Phytochemical and Biological Traits of Endemic Betonica bulgarica (Lamiaceae)

Betonica bulgarica is an endemic species distributed in Bulgaria. The chemical composition of the essential oil analysed by GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) and the content of trace elements analysed by ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) were determined. Additionally, a study on the types and distribution of trichomes was done using a microscope with a camera. The essential oil was characterized using a high concentration of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, whose major compounds are beta-caryophyllene (17.4%), germacrene D (9.9%), and beta-bourbonene (6.7%). The contents of manganese (177.2 mu g/g) and strontium (156.8 mu g/g) were highest among the investigated micronutrients. Two types of trichomes were identified on the adaxial and abaxial epidermises of the leaves of B. bulgarica-covering and glandular. Peltate stacked glandular trichomes with a four-celled head of type B were observed on the leaf surface.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oil and the content of trace elements of the endemic species Betonica bulgarica in Bulgaria. It also investigated the types and distribution of trichomes. The essential oil was found to have a high concentration of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, with beta-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and beta-bourbonene as major compounds.