We describe the content of phenolic compounds in various artichoke tissues, developmental stages, and varieties. Results indicate that artichoke leaves represent an important source of these health-promoting compounds, also useful for phytopharmaceutical applications. A wider utilization of specific artichoke types should be strongly encouraged not only as a food for the fresh market, as they are now used, but also for the pharmaceutical industry, since the content of phenolic compounds is abundant both in the heads and in the leaves.

A collection of Armoracia rusticana Gaertn., Mey. et Scherb. (horseradish) has been established at the Institute of Plant GeneticsNational Research Council-Thematic Centre for the Preservation of Mediterranean Biodiversity located in Policoro (MT). Collecting missions have been conducted in internal areas of Basilicata region (South Italy). Ethnobotanical data were collected using a set of open-ended and multiple-choice questionnaires. These information provide an understanding of contemporary uses, agricultural practices and socio-cultural traditions associated with horseradish presence in the sites. Data regarding the variation of 26 morphological descriptors were recorded and statistically analized. The results showed a significative degree of variability between accessions and represent an instrument to understand perspectives of this plant for the agriculture of Basilicata region and it is the first step for the description and classification of this local horseradish germplasm.

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