Two species growing in Apulia belonging respectively to the Apiaceae family (Lagoecia cuminoides) and to the Lamiaceae family (Stachys italica), never studied before for their potential use in the food sector, were analysed for their ecology and biological activity. A phyto-sociological and ecology study was conducted in two different sites for each species followed by antioxidant activity assessment and chemical characterisation of their constituents. Results indicated that they grow in rocky habitats in peculiar environments, and showed significant antioxidant activity, with particular regard to S. italica. Twenty non-volatile compounds of high antioxidant activity and 79 volatile compounds were identified in both taxa, mostly belonging to the terpenes and flavonoid groups.
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Both species are characterized by compounds known for health effects and then can have potential applications in the pharmaceuticals and nutraceutical industries. S. italica can be used as a tea for the interesting high antioxidant capacity of its water infusion extract. Moreover, these two species have the potential to be organically grown in rural areas. Their valorisation plays an important role in enhancing native territories for any community development program in the future.
