Differentiation between Cistus L. (Sub-) Species (Cistaceae) Using NMR Metabolic Fingerprinting

Abstract

The genus Cistus is taxonomically complex, as taxonomic classification of individual species based on morphological criteria is often difficult and ambiguous. However, specific species contain valuable natural products, especially terpenoids and polyphenols, which exert various biological effects and might therefore be used for treatment of a broad array of disorders. Hence, a fast and reliable method for clear identification of different Cistus (sub-) species is required. Approaches for analysis of secondary metabolite profiles, e.g., with NMR, might remedy the challenging classification of Cistus (sub-) species and help to identify specific markers for differentiation between them. In the present study, 678 samples from wild-growing Cistus populations, including 7 species and 6 subspecies/varieties thereof, were collected in 3 years from populations in 11 countries all over the Mediterranean basin. Samples were extracted with buffered aqueous methanol and analysed with NMR. From the resulting 1D-1H-NOESY and J-Res profile spectra, marker signals or spectral regions for the individual (sub-) species were identified with multivariate statistical tools. By examining the NMR profiles of these extracts, we were able to identify discriminators and specific markers for the investigated Cistus (sub-) species. Various influencing factors, like (sub-) species, wild harvestings of different populations from several countries, numerous collection sites, different years, and cultivation in greenhouses have been considered in this work. As the here identified markers are independent from these influencing factors, the results can be considered a robust model and might be used for future differentiation between Cistus (sub-) species.

Artificial Intelligence Applied to Improve Scientific Reviews: The Antibacterial Activity of Cistus Plants as Proof of Concept

“…Studies to date recognize between 16 and 28 different species belonging to the genus Cistus, highlighting the intraspecific conflicts underlying their classification [7]; furthermore, there are 31 Cistus species currently listed in the Euro+Med PlantBase [8]. According to their ethnobotanical use, previous scientific studies, and ecological relevance, the eight most relevant identified species that make up the genus are Cistus albidus L., Cistus creticus L., Cistus incanus L., Cistus crispus L., Cistus ladanifer L., Cistus monspeliensis L., Cistus parviflorus Lam., and Cistus salviifolius L. [9].…”

Type designation of Cistus ×canescens Sweet (Cistaceae)

“…The present paper, is a new contribution to the nomenclature in Cistaceae (see, e.g., Ferrer-Gallego & Laguna 2012;Ferrer-Gallego & al. 2013a, 2013b, 2020Ferrer-Gallego 2015a, 2015bFerrer-Gallego & Boisset 2015), and the name Cistus ×canescens Sweet, pro species is typified to contribute to the stability of the nomenclature.…”