0000000000932966
AUTHOR
G Venturella
Ethnobotanical knowledge in some rural communities of northern Sicily (Palermo, Italy)
An ethnobotanical study was carried out to document the uses of wild plants among some local communities of Sicily (southern Italy). We recorded 48 taxa belonging to 45 genera included in 32 families. 30 taxa are used as medicinal plants, 22 taxa as food and 9 for handicraft use. In comparison with other ethnobotanical studies carried out in Sicily and other Italian territories, some uses of the plants reported by the local population in the study area are peculiarities. The analysis of data shows that the level of traditional knowledge on use of plants in province of Palermo is poor, highlighting a considerably advanced state of cultural erosion. The results of our investigation confirm th…
Morphological and molecular characterization of distinct species of fungi with potential medicinal interest collected in Sicily
Medicinal mushrooms are very interesting for their pharmacological effects as well as for their nutritional value, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial activities. Antitumor activities of mushrooms have been extensively investigated due to recent chemotherapeutic application of some drugs derived from natural sources.The aim of this study was the morphological and molecular characterization of nine species of fungi with potential medicinal interest. In particular, we focused our attention on: Bjerkandera adusta (Willd) P. Karst., Ganoderma resinaceum Boud.,Hericium erinaceus (Bull.) Pers., Pleurotus eryngii var elaeoselini Venturella, Zervakis and La Rocca, P. eryngii var. eryngii (DC.) Quél…
9th International Medicinal Mushrooms Conference (IMMC9)
New antimicrobial peptides from Tirmania pinoyi and Terfezia boudieri in the struggle against antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance of common pathogenic microorganisms is a topic of great concern that has finally received media attention and entered into the political agenda of world leaders. Drug-resistant bacteria are cause of thousands of deaths worldwide, then there is an urgent need for new antimicrobials, otherwise we risk losing the ability to control effectively the infectious diseases. Such emergence can be faced looking also at not usual source of antimicrobial agents, for example medicinal mushrooms. With the objective to tackle Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, we focused on two edible desert truffles mushrooms Tirmania pinoyi and Terfezia boudieri as origin of new antimicrobia…
Araucaria columnaris (Araucariaceae) casual alien in Sicily
The first case of spontaneous regeneration of Araucaria columnaris in Europe is reported. Data are given on the taxon and on the Sicilian site where A. columnaris - native to New Caledonia (Australia) - tends to spread autonomously.
Tamarix, from archaeological to contemporary landscape
One of the most well-known references to the presence of Tamarix species in ancient times is reported in Genesis (21:33). At that time, the tamarisks were used as decorative elements in oaths, purification, and divination. The tamarisk leaves were also used in concoctions and to ward away evil influence, and the branches to construct magic circles. The landscape surrounding the Abraham well in Beersheba is still characterized by the presence of Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge. This species is particularly widespread along the banks of the sacred Jordan and Jabbok Rivers. In some old and recent paintings we can recognize habitus, habitat and, morphological features of tamarisk species such …
Forest ecosystems in the Monti Sicani Park (Sicily)
The authors analysed the forest ecosystems in the Monti Sicani Park (Sicily). In particular, the state of the natural and non-native forests in the Site of Community Interest (SCI ITA040005) - Monte Cammarata, Contrada Salaci, was evaluated in terms of distribution, evolution of forest dynamics and, silvicultural activities. The evolution of vegetation within two different forest plots are analysed and management strategies are proposed. The finding on Mount Cammarata of seedlings of Fagus sylvatica in the undergrowth of a conifer afforestation is noteworthy.
A critical form of Celtis tree (Ulmaceae) occurring in Sicily
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.
Polymorphism of ITS1 and ITS2 regions within and between three distant population of Schizophyllum commune
Schizophyllum commune is one of the most widely distributed fungi and can be isolated from all continents, except for Antarctica. It has an important role as wood decomposer since it is mostly found on fallen branches and timber of deciduous trees, but it can also colonize softwood as well as grass silage. As an edible and medicinal mushroom, it has been shown to have various biological functions including anti-tumor, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Investigation of molecular diversity of this cosmopolitan species is important since it can make us understand what genetic traits are important in maintaining the global success of this species. In this study we analyzed polymorph…
Anti-cancer effects of Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii: an in vitro and in vivo models focusing on Heat Shock Proteins
Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are highly expressed in a variety of cancer cells and are essential to their survival contributing to tumor cell propagation, metastasis, and protection against apoptosis]. Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The current anti-cancer drugs available in market are not target specific and pose several side-effects and complications in clinical management of various forms of cancer, which highlights the urgent need for novel effective and less-toxic therapeutic approaches. Medicinal mushrooms have emerged as wonderful source of nutraceuticals, anti-oxidants, anticancer, prebiotic, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular, anti-microbial, and anti-diabetic. The ongo…
Macromycetes' diversity in Tunisia
In Tunisia, about 12% of the country area is covered by forests which have favorable climatic factors likely to harbor a high macrofungal biodiversity. However, this valuable bioresource remains understudied especially regarding their distribution, ecology, abundance and diversity. The initiation of the first national inventory of macrofungi in NorthWestern Tunisian forests was published by our group in 2016. The study covered six governorates, sixty seven sites and enabled the identification of one hundred and twenty-three specimens. Abiotic environmental factors such (as bioclimatic stage, rainfall and edaphic conditions) and biotic factors (plant association and nature and density of the…
The genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae) from archaeological to contemporary landscape
This review includes the data concerning the presence of Tamarix species in old and contemporary landscapes, and their presence in archaeological areas. Their role as wild and ornamental plants, their use in sacred places, and their depiction in old relief sculpture, old and more recent paintings is also reported. Notes on the presence of Tamarix species in current landscapes and their invasiveness are discussed.
A first contribution to the cryptogamic flora of “Bosco Pomieri” (Northern Sicily)
This is the first contribution to the cryptogamic flora (algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens) of the “Bosco Pomieri”, an old-growth forest included in the Madonie Regional Park (N-Sicily). This area presents a significantly high biodiversity (41 algae, 41 bryophytes, 141 fungi, and 105 lichens) and also hosts several taxa of high biogeographic value.
An insight into the presence of lignicolous fungi in Sicily (southern Italy)
Thirty-six lignicolous fungal species (4 Ascomycota and 32 Basidiomycota), included in 16 families and 28 genera have been recorded in different natural and reforested areas of Sicily. Amylostereum laevigatum, Ceriporia excelsa, Phlebia lilascens, and Stereum insignitum represent new records for Sicily. Notes on some rare species are also here reported.
Biodiversity conservation and protected areas in the Mediterranean region
This chapter provides an overview of current biodiversity knowledge in Mediterranean forest ecosystems across all levels (genetic diversity, species diversity, landscape diversity) and endemism, ecological peculiarities that make Mediterranean forest ecosystems different. It also outlines the importance of biodiversity for functional forest ecosystems and illustrates some examples of conservation efforts in the region.
Pyrus pedrottiana (Rosaceae), a new species from the Nebrodi Mountains (N-E Sicily)
A new species of Pyrus for the dendroflora of Sicily is here described. It is Pyrus pedrottiana, actually considered endemic to the Nebrodi Mountains, a territory which includes the largest wooded area of the island with a high forest biodiversity.In the same area, P. vallis-demonis and P. ciancioi have also been described in recent times. The authors report diagnostic characters to distinguish the new taxon from the other two sympatric species.
Cultivation of some mushrooms species originating from Tunisia and exploration of their valuable metabolites
Mushrooms present interests for consumption as food, as traditional medicine or in bioremediation, due to their nutritional, antioxidant, antimicrobial, therapeutic and enzymatic values. The valorisation of indigenous species of mushrooms requires well characterized collections. Although macrofungi are widespread in Tunisian forests, their diversity and ecology remain generally underexplored which hindered their exploitation. In particular, the in vitro cultivation of the mycelial form could have many advantages: (a) it offers faster growth rates which may have industrial and biotechnological benefits, and (b) will allow better resource management (longer conservation of active forms) and g…
A white Maitake (Grifola frondosa): nutritional value and antibacterial preliminary activity test
Grifola frondosa (Dicks.) Gray (Meripilaceae) is a big size, perennial, infrequent lignicolous basidiomycetes, traditionally known as Maitake. Brown or grayish overlapped caps, with a wavy margin, characterize the sporophore. In the wild, it is usually found at the base of living oak trees but it is also cultivated. G. frondosa is mainly distributed in Japan, Asia, Eastern America, and Europe. In Italy, is infrequent but widely distributed in all regions. Field investigation carried out in autumn 2016 in Sicily (southern Italy) permitted to observe an unusual white G. frondosa growing at the base of a living tree of Quercus pubescens Willd. s.l. Once harvested, the mushroom sample was clean…
COLLECTION, PROCESSING, PRESERVATION AND TRADING OF WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS
USE OF WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS IN THE SERVICES SECTOR
Pleurotus nebrodensis, a very special mushroom
Fungal Diversity in the Mediterranean Area
Fungi are a group of organisms with a high level of diversity. Macrofungi have long been considered as food for humans, but after the Rio de Janeiro Convention in 1992, they were recognized as playing a key role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. In addition to the socioeconomic aspects and their commercial exploitation, the conservation of fungal biodiversity is now fundamental in view of their medicinal properties and biological peculiarities. This review aims to provide the most comprehensive overview of the presence of these organisms in the Mediterranean area and includes the most recent investigation in forestry, biological control, molecular phylogeny, biogeography, speciation…