Abstract
Ajuga orientalis (Lamiaceae), with a wide distribution area in Turkey, is a traditionally used medicine in the treatment of some skin diseases in Anatolia. The aim of this study was to determine the anatomical characteristics of the root, stem, leaf, petiole, calyx and corolla of medicinal species of A. orientalis in cross sections. As a result of the study, it was found out that the pith rays of the root composed 3 to 4 rowed cells and stem was quadrangular. The shape of pith cell in the stem was ovaidal-polygon. There were glandular and non-glandular hairs on the surface layers on stem, leaves, petiole, calyx and corolla. Starch particles were also detected in the cortex cells of stem. The stomata were diastatic and the leaf was bifacial. There were one big vascular bundle in the center and 4 to 5 small vascular bundles on each corner of the petiole. It was also determined that adaxial epidermis cell shapes of corolla are papillose type. Key words: Ajuga orientalis, anatomy, medicinal plant, Turkey.
Highlights
The measurements and observation of anatomical characters belonging to the medicinal taxon A. orientalis were reported anatomical information about root anatomy of Lamiaceae family
It was found that the pith rays of A. orientalis were composed 3 to 4 rowed cells
Quadrangular stem with well-defined collenchyma in the four angles and scleranchymatous tissue surrounds the phloem groups of vascular bundles were observed in other members of Lamiaceae family (Metcalfe and Chalk, 1972; Kandemir, 2003; Baran and Özdemir, 2006; Kahraman et al, 2010)
Summary
According to Başer (1993), Turkey is accepted as a gene center for this family. Many taxa of this family are aromatic and are often used as herb spices, folk medicines and fragrances (Werker et al, 1985). With their pleasant fragrance, many species of Lamiaceae have been used as herbal teas in Turkey. Some species are traditionally used as medicinal plants (Baytop, 1984). It was reported that some Ajuga L. and Salvia L. species are cultivated as ornamental plants (Baytop, 1984; Özdemir and Şenel, 2001; Akçin et al, 2006). Lamiaceae has great importance due to its economical value and its variety of species
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