Evaluation of Major Minerals and Trace Elements in Wild and Domesticated Edible Herbs Traditionally Used in the Mediterranean Area

Abstract

The human diet is characterized by the intake of major minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P, N) and trace elements (Zn, Mn, Se, Cu, Fe, Co, I, Cr, F, Pb, Cd) for their key role in many metabolic functions. Nowadays, the research of sources able to improve their intake is in continuous evolution, especially in the undeveloped countries. In this sense, wild edible herbs, commonly used since ancient times, can represent a good alternative to improve the daily human intake of minerals. In this study, four wild edible species, Rumex acetosa, Picris hieracioides, Cichorium intybus, and Plantago coronopus, were analyzed for their content in Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn and, besides, three domestications (named “soilless,” pot, and open field) were evaluated in the analyzed species in the prospective of their commercialization as valuable sources of minerals in the human diet. Nitrate and oxalate contents were also evaluated, given their negative impact on human health. Results unveil that open field domestication allowed the plants to maintain the content of major minerals similar to those measured in wild plants, especially in C. intybus and P. hieracioides. The trace elements Cu, Mn, Fe, and Zn were not recorded at high content irrespectively to the wild collection or domestications. Finally, plants grown in the open field also accounted for a high oxalate and nitrate content, especially in R. acetosa. Further researches should be aimed at decreasing the oxalate and nitrate content in the domesticated species and to promote the commercialization of the domesticated species.

Physical fruit traits, proximate composition, fatty acid and elemental profiling of almond [Prunus dulcis Mill. DA Webb] kernels from ten genotypes grown in southern Morocco

“…Minerals are involved in various metabolic and physiologic processes of living organisms; their proper functioning requires the supply of well-defined quantities of these metals (Williams, 2005;Dronkelaar et al, 2018;Ceccanti et al, 2021). Indeed, insufficient intake or excess of minerals and trace elements may result in an alteration of the immune system and can eventually lead to clinical symptoms; adequate intake is required to preserve a healthy immune system (Wintergerst et al, 2007).…”

Plant Growth Regulators Application Enhance Tolerance to Salinity and Benefit the Halophyte Plantago coronopus in Saline Agriculture

“…These microgreens showed better nutraceutical value. On the other hand, these herbs grown in the open air presented a better development that in greenhouses, demonstrating the potential of this halophyte in saline agriculture [ 20 , 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ].…”

The application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in Solanum lycopersicum production in the agricultural system: a review

“…( Ramakrishna, Yadav & Li, 2019 ). Significant elements like Mg and K are the most important elements that increase the standard of plants ( Ceccanti et al, 2021 ).…”