Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don: Taxonomy, biological activity, biochemical and genetic diversity

Abstract Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don is a thermophilus perennial from family Asteraceae. Due to versatile biological activities and applications, the interest in Helichrysum italicum scientific research and use has increased in the last couple of decades. Consequently, due to the increased industrial demand its plantation farming experienced a huge expansion in Eastern European Mediterranean countries. The aim of this review article was to present the available data on Helichrysum italicum and to identify the gaps in the knowledge, and openings for future potential investigations and contributions to the topic. The review of the Scopus database was performed and scientific studies from 1990 to the most recent publications in 2019 were summarized. The article includes the last reviewed taxonomy, detailed description of morphological characteristics, geographical distribution, uses, chemical diversity, biological activity (antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, repellent, and insecticidal activity), and genetic diversity. Additionally, some other potential uses are described. The majority of the available scientific data is focused on the chemical composition of the essential oil, however, little is known about the cultivation management of Helichrysum italicum that includes sowing requirements, seedling production, plant density, fertilization and nutrition requirements, harvesting, diseases, insects, and weed control. Genetic information on Helichrysum italicum is also scarce, but needed for future breeding programs of Helichrysum italicum and selection of new cultivars.