Abstract
In the present study, eight plant species belonging to Lamiaceae family were identified as ingredients for herbal teas in the region of Sharri Mountains: Thymus serpyllum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Mentha longifolia, Ocimum basilicum, Teucrium chamaedrys, and Sideritis scardica, respectively. Chemical composition of essential oils obtained from these species was analyzed using GC-MS and GC-FID with the aim of examining their volatile compound profiles, responsible for their respective flavors and fragrance. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed with the aim of grouping plant species under study on the basis of their chemical composition. Experimental data revealed the typical volatile constituent pattern for the Lamiaceae family. Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, responsible for flavor and medicinal use of these plants, were the most abundant groups of the volatile constituents. PCA data analysis resulted in the grouping of these analyzed species in four principal clusters.
Highlights
IntroductionIntroduction e SharriMountains region (in Albanian known as Malet e Sharrit; in Macedonian and Serbian as Sar-Planina) is one of the biggest mountain massifs in Balkans (1,600 km2) and is situated in the Republic of North Macedonia (in a total area of 826.8 km or 51.44%) and Republic of Kosovo (in a total area of 780.4 km or 48.56%) [1]. is region serves as a tremendous reservoir of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to wild plants because of its complex biocultural diversity (hotspot of biodiversity and home to a variety of different ethnic and religious groups), the socioeconomic environment, and the long held traditions in the collection of wild plants by local inhabitants.To date, there are roughly 1,500 vascular plant species known to grow in the Sharri Mountains [2, 3]
Introduction e Sharri Mountains region is one of the biggest mountain massifs in Balkans (1,600 km2) and is situated in the Republic of North Macedonia and Republic of Kosovo [1]. is region serves as a tremendous reservoir of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to wild plants because of its complex biocultural diversity, the socioeconomic environment, and the long held traditions in the collection of wild plants by local inhabitants
Principal Component Analysis demonstrated that eight plant species examined in this study have been grouped in four principal groups. ymus serpyllum in the first group, Rosmarinus officinalis in the second group, and Melissa officinalis in the third group, whereas the fourth group included Origanum vulgare, Mentha longifolia, Ocimum basilicum, Teucrium chamaedrys, and Sideritis scardica, with greater similarities in relation to their chemical composition (Figure 1)
Summary
Introduction e SharriMountains region (in Albanian known as Malet e Sharrit; in Macedonian and Serbian as Sar-Planina) is one of the biggest mountain massifs in Balkans (1,600 km2) and is situated in the Republic of North Macedonia (in a total area of 826.8 km or 51.44%) and Republic of Kosovo (in a total area of 780.4 km or 48.56%) [1]. is region serves as a tremendous reservoir of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to wild plants because of its complex biocultural diversity (hotspot of biodiversity and home to a variety of different ethnic and religious groups), the socioeconomic environment, and the long held traditions in the collection of wild plants by local inhabitants.To date, there are roughly 1,500 vascular plant species known to grow in the Sharri Mountains [2, 3]. Is region serves as a tremendous reservoir of Traditional Environmental Knowledge (TEK) related to wild plants because of its complex biocultural diversity (hotspot of biodiversity and home to a variety of different ethnic and religious groups), the socioeconomic environment, and the long held traditions in the collection of wild plants by local inhabitants. Various ethnic groups, including Albanians, Bosniaks, and Gorani (Muslims) and Serbs (Christian Orthodox) live on the Kosovo side of the Sharri, while the Macedonian side is inhabited by Albanians and Gorani (Muslims) and Macedonians (Christian Orthodox). Local communities have benefited from the rich biodiversity of the region over centuries and for a variety of different purposes, including as ingredients in the creation of medicine, food, beverages, and snacks and as recreational teas. We use the term “tea” to refer to herbal beverages prepared as infusions and that are consumed as food, excluding those teas prepared and consumed only for specific medicinal purposes, as well as black tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze)
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