Exploring the phytochemical diversity of Wild Edible Plants: bridging traditional knowledge and metabolomic analysis

Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) have historically been vital resources for local communities, particularly during periods of food scarcity, due to their nutritional value, accessibility, and ability to thrive in challenging environments. In regions such as the Mediterranean, where arid climates, poor soil quality, and limited water availability constrain traditional agriculture, WEPs offer alternative sources of essential nutrients and calories. Despite their importance, WEPs remain underexplored, with limited data on their chemical composition and biological properties. This thesis leverages advanced metabolomic and computational workflows to re-examine the traditional uses of WEPs, uncovering their potential health benefits, nutritional value, and chemical diversity. The first chapter introduces the significance of WEPs, drawing from the Food and Agriculture Organization's "State of the World's Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture" (SOWBFA) report, which underscores their critical role in global biodiversity and food security. WEPs not only contribute to dietary diversity but also exhibit resilience in adverse environmental conditions, offering unique nutritional profiles and bolstering human diets amidst climate change. Chapter two explores the chemical composition of Rumex sanguineus, a WEP with historical and nutritional relevance but limited chemical characterization. Using a non-targeted metabolomic approach, the study integrates UHPLC-HRMS, molecular networking, and bioinformatics tools (GNPS, MZmine, SIRIUS, and Cytoscape) to analyze roots, stems, and leaves, providing insights into bioactive and potentially harmful metabolites. Chapter three presents a multidisciplinary characterization of six WEPs—Diplotaxis erucoides, Sonchus oleraceus, Glechoma hederacea, Silene alba, Silene vulgaris, and Chenopodium album. Combining plant biochemistry, microbiology, and metabolomics, the research highlights their ethnobotanical significance and potential role in biodiversity conservation. Special focus is placed on their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Both targeted and non-targeted methodologies establish connections between chemical composition and antibacterial effects, reinforcing the importance of WEPs in promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. This thesis contributes to the scientific understanding of WEPs, supporting their application in food security, biodiversity preservation, and the development of sustainable dietary practices.