Leaf epidermis and phytochemical studies of sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees)

Abstract

This study was conducted to observe leaf epidermis and phytochemicals of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees that lived in different areas, i.e. Kp. Lapai, district Nanggalo, municipaity Padang (altitude 7 m above sea level) (AP 00A1); and Sawah Dangka jorong Gaduik, district Tilatang Kamang, Agam (altitude 885 m asl) (AP 00B1) A. paniculata is a herbaceous plant, that is known as one of traditional medicinal ingredients. For observation of leaf epidermis, abaxial region from the 4rd leaves of 8 weeks old seedlings were Analyzed by using SEM (Scanning Electron Micrograph). Phytochemicals observation include qualitative analysis of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and alkaloids compounds. The results showed that A. paniculata (AP 00A1 ) have average width and length 57.3-68.8 μm of stomatal size, 28.7-40.8 μm guard cell area, average of Stomatal Index ± SE (25.4% ± 0.09), average of Stomatal Density ± SE (172 stomata / mm2 ± 0.13), with multicellular glandular trichome presence (++) and multicellular trichome (+++). Whereas A. paniculata (AP 00B1) have 43.3-57.7 μm average width and length of stomatal size with of 28.8 - 33.7 μm guard cell are, Stomatal Index ± SE (34.3% ± 0.11), and Stomata Density ± SE (352 stomata / mm ± 0.08 ), with. multicellular glandular trichome (+++) and multicellular trichome (++++). The stomata Index, Stomata Density and trichome presence on abaxial epidermis of Sambiloto (A. paniculata) leaf at Sawah Dangka jorong Gaduik, high altitude (AP 00B1) were greater than those growth at Kp. Lapai municipality Padang, a low altitude (AP 00A1). We believe that is appear as plant adaptation for lower partial pressure of CO2 and to more protection from external interference at high altitude region. Phytochemicals results showed that both of A. paniculata (AP 00A1) and (AP 00B1) accumulated of phenolics (+), flavonoids (+), saponins (-), terpenoids (+) and alkaloids compounds (-).