Infraspecific essential oil and anatomical variations of Salvia nemorosa L. (Labiatae) populations in Iran

Abstract

Salvia nemorosa L. is an aromatic medicinal herb of Labiatae family and distributed in various parts of the world including Iran. Infraspecific classification of Salvia nemorosa L. has been discussed extensively in literatures. Although, different infraspecific taxonomic ranks (such as variety and subspecies) are identified for this plant, no such rank is found for this species in Iran. Therefore, in this study, six populations of S. nemorosa were collected from various parts of the country and their leaf anatomical traits and essential oil compositions of aerial parts were examined. Data were analyzed by SPSS and MVSP software. Analysis results obtained by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) revealed that some populations (such as Tehran and Polor) had unique essential oil compositions. These populations were separated from the rest of samples and clustered separately. The anatomical study was created similar results and Tehran as well as Polor populations were far from other populations. Each of these populations had distinct anatomical features. On the basis of anatomical and phytochemical data and given the fact that the mentioned populations are different in their essential oil compositions and leaf anatomical traits and placed far from each other we can define Tehran and Polor population as two ecotypes and chemotypes for Iran.