... 107 (pp.100-100). Meise : Ann Bogaerts, Elmar Robbecht & Jan Rammeloo. ... The oyster mus... more ... 107 (pp.100-100). Meise : Ann Bogaerts, Elmar Robbecht & Jan Rammeloo. ... The oyster mushrooms [Pleurotus (Fr.) P. Kumm.] are among the most popular edible mushrooms, and their cultivation is practiced throughout the world (KONG, 2004). P. ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. ...
ABSTRACT The first report of Mycena pseudoinclinata in Italy is accompanied by notes on the taxon... more ABSTRACT The first report of Mycena pseudoinclinata in Italy is accompanied by notes on the taxonomy, ecology, and distribution of this uncommon basidiomycete.
The area of the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy) has been quantitatively inves... more The area of the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy) has been quantitatively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 90 wild species are used for medicinal purposes and the uses of 5 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy (e.g., the use of Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz. for the treatment of rheumatic pains, the use of Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke for the treatment of liver diseases). The aim of this paper was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the rural populations of the Nebrodi Park. Materials and methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities within the Nebrodi Regional Park with local people retained experts in rural traditions. A total of 226 people over the age of 60 were interviewed. Local plant uses were evaluated using ethnobotanical indices (e.g., cultural importance index, index of ethnobotanical diversity, informant consensus factor) and then compared with uses in other localities in Sicily, Italy and the Mediterranean area. Results Local communities use a total number of 90 wild species belonging to 44 plant families as medicinal remedies. The majority of the species are used as treatments against gastrointestinal system. The cultural importance index showed that Malva sylvestris (1.31) and Clinopodium nepeta (0.86) are the most important species to the Nebrodi area in terms of medicinal use. The use of Brassica rupestris Raf. for therapeutic purposes is limited to Sicily and it is an innovative finding of this study. The research shows an ongoing process of cultural erosion in an advanced stage, but quantitative indices still highlight only for those species was a natural remedy deemed highly effective.
Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in the ... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in the Etna Regional Park (Eastern Sicily, Italy) concerning the traditional knowledge on medicinal use of wild plant species. It contains the results of a quantitative analysis carried out for the first time. A total of 71 wild species are used for medicinal purposes. Two species, Astracantha sicula (Biv.) Greuter and Trifolium phleoides Willd., are little known as medicinal in the Mediterranean area. The main aim of the study was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the elderly population of the Etna Regional Park. A further aim was to identify species not previously reported as medicinal in the Mediterranean area with a potential agricultural interest. Methodology: The information was obtained using a semi-structured interview format performed on a sample of 196 people over the age of 60 who were considered experts in rural traditions. The plant uses were compared with other medical-ethnobotanical studies carried out in other areas of Sicily, Italy and various other Mediterranean countries. A number of quantitative indices were also used in order to verify the incidence of the species cited in the study within the culture and traditional medicine. Results: Local communities currently use a total number of 71 wild species (34 families) as remedies for medicinal purposes. Most of the species were used as treatments against metabolic disorders and for general health. The leaves and the aerial parts of plants are the most-used parts of the plant and the most common preparation methods are decoction and direct application of plant parts. Astracantha sicula and Trifolium phleoides have never been documented as a species with medicinal properties in the Mediterranean literature. Conclusions: Only very few medicinal uses are widely known by all the informants and, on many occasions, a specific medicinal use is cited by only very few people. The quantitative analysis shows that the level of traditional knowledge on medicinal use of plants in the study area is poor, highlighting a considerably advanced state of cultural erosion.
ABSTRACT An up-to-date report on the distribution of Helianthemum lippii in Italy is provided als... more ABSTRACT An up-to-date report on the distribution of Helianthemum lippii in Italy is provided also on the basis of the findings by Lojacono-Pojero in 1889 who reported the existence of a relic population in Sicily (southern Italy), which is now thought to be extinct because of human disturbance. Field excursions permitted to confirm the locus classicus reported by Lojacono-Pojero as the other Sicilian localities that have been reported more recently. Based on a careful analysis of the literature the presence of H. lippii is currently excluded in Calabria and Apulia. The main causes that threaten the habitat of H. lippii in Sicily are pointed out according to IUCN Threats Classification Scheme.
The area of the "Monte Sicani Regional Park" (Central Western Sicily, southern Italy) has been qu... more The area of the "Monte Sicani Regional Park" (Central Western Sicily, southern Italy) has been quantitatively and extensively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 108 wild species are used for medicinal purposes, while, according to our study, the uses of 9 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy. The aim of this paper is to analyze, through quantitative indicators, the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal uses of plants in the area, evaluating also the features of uniqueness and commonality of this knowledge in comparison with other Italian and Mediterranean areas. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities within the Monti Sicani Regional Park with local people retained experts in rural traditions. A total of 230 people were interviewed about their knowledge on medicinal plant uses. Local plant uses were evaluated using ethnobotanical indices (e.g., cultural importance index, ethnobotanicity index, informant consensus factor) and then compared with uses in other localities in Sicily, Italy and the Mediterranean basin. Local communities currently use a total number of 108 wild species (43 families) as remedies for human and livestock ailments. The majority of plants are used in the treatment of articular, skin and, gastrointestinal problems. The research shows an ongoing process of cultural erosion in an advanced stage, but results still highlight an interesting cultural identity as regards the local folk medicine. to be submitted as a new full length article to Journal of Ethnopharmacology. All co-authors have seen, read and agree with the contents of the manuscript and there is no financial interest to report. It has not been submitted for publication nor has it been published in whole or in part elsewhere. I attest to the validity and legitimacy of the data and its interpretation and I agree to its submission to the mentioned journal. I attest that the study was carried out following the ISE code of Ethics. Informants were made aware of the scope of the study and Prior Informed Consent was requested verbally.
ELEMENTS Data on the accumulation of metals in wild edible and inedible macrofungi of the Boletac... more ELEMENTS Data on the accumulation of metals in wild edible and inedible macrofungi of the Boletaceae family are discussed here and compared with data reported in literature from northern Italy and other European countries, as well as from China, Brazil, and Africa. The results show a significant difference in the values detected in Sicilian fungi compared to those reported in the literature. M acrofungi can accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals (1). Rühling et al. (2) demonstrated how individual fungal species were affected by metal pollution, and how macrofungi and microfungi differ in their response to metal pollution. The accumulation of several heavy metals and lanthanides in Amanita flavorubescens G.F. Atk.; A. rubescens Pers. var. rubescens; and Russula pectinatoides Peck was reported by Aruguete et al. (3). Studies on the effects and responses to heavy metal exposure in macromycetes have focused on edible and poisonous saprophytic and ectomycorrhizal fungi such as Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. (4), Suillus luteus (L.) Roussel (5), Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr. (6, 7), and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull.) Quél. (8). Allen and Steinnes (9) and Collin-Hansen et al.
ABSTRACT We report on the first finding in Italy (and the third in Europe) of Australohydnum dreg... more ABSTRACT We report on the first finding in Italy (and the third in Europe) of Australohydnum dregeanum. A detailed description of the macro- and micromorphological features, the ecological data, and some taxonomic remarks concerning this taxon are provided. The bluish tint in the centre of the hymenophoral surface and the non-cystidiform aspect of the marginal hyphae are previously undescribed characters.
ABSTRACT Three species of Mycetozoa, new for Italy, were identified in garrigues and maquis ecosy... more ABSTRACT Three species of Mycetozoa, new for Italy, were identified in garrigues and maquis ecosystems on the volcanic island of Pantelleria (Sicily). The finding of Craterium aureonucleatum, Perichaena quadrata, and Physarum mutabile widens their distribution in Europe and identifies new substrata.
ABSTRACT The first record of Ileodictyon gracile from Italy is reported, accompanied by notes on ... more ABSTRACT The first record of Ileodictyon gracile from Italy is reported, accompanied by notes on the taxonomy, ecology, and distribution of this rare gasteromycete.
... 107 (pp.100-100). Meise : Ann Bogaerts, Elmar Robbecht & Jan Rammeloo. ... The oyster mus... more ... 107 (pp.100-100). Meise : Ann Bogaerts, Elmar Robbecht & Jan Rammeloo. ... The oyster mushrooms [Pleurotus (Fr.) P. Kumm.] are among the most popular edible mushrooms, and their cultivation is practiced throughout the world (KONG, 2004). P. ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. ...
ABSTRACT The first report of Mycena pseudoinclinata in Italy is accompanied by notes on the taxon... more ABSTRACT The first report of Mycena pseudoinclinata in Italy is accompanied by notes on the taxonomy, ecology, and distribution of this uncommon basidiomycete.
The area of the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy) has been quantitatively inves... more The area of the Nebrodi Regional Park (North-Eastern Sicily, Italy) has been quantitatively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 90 wild species are used for medicinal purposes and the uses of 5 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy (e.g., the use of Arisarum vulgare O. Targ. Tozz. for the treatment of rheumatic pains, the use of Silene vulgaris (Moench) Garcke for the treatment of liver diseases). The aim of this paper was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the rural populations of the Nebrodi Park. Materials and methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities within the Nebrodi Regional Park with local people retained experts in rural traditions. A total of 226 people over the age of 60 were interviewed. Local plant uses were evaluated using ethnobotanical indices (e.g., cultural importance index, index of ethnobotanical diversity, informant consensus factor) and then compared with uses in other localities in Sicily, Italy and the Mediterranean area. Results Local communities use a total number of 90 wild species belonging to 44 plant families as medicinal remedies. The majority of the species are used as treatments against gastrointestinal system. The cultural importance index showed that Malva sylvestris (1.31) and Clinopodium nepeta (0.86) are the most important species to the Nebrodi area in terms of medicinal use. The use of Brassica rupestris Raf. for therapeutic purposes is limited to Sicily and it is an innovative finding of this study. The research shows an ongoing process of cultural erosion in an advanced stage, but quantitative indices still highlight only for those species was a natural remedy deemed highly effective.
Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in the ... more Ethnopharmacological relevance: This paper illustrates the results of a study carried out in the Etna Regional Park (Eastern Sicily, Italy) concerning the traditional knowledge on medicinal use of wild plant species. It contains the results of a quantitative analysis carried out for the first time. A total of 71 wild species are used for medicinal purposes. Two species, Astracantha sicula (Biv.) Greuter and Trifolium phleoides Willd., are little known as medicinal in the Mediterranean area. The main aim of the study was to understand to what extent current knowledge on the medicinal use of plants is still an element of the culture within the elderly population of the Etna Regional Park. A further aim was to identify species not previously reported as medicinal in the Mediterranean area with a potential agricultural interest. Methodology: The information was obtained using a semi-structured interview format performed on a sample of 196 people over the age of 60 who were considered experts in rural traditions. The plant uses were compared with other medical-ethnobotanical studies carried out in other areas of Sicily, Italy and various other Mediterranean countries. A number of quantitative indices were also used in order to verify the incidence of the species cited in the study within the culture and traditional medicine. Results: Local communities currently use a total number of 71 wild species (34 families) as remedies for medicinal purposes. Most of the species were used as treatments against metabolic disorders and for general health. The leaves and the aerial parts of plants are the most-used parts of the plant and the most common preparation methods are decoction and direct application of plant parts. Astracantha sicula and Trifolium phleoides have never been documented as a species with medicinal properties in the Mediterranean literature. Conclusions: Only very few medicinal uses are widely known by all the informants and, on many occasions, a specific medicinal use is cited by only very few people. The quantitative analysis shows that the level of traditional knowledge on medicinal use of plants in the study area is poor, highlighting a considerably advanced state of cultural erosion.
ABSTRACT An up-to-date report on the distribution of Helianthemum lippii in Italy is provided als... more ABSTRACT An up-to-date report on the distribution of Helianthemum lippii in Italy is provided also on the basis of the findings by Lojacono-Pojero in 1889 who reported the existence of a relic population in Sicily (southern Italy), which is now thought to be extinct because of human disturbance. Field excursions permitted to confirm the locus classicus reported by Lojacono-Pojero as the other Sicilian localities that have been reported more recently. Based on a careful analysis of the literature the presence of H. lippii is currently excluded in Calabria and Apulia. The main causes that threaten the habitat of H. lippii in Sicily are pointed out according to IUCN Threats Classification Scheme.
The area of the "Monte Sicani Regional Park" (Central Western Sicily, southern Italy) has been qu... more The area of the "Monte Sicani Regional Park" (Central Western Sicily, southern Italy) has been quantitatively and extensively investigated in an ethnobotanical study for the first time. A total of 108 wild species are used for medicinal purposes, while, according to our study, the uses of 9 species have not previously been reported in ethnobotanical studies in Italy. The aim of this paper is to analyze, through quantitative indicators, the extent of the current knowledge on medicinal uses of plants in the area, evaluating also the features of uniqueness and commonality of this knowledge in comparison with other Italian and Mediterranean areas. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in the local communities within the Monti Sicani Regional Park with local people retained experts in rural traditions. A total of 230 people were interviewed about their knowledge on medicinal plant uses. Local plant uses were evaluated using ethnobotanical indices (e.g., cultural importance index, ethnobotanicity index, informant consensus factor) and then compared with uses in other localities in Sicily, Italy and the Mediterranean basin. Local communities currently use a total number of 108 wild species (43 families) as remedies for human and livestock ailments. The majority of plants are used in the treatment of articular, skin and, gastrointestinal problems. The research shows an ongoing process of cultural erosion in an advanced stage, but results still highlight an interesting cultural identity as regards the local folk medicine. to be submitted as a new full length article to Journal of Ethnopharmacology. All co-authors have seen, read and agree with the contents of the manuscript and there is no financial interest to report. It has not been submitted for publication nor has it been published in whole or in part elsewhere. I attest to the validity and legitimacy of the data and its interpretation and I agree to its submission to the mentioned journal. I attest that the study was carried out following the ISE code of Ethics. Informants were made aware of the scope of the study and Prior Informed Consent was requested verbally.
ELEMENTS Data on the accumulation of metals in wild edible and inedible macrofungi of the Boletac... more ELEMENTS Data on the accumulation of metals in wild edible and inedible macrofungi of the Boletaceae family are discussed here and compared with data reported in literature from northern Italy and other European countries, as well as from China, Brazil, and Africa. The results show a significant difference in the values detected in Sicilian fungi compared to those reported in the literature. M acrofungi can accumulate high concentrations of heavy metals (1). Rühling et al. (2) demonstrated how individual fungal species were affected by metal pollution, and how macrofungi and microfungi differ in their response to metal pollution. The accumulation of several heavy metals and lanthanides in Amanita flavorubescens G.F. Atk.; A. rubescens Pers. var. rubescens; and Russula pectinatoides Peck was reported by Aruguete et al. (3). Studies on the effects and responses to heavy metal exposure in macromycetes have focused on edible and poisonous saprophytic and ectomycorrhizal fungi such as Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq.) P. Kumm. (4), Suillus luteus (L.) Roussel (5), Paxillus involutus (Batsch) Fr. (6, 7), and Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull.) Quél. (8). Allen and Steinnes (9) and Collin-Hansen et al.
ABSTRACT We report on the first finding in Italy (and the third in Europe) of Australohydnum dreg... more ABSTRACT We report on the first finding in Italy (and the third in Europe) of Australohydnum dregeanum. A detailed description of the macro- and micromorphological features, the ecological data, and some taxonomic remarks concerning this taxon are provided. The bluish tint in the centre of the hymenophoral surface and the non-cystidiform aspect of the marginal hyphae are previously undescribed characters.
ABSTRACT Three species of Mycetozoa, new for Italy, were identified in garrigues and maquis ecosy... more ABSTRACT Three species of Mycetozoa, new for Italy, were identified in garrigues and maquis ecosystems on the volcanic island of Pantelleria (Sicily). The finding of Craterium aureonucleatum, Perichaena quadrata, and Physarum mutabile widens their distribution in Europe and identifies new substrata.
ABSTRACT The first record of Ileodictyon gracile from Italy is reported, accompanied by notes on ... more ABSTRACT The first record of Ileodictyon gracile from Italy is reported, accompanied by notes on the taxonomy, ecology, and distribution of this rare gasteromycete.
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Papers by G. Venturella