords "nanoparticles," "phytomolecules," "medicinal and aromatic plants" and "green synthesis of nanoparticles" in the text. Phytomolecules of medicinal and aromatic plants like curcumin, camptothecin, thymol, and eugenol have certain limitations of bioavailability, efficacy, and solubility. It limits its biological activity and therefore application in the biomedical area. The increment in the biological activity and sustained delivery was observed after the encapsulation of these potent phytomolecules encapsulated in the nanocarriers. Besides,MAPs and/or their molecules/oils mediate the synthesis of metal nanocarriers with less toxicity. This review highlights the impact of the combination of the MAPs with the nanotechnology along with the challenges. It would be an effective technique for the efficient delivery of different phytomolecules and also in the synthesis of novel nano-materials, which escalates the opportunity of exploration of potential molecules of MAPs. Graphical abstract Graphical representation of the combinatorial approach of MAPs and nanotechnology.

The authors surveyed 997 elderly people living in the community and found that the rate of significant dysphoric symptomatology was 14.7%. Forty-five (4.5%) of these individuals suffered from dysphoric symptoms only, and 37 (3.7%) had symptoms of a major depressive disorder. Eighteen (1.8%) suffered from symptoms of primary depressive disorder and 19 (1.9%) from symptoms of secondary depressive disorder. Sixty-five (6.5%) had depressive symptoms associated with impaired physical health. The frequency of widowhood, impairment in social resources, and impairment in economic resources was greater for individuals with symptoms of a major depressive disorder. The entire sample used psychiatric services at a very low rate.

SUMMARY An analysis of 302 scientific publications on resistance research and breeding in medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) during the last 3 decades shows that the activities have been intensified in this field, mainly in Europe and America. This reflects the increasing importance of MAP. The current state of resistance research and breeding of poppy, coriander and fennel, investigated very intensely, is presented in detail. Our own studies in annual caraway were used as an example of which approaches are necessary before resistance breeding can begin. Within the last 30 years, mainly Europe and America have experienced an increased trend towards healthy diet and natural products. This trend led to a growing demand for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP), which is partly satisfied by collections of wild-growing plants, but to an increasing extent by cultivation. A negative consequence of the growing concentration in cultivation is an increase of pathogens and pests. They can cause economically considerable losses in yield and quality unless appropriate control measures are introduced. Approved pesticides are usually not available. In addition, there are reservations against the application of pesticides. Therefore, the breeding of resistant cultivars is gaining more importance, as is reflected by the high number of topic-related scientific publications.

Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) play a critical role in providing ecosystem services through their provision of herbal remedies, food and natural skin care products, their integration into local economies, and maintaining pollinators’ diversity and populations and ecosystem functioning. Mountainous regions, such as Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park (CVNP), represent unique reservoirs of endemic MAP diversity that require conservation prioritisation. This study aims to provide insights into the sustainable management of MAPs, contributing to efforts to protect Mediterranean biodiversity amid the dual challenges of climate and land-use change, using a suite of macroecological modelling techniques. Following a Species Distribution Modelling framework, we investigated the vulnerability of endemic and non-endemic MAPs to climate and land-use changes. We examined the potential shifts in MAP diversity, distribution, and conservation hotspots within the CVNP. Our results revealed species-specific responses, with endemic taxa facing severe range contractions and non-endemic taxa initially expanding but eventually declining, particularly under land-use change scenarios. Local biodiversity hotspots are projected to shift altitudinally, with considerable area losses in the coming decades and elevated species turnover predicted throughout the CVNP, leading to biotic homogenization. Climate and land-use changes jointly threaten MAP diversity, calling for adaptive conservation strategies, thus highlighting the importance of proactive measures, such as awareness raising, establishing plant micro-reserves, assisted translocation, and promoting sustainable harvesting to protect these species within the CVNP. Our study offers vital insights for managing biodiversity hotspots amid global change pressures, stressing the need to integrate ecological and socioeconomic factors.

Context: An ethnobotanical survey was completed in a remote village and surrounding country of Xinjiang, where most Uyghur medicinal plants could be collected. This work clarifies and increases ethnobotanical data.Objectives: We surveyed and organized aromatic medicinal plants that are commonly used in clinical settings to provide a significant reference for studying new medical activities.Materials and methods: In the survey, informants who have traditional knowledge on aromatic Uyghur medicinal plants were interviewed between March 2014 and September 2014. Aromatic medicinal plant species and pertinent information were collected. Some therapeutic methods and modes of preparation of traditional aromatic medicinal plants were found.Results: A total of 86 aromatic medicinal plant species belonging to 36 families were included in our study. We identified 34 plant species introduced from different regions such as Europe, India and Mediterranean areas. Fruits and whole plants were the most commonly used parts of plant, and most aromatic medicinal plants could be applied as medicine and food. We assigned the medicinal plants a use value (UV). Knowing the UV of species is useful in determining the use reliability and pharmacological features of related plants.Conclusions: Xinjiang is an area in which indigenous aromatic medicinal plants are diversely used and has therefore established a sound dimensional medical healthcare treatment system. Some aromatic Uyghur medicinal plants are on the verge of extinction. Hence, further strategies for the conservation of these aromatic medicinal plants should be prioritized.

This abstract presents the results of the first 2 years of activity of a three-year project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) in Piedmont, Italy (45° North). Cultivation of MAPs in Italy has a long tradition. The last available data indicate that in Italy there are about 3300 ha cultivated, of which half are cultivated with herbaceous species. The Piedmont Region plays a key role having about 570 ha of herbaceous species until 1999. Recently, there has been a growing interest on the opportunities and potential increase in the cultivation of MAPs. This is particularly true for the area, which is either marginal or abandoned by inhabitants that moved to live in the big cities and suburbs. In fact, the cultivation of MAPs could aid in raising the low farm income typical of these zones. In addition, there is a new approach toward the return of people to rural areas, especially related to organic farming system. Lastly, there is a growing interest among localities to increase agricultural activities relating to social and environmental aspects; such as culture, tourism and education; through the promotion of activities that enhance the restoration and conservation of agricultural land and of the environment. The aim of the present work is to understand the MAPs situation in Piedmont in terms of cultivated surfaces and type of market for these herbaceous species. The results from the project are also intended to offer solutions to implement cost effective key actions for land management in marginal areas. The results for the first two years of the project are presented, with the data from the survey in the region regarding the major areas involved in MAP cultivation. INTRODUCTION Cultivation of MAPs in Italy has a long tradition and nowadays MAP cultivation enters in a concept of rusticity and rediscovery of ancient traditions. The last available data indicate that in Italy there are about 3,300 ha cultivated, of which half are herbaceous species, (bergamot orange, manna ash, sweet orange flowers) cultivated in the south region of Italy (Calabria, Sicilia) (Marzi, 1999; Vender, 2001). The Piedmont (45° North) is the first Italian region in terms of surface cultivated, with 38.6 % of the total national land of herbaceous MAPs. Even though the sector is important, Italy imports more than 173 M€ worth of Map products (ISTAT, 1995), due to foreign greater product availability and cheaper prices. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the opportunity and potential to increase the cultivation of MAPs. This is particularly true for areas which are either marginal or abandoned by inhabitants that moved decades ago to live in cities and suburbs. In fact, the cultivation of MAPs could contribute to the increase of low farm income, typical of these rural areas. In addition, there is a new approach to the return of people to rural areas, especially related to organic farming system. Lastly, there is a positive trend among localities to increase agricultural activities that relate to social and environmental aspects, such as culture, tourism and education, through the promotion of activities that enhance the restoration and conservation of agricultural land and of the environment. MAP production represents a niche of Italian farmers and production-chain operators, which are both scattered throughout the nation, lacking in producer association Proc. XXVI IHC – Future for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Eds. L.E. Craker et al. Acta Hort. 629, ISHS 2004 Publication supported by Can. Int. Dev. Agency (CIDA) 376 organizations and in an adequate extension service. This results in lack of information regarding the real situation in terms of cultivation areas, marketing issues and logistical distribution. Official data regarding the sector impact on Italian agriculture are generally given in aggregated form, impeding the understanding of commodity distribution and farm location (De Donno, 2001). This is especially true and important in the Piedmont Region, which is characterized by a broad topology of lands; ranging from very fertile valleys, to hilly zones and high-altitude mountain areas that are impossible to reach by transportation or communication. Consequently, the Regional government has funded the present research with the objectives of knowing the current situation of MAPs cultivation in Piedmont in terms of cultivated area, farmer peculiarities, and production chain organization; by surveying, collecting information, analyzing data and creating maps of the sector impact in the region. MATERIAL AND METHODS The work consisted of a regional survey and a market investigation. The activity started in the year 2000 and was conducted in the whole Piedmont region. The agricultural information was collected through visits, inspections and the filling of a questionnaire addressed to the different consortia of communes in mountain areas (Mountain Communities), experts of the officinal sector and farmers. The questionnaire data were put in Access database (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA), and then they were graphically represented with a Geographical Information System (ArcView GIS, ESRI, Inc., Redlands, CA, USA). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION During this investigation, 154 farms were contacted: 67 in the province of Torino, 48 in the province of Cuneo, 16 in the province of Alessandria and the 23 remaining farms in the provinces of Verbania, Asti, Biella and Novara. No farm was found in the remaining province of Vercelli. Results of the survey indicated that there were ca 590 ha cultivated with medicinal and aromatic herbaceous species in Piedmont region. The distribution of MAP cultivation in the region was revealed to be very diverse from province to province (Fig. 1). More than 90 % of the regional cultivation is concentrated in two provinces (Torino and Cuneo). The most cultivated medicinal and aromatic species in the Region is Mentha piperita (326.2 ha), second is Anthemis nobilis (84.3 ha), then several other species follow in the range between 13 and 19 ha (Artemisia pontica, Cannabis sativa, Lavandula angustifolia, Foeniculum vulgaris); all the other species have a minimal impact in terms of acreage, but include more than 40 species (Table 1). Analyses of data aggregated by altimetrical position revealed that 89% of the hectares are located on plains, 5 % on hills and 6 % in mountain areas (Fig. 2a). Results also indicated that farms are located 49 % on plains (75 farms), 16% on hills (25 farms) and 35 % in mountain areas (54 farms) (Fig. 2b). The ratios between the variables indicate that on plains there are 0.5 farms per hectare, on hills 3.2, and in mountains 5.8. These results are also confirmed by the farm size, which is much bigger in the plain areas than in the hill and mountain areas (Table 2). The mean total farm surface and the surface invested in medicinal and aromatic plants were different according to the farm altitude, in particular: ! the average farm size on the plains is 35.2 ha, of which 19 % cultivated with MAPs, ! the average farm size in the hills is 7.3 ha, of which 14 % cultivated with MAPs, ! the average farm size in the mountains is 4.7 ha, of which 17 % cultivated with MAPs. Consequently, the MAP cultivation has a greater agricultural impact in the plain, while it has a greater employment impact in the hills and mountains. The farm approach in terms of cultivated species, agricultural techniques and systems, production chain and market target changes if the farmers are located either on the plains, in the hills or in the mountains. The cultivated species change according to location: on the plains the major

Cultivation and processing of aromatic and medicinal plants (AMP), to be used for maintaining and improving health, are in continuous development in our country. Research on the species Salvia sclarea L. and Lavandula angustifolia Mill, using modern methods, was initiated at the Research Station for Aromatic Plants and Essential Oils. Since 1996, research of major importance in the field of genetics and breeding of aromatic and medicinal plants, as well as the creation of promising genotypes has been conducted at IGPPP. The cultivation of these species is particularly advantageous due to the cultivars of aromatic and medicinal plants that in droughty years produce higher amounts of good quality essential oil than in the years with normal amount of atmospheric precipitation. Our research was aimed at determining the best uses of aromatic and medicinal plants, the creation and evaluation of new genotypes of aromatic and medicinal plants, the development of cultivars and hybrids adapted to the climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova, with superior characteristics not only from the point of view of productivity, but also of the quality of the raw material, of the essential oil, due to the high concentration of active principles; maintaining, reproducing and implementing new cultivars. Purpose. The importance of aromatic and medicinal plants is determined by the multiple uses of essential oils in medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, aromatherapy, food etc.; for this reason, research was focused on the diversification of the initial breeding material, the improvement of the assortment of hybrids and cultivars. Genetics and breeding, as well as creation of new cultivars and hybrids is a continuous process. Each newly approved, patented cultivar is more efficient than the previous ones.

The global demand for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) is growing due to their diverse applications in healthcare, cosmetics, and other industries. However, variations in product quality arise primarily from inconsistencies in cultivation, harvesting, and post-harvest practices. Inappropriate harvesting techniques, inadequate handling and aggregation of produce, poor packaging, and the lack of proper technologies, infrastructure, and transportation practices contribute to an estimated loss of 15-20% of herbal material. These losses not only affect market supply but also compromise the quality and efficacy of the final products. This review highlights comprehensive studies on advanced technologies aimed at preserving the quality and efficacy of MAPs. Key aspects of post-harvest management, including inspection, sorting, primary processing, drying, packaging, and storage, are discussed. Technologies such as electronic nose technology, near-infrared spectroscopy, artificial neural network and nanotechnology have shown potential to minimize post-harvest losses and ensure the quality of MAPs. These innovations offer promising solutions for detecting impurities, enhancing drying processes, and improving the longevity and stability of herbal products. However, many of these technologies remain in their infancy, and their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability require further investigation. Future research should focus on scaling up these technologies, adapting them to diverse MAP species, and addressing the unique challenges faced by small-scale producers. Collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers will be essential to developing holistic and sustainable approaches to post-harvest management. By advancing technological solutions and improving practices, the MAP industry can meet rising global demands while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPS) represent a consistent part of the natural biodiversity endowment of many countries in Africa. The role and contributions of medicinal plants to healthcare, local economies, cultural integrity and ultimately the well-being of people, particularly the rural poor, have been increasingly acknowledged over the last decade. The demands of the majority of the populace for medicinal plants have been met by indiscriminate harvesting of spontaneous flora, including those in forests. This has resulted in severe loss of habitat and genetic diversity. The utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) as a source of fuel, building material, food, fodder, and fibre, in African countries has, however, led to a resurgence of natural product- based industries and pharmaceutical products. This had been spurred by the interests of the developed countries for traditional medicine and natural products. Furthermore, many African medicinal plants are well-known in the international markets, e.g. Ancistrocladus abbreivatus, a Cameroun plant with anti-HIV potential. Therefore, sustainable management and conservation of these endangered medicinal plant species are important not only because of their value as potential therapeutics, but also due to worldwide reliance on traditional medicinal plants for health. Effective conservation strategies for medicinal plant should take place within four main areas: in-situ andex-situ conservation, education and research. Saving Africa’s medicinal plant resources from extinction calls for intensive management and conservation, more research and increased level of public awareness about our vanishing heritage. Key words: African, health care delivery, medicine, harvesting.

Abstract: Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are used in all civilizations and cultures and have always played a key role in health care systems worldwide. These plants constitute a major part of the flora, which provide raw materials that are primarily used for therapeutic, aromatic and/or culinary purposes, as components of medicinal and cosmetics products and other natural health products. They are also the starting materials for value-added processed natural ingredients such as essential oils, dry and liquid extracts and oleoresins. Portugal has given rise to very diverse environmental habitats, is cradle to a rich flora, comprising 3,995 described taxa, 500 of which are of aromatic and/or medicinal potential. Some of these species are endemic, sometimes with very vulnerable ecological niches. Plant genetic resources’ collecting is a fundamental activity, widely used in ex situ conservation. Between 1990 and 2014, the Banco Portugues de Germoplasma Vegetal (BPGV), carried out national and international MAP collecting missions, which resulted in the ex situ conservation of 1,606 accessions. The main focus of this communication is to demonstrate the valuable contribution of those collecting missions in MAP genetic diversity conservation and evaluation.

India (8-30 N and 68-97.5 E) exhibits a wide range in topography and climate, which has a bearing on its vegetation and floristic composition. This subcontinent is one of the World’s 12 leading Biodiversity Centres, encompassing 16 different agro-climatic zones, 10 vegetation zones, 25 biotic provinces and about 426 habitats of specific species. It has been estimated that about 45,000 plant species (nearly 20% of the global species) occurs in the Indian Sub-continent. About 3,500 species of both higher and lower plant groups are of medicinal values. More than 80 percent of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) are collected from 17 million hectares of Indian forest land. However, many of these, due to over-exploitation have become rare (Rheum emodi, Aconitum deinorrhizum), threatened (Rauvolfia serpentina, Berberis artistata), or endangered ones (Sassurea lappa, Dioscorea deltoidea). Problems arising out of rapid genetic loss of medicinal plants forced the need for international co-operation and co-ordination to undertake programmes for conservation of medicinal plants to ensure that adequate quantities are available for future generations. Cultivation of medicinal and aromatic species gives scope to improve the quality of the drugs. Merits of commercial cultivation of MAP is the outcome of implementation of number of critical factors like locate-selection; good genetically stable planting materials; good agrotechnological practices; nutrient input; harvesting management and implementation of suitable post harvesting techniques to preserve the end product till smart and effective marketing arrangements are made. There is a growing demand today for plant-based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics etc. in the international market. The international market of medicinal plants is over 60 billion US dollar per year, which is growing at the rate of 7 percent per annum. The present export of herbal raw materials and medicines from India is about US dollar 100-114 million approximately per year. India is one of the major exporter of crude drugs mainly to six developed countries viz. USA, Germany, France, Switzerland, U.K. and Japan, who share between them 75-80 per cent of the total export market. CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS (MAP) IN INDIA Techno-economical Considerations for Cultivation of MAP in India Loss of genetic diversity, particularly related to potential medicinal species has taken place; more so in the Worlds’ tropical rain forests and its conservation aspect has, of late, captured the attention of herbal scientists and experts (Duke, 1985). With emphasis it can be stated that the ultimate solution of medicinal plant conservation is medicinal plant cultivation in a scientific way (Foster, 1993). Botanical producer will desire to optimise yield from production; whereas user or entrepreneur will want to manufacture a product of uniform quality. Environmental factors play dramatic roles on biomass yield and composition, and also on its consistency. Proc. Int. Conf. on MAP Eds. J. Bernath et al. Acta Hort. 576, ISHS 2002 192 The process of selection of geographical site is very important and will have to be tailormade to meet the requirement of a particular botanical or a group of botanicals with ecological homogeneity. Elevation of the region has a profound bearing on successful cultivation of MAP. Indian cultivation of Datura innoxia, Atropa belladona, Catharanthus roseus, Rauvolfia serpentina, Cepecacuanha spp. and Hyoscyamus niger are appropriate examples (Table 1). Slope face is another factor, which determines variations of diurnal light intensity and temperature necessary for better growth and development of MAP. Latitude also have pronounced effect on biomass composition e.g. Atropa belladona. Adequate soil moisture and moderate nutrient status generally meet the requirements for growing MAP in India. However in some cases (e.g. Psyllium, Cassia, Catharanthus, Withania, Rauvolfia, Cymbopogon), the plantation can profitably thrive on low fertility soils of warmer regions. Pyrethrum, Solanum spp., Jasminium and Ocimum spp. can be economically grown over medium fertility soils. In case of Papaver, Dioscorea spp., Mentha spp. and Cymbopogon spp., high fertility soil and liberal irrigation will be necessary for successful growth of plantation. Rained cultivation in India is widely followed in Withania, Cassia, Vetiveria and Eucalyptus citriodora. Medicinal and aromatic crops are generally adapted to a wide range of soil texture and pH. Plantago, Cassia, Cymbopogon growing over light soils become high yielding when grown over loam and clay loam (nearly 80% increase in yield in case of Plantago ovata). Vetiveria is unique for its tolerance to soil alkalinity and periodic flooding and water logging of fields; conditions however producing no adverse effect on total oil yield and its composition. Cinchona, Cephalis and Coptis have preference for acidic soils (5-6 pH); whereas species like Aloe, Pandanus, Urginea, Commiphora are grown in soils of higher pH. Day length have been found to influence growth and development of certain medicinal and aromatic crops in India. Commercial cultivation of Mentha, Glycyrrhiza, Coptis, Humulus prefer more than 14 hours of day length for high crop yield whereas citronella, Pelargonium and Pogostemon are short-day plants and essential oil production can be increased by nearly 25% by satisfying appropriate light requirements to these crops. Senna is a day-neutral plant and cultivation success is independent of prevalent day-light duration. In crops like Solanum, Digitalis, Rauvolfia and Dioscorea, effects of photoperiodic cycles (long days) have also been clearly established (Chatterjee, 1986). Regulatory role of light intensity on improvement of performance of a number of medicinally important crops has been established. In Mentha, ample sunshine is necessary at maturity for higher content of oil and menthol content. Economics of cultivation of this species is very much affected if crops are harvested in rainy or cloudy days due to the fact that higher conversion of menthol into menthone. Amongst other plantation crops, low light intensity favours production like Cephalis; thereby necessitating artificial shading during commercial cultivation. Only 20-25 percent day light intensity is recommended for optimum productivity performance. Berberine content is nearly 10-15 percent higher in roots of Coptis japonica, when on average, 70 percent of incident light is intercepted. Additional light promotes the AP accumulation in Digitalis spp. and Solanum khasianum (Table 2.). Reduced light intensity (nearly 40 %) by growing Cinchona under shade tree increases percentage of quinine and related alkaloids by more than 30 percent; as well as bark yield by 30-40 % (Table 3). Role of atmospheric temperature on success of medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation can also be well exemplified. Pyrethrum growing in southern hills is favoured by lower minimum temperature increasing the yield of dry matter and total pyrethrin contents. In general increasing temperature up to a maximum (prior to physiological damage) favour increased secondary metabolite production in many alkaloid and terpene producing medicinal plants. Composition of secondary metabolite may also be changed. Low temperature favours morphine increase in poppy and decreases the total principle content.

Since thousands years back approximately around 900 BC, medicinal plants are considered as a source of many biomolecules with therapeutic potential. Herbal medicines are considered as safer, better, physiologically compatible and costeffective. The oldest evidence of medicinal and aromatic plants depicts that with the emergence of human civilization, plants have been considered as the main source to heal and cure various serious ailments. It has been proven that the secondary metabolites e.g. alkaloid, glycosides, flavonoides, steroids etc present in the medicinal plants possesses ability to prevent occurrence of some of the diseases, means medicinal plants acts as a “preventive medicine”. Medicinal plants have a paramount importance and a great interest due to its pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutritional values. Some plants are also considered as an important source of nutrition and are known to have a variety of compounds with potential therapeutic properties. India is the principal repository of large number of medicinal and aromatic plants or we can say India is one of the rich mega-biodiversity countries of the world. Medicinal plants are “backbone” of traditional medicinal system (TMS). Crude drugs are usually dried parts of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) such as roots, stems, wood, bark, seeds, fruits, flowers, leaves, rhizomes, whole plant etc. that form the essential raw material for the production of medicines in various systems of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Tibatian, Tribal and Homeopathy. According to the survey of the World Health Organization (WHO), about 80% of the world population are using herbs and other traditional medicines for their primary healthcare and have established three kinds of herbal medicines: raw plant material, processed plant material, and herbal products. Now days, variety of available herbs are used throughout the world and they continue to promote good health. As the benefits from medicinal and aromatic plants are recognized, these plants will have a special role for humans in the future. The present review on medicinal and aromatic plants revealed similar combination of studies.

Türkiye’de koronavirüs süreci ile hızla değişen yaşam koşulları insanların normal yaşantılarını, rutin beslenme, dinlenme, alışveriş vb. alışkanlıklarını değiştirmiş onları farklı arayışlara itmiştir. Bu doğrultuda yapılan araştırmada tüketicilerin tıbbi ve aromatik bitkiler (TAB) tüketim tercihlerine ilişkin verilerin elde edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. 2020 yılı sonbahar aylarında anket çalışması yapılmış, tüketicilerin tıbbi ve aromatik bitkilerin tüketimlerinde etkili olan seçim ve yaklaşımları ile ilgili yargıları anketlerle elde edilen veriler ışığında tanımlayıcı istatistikler ve logit regresyon modeli ile tahmin edilmiştir. Koranavirüs salgınının tıbbi ve aromatik bitki tüketimini %76 oranında artırdığı tespit edilmiştir. Pandemi döneminde en çok tüketilen bitkiler kuşburnu, ıhlamur, nane ve zencefil olarak belirlenmiştir. Aylık miktar olarak en fazla tüketilen bitkiler ise yeşilçay ve udhindi olmuştur. Logit regresyon analiz sonuçlarına göre yaş, tıbbi ve aromatık bitki kullanım süresi, tıbbi ve aromatik bitki fiyatı, tıbbi ve aromatik bitkiyi faydalı bulma, yan etki, kimyasala erişim, katkı maddesi ve umut değişkenlerinin salgın süresince tıbbi ve aromatik bitki tüketimini ve satın alınma olasılığını artırdığı belirlenmiştir. Salgın önlenebilene kadar tıbbi ve aromatik bitki tüketiminin yaygınlaşacağı ve artacağı düşünülmektedir.

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been used worldwide for thousands of years and play a critical role in traditional medicines, cosmetics, and food industries. In recent years, the cultivation of MAPs has become of great interest worldwide due to the increased demand for natural products, in particular essential oils (EOs). Climate change has exacerbated the effects of abiotic stresses on the growth, productivity, and quality of MAPs. Hence, there is a need for eco-friendly agricultural strategies to enhance plant growth and productivity. Among the adaptive strategies used by MAPs to cope with the adverse effects of abiotic stresses including water stress, salinity, pollution, etc., their association with beneficial microorganisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can improve MAPs’ tolerance to these stresses. The current review (1) summarizes the effect of major abiotic stresses on MAPs’ growth and yield, and the composition of EOs distilled from MAP species; (2) reports the mechanisms through which AMF root colonization can trigger the response of MAPs to abiotic stresses at morphological, physiological, and molecular levels; (3) discusses the contribution and synergistic effects of AMF and other amendments (e.g., plant growth-promoting bacteria, organic or inorganic amendments) on MAPs’ growth and yield, and the composition of distilled EOs in stressed environments. In conclusion, several perspectives are suggested to promote future investigations.

Διερεύνηση διαδικασιών ξήρανσης φαρμακευτικών και αρωματικών φυτών με συναγωγή και βελτιστοποίηση με βάση ποιοτικούς και ποσοτικούς δείκτες