Ferula Communis Research Articles

Determination of In Vitro True Digestibility and Relative Feed Values of Alternative Roughage Sources

The aim of this study was to compare chemical composition, relative feed values, and in vitro true digestibility of the giant fennel (Ferula communicus L. -F), helis (Prangos ferulacea L. -H), gum- tragacanth (Astragalus microcephalus WILD. -G) and leaves oak tree (Quercus robur L. -O), a naturally growing plant on the high- altitude plateaus of the Eastern Anatolia, with those of alfalfa. In vitro true digestibilities (IVTD) of roughages were determined with the Ankom DaisyII incubator. In terms of crude protein (CP) content, the lowest value was determined in H herb with 7.35 %, and the highest value was determined in alfalfa hay (A) with 19.28% (p<0.05). G hay had higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content and O leaves had higher ether extract (EE) and condensed tannin (CT) content. While the lowest IVDMD were found in G hay (42.91%) and O leaves (56.22%) with the highest cell wall structural components and CT content, the highest digestibility value was determined for F (70.47%) and A (71.60%) (p<0.05). Considering the analyzed parameters, it can be said that F hay is more suitable for ruminant feeding than other roughages.

Anaemia in Ruminants Caused by Plant Consumption.

Simple SummaryPlant poisoning is an underdiagnosed condition affecting livestock, and is especially important in ruminants. It is necessary for the veterinary practitioner to consider these aetiologic agents when confronting anaemia in ruminants. Although many of these plants are well-known by veterinarians and farmers, their toxic effects remain unnoticed by many of them. Due to the poisonous clinical signs, anaemia caused by plant consumption should be divided into two groups: haemorrhagic disorders and haemolytic disorders. The knowledge of their presence and possible consumption of the plant, together with the clinical signs, will lead to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the affected animals. The objective of this review is to show and organise the plants that most frequently produce anaemia in ruminants based on the two groups previously described.Plant toxicology has affected animals throughout evolution. Plants have adapted themselves to the environment. This adaptation has led to the development of defensive strategies to avoid being consumed. Plants have several chemical compounds, which can cause deleterious effects on people or animals that consume them, causing a wide variety of clinical signs. Plants from various latitudes, both cultivated for human and animal feeding or decorative purpose and even wild growth plants are able to generate anaemia in ruminants. Coumarins or ptaquiloside predispose bleeding and haemorrhages, causing a haemorrhagic disease in affected animals. In this group, some important fodder plants, such sweet clover (Genus Melilotus spp.), or other weeds distributed worldwide, such as bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) of giant fennel (Ferula communis), are included. On the other hand, sulfur-containing chemicals (e.g., n-propyl disulfate and S-propyl cysteine sulfoxides (SMCOs)) may cause severe direct damage to the erythrocyte and their membrane, leading to their destruction and causing haemolytic anaemia in the animal. This review presents the most frequent intoxication by plants causing anaemia in ruminants. Toxic compounds, clinical signs, diagnosis and possible treatments are also presented.

In vitro antioxidant activity and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory features of Ferula communis extracts

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs; EC 4.2.1.1) are essential family of metalloenzymes which catalyze the interconversion between carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3-) in all organisms of three-domains of life. Huge amounts of attempts related to catalytic activity of CAs have been widely expanded to treat many clinical diseases. This study aimed to determine in-vitro antioxidant activities and human CA I (hCA I) and II (hCA II) inhibitory properties of Ferula communis extracts. Among all extracts of F. communis, the hexane extract has showed the best inhibitory profile on hCA I and II with IC50 values 8.68 µg/mL and 28 µg/mL and Ki values 2.026 µg/mL and 11.6 µg/mL, respectively. All extracts showed mild to moderate antioxidant activity. According to the results of DPPH assay, ethanol-water extract showed the highest activity with IC50: 0.1128±0.0066 value. Chloroform extract showed the highest activity on CUPRAC assay with the value of 1.305±0.037 mM Trolox equivalent/mg extract. However, further analytical, in-vivo and clinical studies are needed to confirm the activities of F. communis.

Composition of Algerian Propolis, Plant Origin, and Its Antiangiogenic Activity In Vitro.

The antiangiogenic activity of the ethanol extract of propolis collected from different regions in western Algeria was investigated using in vitro human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The ethanol extract with the strongest activity, i.e., Algerian propolis 1 (EEPA1), inhibited the formation of capillary networks in a dose-dependent manner (6.25–50 μg/mL) within 12 h and induced cell fragmentation of HUVECs at 50 μg/mL after treatment for 24 h. To identify the active compounds in EEAP1, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed, revealing that EEAP1 contains two major compounds. Both compounds were isolated by repeated column chromatography and identified as ω-hydroxyferulenol (1) and ferulenol (2), which have a coumarin structure conjugated with a farnesyl group according to NMR, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, and chemical modification. Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited the tube-forming activity of HUVECs, especially 2, which exhibited a stronger antiangiogenic effect even at a low concentration of 3.31 μg/mL. Moreover, 2 suppressed the elongation and induced cell fragmentation at the same dose. The molecular changes in tube-forming HUVECs induced by 2 were found to be related to the activation of the caspase signals. To confirm the plant origin of propolis, an HPLC comparative analysis of the ethanol extracts of some plants near beekeeping areas and that of Algerian propolis (EEAP1) was performed, and similar chromatographic patterns were observed. This result suggests that the plant origin of this Algerian propolis is the resin of Ferula communis.

HF01-17 AN ANCIENT PLANT WITH APHRODISIAC EFFECT FOR MALES AND CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECT FOR FEMALES

You have accessJournal of UrologyHistory of Urology Forum I (HF01)1 Sep 2021HF01-17 AN ANCIENT PLANT WITH APHRODISIAC EFFECT FOR MALES AND CONTRACEPTIVE EFFECT FOR FEMALES Ekrem Guner Ekrem GunerEkrem Guner More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001992.17AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Since creation, mankind has been on various searches which would contribute to their sexual lives. A plant from the Ferula family called "Silphion" became one of the most important trade and wealth sources of the city of "Cyrene". Plinius stated that Silphion was more valuable than silver at its own weight. METHODS: Herbal resources used in the sexual life of ancient people were investigated in this study. RESULTS: Greeks discovered a plant called silphion which grows in nature when they built the city of Cyrene-Libya. It was mainly famous for being an aphrodisiac for males and an efficient contraceptive after sexual intercourse for females. The plant was regarded as a sacred plant which was gifted to humans by gods because of its effects. Alkaloid substances in its seeds provided an aphrodisiac effect by increasing the libido in males and provided a contraceptive effect by deteriorating the menstrual cycle and even caused miscarriages in females. As a result, the males didn't experience lack of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction and females had sexual intercourse without conception fear. Plinius described silphion in his work as "The women drink it with wine and apply it into their genital organs(vagina-cervix) with a piece of soft wool to start their menstruation". Soranus suggested to put a chickpea size "Cyrenaic" seed in one or two cups of water and drink it to prevent pregnancy. The seeds of the plant which was associated with eroticism in that period had the shape of heart. It is claimed that the origin of the heart symbol representing love today dated back to the shape of this seed. The Cyrenians minted the images of the plant and its heart-shaped seeds on their coins (Figure 1) Figure 1ab. Today's Ferula communis plant associated with the ancient silphion plant,Turkey Figure 1c. Tetradrachm, Silphium plant with leaves and flowers Figure 1d. Hemistater Silphium plant with leaves and flowers Figure 1e. Hemidrachm, Silphion fruit Figure 1f. Hemidrachms, Silphion fruit. CONCLUSIONS: Silphium provided important contributions in both male and female sexual life in the ancient age. Neither Greeks nor Romans achieved to breed them outside their habitat and thus silphium vanished. Although it is not known whether it is still present somewhere in Libya today, investigating the original plant and the members of it’s similar family seems crucial due to the undeniable effects of silphium. Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e234-e234 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Ekrem Guner More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Ethnobotany of the Aegadian Islands: safeguarding biocultural refugia in the Mediterranean

BackgroundThe Aegadian Islands are located west of Trapani, Sicily. Once the site of bountiful tuna fisheries and fruit orchards (plums, peaches, apricots), grapevines, prickly pears, and grains, the local economy is now based on tourism, and many traditional agricultural and maritime practices have been abandoned. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the state of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) concerning the use of wild and cultivated plants and fungi for human health, food, maritime, and agricultural purposes on the islands of Levanzo, Favignana, and Marettimo and compare present-day practices with those documented in the past.MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted in Italian with 48 participants with prior informed consent from May 2016 to July 2017 and October 2018. Herbarium voucher specimens of wild species were collected for herbarium deposit. A rigorous literature review of scientific and other local reports on TEK of wild flora and their application in food, health, and household applications was undertaken for the purpose of comparing findings from this field study with prior reports.ResultsA total of 122 plant and five fungal taxa representing 54 families were cited for 355 uses. Among the most pervasive species in the landscape, Agave americana and A. sisalana had diverse applications in the past, which ranged from cordage for agricultural and maritime applications to tools for sewing, eating land snails, and constructing furniture. Fields of Ferula communis also dominate the landscape, and the dry stems were used extensively in furniture making; this species also serves as an environmental indicator for the location of the most preferred edible mushrooms, Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae. Other important flora included topical medicinal applications of Glaucium flavum for hematomas and Artemisia arborescens for ritual bathing of newborns.ConclusionWhile many plant-based traditions have disappeared from daily practice, especially those related to traditional fishing and health practices, they remain in the memories of the eldest subset of the population. Documenting this knowledge before it disappears from oral history is a key factor in reducing loss of TEK and biocultural diversity, safeguarding the role of the Aegadian Islands as biocultural refugia.

Biochemical characterization of fennel (Ferula communis L.) different parts through their essential oils, fatty acids and phenolics

The intention of this study was to compare the different parts of Tunisian Ferula communis via their fatty acids, essential oils and phenolic compounds. Results showed that the lipid fraction of fruits and leaves was characterized by the predominance of oleic acid. Erucic and linoleic acids were the most abundant in stems while linoleic and palmitic acids in flowers. F. communis essential oils were defined by four chemotypes, namely isoshyobunone/6-tert-butyl-4-methylcoumarin in stems; α-eudesmol/ caryophyllene oxide in leaves; caryophyllene/myrcene in flowers and α-gurjunene/hexadecanoic acid in fruits. So, oxygenated sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons represented the major classes of stem essential oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the predominant classes of leaves and flowers. Fruit essential oil was predominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Resorcinol and ferulic acid were the main phenolic compounds in flowers but chlorogenic and ferulic acides in leaves. Stems were rich in ferulic acid and quercetin while leaves in coumarin and tannic acid. Besides to the high variability among F. communis parts, this plant contained high amounts of bioactive compounds with various health benefits attributed to their antioxidant potential.

In vitro Antileishmanial Activity of Some Ethiopian Medicinal Plants.

IntroductionLeishmaniasis is a group of diseases caused by protozoan parasites, which remains a burden for developing countries. The lack of a vaccine as well as the emergence of resistance toward the recommended drugs pose a challenge for the control of the disease. This urges the demand for new antileishmanial agents to prevent and treat this disease. Consequently, four Ethiopian plants were selected and tested for their antileishmanial activity against two Leishmanial parasites.MethodsMethanol (80%) was used to macerate the plant materials. In vitro antipromastigote activity of the crude extracts was then tested against promastigotes and axenically cultured amastigotes of Leishmania aethiopica and Leishmania donovani clinical isolates using Alamar Blue assay, and cell viability was measured fluorometrically. 1% DMSO and the media were used as a negative control while amphotericin B was used as a positive control. Furthermore, preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extracts was performed.ResultsFrom the four plants’ extracts, Ferula communis and Otostegia integrifolia showed better activity with IC50 value of 11.38±0.55 and 13.03±0.87 µg/mL against L. aethiopica, respectively. However, the same plant extracts exhibited lower activity against L. donovani with IC50 values of 23.41±2.32 and 17.24±1.29 µg/mL, respectively. O. integrifolia exhibited highest effect against amastigotes of L. aethiopica (IC50: 16.84±0.65) and L. donovani (IC50:14.55±0.38). F. communis resulted second highest in growth inhibition against amastigotes of L. aethiopica and L. donovani with IC50 value of 14.32±0.54 and 31.12±0.19, respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts indicated the presence of phenol, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, and alkaloids.ConclusionThe findings from this study demonstrate that crude extracts of F. communis and O. integrifolia showed promising antileishmanial activity against L. aethiopica and L. donovani that may be attributed to the presence of different secondary metabolites.

Ferula L. Plant Extracts and Dose-Dependent Activity of Natural Sesquiterpene Ferutinin: From Antioxidant Potential to Cytotoxic Effects.

The employment studies of natural extracts in the prevention and treatment of several diseases highlighted the role of different species of genus Ferula L., belonging to the Apiaceae family, dicotyledonous plants present in many temperate zones of our planet. Ferula communis L. is the main source of sesquiterpene ferutinin, a bioactive compound studied both in vitro and in vivo, because of different effects, such as phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, but also antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, performed in a dose-dependent and cell-dependent way. The present review will focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in the different activities of Ferutinin, starting from its antioxidant potential at low doses until its ionophoric property and the subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction induced through administration of high doses, which represent the key point of its anticancer action. Furthermore, we will summarize the data acquired from some experimental studies on different cell types and on several diseases. The results obtained showed an important antioxidant and phytoestrogenic regulation with lack of typical side effects related to estrogenic therapy. The preferential cell death induction for tumor cell lines suggests that ferutinin may have anti-neoplastic properties, and may be used as an antiproliferative and cytotoxic agent in an estrogen dependent and independent manner. Nevertheless, more data are needed to clearly understand the effect of ferutinin in animals before using it as a phytoestrogen or anticancer drug.

Seed germination of six Iberian endemic species – a contribution to enhance plant conservation

Biodiversity has been degraded all around the world due to anthropogenic factors. To counteract this worldwide tendency, ecological restoration programs are expanding. In these programs, the use of native herbaceous species, particularly those endemic or threatened, can be promoted by seeding them but germination requirements for most of these species are unknown. Our research meant to fill this gap of information for six Iberian endemic species suitable to use in restoration actions - Digitalis thapsi, Ferula communis subsp. catalaunica, Linaria amethystea subsp. amethystea, Pterocephalidium diandrum, Sanguisorba hybrida, and Silene scabriflora subsp. scabriflora. Their seed germination behaviour was analysed to establish germination protocols for conservation actions. Three germination conditions were used to simulate different sown seasons. Seeds of all species were tested without pre-treatment and subjected to a cold stratification. Seeds of S. hybrida and P. diandrum were additionally tested with a scarification treatment. All species reached their better germination performance under autumn conditions (15/10 °C; 8/16 hours). In conclusion, for all the six Iberian endemic species tested, germination speed and percentage were suitable for their use in native plants reinforcement.

Antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing activities of giant fennel (Ferula elaeochytris Korovin) from the Hatay region

Antimicrobial and anti-quorum sensing activities of giant fennel (Ferula elaeochytris Korovin) from the Hatay region

Effect of Ferula communis L. on reproductive parameters in Awassi ewes

Nutrient composition of the diet affects follicular activity, embryonic development and reproductive hormones in ruminants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Ferula communis L. on some reproductive parameters of Awassi sheep. The experiment was carried out on 29 (15-16 months old) Awassi ewes. All ewes were allocated to receive either a control (14% CP and 11.7 MJ ME/kg, n=9) or a diet supplemented with 5% (75g, n=10) or 10% (150g, n=10) powdered F. communis root, respectively for 21 days. Oestrus was synchronized using intravaginal sponges, while oestrus behaviour was observed 24, 36 and 48h after the sponge removal. Blood samples were collected for the assessment of oestradiol and LH. At the end of the 21-day period, animals were slaughtered and ovarian structures were recorded. Corpora lutea tissues were cultured in vitro, and progesterone production was measured. The results indicate that the treatment of animals with 5% of F. communis root increased the percentage of animals in heat (80%, 60% and 10% for 5C, 10C, and the control group, respectively). Furthermore, the number of small follicles (1-3 mm) in treated groups was significantly higher than those of the control group. Moreover, the number of large follicles (>4 mm) in the control group was higher than those of the treatment groups. Plasma concentration of oestrogen and LH peak were similar in the control and treatment groups. Progesterone production by luteal cells cultured in vitro was higher for both treatment groups compared to the control. Herewith, supplementation of the diet of Awassi Sheep with F. communis root during the breeding season may enhance ovulation rate and luteal activity.

Variability of ferulenol and ferprenin concentration in French giant fennel (Ferula sp.) leaves

Few studies have reported quantitative data about the levels of prenylated coumarins in Ferula sp. Yet, the toxicity of Ferula sp. is only due to the presence of prenylated coumarins and to their concentrations and all studies suggest the existence of several chemotypes within the same species or even within the same variety. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis of different chemotypes in french Ferula sp. in relationship with the botanical species. In this objective, the species of giant fennels and their concentrations in prenylated coumarins were explored. Three different species or subspecies of giant fennel were detected in continental France: F. communis communis communis L., F. communis catalaunica microcarpa Cauwet-Marc and F. glauca L. Surprisingly, the three species/subspecies of giant fennels were found to be located in exclusive and well separated geographical areas. In French giant fennels, ferulenol and ferprenin were detected. Distribution of ferulenol and ferprenin were found to be different between botanical varieties, but also according to the season, the soil and the altitude. Our study seems to suggest that among F. communis species, the same plant can be regarded as poisonous at one point and another as non-poisonous.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of traditional medicinal plants from the Erzurum region of Turkey.

In this study, 13 different extracts were investigated which are grown in the region of Erzurum. The aim of this study was to screen various plant extracts that are known and used for medicinal purposes such as Ferula communis L., Rumex patientia L., Gundelia tournefortii L., Rheum ribes L., Asphodeline taurica, Polygonum arenastrum, Allium schoenoprasum L., and Ferula orientalis L. Medicinal parts of plants such as leaves, flowers, and stems were investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays: Centaury and Blackthorn. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antimicrobial properties were also determined. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were investigated by the microdilution method and the agar diffusion method respectively. Accordingly, the results of the Rheum ribes L. plant have the highest antioxidant activity among all analyses made. But in almost all antioxidant analysis methods, the lowest antioxidant activity was found in Ferula orientalis L. According to the antibacterial analysis applied, it was found that the plant extracts were generally more effective on yeast strains than the test bacteria used; that is, most of the plants have antifungal effect. Due to their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, the extracts of these plants might be used as natural sources in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

The contribution of gustatory input to larval acceptance and female oviposition choice of potential host plants in Papilio hospiton (Géné).

The Lepidopteran Papilio hospiton uses only plants belonging to the Apiaceae and the Rutaceae families as hosts. Both adult females and larvae are equipped with gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) capable of detecting sugars, bitters and salts, thus providing information for evaluating the chemical composition of the plant. Since the activation of these neurons may affect insect behavior, the aim of this study were: (a) to study the gustatory sensitivity of both females and larvae to the sap of two Apiaceae, Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Daucus carota (carrot), that are not used as host plants; (b) to cross-compare the spike activity evoked from these two plants with that evoked by Ferula communis (ferula), the host plant preferred by ovipositing females of P. hospiton and where the larvae perform best; (c) finally, to confirm that the gustatory system can provide the central nervous system with the necessary information to evaluate differences between plant saps. The results show that: (a) fennel and carrot both evoke a higher neural activity from the bitter-sensitive neurons and lower from the sugar-sensitive neurons with respect to ferula, in both adult females and larvae; (b) on the basis of the different patterns of neural activity generated in tarsal, lateral and medial sensilla by fennel and carrot versus ferula, both adult and larvae possess enough information to discriminate among these plants; (c) adult females of P. hospiton lay eggs where the larvae have the greatest growth success and this confirms the importance of taste sensitivity in host plants selection.

Giant fennel (Ferula communis L) intoxication in goats in Tunisia

Giant fennel (Ferula communis L) toxicity has been commonly reported in different species, especially sheep, cattle, pig, horse and human but not in goat. A herd of 30 Damascus goats grazed during two days an area where F communis was very abundant. One week later, most animals presented clinical signs with locomotor disorders, anorexia and fever. Diagnosis of the intoxication was based on haematological parameters, toxicology research, necropsy and botanical investigation. Two goats survived following a treatment with vitamin K1. A total of 13 animals died of which most were young. The present study is the first report providing information about F communis intoxication in goat.

“Some Animals Die from Eating this Herb:” The Controversy between R. Yosef Caro and R. Moses di Trani Concerning the Common Giant Fennel

Abstract In 1552, a virulent halakhic polemic opposed R. Joseph Caro and R. Moses Terani. The case happened in a slaughterhouse in Safed where shehita of cattle had taken place. It was found that the animals’ stomachs were in a bad condition. It was argued that the cause was a plant the animals had ingested—Kelekh. The two rabbis published different halakhic decisions concerning the kashrut of these animals. Caro declared that the meat was not permitted, while Terani allowed consumption of the meat. Kelekh is common giant fennel. The two rabbis addressed three questions: Does the plant render animals ritually unfit for eating? What is the meaning of the pathological symptoms found in the stomach of the livestock? Which parts of the plant are the source of the problem? The dispute between the rabbis had various consequences for the Jewish community: economic, health-related, and social.

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of different aerial parts extracts of Ferula communis L.

The present study aimed to assess antioxidant activities of three organs (flower, fruit, and stem) extracts of Tunisian Ferula (F.) communis. Various experimental models were used to characterize the antioxidant activities in vitro as well as on ROS-induced fluorescence using dichlorofluorescein technique from phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-stimulated human myeloid cell line HL-60. Results showed that the antioxidant activities varied considerably with organs. Thus, flower exhibited higher DPPH-scavenging ability, reducing and chelating power than stem and fruit. Also, antioxidant capacities using ORAC method and a cell-based assay showed that fruit and stem exhibited statistically similar antioxidant activities. Moreover, F. communis contains high amounts of flavonoids with various health benefits attributed to their antioxidant potential. Likewise, to obtain biologically relevant information, the antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated on cellular models implicating the antioxidant activities; this test generally showed that F. communis flower extracts have the highest antioxidant capacities correlated to the highest total phenolic content. The identification of phenolic compounds in F. communis extracts using RP-HPLC revealed that resorcinol, ferulic, and syringic acids together with coumarin were the major molecules.

Phytochemical studies, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Ferula communis L. organ extracts

Phytochemical studies, antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of Ferula communis L. organ extracts

Hippocratic medicinal flora on the Greek Island of Kos: Spatial distribution, assessment of soil conditions, essential oil content and chemotype analysis

In recent years, interest in traditional medicine has significantly increased worldwide. Our research focused on an extended survey conducted in Kos Island in order to determine the distribution of Hippocratic Medicinal Flora, to evaluate the composition of their essential oils and the relationship between their occurrence and the soil environment. Cistus salviifolius, Hypericum empetrifolium and Teucrium capitatum were mostly observed at higher altitudes, whereas Hypericum hircinum, Crithmum maritimum, Anthemis arvensis, Ferula communis and Artemisia arborescens at lower ones. Canonical correspondence analysis served to quantify the relationship among soil variables and the occurrence and density of the studied plant species. The most important variables according to CCA were in decreasing order Na, soil organic content (%) and pH. Three species exhibited high essential oil yields, namely A. arborescens (3.4%), H. empetrifolium (3%) and C. maritimum (2.3%). Germacrene D was the main constituent of the essential oil of C. salviifolius and T. capitatum, while (cis)-chrysanthenyl acetate was for A. arvensis. For C. maritimum, the main constituent was sabinene, E-caryophyllene for H. hircinum, α-pinene for H. empetrifolium, δ-cadinene for F. communis, and chamazulene for A. arborescens. The domestication feasibility of the aforementioned plant species is also discussed.