Autecological and Phytochemical Studies of Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. An Endangered Ethnomedicinal Plant of Iran

• Published in: Journal of biologically active products from nature 2013-07, Vol.3 (4), p.285-294
• Main Authors: Raiesi, Safiollah, Nadjafi, Farsad, Hadian, Javad, Kanani, Mohammad Reza, Ayyari, Mahdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autecology; conservation; Kelussiaodoratissima; medicinal plant; Z-ligustilide
• ISSN: 2231-1874; 2231-1866; 2231-1874
• DOI: 10.1080/22311866.2013.782748

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff from Apiaceae family is an endemic and endangered ethnomedicinal plant from Iran. In this research the ecobiological background, phenological and chemical properties of this species in natural habitats is studied to understand its conservation biology as well as to predict its behavior under artificial cultivation. Results revealed that this species grows often in north-facing slopes with altitudes of more than 2400 m above sea level, mean annual rainfall ranging from 509 to 1386 mm and mean annual temperature of 7.5 to 13°C. The mature plants were huge plants with a height up to 310 cm and are growing in rich soils. The growth period of this species was nearly 195 days that is equivalent to 2486.5 GDD. The essential oil percentage of the aerial parts ranged from 0.26-0.34 % (w/w) among the habitats. The main component of the essential oilwas Z-ligustilide which is ranged from 33.95 to 68.02 % among the habitats.