## 3 Results and Discussion
### GC-MS Profile

Table 1: Chemical composition of hexane extracts of \(L\). _cuplare_ aerial parts (mg g\({}^{-1}\)\(\pm\) SD a). We previously evidenced the high concentration of alkanes in other halophytic species [18]. Their rule in halophyte plants correlates with the necessity to control osmotic stress [19], so they were expected to be found in the _L. vulgare_ hexane extract. Moreover, their higher percentage in YF\({}_{Lv}\) seems logical considering that it is a stage where protection is essential for the plant's reproductive success [20]. Although carbohydrates, in this study are less important (Figure 2), mainly because the study was focused on other metabolites, they also increase in response to salty environments [21; 22; 23], and we also found D-psicose in other halophytes [18]. There are pieces of evidence that the amount of terpenids is not affected by the salty environment [24]; however, in other halophytes, they are also prevalent [18]. In _L. vulgare_ it is obvious that these compounds are predominant in leaves, although their percentage in GFL\(v\) is also relevant (Figure 2). Regarding the fatty acids and their derivatives, it is documented that their production is increased in response to salinity stress [18; 25; 26]. The other families are much less representative, although it should be highlighted that the methodology applied was not the most appropriate to detect these compounds and can explain their low quantity. Table 1 detailed analysis that shows that \(\beta\)-sitosterol is the major compound, of the terpenids family, detected in the _L. vulgare_ hexane extracts, 0.166 \(\pm\) 0.001 mg/g of the dry plant in YF\({}_{Lv}\), 0.822 \(\pm\) 0.015 mg/g of the dry plant in GF\({}_{Lv}\), and 0.534 \(\pm\) 0.017 mg/g of the dry plant in L\({}_{Lv}\). In some parts (GF\({}_{Lv}\) and L\({}_{Lv}\)), it is actually the metabolite found in higher amounts, in fact these plant parts present a good percentage of terpenids from which phytosterols can be highlighted. Together with \(\beta\)-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol were also present in significant amounts in GF\({}_{Lv}\) (0.218 \(\pm\) 0.003 and 0.201 \(\pm\) 0.003 mg/g of the dry plant) and L\({}_{Lv}\) (0.174 \(\pm\) 0.008 and 0.176 \(\pm\) 0.012 mg/g of the dry plant). These sterols constitute the major phytosterols found in plants, and, usually, their quantity is not affected by salinity stress [24], but there are examples where the amount of campesterol increases [27]. So, it seems logical that we found more quantity in GF\({}_{Lv}\) and L\({}_{Lv}\) (Table 1). Moreover, campesterol and stigmasterol are among the most relevant phytosterols presenting pharmacological and nutritional effects [28]. Consequently, their occurrence in such interesting amounts enhances the _L. vulgare_'s economic value; that is, it stimulates the species use to produce nutraceuticals. The reported shreds of evidence of phytosterols' role in cancer prevention [29] suggest that _L. vulgare_ can be an excellent source from which to isolate these bioactive phytosterols. These phytosterols' presence was confirmed using standards; however, the typical ion fragments were observed (Figure 3). Of the other terpenids, tocopherols can also be highlighted, \(\alpha\)-tocopherol being the major one (Table 1). Their most typical fragment was observed (Figure 3) [30], although \(\alpha\)-tocopherol was also confirmed by the injection of the pure standard in the same conditions. Tocopherols are also recognized for their bioactivities [31], so their occurrence will also contribute to establishing _L. vulgare_ as a health-promoting species. Figure 3: Chemical structure of the phytosterols and tocopherols, and their most significant fragments observed on GC-MS spectra. The second and the third most abundant compounds are fatty acids, respectively palmitic and linolenic acids; both acids contribute to the species valorization and, from previous studies, we demonstrate that they can contribute to the species' survival under salinity stress [18].