The isolation of glucosinolates was carried out from different parts of the plant Sinapis pubescens L. (seed, leaf, root, and stem) using a modified ISO 9167-1 method. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed by UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS. A total of nine glucosinolates were identified. Aliphatic glucosinolates were predominant, including gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin, glucocochlearin, and both epimers, progoitrin and epiprogoitrin. In addition, one arylaliphatic glucosinolate (gluconasturtiin) and three indole glucosinolates (4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin) were identified. The highest total glucosinolate content was found in seeds (60.81 μmol g-1 dry plant material), followed by roots (21.68 μmol g-1), leaves (13.46 μmol g-1), while the lowest content was observed in stems (3.34 μmol g-1). Gluconapin was the most abundant glucosinolate in all plant parts. These results contribute to a better understanding of the organ-specific distribution of glucosinolates in S. pubescens.

The wetland vegetation of two unexplored mountain localities of Sicily was surveyed. A total of 14 wetland sites (springs, peaty springs, temporary ponds) are newly described. Vegetation plots and associated hydrochemical variables were surveyed in each site. The classification of the vegetation relevés led to the description of ten new plant communities, along with records of additional syntaxa already known from other areas of Sicily and southern Italy. All the identified plant communities and associations belong to the Dactylorhizo sacciferae-Juncion striati (Molinio-Arrhenatheretea) and the Alopecuro-Glycerion spicatae (Phragmito-Magnocaricetea) alliances. Nomenclatural revisions are proposed for certain syntaxa. The composition and structure of the described plant communities are analyzed and discussed in comparison with related communities from other European regions.

Oxalis pes-caprae L., an invasive plant from South Africa, has developed into a severe ecological threat in many Mediterranean and temperate areas by replacing native flora and modifying ecosystems. Although this species has detrimental effects on the ecosystem, it has unrealized potential as a significant bioresource. Current research on the secondary metabolites found in O. pes-caprae, such as phenolic acids, oxalates, and flavonoids, is summarized in this review, along with an analysis of their biological and pharmacological properties, which include antibacterial, antidiabetic, and antioxidant activities. O. pes-caprae could be converted from a troublesome intruder into a financially and ecologically advantageous bioresource of natural products for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural applications by rethinking the invasive species as a resource for phytochemical extraction. This would offer a novel approach to managing invasive species while promoting the advancement of green technologies and sustainable practices.

Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of A. sylvestris, deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, A. sylvestris emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on A. sylvestris, investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure–activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource.

Within a study focused on Sinapis pubescens subsp. pubescens wild from Sicily (Italy), an edible species still unexplored, our earlier published work has demonstrated good in vitro antioxidant properties for the flower and leaf hydroalcoholic extracts, exhibiting quite different qualitative-quantitative phenolic profiles. Herein, further research was designed to elucidate the role played by phenolic compounds in the different antioxidant mechanisms highlighted for the extracts. To achieve this goal, the crude extracts were subjected to liquid-liquid partitioning with solvents of increasing polarity; then, the fractions were investigated for their antioxidant properties using different in vitro assays. For both flowers and leaves, the ethyl acetate fractions exhibited the best activity in DPPH and reducing power assays, followed by n-butanol. The total phenolic content determination indicated these fractions as the phenolic-rich ones, which were characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS analysis. Conversely, the phenolic-rich fractions did not show any chelating activity, which was highlighted for the more hydrophobic ones.

This work aimed to investigate Sinapis pubescens subsp. pubescens spontaneously grown in Sicily (Italy) as new potential source of active metabolites; specifically, a comparative study on leaf, flower, and stem hydroalcoholic extracts was performed. Polyphenols were quantitatively determined by spectrophotometric methods and characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS; a total of 55 polyphenolic compounds were identified, highlighting considerably different qualitative-quantitative profiles. The extracts showed antioxidant activity, evaluated by in vitro assays; particularly, the leaf extract displayed the best radical scavenging activity (DPPH test) and reducing power, while the flower extract showed the greatest chelating activity. The antimicrobial properties of the extracts were investigated against bacteria and yeasts by standard methods; no antimicrobial activity was found against the strains tested. The extracts resulted to be non-toxic after preliminary toxicity evaluation by the Artemia salina lethality bioassay. The aerial parts of S. pubescens subsp. pubescens proved to be valuable sources of antioxidants for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Microbial colonization plays a relevant role in the biodegradation and biodeterioration of cultural and natural heritage, representing a revealing problem in conservation strategy. In this study, the essential oil (EO) and hydro-alcoholic extract (HAE) of Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae), an aromatic perennial plant, representative of the Mediterranean basin, growing spontaneously and cultivated all over the world, were analysed. Natural products, such as essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extract, have strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and are ad hoc applied for the sustainable conservation of Erithryna caffra (Fabaceae). The main taxa revealed in the damaging of these arboreal heritage, are Bacillus sp., Streptomyces sp. and Terribacillus sp. (as bacteria), Alternaria sp., Aspergillus sp. and Chaetomium sp. (as fungi). GS-MS analysis identified carvacrol, thymol and their biosynthetic precursors γ-terpinene and p-cymene, as main components, and the antimicrobial efficiency assayed by in vitro methods (Agar Dish Diffusion, Well Plate Diffusion). In this study, by combining the application/exposure of both HAE and EO, the bacterial and fungal colonies development has been in vitro countered. The results confirm the possible use of plant products as a valid alternative to the traditional synthetic chemical biocides, with full respect to the environment.

In the present study, we focused our attention on Crataegus laciniata Ucria (Rosaceae), which is wild growing in western Sicily (Italy). The chemical profile of the C. laciniata flower’s (CLF) ethanolic (70%) extract showed the presence of both C-flavonoid and O-flavonoid derivatives. Beyond the main metabolites, like hyperoside and vitexin, there are several luteolin derivates, in addition to catechin and epicatechin dimers or trimers. Regarding the antioxidant activities, CLF showed a strong ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS radicals and a good Fe3+-reducing antioxidant power. The investigation into the key enzymes in diabetes showed strong inhibition on α-amylase and α-glucosidase, whereas the skin-whitening properties are linked to inhibitory effects on tyrosinase. Moreover, we employed Danio rerio (zebrafish) for toxicity assessment, as it represents an ideal in vivo model due to its high correlation with humans in response to pharmaceutical and cosmetic testing. Zebrafish embryos exposed to CLF (25–100 µg/mL) showed marked depigmentation compared to phenylthiourea (PTU), in addition to a high survival percentage and the absence of malformations. In conclusion, this experimental study outlines that C. laciniata flowers could be a potential source of bioactive compounds for application in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

In this study, Mentha pulegium leaves and flowers harvested in three different Sicilian areas were investigated from a micromorphological, phytochemical and biological point of view. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed the presence of spherocrystalline masses of diosmin both in the leaf epidermal cells and in thin flower petals. Two different chemotypes were identified (I, kaempferide/rosmarinic acid; II, jaceidin isomer A). Phytochemical screening identified plant from collection site II as the richest in total phenolics (16.74 g GAE/100 g DE) and that from collection site I as the richest in flavonoids (46.56 g RE/100 g DE). Seventy-seven metabolites were identified both in flower and leaf extracts. Plant from site II showed the best antioxidant (0.90–83.72 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (27.44–196.31 µg/mL) activity expressed as half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) evaluated by DPPH, TEAC, FRAP, ORAC, BSA denaturation and protease inhibition assays. These data were also corroborated by in vitro cell-based assays on lymphocytes and erythrocytes. Moreover, plant of site II showed the best antiangiogenic properties (IC50 33.43–33.60 µg/mL) in vivo on a chick chorioallantoic membrane. In conclusion, pedoclimatic conditions influence the chemotype and the biological activity of M. pulegium, with chemotype I showing the most promising biological properties.

As part of a project aimed at investigating the specific and intraspecific taxa of Matthiola which grow spontaneously in Sicily (Italy), in this work our research has been focused on Matthiola tricuspidata and Matthiola sinuata. The phenolic and volatile compounds of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the aerial parts of the selected species have been characterized by HPLC-PDA/ESI-MS and SPME-GC/MS analyses. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity in vitro (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH), reducing power and Fe2+ chelating activity assays) and the toxicity (Artemia salina lethality bioassay) of the extracts were investigated. The phytochemical analyses highlighted quite different phenolic and volatile profiles in the two species. Concerning the antioxidant properties, M. tricuspidata extract resulted the most active both in the DPPH and in the reducing power tests (IC50 = 1.20 +/- 0.01 mg/mL and ASE/mL = 11.25 +/- 0.97), whereas M. sinuata extract showed better secondary antioxidant properties (IC50 = 1.32 +/- 0.02 mg/mL). The extracts resulted non-toxic in the Artemia salina lethality bioassay. Our findings indicate that both M. tricuspidata and M. sinuata represent new safe sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant potential.

“Manna” is the product obtained from the solidification of the elaborate sap that comes out of the incisions made during the summer season on the stem and on the main branches of some species of the genus Fraxinus (Oleaceae). The cultivation of manna ash trees dates back to ancient times in Sicily and elsewhere ash trees – known as sacred trees, a symbol of abundance and therefore auspicious – was increasingly widespread until the middle of the last century. Subsequently, however, the crop underwent a progressive decline, remaining relegated to restricted areas of Sicily, in particular in the Madonie district (Palermo, Italy). In this brief review, the essential characteristics of the manna and the ash trees from which it is extracted are summarized. The aspects of the current productivity of manna in the Sicilian territory and the implications of a potential recovery and increase of an ancient craft, ash tree cultivation, are also reported in a perspective of sustainable development and green economy for the Mediterranean area and beyond. Finally, the authors remember what has been done to ensure the conservation not only of the active cultivation of manna ash but also of all the relative agro-biodiversity. The conservation of the living germplasm of the ancient cultivars recovered in the Madonie area (Palermo, Sicily) represents one of the most qualifying results.

Raimondo, F. M. & Venturella, G.: A critical form of Celtis tree (Ulmaceae) occurring in Sicily. — Fl. Medit. 31 (Special Issue): 509-513. 2022. — ISSN: 1120-4052 printed, 2240-4538 online. The morphological variability of the Sicilian population of Celtis australis is examined. On the basis of leaf and branching characters, recurrent in various trees growing both in natural and urban environment, a new variety is recognized and described, indicated as Celtis australis var. panormitana. The most significant differential characters and the ecology of the new taxon are reported. Finally, the taxonomic affinities with the two other conspecific taxa are recalled. At the current state of knowledge the new variety is endemic to Sicily.

Alnus glutinosa (namely black alder or European alder) is a tree of the Betulaceae family widely spread through Europe, Southeastern Asia, the Caucasus mountains, and Western Siberia. Its bark is traditionally used for medicinal purposes as an astringent, cathartic, febrifuge, emetic, hemostatic, and tonic, suggesting that it may contain bioactive compounds useful to counteract inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical profile of A. glutinosa stem bark extract (AGE) by LC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis and to validate some biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic properties by in vitro and in vivo models (chick chorioallantoic membranes and zebrafish embryos), that can justify its use against inflammatory-based diseases. The AGE showed a high total phenols content expressed as gallic acid equivalents (0.71 g GAE/g of AGE). Diarylheptanoids have been identified as the predominant compounds (0.65 g/g of AGE) with oregonin, which alone constitutes 74.67% of the AGE. The AGE showed a strong and concentration-dependent antioxidant (IC50 0.15–12.21 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IC50 5.47–12.97 µg/mL) activity. Furthermore, it showed promising anti-angiogenic activity, inhibiting both the vessel growth (IC50 23.39 µg/egg) and the release of an endogenous phosphatase alkaline enzyme (IC50 44.24 µg/embryo). In conclusion, AGE is a promising source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and angio-modulator compounds.

Brassica villosa subsp. drepanensis (Caruel) Raimondo & Mazzola, belonging to the Brassica oleracea complex, is a wild edible plant endemic to western Sicily and a relative of modern cultivated Brassica crops. In this study, the antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory activities, enzymatic inhibition, and cytotoxicity in cancer cells of B. villosa subsp. drepanensis leaf ethanolic extract were analysed for the first time. In addition, its chemical profile was investigated partitioning the total 70% ethanol extract among ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water to obtain three residues that were subjected to chromatographic separation. Two flavonol glycosides, a phenol glucoside, two amino acids, and purine/pyrimidine bases were obtained. The presence of the glucosinolate glucoiberin was detected in the water extract by UHPLC-MS analysis. The total polyphenol and flavonoid content of the 70% ethanol extract showed good antioxidant capacities and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing nitric oxide release and reactive oxygen species levels and increasing glutathione in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The extract inhibited the enzymatic activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and, significantly, of lipase. The MTT assay showed that the extract did not affect the viability of normal HFF-1 and RAW 264.7 cells. Among the cancer cell lines tested, an antiproliferative action was only observed in CaCo-2. The cytotoxicity of the extract was further confirmed by LDH release assay and by the destabilization of the oxidative balance. Results confirmed the antioxidant properties of the crude extract responsible for the anti-inflammatory effect on healthy cells and cytotoxicity in cancer cells.

Wetlands are essential for life on Earth, but at the same time the most threatened environments due to the gradual alterations associated with climate change and human action. The botanical studies on wetland higher plants carried out in Italy from 1950 until today are analysed in this survey. The 1,265 contributions resulting from this study are analysed from a historical, geographical, and content point of view. Most of the scientific contributions were published in the 1980s and 1990s, often by the same research groups and on a local scale. The predominant research theme is the inventory. Most papers are mainly focused on lakes and rivers. The results of this literature survey point to the need to continue and intensify these studies, especially in southern Italy and in temporary wetlands. It is essential to make the huge amount of data resting in drawers or included in scientific reports but not published in scientific journals readily accessible. This could also be achieved through online geographical databases.

The current status of the majority of apomictic taxa, and therefore their priorities for conservation, are poorly known, and consequently, they are neglected by conservationists. In Sicily 8 species and 4 subspecies of Hieracium s. str. occurs. Eleven taxa are endemic to the area, one has a wider distribution. These taxa were not evaluated within the recent project "Red List assessment of plants and fungi in Italy" because collectively considered with insufficient and unreliable distribution data. The global conservation status of the endemic Hieracium s. str. taxa occurring in Sicily was assessed here using the IUCN categories and criteria, on the basis of the data collected during field surveys over 10 years. Criteria A, B, C and D were used in assessments. The assessment of punctual endemic taxa considered the real threats to which populations are subjected. Overall, 6 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, 1 Vulnerable and 2 Least Concern taxa were assessed. The knowledge of taxa, currently small in size and isolated from each other, allows for the planning of differentiated conservation strategies.

Raimondo, F. M., Bajona, E., Spadaro, V. & Di Gristina, E.: Recent and new taxonomic acquisitions in some native genera of Asteraceae from southern Italy and Sicily. — Fl. Medit. 31: 109-122. 2021. — ISSN: 1120-4052 printed, 2240-4538 online. After a brief review of the recent acquisition in some native genera of family Asteraceae from southern Italy and Sicily, a new endemic species of Anthemis (sect. Hiorthia) is described from Sicily and named Anthemis parlatoreana. The locus classicus of the new taxon, falling in the NW Tyrrhenian coast of the island (Castellammare del Golfo, Trapani), coincides with that of Ptilostemon greuteri, another endemic very rare species of the Sicilian flora. Data on the morphology, distribution, ecology and conservation status of the new species are provided. The taxonomic relationships with the other Sicilian taxa of the same section, in particular A. cupaniana, are also analyzed. The simultaneous presence in the same site of other endemic plants enriches the area of the limestone reliefs of Castellammare del Golfo and all of north-western Sicily with biogeographic significance and biogenetic importance.