Contact: Dr. Andrea Mastinu, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pharmacology Section
The Ome Conifer Botanical Garden preserves rare species from around the world, with therapeutic potentials yet to be discovered. Conifers are among the plants most affected by climate change, with many at serious risk of extinction. This research results from the collaboration between the Botanical Garden curator, Prof. Antonio Dematola, and Dr. Andrea Mastinu, a professor of plant biology and pharmaceutical botany, with the aim of conserving, enhancing, and studying the biodiversity of the Ome conifers. The initial goal is to characterize and identify the main molecules produced by the aerial parts of the plants, monitoring them over time. Additionally, the molecular interactions between conifers during growth and development will be studied. The most practical aspects will involve evaluating biological activities. Indeed, we still know very little about the potential therapeutic properties of conifers, particularly those in the Ome Botanical Garden. The first collected data concerned Abies nebrodensis (Lojac.) Mattei, also known as the "Nebrodi Fir." This conifer is represented by a population of 30 individuals, distributed within the Madonie Natural Park in Sicily. Abies nebrodensis is currently listed as CR (Critically Endangered), and since 2016, some specimens have been donated to the Ome Botanical Garden. The research involved the collection of aerial parts starting in autumn 2023 for the study of the morphological structures of the conifers and for metabolomic analysis. Subsequently, some biological activities of Abies nebrodensis were evaluated. The research benefited from the important collaboration with Dr. Gaia Favero (Anatomy and Pathophysiology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences) for the morphological and microscopic characterization of the main plant structures, and Dr. Gregorio Peron (Pharmacology Section, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine) for metabolomic studies.
In the photo from left to right: Working Group
Vlad Sebastian Popescu (PhD student), Elia Fiorio (Biotechnology graduate with a thesis on Abies nebrodensis), Prof. Antonio Dematola, Dr. Andrea Mastinu, Thomas Fiorini (Pharmacy undergraduate).