Valorisation of Portuguese natural resources

Abstract

The medicinal use and/or use in the nutrition of plants growing in Portugal is common, although in many cases the validation of their health benefits is far away from being established. On the other hand, other plants have a high impact on the country’s economy and are at risk of being damaged by climate changes, a factor that should also be evaluated. In this context, several research works were undertaken to establish the potential health or nutritional value of Calendula species, Pterospartum tridentatum (L.) Willk. and several halophytes growing in Portugal. This paper summarizes our contribution to confirm some of the benefits attributed to plants but also to establish for the first time the chemical profile of some species and in doing so, contribute to their valorization as a source of bioactive compounds or interesting ingredients to be included on the formulation of smart foods and/or natural medicines. Simultaneously, Portuguese economically important species, such as Olea europaea L. and Eucalyptus globulus Labill., were studied aiming to establish the impact that climate-change-related conditions can have in their metabolome profile. We hope that this paper will stimulate further investigations involving phytochemical studies of Portuguese plants growing in their natural environment or controlled conditions.