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• We analysed genetic diversity of 12 Lippia origanoides genotypes. • This is the first study that assesses the morphological markers in Lippia origanoides. • The results indicated great variability among the Lippia origanoides genotypes. • Multivariate analyses were performed. • E- caryophyllene, bicyclogermacrene and α–pinene were prevalent in the essential oil. The species Lippia origanoides Kunth is a medicinal plant, native to Brazilian a species native to the Brazilian northeast and has pronounced pharmacological, agronomical and economic importance. However, few studies have been done focusing on the conservation of this species, which has been obtained exclusively through extraction. The objective of this study was to characterize 12 genotypes of L. organoides in different regions in the state of Bahia, based in 13 morpho-agronomic descriptors related to the plant, flowers and leaves, as well as to identify the chemical compounds present of its essential oil (EO). The essential oil was obtained from dry leaves by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatograph coupled to mass spectrometer and a flame ionization detector (GC–MS/FID). The results show variations in the qualitative morphological characteristics, such as coloration of petals and leaf format, as well as significant differences in the variables LC, LW, LL/LWL, LA, FLM, DLM, EOC and EOY. In the multivariate techniques used, the accessions were divided in four distinct groups in accordance with the geographic proximity. The accessions LO010, LO007, and LO012 presented elevated production of essential oil. The most important compounds to discriminate the twelve genotypes were (E)-methylcinnamate (52.70 %), (Z)-methyl cinnamate (33.25 %), limonene (4.69 %), camphene (2.49 %), camphor (2.46 %) and α-pinene (2.06 %). The findings of this study contributed to the understanding of the morpho-agronomic characters and the chemical composition of these new genotypes, being important to guide future industrial applicability and studies in genetic breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marigold is a plant native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the Asteraceae family, and has been cultivated as a medicinal and ornamental plant all over the world for centuries. Due to its long flowering period, it is important to determine the appropriate harvest interval and date. This study was performed in the Research Area of Çukurova University in the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 growing seasons, with an aim to investigate the influence of different harvest intervals (4-, 8-, and 12-day harvest intervals for the flowers) and harvest dates (8-day interval for the seeds) on the flower and seed yield and quality traits of marigold. The highest total flower yield (7519.8 kg/ha; harvest at 4-day intervals) and seed yield (595.6 kg/ha; 1st harvest) were obtained in the 1st growing season. The highest seed fixed oil ratio (12.86 %) was obtained in June, and the highest flower essential oil ratio (0.18 %) was obtained in May. Of the 38 components in the essential oil, α-Cadinol (22.59 %–30.10 %), δ-Cadinene (9.88 %–13.79 %), τ-Muurolol (6.58 %–8.20 %), γ-Cadinene (4.80 %–7.15 %), and γ-Muurolene (4.15 %–4.82 %) were determined as the main components. Six fatty acids were detected in the fixed oil and the main components were determined as α-calendic acid (22.07 %–49.41 %), linoleic acid (28.31 %–37.85 %), and oleic acid (7.18 %–30.06 %). The highest α-calendic acid ratios were detected in June and decreased as the harvests were delayed. Consequently, the application of harvesting at 4-day intervals for increased flower number and harvesting seeds early due to the high α-calendic acid rate can be considered as a feasible approach. [Display omitted] • At 32 °C, both the flower number and diameter values decreased rapidly. • The flower diameter values significantly affected the fresh flower yield values. • The heteromorphism ratio in the marigold seeds varied according to the harvest times. • Plants stressed by the effects of rising temperatures formed smaller capitula. • The α-calendic acid ratio tended to decrease with increasing temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosemary waste was used as a precursor to produce biochar by slow pyrolysis, examining the influence of feedstock type (leaves or stems) and pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties. The structural, thermal, morphological and physicochemical characteristics of the original feedstocks and biochars were analyzed by XRD, FTIR, SEM, DTA/TGA and EA (CHNSO). The study revealed differences in the chemical composition of rosemary leaves and stems. Leaves showed higher levels of hemicellulose and extractive, while stems contained more cellulose and lignin. Biochar yields from stems are higher than those from leaves, and both decrease as pyrolysis temperature rises from 400 to 900°C. The density increases with increasing pyrolysis temperature, that of leaf biochars is greater. Stem biochars had a higher surface electronegativity than leaf biochars. Two pyrolysis temperature ranges have been determined. At T < 700°C, most of the hydrolyzable functional groups in the feedstock were retained in the biochars. Leaf biochar leachates have very high electrical conductivities compared to stem biochars and feedstocks, indicating significant salt content. At T ≥ 700°C, stem biochars have greater chemical stability to oxidation (average = 106.9 %) than leaf biochars (average = 100.6 %). Stems biochars, prepared at T <700°C, can be better valorized in carbon storage as a long-term C sink or replaces fossil carbon in industrial manufacturing, it can also be better valorized in the agricultural sector. [Display omitted] • Biochar from rosemary waste provides a sustainable way to manage agricultural by-products and reduce environmental impact. • Effect of rosemary waste components on biochar yield and physico-chemical characteristics is assessed. • Effect of pyrolysis temperature on volatilization, decomposition, pore structure, and surface area of biochar is analyzed. • Biochar, a carbon-rich material, offers diverse applications in pollutant removal, soil improvement, and carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant secondary metabolites (SMs) play a crucial role in shielding plants from pathogens and environmental stressors. These natural products find widespread applications across various industries, including pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and healthcare. However, the quantity and quality of these compounds in plants can be influenced by factors such as genetics, morphology, plant age, and the seasonal and daily variations. The timing of harvest holds particular significance for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) as their active compounds peak at a specific moment during the plant growth cycle. Determining the optimal harvest time is essential to ensure the plants meet their intended cultivation goal. In this review, we analyzed how developmental and external factors impact the qualitative and quantitative effectiveness of SMs in MAPs. We examined recent studies on the effects of environmental and developmental factors on SMs of MAPs, compiling relevant data for analysis. The results of this review demonstrate how these factors influence the quantity and quality of plant SMs, underscoring the importance of determining the optimal harvest time (known as the balsamic time) to maximize the utilization of these compounds. Our findings offer crucial insights into the factors affecting SMs, serving as a tool for quality control in MAPs production. Moreover, this review can be a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, and industrial users aiming to optimize plant growth and harvest timing for maximum yield. Overall, our review provides valuable information for devising effective strategies to produce high-quality MAPs products. [Display omitted] • Morpho-phenological stages and timing significantly influence plant secondary metabolites (SMs). • Optimal harvest timing is crucial for achieving desired outcomes, as SMs peak at specific stages of the plant's growth cycle.. • The modification of SMs may occur due to changes the expression of biosynthesis genes. • The review proposes the concept of the "balsamic time" for optimal harvesting of various SMs in medicinal and aromatic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • New insights regarding the mechanisms and processes involved in S. dolomitica drought adaptation are provided. • Moderate drought decreased growth, leaf water potential and stomatal conductance, while increased deyhdrin gene expression. • Severe drought decreased net photosynthesis and transpiration rate. • Drought increased sesquiterpene production by modulating gene expression of key enzymes of terpenoid biosynthesis. • Moderate drought can ameliorate secondary metabolites production and water-management practices in S. dolomitica. Abstract Sage is an important medicinal and aromatic plant. While Salvia officinalis and S. miltiorrhiza have been widely studied, little information regarding S. dolomitica exists, although it has recently attracted attention due to its anti-plasmodial and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the performance and metabolic profile of this species in response to two drought treatments (moderate or severe) relative to well-watered control plants. Changes in growth and ecophysiological traits, as well as in bioactive and volatile compounds and essential oil production were determined. Given that terpenoids are the most representative class of secondary metabolites, the gene expression of key enzymes of terpenoid biosynthesis was also investigated. Moderate drought stimulated a decline in leaf water potential, growth and stomatal conductance, as well as an increase in deyhdrin expression. Serious stress symptoms occurred only in severe drought-stressed plants, where a decline in net photosynthesis and transpiration and an increase in endogenous abscisic acid was observed. Both drought stress conditions led to modulate the expression of some genes involved in biogenic volatile organic compound and essential oil biosynthesis and metabolic profile. In particular, drought induced an increase in sesquiterpene production, a class of terpenoids that is important in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Thus, controlled drought, in addition to water savings during cultivation, can be applied to improve the production of secondary metabolites in S. dolomitica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is considered as a rich repository of the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), and has diverse traditional and modern base of therapeutic knowledge. Inhabitants of the region are traditionally well familiar with the healing properties of the available plants and therefore, dependency on medicinal plants for primary healthcare forms integral part of their life. Besides, modern pharmaceutical industries are also relying upon medicinal plants for developing new drugs or searching novel biomolecules. However, over-harvesting and habitat loss of MAPs has reduced its population in the wild, and threatened the sustainability of a number of species in IHR. This calls for an urgent attention and requires selection of suitable criteria and indicators towards encouraging long-term economic and environmental sustainability of the MAP sector. In this context, this study focuses on identifying four major sustainability parameters; i.e. economic, environmental/ecological, socio-cultural and governance, with 11 criteria and 48 indicators. The criteria and indicators approach is expected to be useful in assessing the impacts and monitoring the developmental initiatives in the MAP sector. Further, the study also prioritized potential MAP species for linking cultivation and conservation with livelihood opportunity in Western Himalaya. A total of 152 potential MAP species were identified based on medicinal value, market demand, availability and uses in traditional herbal system. Of these, 43 potential MAPs have been prioritized for cultivation and conservation in Western Himalaya. In addition, distribution and diversity of threatened MAPs of IHR has been documented and presented in a manner to develop strategies for sustainability of the sector at state and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi are widely known to reside in plant tissues causing no harm to host plants or even no noticeable change. They may colonize host plants for a part of their life cycle or may complete the entire life cycle since host provide a variety of novel metabolites. Despite being in a close relationship with medicinal host plants, the diversity and metabolic spectrum of endophytic fungi have not been researched well. Their diversity and ecological niche as plant symbionts make them attractive targets in the search for novel biochemicals. We aimed to isolate, purify, and characterize the endophytic fungal population of medicinal host plants cultivated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The goal was achieved through morphological identification and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions in rRNA analyses to determine phylogeny and diversity. Three aromatic and medicinal plants Jasminum sambac, Camellia sinensis, and Ocimum basilicum collected from the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia were investigated. In total, 84 isolates were purified and they were grouped into 20 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as per their sequences of ITS regions in rRNA. Twenty species of endophytic fungi were grouped in 12 genera i.e. Neopestalotiopsis , Trichoderma, Fusarium, Colletotrichum, Myrothecium, Chaetomium, Alternaria, Phoma, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Neodidymelliopsis, and Aspergillus and all isolates belonged to Ascomycota phylum. J. sambac was found dominant among other and had a relative frequency of 27%. C. sinensis was next with 18.7% relative frequency. The diversity was prominently recorded in leaf organs over stem and roots while roots exhibited the lowest diversity. Isolates also produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) deaminase enzyme, and siderophores with variable magnitudes that could be assigned to their wide range of metabolic variations from species to species. Conclusively, J. sambac, C. sinensis, and O. basilicum are a good source of endophytic fungi with certain plant growth-promoting traits. Overall, Alternaria was found as the most predominant genus in terms of colonization rate. Further deternminations are required to screen the beneficial compounds released by these endophytic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Coated cherries had lower loss weight. • Delay in ripening index increase in coated cherries. • Coatings improved the overall antioxidant activity of sweet cherries. • High phenolic contents in coated cherries. • Aqueous extracts of Satureja montana L. (SMA) and Thymus vulgaris L. (TVA) are the most promising coatings for cherry preservation. Sweet cherry is among the most appreciated fruits by consumers, due to its organoleptic and health-promoting properties. However, it is a fruit with reduced shelf life, which limits its availability on the market. Several strategies to improve shelf life of fruits are available, including the use of plant-based edible coatings. This work aims to study the postharvest effect of aqueous (A) and hydroethanolic (H) extracts of medicinal and aromatic plants (Mentha piperita L. (MP), Satureja montana L. (SM) and Thymus vulgaris L. (TV)), Aloe vera (Al), and chitosan (Qh) coatings on physical and quality parameters of cv. Early Bigi. Sweet cherries were stored at 2°C for 14 days (cold storage), then kept at 20°C for more three days to assess shelf life (+ 3 SL). All treatments reduced weight (average of 10%) and firmness (average of 0.9 Nmm-1) losses mainly at the end of cold storage + 3 SL, when compared to control samples (12% and 0.7 Nmm-1). The ripening index showed a delay (average of 20 and 14%, respectively to cold storage and cold storage + 3 SL) in its increase when using aqueous extracts of Satureja montana L. (SMA) and Thymus vulgaris L. (TVA) coatings. Coatings improved the overall antioxidant activity of sweet cherries, without negative effects on the content of bioactive compounds and on the sensory profile of fruits. SMA and TVA coatings present overall positive results, that might indicate that their use could be a safe, natural, effective, beneficial and innovative approach to preserve sweet cherry quality in postharvest storage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Melissa officinalis had the highest bioactivities and phenolic composition. • Salvia officinalis had the best microbiological response. • Excellent antioxidant activity was related to the rich phenolic composition. • Lamiaceae plants had better antioxidant potential than synthetic preservatives. Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) have been described as a source of phenolic compounds with potential as antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimicrobial agents. MAP from the Lamiaceae family (Origanum vulgare L. , Thymus vulgaris L. , Ocimum basilicum L. , Salvia officinalis L. , Melissa officinalis L., and Matricaria chamomilla L.) were selected to perform a phytochemical and biological screening for their further exploitation as natural bioactive ingredients. The total content of phenolic compounds varied from 184.02 mg/g extract in M. officinalis to 17.97 mg/g extract in M. chamomilla. Caffeic and rosmarinic acids were the main phenolic acids found in the respective hydroalcoholic extracts. The extracts showed a promising antioxidant activity in vitro , being related the phenolic compositions of the extracts, furthermore, all extracts being able to combat lipid peroxidation in TBARS assays with an IC 50 under 26 μg/mL, moreover all the plant extract has prevented the oxidative haemolysis in OxHLIA assays at concentrations below 67 μg/mL in a Δt 60 min and under 118 μg/mL for a Δt 120 min. Regarding to the bactericidal and fungicidal action the plant extracts were able to inhibit growth against bacteria associated with food hazards, such as Salmonella typhimurium (MIC < 1) and Listeria monocytogenes (MIC < 1), regarding to fungicidal activity it can be highlighted the MIC values under to 0.25 for Aspergillus versicolor and Trichoderma viride. Overall, the selected Lamiaceae plants stood out as a source of active phytochemicals that can be used by different industries, such as food and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The functional beverages are excellent delivering means for nutrients and bioactive molecules. • Use of medicinal and aromatic plants in the production of functional beverages has become increasingly popular due to specific content of structurally diverse bioactive molecules with numerous confirmed health benefits and specific sensory properties. • The quality of plant extracts and essential oils depends on quality of raw materials and applied extraction techniques. • Rising consumer demand for natural ingredients provides numerous opportunities for the fortification and development of new categories of functional beverages based on medicinal and aromatic plants. The functional beverages (FBs) are an important segment of functional food products due to health benefits they provide and their appealing sensory characteristics, suitability and affordability. FBs market offers many opportunities for new product development (nutraceuticals, colorants, plant-based medicines and products) with desirable and effective composition of nutrients and bioactive molecules (BAMs) aimed to deliver health benefits and improve human well-being. Recently, the use of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in the production of FBs has become increasingly popular due to specific content of nutrients (amino and fatty acids) and BAMs (volatile and non-volatile) attributed to the biological effects and health benefits. BAMs are stored in leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, barks and roots, and they mostly include phenolics (phenolic acids, flavonoids, tanins, anthocyanins, lignans and stilbenes), essential oils (EOs), terpenoids, alkaloids, phytosterols and saponins. The aromatic features of MAPs are mainly related to volatile compounds of EOs, but the presence of non-volatile compounds, such as phenolics, also contributes to the specific sensory properties. Phytochemical profiling of plant species containing specific and complex mixtures of BAMs, provides numerous opportunities for the development of new categories of FBs, but also opens new challenges in their isolation using conventional and advanced extraction techniques, as well as determination of potential biological effects. This review summarizes the categories of the most common FBs, BAMs from selected MAPs and their biological effects, extraction techniques suitable for production of plant extracts and EOs, product quality and prediction trends, and several directions towards future research on FBs development strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Evaluation of medicinal and aromatic plants in the physiology of the fungus Alternaria alternata. [•] Detection of biochemical changes in the phytopathogenic fungus Alternaria alternata by spectroscopy. [•] Correlation between FTIR band area ratios and mycelium growth development of Alternaria alternata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple basil is among the most important basil varieties and its essential oil is used for several purposes including medicinal and aromatic uses. Soil types may impact the plant growth, development, and essential oil composition. Hence, it is important to find the most suitable soil type which may produce basil plants having essential oil with the best composition and concentration. For this reason, plant samples of purple basil that were grown in areas with clay, loamy sand, and sandy-clay loam soil types were collected and evaluated to determine the changes in the yield and essential oil components. Essential oil contents were determined with the Clevenger Device, and essential oil compositions were determined by using GC and GC/MS analysis. The highest essential oil yield according to soil types was obtained from the plant samples that were grown in the loamy sand soil. It was also found that the main compounds present in Arapgir town purple basil were methylcinnamate and linalool that was also present in all Turkish purple basil under all types of soil. According to the soil types, the highest concentration (46.03%) of methylcinnamate was observed in loamy sand soils, and the lowest (42.33%) was obtained from sandy-clay loam soils and found to be significantly different. Data regarding correlations between soil types and essential oil ratios showed that organic matter and P 2 O 5 had a significant negative correlation with methylcinnamate. The present study will help researchers and farmers to choose the most suitable soil type to achieve maximum essential oil production from purple basil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Medicinal plants and their extracts are natural resources of compounds used for treatments in ethnomedicine and phytotherapy. They are also a source of natural products used in the development of new related compounds and drugs for conventional medicine. The increasing interest in use of herbal medicines requires a comprehensive assessment of research data in this field to help focus future efforts. Here we review the increasingly important role of Achyrocline satureioides (Lam.) DC (Asteraceae), marcela, which is used extensively in popular medicine. Like most medicinal plants, however, A. satureioides is generally not cultivated and most plants used commercially are harvested from ecologically and edaphically diverse natural habitats. We provide information on the current status of this promising medicinal and aromatic plant, and an overall view of its potential for production of material with more desirable physicochemical and phytochemical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Specialty materials such as essential oils, pharmaceuticals, colorants, dyes, cosmetics and biocides are obtained from plants. Many species of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are cultivated for such industrial uses, but most are still wild collected. The need for renewable sources of industrial products as well as the need to protect plant biodiversity creates an opportunity for farmers to produce such crops. The production of plants as raw material for fine chemicals is different than cultivation of ornamental or food crops. This review attempts to give an overview of the use of MAPs in various industries, as well as trends in the various markets involved. Economic and regulatory issues relevant for such uses of MAP material are also discussed, with a focus on the situation in the European Union. The aim is to provide information to potential producers to help identify interesting MAPs for cultivation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We investigated the antioxidant activity of methanolic and water extracts of Slovene accessions of four medicinal plant species (Salvia officinalis, Achillea millefolium, Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare and Gentiana lutea). Their free radical-scavenging activity against the DPPH· free radical was studied with a spectrophotometric assay, while their biological activity with the help of a laboratory-made biosensor based on immobilized fibroblast cells (assay duration: 3min). The observed antioxidant activity of the extracts from the four investigated medicinal plant species was dependent on both the solvent used for extraction and the assay method (conventional or biosensor-based). Independently from the assay method and the solvent used for extraction, the lowest scavenging activity was observed in root extracts of G. lutea. Treatment of the immobilized cells with the plant extracts resulted in an increase of the cell membrane potential (membrane hyperpolarization), possibly due to the reduction of membrane damage due to oxidation. The novel cell biosensor could be utilized as a rapid, high throughput tool for screening the antioxidant properties of plant-derived compounds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles was prepared as novel nano-fertilizer of phosphorus and evaluated for Rosmarinus officinalis plant • Rosemary oil components were higher in nano-fertilizer compared to control group with NPK • On anatomy level, nanofertilizer affected different parameters compared to traditional NPK • Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles nano-fertilizer showed great possibility to improve productivity of rosemary plant Nano-fertilizers are new materials produced by means of nanotechnology and may soon replace conventional fertilizers. Nanomaterials including nanoparticles are characterized by rapid absorption and controlled delivery of nutrients in plants. In the current study, hydroxyapatite, i.e., calcium phosphate, nanoparticles (HAP NPs) were developed as a novel phosphorus nano-fertilizer and evaluated for the growth characters, essential oil content, and histological changes in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) plants. For comparison, the NPK fertilizer was used. The results showed that compared to the traditional form NPK, nano-HA at 0.5 and 1.0 g/L enhanced the growth character and essential oil production along with its major constituents during both cuts. The levels of rosemary oil components including α-pinene, eucalyptol, camphor, endo-borneol and verbenone were higher in the nano-fertilizer group than in the control group. Furthermore, the highest values of the stem diameter, fiber thickness, phloem tissue thickness, xylem tissue thickness, pith diameter of the stem and the midvein thickness and lamina thickness of the leaf were obtained with nano-fertilizer. In conclusion, the data demonstrate that hydroxyapatite nanoparticles as a nano-fertilizer showed great potential to improve the productivity of rosemary plants. This approach opens a new avenue for exploring nanomaterials as an alternative technology to traditional fertilizers used in medicinal and aromatic plant culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, the people of Morocco have used medicinal and aromatic plants as traditional medicine to heal different human ailments. However, few studies have been made in the past to properly document and promote traditional knowledge. This study was carried out in the Rif (North of Morocco), with the aim of identifying medicinal and aromatic plants used by the local people to treat dermatological diseases, together with the associated ethnomedicinal knowledge. The ethnomedical information collected was from 563 traditional healers using semi-structured interviews, free listings and focus groups. Family use value (FUV), use value (UV), plant part value (PPV), fidelity level (FL) and Informant Agreement Ratio (IAR) were employed in data analysis. Medicinal plants were collected, identified and kept at the Plant, Animal Productions and Agro-industry Laboratory, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra. During the present study 24 medicinal plant species belonging to 13 families were documented. The most frequent ailments reported were dermal wounds (IAR = 0.99). The majority of the remedies were prepared from decoction. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part and Inula viscosa L. (UV = 0.293) was the species most commonly prescribed by local herbalists. The results of this study showed that people living in the Rif of Morocco are still dependent on medicinal and aromatic plants. Therefore, these herbs are used and pharmaceutical and phytochemical studies should be carried out to study if their use is valid. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports an ethnobotanical study conducted in the year 2000 in the Natural Park of “Serra de Sa˜o Mamede” (Portugal). Informal interviews involving 45 informants provided data about 165 useful plants, 150 of which had medicinal and/or aromatic use. Two hundred and twenty-four popular names were noted, 98 of which had not been documented before. The most relevant plants are mentioned in this paper, along with their local names, the parts of them used, popular uses (or troubles treated), preparation and administration processes, and citation frequency. This is the first study of medicinal and aromatic plants in Portugal to use ethnobotanical methodology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Phenolic compounds were for the first time reported in response to vermicompost. • Caffeic acid increased with water stress and vermicompost. • Rosmarinic acid content decreased by water stress. • Rosmarinic acid increased by vermicompost and vermicompost-water stress interaction. • Estragole and eucalyptol decreased with water stress and vermicompost. Water stress is of the prominent abiotic stress factors retarding the plant growth and related attributes. Organic fertilizers are recently employed for reducing the potential adverse effects of water stress. For that reason, the present study was designed to reveal the impacts of vermicompost on water stress in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). In this regard, sweet basil was grown in peat medium supplemented with different vermicompost (VC) ratio (VC/Peat: 2.5; 5%; 10 and 20 v/v) and subsequently exposed to water stress during flowering stage. Along with the study, an array of parameters including morphological and agronomic traits, phenolic compounds, essential oil compounds and mineral uptake were investigated in sweet basil leaves. Accordingly, water stress negatively affected plant height, plant dry weight, root dry weight and leaf width. However, vermicompost applications at 10% and 20% concentration significantly improved the plant dry weight, root dry weight, leaf dry weight under water stress. Also, the effects of vermicompost applications were concentration-dependent. Of the identified essential oil compounds, major compounds (estragole and eucalyptol) decreased with the water stress and vermicompost treatments, whilst minor compounds increased with the vermicompost and water stress. Out of the major phenolic compounds available, caffeic acid content increased with water stress and vermicompost. Water stress decreased rosmarinic acid content whereas vermicompost and vermicompost-water stress interaction significantly increased the content. Considering nutrient uptake, the higher nutrient levels were observed with vermicompost-amended groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Climate change jeopardize the suitability of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). • Ensemble model delineated the Central Nepal as the core hotspot of six MAPs. • Proportionally, six MAPs will expand their suitability in future 2070. • The mixed cultivation can combat the increasing pressure from international trade. • eSDM is crucial for conceiving the adaptive measures for the conservation. Climate change poses significant challenges to the conservation of highly traded prioritized medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) from the Greater Himalayas. It is therefore essential to understand, 'how' and 'where' the plantation of MAPs can be effectively implemented for dealing with conservation-related issues. However, the ensemble species distribution modelling (eSDM) approach could be best to determine the climatic space of six highly traded MAPs for plantation in Nepal. Meanwhile, the current suitability was projected to the future (2070; RCP 4.5) scenario using a global circulation model (GCM), BCC-CSM1.1. The model delineated climatic space of six highly traded MAPs in the highlands altitudinally ranging from 1800 to 4200 m a.s.l. (meter above sea level) with the core hotspot in the central region of Nepal. Under the current and future scenarios, Nardostachys jatamansi 'Spikenard' and Aconitum spicatum 'Aconite' are projected to have the highest (ca. 15% and 17%) and lowest (ca. 3% and 9%) suitable areas respectively. The climatic zone in the hilly region (ca. 3000 m) can be suitable for mixed cultivation of all six MAPs in combination with Paris polyphylla 'Love Apple' whereas, middle mountainous region (ca. 4000 m) is more suitable for Nardostachys jatamansi. Therefore, the appropriate climatic space of the highly traded MAPs suggests the great possibility of their mixed cultivation to combat the increasing pressure from international trade, thereby benefiting the local farmers or collectors. This approach is crucial for conceiving the adaptive measures for sustainable management concerning the conservation of the highly traded MAPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Residual biomass production from medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) sector were reviewed. • Status and potential of recycling of MAPs residual biomass was reviewed. • Residual biomass of MAPs are important source of phytochemicals, e.g., phenolic- antioxidant and hydrosols. • Potential value addition routes of MAPs residual biomass were also explored. • Economic and environmental sustainability of recycling the residual biomass were analyzed. Agro- and industrial processes that utilises medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) generates various kinds of residues like residual biomasses from distillation of aromatic plant and non-utilized parts of medicinal plant. These residual biomasses cannot be considered as waste as these can actually be recycled and converted into value added products. So, value addition to these residual biomasses through processing, extraction, hydrolysis, pyrolysis and fermentation, etc. could be an exciting avenue especially for the underutilized part of medicinal plant and residual biomass from the distillation of aromatic plant. These biomasses are suitable for isolation of phytochemicals like phenolics-antioxidants which can be used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery industry. After extraction of phytochemicals, the residual biomass can be used directly as animal feed/or organic mulch. Besides, preparation of value added product, like bio sorbent for waste water purification, composts and biochar for an effective soil amendment. These value added products are found to be more promising. In this article, the potential uses of these residual biomasses as valued products have been discussed including the technology developed at laboratory scale and their application in industry. Effective recycling of residual biomass from MAPs is not only for an economic gain, but also a practical solution for its disposal. Thus, dual utilization of the residual biomasses is of great interest and will open windows of opportunity in MAPs sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]