Abstract
Several biological properties are attributed to the Pimenta dioica plants that are native to Central America. Given the possible variabilities in both the morpho-anatomical and chemical aspects of the species that grow in different locations, this study aimed to contribute to the pharmacognostic study of P. dioica leaves from Brazil. Therefore, we morpho-anatomically described the plants, performed a phytochemical screening, analyzed the chemical composition of the essential oil and determined the quality parameters of P. dioica leaves that were collected in Goiás State. The leaves are simple and exhibit a camptodromous-brochidodromous venation pattern. The blades exhibit anomocytic stomata on the abaxial side, a dorsiventral mesophyll, secretory cavities on both sides, and a uniseriate epidermis. Trichomes can be observed in the petiole. The tests revealed the presence of phytochemical saponins, tannins and flavonoids in the samples. The major components of the essential oil were eugenol (60.8%) and myrcene (19.3%). The results regarding the moisture content (7.87% w/w), total ash (8.84% w/w), HCl-insoluble ash (1.74% w/w) and total flavonoids (1.88% w/w) can be used as parameters for quality control of botanical material. Additionally, the results of this study indicates strong similarities between the chemical compositions of the leaves of P. dioica plants that were grown in Goiás, Brazil and those from other parts of Brazil and the world. Key words: Myrtaceae, essential oils, eugenol, morpho-anatomy, Pimenta dioica
Highlights
The Myrtaceae family is one of the most important plant families worldwide, contains approximately 130 genera and 4000 species, has pantropical and subtropical distributions, and contains species of great medical interest (Landrum and Kawasaki, 1997; Judd et al, 1999; Joly, 2002; Souza and Lorenzi, 2005)
These analyses revealed that this botanical material is rich in eugenol and chavicol, which agrees with the report of Mendes-Ferrão (1993)
The anatomy of the leaves of the P. dioica plants that were grown in Goiás, Brazil exhibited characteristics that were common to other members of the Myrtaceae family and the genus Pimenta
Summary
The Myrtaceae family is one of the most important plant families worldwide, contains approximately 130 genera and 4000 species, has pantropical and subtropical distributions, and contains species of great medical interest (Landrum and Kawasaki, 1997; Judd et al, 1999; Joly, 2002; Souza and Lorenzi, 2005) Among this family is the genus Pimenta, which contains 14 species that are native to Central America and a single species that is native to Brazil, Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes). Dioica is an evergreen tree that can reach 7 to 10 m in height and is native to Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cuba and Jamaica (Landrum, 1986; Lorenzi et al, 2003) The fruits of this species are used in confectionery because they express an aroma and flavor similar to the combination of clove, cinnamon and bay. In addition to the use of P. dioica as a condiment or spice, the people of Central
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
