Histochemical Analysis of Gmelina arborea Roxb. and its Implication as Forage for Goats

Abstract

Background: Gmelina arborea Roxb. is a fast-growing plant that has been utilized as feed resource for livestock production particularly for goat production. However, this plant was noted to contain toxic compounds which can affect the production and performance of livestock animals. These contradictory results is the primary reason of determining the localization of secondary products which is commonly noted as toxic compounds in plants. Thus, this study aims to provide baseline information on cell and tissue localization of different plant secondary products present in Gmelina arborea. Methods: Field-laboratory investigation was conducted in the last quarter of 2021. Localization of these compounds were determined by sectioning and histochemical analysis. Stains and reagents were used to detect the location of these compounds. Result: Most of the secondary products were detected in the epidermis, parenchyma and collenchyma in the cortex and near vascular tissues and mesophyll cells of the lamina. The results of this study support the results of different phytochemical studies conducted using this plant. This is an indicator that plant secondary products are widely distributed in the different parts of the plant. Considering plants as forage for livestock, especially for goats, necessitates the consideration on the presence and localization of these phytochemicals as these may have nutritional and toxic effects.