Asteraceae Plant Family As a Significant Resource for Essential Oil Compounds in the Arid Regions: A Case Study from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Arid lands are regions dominated with harsh environmental conditions, characterized mainly with scarcity in fresh water resources. Desert plants have the great capability to adapt such severe conditions, through the production of secondary metabolites, like essential oils compounds. These compounds are expensive phytochemicals, produced by particular species in the plant kingdom, acting as defense chemicals and enabling the plants to survive the arid conditions. Recently, more attention has been given to essential oils, as a significant natural resource for phytochemicals. The secret behind is due to their stunning range of potential applications in multi-diverse fields, such as, pharmaceutical, food, fragrance and cosmetic industries. Asteraceae or Compositae is a family rich in essential oil-bearing plant species. This family consisting mainly from herbaceous members, and the shoots are considered as the most valuable part for essential oil production. The main objective of this work is to highlight Asteraceae family, as a significant renewable resource, for countries located in the arid regions. Recommending a new vision for dealing with the agricultural systems in such parts of the world, through considering such plants as natural factories for the production of tomorrow’s raw materials. The study will provide deep insights for essential oil-bearing species belonging to this family, representing a case study for the indigenous species of the Asteraceae family in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This work will offer the first exclusive results for essential oils producers from this family in the UAE. Declaring that, the same is the richest family in number for essential oil-bearing plants in the country. Providing researchers, scientific community and decision makers a solid starting point for innovative research projects; in order to guarantee a healthy and sustainable future for the next generations.