Nigella sativa (N. sativa; Ranunculaceae), commonly referred to as black cumin, is one of the most widely used medicinal plants worldwide, with its seeds having numerous applications in the pharmaceutical and food industries. With the emergence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens as an important health challenge, the need for alternative microbe-inhibitory agents is on the rise, whereby black cumin has gained considerable attention from researchers for its strong antimicrobial characteristics owing to its high content in a wide range of bioactive compounds, including thymoquinone, nigellimine, nigellidine, quercetin, and O-cymene. Particularly, thymoquinone increases the levels of antioxidant enzymes that counter oxidative stress in the liver. Additionally, the essential oil in N. sativa seeds effectively inhibits intestinal parasites and shows moderate activity against some bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Thymoquinone exhibits minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8–16 μg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and exhibits MIC 0.25 µg/mL against drug-resistant mycobacteria. Similarly, quercetin shows a MIC of 2 mg/mL against oral pathogens, such as Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Furthermore, endophytic fungi isolated from N. sativa have demonstrated antibacterial activity. Therefore, N. sativa is a valuable medicinal plant with potential for medicinal and food-related applications. In-depth exploration of the corresponding therapeutic potential and scope of industrial application warrants further research.

High-yield potential perennial crops, such as Miscanthus spp. and Arundo donax are amongst the most promising sources of sustainable biomass for bioproducts and bioenergy. Although several studies assessed the agronomic performance of these species on diverse marginal lands, research to date on drought and zinc (Zn) resistance is scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the drought and Zn stress tolerance of seven novel Miscanthus hybrids and seven Arundo clones originating from different parts of Italy. We subjected both species to severe drought (less than 30%), and Zn stress (400 mg/kg⁻¹ of ZnSO₄) separately, after one month of growth. All plants were harvested after 28 days of stress, and the relative drought and Zn stress tolerance were determined by using a set of morpho-physio-biochemical and biomass attributes in relation to stress tolerance indices (STI). Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and stress tolerance indices (STI) were performed for each morpho-physio-biochemical and biomass parameters and showed significant relative differences among the seven genotypes of both crops. Heatmaps of these indices showed how the different genotypes clustered into four groups. Considering PCA ranking value, Miscanthus hybrid GRC10 (8.11) and Arundo clone PC1 (11.34) had the highest-ranking value under both stresses indicating these hybrids and clones are the most tolerant to drought and Zn stress. In contrast, hybrid GRC3 (−3.33 lowest ranking value) and clone CT2 (−5.84) were found to be the most sensitive to both drought and Zn stress.

This study was conducted to determine the mineral contents and some nutritional properties of five local wild vegetable; Allium griffithianum Boiss, Buglossoides arvensis (L.) I.M.Johnst., Caralluma tuberculata (N.E.Br.) D. C. H. Plowes, Chaerophyllum reflexum Aitch, and Stellaria media (L.) Vill., from district Kurram KP, Pakistan which are associated with folk knowledge in the region. This research is the first scientific report on the nutritional composition of the above mentioned species. Among five wild species, the Buglossoides arvensis had the highest carbohydrates content (71.99 ± 0.5%) and high lipid contents (4.8 ± 0.2%). Besides that, it has the highest total energy (349.024 kcal/100 g). Stellaria media was found to have the maximum ash (22.77 ± 0.1%) and lipids (4.87 ± 0.06%). Chaerophyllum reflexum showed the highest protein content (10.5 ±0.4%) and high total energy (332.68 ± 0.3 kcal/100 g). Mineral analysis showed that the local wild vegetables contained considerable amount of minerals; Calcium (2.20 ± 0.5-1506 ± 0.06 µg/g), Potassium (3.018 ± 1.7-1272.06 ± 0.005 µg/g), Phosphorous (2.98 ± 0.01-180.01 ± 0.1 µg/g), Chromium (0.98 ± 0.6-42.9 ± 0.5 µg/g), Cobalt (0.18 ±0.005-7.7 ± 0.2 µg/g), Sodium (0.78 ± 0.5-205.53 ± 0.4 µg/g) and Copper (5.5 ± 0.4-35.06 ± 0.7 µg/g). These data suggest that wild plants from district Kurram could be useful for nutrition or other applications. For instance, Caralluma tuberculata contains the highest number of mineral elements, which has been traditionally used as an anti-diabetic, blood purifier and for weight loss.

Alpine medicinal plants, adapted to high-altitude environments, represent an important source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. Exposure to low temperatures, intense ultraviolet radiation, and nutrient-poor soils has promoted the synthesis of diverse secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds. This chapter explores the phytochemical diversity of alpine medicinal flora, highlighting their ecological adaptations, pharmacological significance, and traditional uses by indigenous communities. Key species such as Saussurea lappa, Bergenia ciliata, Picrorhiza kurroa, and Artemisia maritima exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antimicrobial activities. Modern analytical approaches, including HPLC, GC-MS, and NMR spectroscopy, are discussed for phytochemical profiling. The chapter emphasizes sustainable utilization and conservation amid climate-driven habitat loss.

Two major anthropogenic stresses i.e. habitat fragmentation and overgrazing have profound impacts on alpine plant communities, leading to biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, and reduced ecological functioning. Alpine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable due to their high elevation, unique biodiversity, and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations. Habitat fragmentation, driven by infrastructure development, tourism, and climate change, isolates plant populations, disrupts ecological connectivity, and reduces genetic diversity. Fragmented landscapes also intensify grazing pressure, as limited refuge habitats and restricted dispersal increase the vulnerability of palatable species. Conversely, overgrazing accelerates fragmentation by increasing spatial heterogeneity and degrading habitat quality. These combined pressures reduce primary productivity, weaken ecosystem resilience, and impair key services such as soil stabilization and water regulation. Climate change further exacerbates these stresses by altering species distributions and phenological patterns.