Collateral Vascular Bundles Research Articles

The material relating to the anatomy of Rhaponticum serratuloides leaf blades according to age conditions

In the article the features of the morphological and anatomical structure of leaf blades in the process of ontogenesis of Rhaponticum serratuloides Georgi (Bobr.) during juvenile, immature, virginal, generative and senile age states were presented. It was noted that as the plant matures, the degree of dissection and linear dimensions of the leaf blades, as well as their vascular bundles and trichomes, increase. It was established that in the juvenile and immature periods of development whole and elliptical leaves predominate. In the virginal state, in addition to the typical entire leaves, leaves with an unpaired pinnate leaf blade appear. The generative state of Rh. serratuloides is characterized by having upper leaves as entire, sessile; the lower ones are petiolate, pinnately lobed with a large apical lobe. In the senile state, leaves of immature and virginal types are found. General patterns of leaf internal structure of Rh. serratuloides and another representative of the same genus Rh.carthamoides Willd (Iljin) were revealed as following: the plants are of dorsal-ventral type of leaf blade structure, with collateral vascular bundles of a closed type with a sclerenchyma covering and leaf pubescence. Along with this, characteristic diagnostic features for leaves of Rh. serratuloides were described as the following: the absence of capitate glands and long cord-like hairs during all age states, the presence of air-bearing cavities in the parenchyma of virginal and senile plants, associated with the habitat of the plant under study, because it grows in flooded meadows, along the shores of lakes and swamps.

Silicon nanoparticle(s) induced morpho-anatomical traits and improved micropropagation of white fleshed dragon fruit [Selenicereus undatus (Haworth)]

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) improve plant growth and yield by enhancing nutrient uptake and stress tolerance. These nanoparticles boost plant defense mechanisms against pathogens and environmental challenges. In this study, seedlings-derived explants of white-fleshed dragon fruit (Selenicereus undatus) were used for differentiation and high-frequency shoot regeneration on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP, 0.5 mg L−1) and α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA, 0.25 mg L−1). The complementation of 3.0 mg L−1 SiNPs in the optimized nutrient medium enhanced the shoot multiplication rate to 23.0 cladodes per explants. The regenerated cladodes were structurally well-suited with thick cuticles, well-developed epidermis, hypodermis, aquiferous cortex, and collateral vascular bundles compared to the control and other concentrations of SiNPs tested. SiNPs promoted the development of 3-5 aerial and adventitious roots per cladode enabling preferred direct hardening of cloned plants on soilrite ex vitro. The morphological transformations improved by SiNPs, including the formation of robust cladode and spines, played a pivotal role in achieving a high rate of acclimatization success (96%) in the field. The incorporation of SiNPs in vitro at the shoot amplification stage of micropropagation of S. undatus induced morphogenesis and structural changes, and promoted qualitative and quantitative improvements in the regenerated cladodes which helped in enhanced survival of plants in vivo.

Comprehensive assessment of Zingiber sianginensis: Phytometabolomic analysis and its impact on oxidative stress biomarkers

In India, ginger is highly valued for cultural and medicinal purposes. Besides traditional uses, ginger has been proven for its efficacy in cancer, chemotherapy-induced nausea, bacterial infections, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress. This study focuses on Zingiber sianginensis, a rare ginger species in the Siang region of Arunachal Pradesh, India. This study studied pharmacognostical evaluation, phytometabolomics analysis, and its effect on oxidative stress biomarkers. Microscopic and chemical tests were employed for pharmacognostical evaluation, revealing distinctive characteristics of Zingiber sianginensis, such as non-close collateral vascular bundles and unique cork layers. Chemical tests, including the phloroglucinol and hydrochloric acid test, differentiated Zingiber sianginensis from Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Phytometabolomics analysis, using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionisation-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) techniques, identified a diverse range of metabolites in Zingiber sianginensis, including polyphenols, monoterpenoids, diterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, and organic compounds. The LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS analysis revealed 158 compounds, verified through cross-referencing with established databases. Heavy metal analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) confirmed that Zingiber sianginensis complies with safety standards, showing concentrations of heavy metals within acceptable limits. The isolation and characterization of compounds from Zingiber sianginensis identified natural products such as (R)-(-)- alpha-Curcumene (1), 1-Dehydro-[10]-gingerdione (2), 6-Shogaol (3), and 6-Gingerol (4). Quantification of 6-gingerol revealed that Zingiber sianginensis contains approximately twice the amount compared to Zingiber officinale Roscoe's, suggesting its potential as a source for higher 6-gingerol content. The hydroalcoholic extract of Zingiber sianginensis exhibited antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress biomarkers in human dermal fibroblast cells treated with rotenone. Allantoin and 3-bromotyrosine levels significantly decreased, indicating the extract's potential in combating oxidative stress-related disorders. Overall, this comprehensive study provides valuable insights into the pharmacognostical, phytometabolomic, and safety aspects of Zingiber sianginensis, highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds with health benefits.

Anatomy of leaf blade, leaf sheath and pseudopetiole in Neotropical Bambusoideae (Poaceae): Insights into structure and taxonomic contributions

Anatomical investigations aiming to seek alternative characters for the taxonomy of bamboos are almost exclusively restricted to the leaf blade. Little is known about the anatomical structure of other parts of the leaf, such as the leaf sheath and pseudopetiole. The present paper analyzed the complete structure of foliage leaves, including the foliage leaf blade, foliage leaf sheath, and pseudopetiole of species belonging to the tribes Bambuseae (subtribes Guaduinae, Chusqueinae and Arthrostylidiinae) and Olyreae (subtribe Parianinae) to identify useful characters in the taxonomy of bamboos. We used scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy to describe micromorphological and anatomical features. All species sampled share the following features: foliage leaf blades with uniseriate epidermis; adaxial bulliform cells; mesophyll with arm cells, cavities, and collateral vascular bundles. Intercostal sclerenchyma associated to bulliform cells was observed only in Arthrostylidiinae. Micromorphologically, the shape and distribution of silica bodies, presence, type, and distribution of papillae on the long cells and subsidiary cells, and the presence and distribution of trichomes may be taxonomically informative in different taxonomic levels. We highlight the absence of papillae on the surfaces of foliage leaf blade of Guaduinae since the presence of papillae is considered a putative diagnosis feature supporting the sister relationship of this subtribe with Arthrostylidiinae. We describe the anatomical structure of foliage leaf sheath for the first time for Guaduinae, Chusqueinae and Parianinae. In Guaduinae, we found a unique distribution pattern of silica cells on the abaxial surface of the leaf sheath. Anatomical data about the pseudopetiole structure also were described for the first time in bamboos species; the arrangement of vascular bundles may be taxonomically informative, especially in Guaduinae.

Morphoanatomical and histochemical investigation of Monteverdia evonymoides (Reissek) Biral

Monteverdia species are known for their medicinal properties. However, due to similarities between species, the accurate identification of different species can be cumbersome. The study of morphoanatomy can contribute to the authentication of the species by providing additional information and contributing to the species characterization. Therefore, this work presents the morphoanatomy of the leaves and stems of Monteverdia evonymoides (Reissek) Biral analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and histochemical approaches. Through these methods, we were able to determine, morphologically, the analyzed species features large and woody trees; its leaves are simple, distichous, and entire; the leaf margins are fringed; the stipules are caducous, triangular, and rarely persistent; the apex can vary from acute to obtuse, and the leaf blade has no trichomes. The frontal view presents polygonal epidermal cells, anomocytic, anisocytic, and tetracytic stomata that are found on the abaxial surface and are positioned at the same level as the ordinary epidermal cells; the epidermis is uniseriate and covered with a thick cuticle; the mesophyll is dorsiventral; the midrib is biconvex, and below the epidermis is the angular collenchyma, with one collateral bundle in an open arc and two dorsal bundles; in the ground parenchyma, there is a small collateral vascular bundle, with fibers juxtaposed to the phloem. Histochemical reactions were positive for lipophilic, phenolic, and lignified compounds. Among the observed characteristics, the stomatal classification of the leaf and the prominence of the midrib (adaxial surface) in this study help to identify M. evonymoides and may contribute to species taxonomy by comparing it with other species of the genus and quality control studies.

Stem anatomy of some Crepis L. (Asteraceae) taxa and its taxonomic significance

In this study, the stem anatomy of nine Crepis (Asteraceae) taxa were decribed for the first time from Türkiye. The anatomical data obtained were evaluated in terms of taxonomy with analysis of variance and principal components analysis. The stem mainly consist of one layer epidermis, parenchymatous cortex, collateral vascular bundles and parenchymatous pith in all taxa examined. Glandular or non-glandular trichomes are found in the epidermal cells of the stem in some species examined. Despite that fact that all taxa examined have similar stem anatomy, quantitative traits such as length or width of the anatomical characters significantly varry among the taxa. In particular, the xylem thickness considerably differs among the taxa studied, according to the results of analysis of variance. Besides, the xylem is more thicker in caulescent species than scapigerous taxa. According to the results of principal components analysis, the xylem thickness and the epidermis cell length explain most of the total variation with about 82% value among the studied taxa. These results show that xylem thickness and epidermis cell length have a high taxonomic value.

Morphoanatomy and histochemistry of Baccharis palustris: insights into a highly endangered endemic species from Southeastern America

Abstract Morphoanatomy and histochemistry of Baccharis palustris: insights into a highly endangered endemic species from Southeastern America. The phenotypic plasticity of the Baccharis genus makes species identification difficult, even at the flowering stage. In this context, morphoanatomical studies are a powerful tool for botanical authentication, mainly emphasizing the recognition of diagnostic characteristics that may be useful for distinguishing similar species. Given the limited knowledge available about the endemic species B. palustris, this work aimed to characterize the morphoanatomy and histochemistry of its vegetative aerial parts to identify characters with diagnostic value and to elucidate the sites of synthesis and accumulation of metabolites of medicinal importance. B. palustris leaf showed pinnate, camptodrome-brochidodrome venation patterns. Blade with dorsiventral mesophyll, aerenchymatous spongy parenchyma, collateral vascular bundles, and different types of stomata and trichomes, including glandular trichomes with a multi-layered base evidenced and described for the first time in the genus. The petiole was winged, with three collateral vascular bundles. The stem showed a penta-lobulated contour with unusual growth, starch, and crystals in the pith. The presence of secretory ducts and glandular trichomes, which synthesized lipids, terpenes/polyacetylenes, and phenolic compounds, was observed. The morphological/histochemical characteristics described in this work contribute to the knowledge of the species, highlighting the importance of its preservation as a valuable resource.

Morphology Profile, Anatomy and Phytochemistry of Beluntas Leaves (Pluchea indica)

Beluntas (Pluchea indica), is one of species in Asteraceae family, traditionally used to increase appetite, to treat indigestion, rheumatism and body odor problems. This study aims to provide morphological and anatomical profiles of Beluntas leaves which are often used in medicine, to determine the chemical content of Beluntas leaves using phytochemical screening tests and thin layer chromatografic profiles, and also to determine flavonoids, polyphenols and alkaloids contents. The observation results showed Beluntas leaves are an oval leaf shape with pinnate leaf reinforcement. Anatomical observation of the leaves, found that the leaf type is equifacial with collateral vascular bundles, the presence of non glandulair multicellular trichomes with constricted in the cross wall, papillae and glandular Compositae trichomes. Tube method results and thin layer chromatography profiles showed Beluntas leaves contained polyphenols, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and essential oils. The chromatogram profile with infrared spectrophotometry shows the wave numbers in the fingerprint region 1515 – 1516, 1259 – 1260, 1159 – 1162, 1112 – 1115, 1046 – 1048, 811 – 812, 505 – 506 and 452 – 454 cm-1. The total amounts of polyphenols, flavonoid and alkaloid contained in Beluntas leaves were 3.1 - 7.7% w/w, 0.5 - 1.2% w/w and 0.03 – 0.08% w/w, respectively.

Three New Species of the Megadiverse Genus Microlicia (Melastomataceae) with Notes on Leaf Anatomy

Abstract— The new species Microlicia arenaria, M. dentisepala, and M. membranacea are described from the Diamantina Plateau, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Microlicia arenaria is a cespitose subshrub with xylopodium, fastigiate branches, forming clumps, sessile leaves, linear lamina, and hypanthium and sepals covered with golden spherical glands. In addition, it has dimorphic and bicolored stamens with tetrasporangiate anthers. Microlicia dentisepala has a subshrub or shrub habit, is erect and much branched, and its leaves are small, varnished in appearance, with both surfaces covered with spherical glands. The sepals are triangular to narrowly lanceolate and shorter than the length of the hypanthium, with a tooth aspect. Microlicia membranacea is a subshrub with petiolate leaves, lamina of membranous consistency and suprabasal venation, with prominent secondary veins. The branch, leaf, hypanthium, and sepals are covered with glandular trichomes, and the cylindrical hypanthium is slightly contracted at the apex. Microlicia arenaria and M. dentisepala exhibit some anatomical features common to Microlicia, such as amphistomatic leaves, short-stalked glandular trichomes in depressions on the leaf surface, compact mesophyll, phenolic compounds in the subepidermal layer, idioblasts with druses in the mesophyll, and collateral vascular bundles. Microlicia membranacea stands out by its hypostomatic leaves and a thin mesophyll formed by only three to four cell layers, conditions possibly related to a shaded environment. Following the criteria of the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), we preliminarily assess the conservation status of the species Microlicia arenaria as Endangered (EN), Microlicia dentisepala as Critically Endangered (CR), and Microlicia membranacea as Data Deficient (DD). We provide descriptions of the new species, along with field images, detailed illustrations, and comparisons with related species. Data on geographic distribution and habitat are also presented.

Comparative morpho-anatomy of the sporophyte of the most austral American species of Didymoglossum (Polypodiopsida: Hymenophyllaceae)

Didymoglossum (Hymenophyllaceae) is a monophyletic genus that includes small, epiphytic or epilithic plants. Three morphologically very similar species are found in the southern sector of the Yungas and Parana forests: D. hymenoides, D. krausii and D. reptans. The aim of this research was to characterise the morphoanatomy to better delimitate the taxa. Also, to evidence the presence of fungal endophytes. Conventional histological techniques were applied to fresh and FAA-fixed material. The anatomical structure of the different organs, in the three species, is similar; with collateral protostelic rhizomes, covered with simple or branched rhizoids; stipes teretes with glandular trichomes; uniestratified laminae formed by epidermal cells, with collateral vascular bundles; false veins formed by macrosclereids and stegmata or only by macrosclereids. The eglandular and glandular trichomes on the lamina differ in the species studied. The basal and middle portion of the involucre are pluristratified, with a vascular bundle at each margin, while the apical portion is formed by a one layer of epidermal cells; the receptacle is pluristratified with glandular trichomes on its surface. The presence of stegmata, collenchymatous tissue, sclerenchyma, mucilage fibers in phloem, pores in lamina and cuticle on the epidermis is evidenced and reported. Septate fungal endophytes were observed in epidermal cells of the rhizome, stipe and lamina of D. krausii and D. reptans. Species are differentiated by the following characters: shape of the lamina, diameter of the rhizome, number of false veins and the types of trichomes and pores. A key for the studied species is presented.

Investigations on the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of Aconitum napellus L.

Aconitum napellus L. is a popular medicinal plant extensively used in homeopathy. This article provides detailed morphology and microscopy, including the anatomical and histochemical features of the herb, to aid authentication and quality control. In cross-section, the root in secondary growth shows the phloem surrounded by pericyclic fibers and a well-developed xylem. The stem is irregular in outline, displaying unicellular trichomes and many free collateral vascular bundles encircling the pith. The leaf is dorsiventral, hypostomatic with anomocytic and anisocytic stomata, and shows non-glandular trichomes. The floral parts are characterized by uniseriate epidermises, homogeneous mesophyll, anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface, trichomes, and oval pollen grains. The tissue fragments in powdered herbs show these characteristics and have numerous starch grains with thimble-shaped, linear or star-shaped hilum. The detailed macroscopic and microscopic analysis provided in this study can help in the authentication and quality control of A. napellus raw materials. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Key anatomical, micromorphological, and microchemical features of Aconitum napellus are described. The results of the study can support the taxonomy of the genus Aconitum. Morphological standardization of the species reported here is helpful in the quality control of this herb.

An Anatomical and Caryological Investigation On Monotypic Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass. in Turkey

Pallenis spinosa (L.) Cass., which has an annual and herbacous life form, is represented by a single species (monotypic) in Turkey. There are 1-2 rows of epidermis cells in the root cross section of the taxon. Between the epidermis and the central cylinder is the cortex, which consists of parenchymatic cells. Root has a radial vasculer bundle. The cross-section of the stem has a round shape with single row and regular lined of cortex cell over the vascular bundle as a starch sheath. The sclerenchyma cells is cover the top of floem cells in the collateral vascular bundle. The leaves is a bifacial type. There are stomas and eglandular hairs both side of the leaves. Sclerenchyma cells are both side of vascular bundles in the leaves. We determined 2x = 2n = 10 chromosome number and made chromosome measurement and haploid idiogram of species.

Morphology, Taxonomy, Anatomy, and Palynology of the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) Cultivation in Northern Thailand.

In this paper, we present the morphology, taxonomy, anatomy, and palynology of Papaver somniferum. A detailed morphological description and illustrations of the species are provided, along with information about the identification, distribution, cultivation areas, habitats, pollinators, specimens examined, growing periods, phenology, etymology, vernacular name, and uses. The species can be characterized as a glabrous and glaucous herb with unlobed or pinnately lobed leaves, and an amplexicaul base; variations in color and morphological characteristics of petals; and white filaments, occasionally purple with a white basal part, broadened at the apical part. Two rings of discontinuous and widely spaced collateral vascular bundles are recognized in the transverse section of the stems. The shape of epidermal cells on the adaxial surface is polygonal, while that on the abaxial surface is polygonal or irregular. The anticlinal cell walls of the epidermal cells on the adaxial surface are straight or slightly curved, while those on the abaxial surface are straight, slightly curved, sinuate, or strongly sinuate. The stomata are anomocytic and are confined to the lower epidermis. The stomatal density is 54-199/mm2 (with a mean of 89.29 ± 24.97). The mesophyll is not distinctly differentiated into palisade and spongy regions. Laticifers are found in the phloem areas of the stems and leaves. The pollen grains can be spheroidal or prolate spheroidal in shape, sometimes oblate spheroidal [polar axis (P) diameter/equatorial axis (E) diameter ratio = 0.99-1.12 (with a mean of 1.03 ± 0.03)]. The pollen aperture is tricolpate and the exine sculpturing is microechinate.

Anatomy and foliar architecture of two Mexican species of Ternstroemia Mutis ex L.f. (Pentaphylacaceae)

Background: Many Mexican Ternstroemia species mainly inhabit the tropical montane cloud forest. These species have been misidentified in herbaria due to their morphological resemblance. Question: Are there foliar anatomical and micromorphological characters with diagnostic value that allow discriminating between the Mexican species of Ternstroemia? Study species: Ternstroemia sylvatica Schltdl. & Cham., and T. lineata DC. subsp. lineata (Pentaphylacaceae Engl.), 2018-2019. Study site and date: Tropical montane cloud forests at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and Sierra Madre Oriental. Methods: Botanical specimens were collected and removed from herbarium sheets. The leaves were prepared through cleared, dehydration and paraffin inclusion techniques to observe and describe them. Results: The Ternstroemia species showed specific features of plants in humid environments, such as thin cuticle, mesophyll with scarce parenchyma palisade, and abundant intercellular spaces in the spongy parenchyma, and specific pigments that help to capture light and serve as protection. The species share a festooned broquidodromous venation pattern, anomocytic stomata, and closed collateral vascular bundle surrounded by perivascular fibers. Both species are differentiated by leaf shape, abundance of collenchyma layers, lenght of palisade parenchyma, and number of stomata per square millimeter on the abaxial surface. Conclusions: We support and validate some features recorded for Ternstroemia species and reject some previous generalizations made worldwide to the genus. This research is the first attempt to study anatomy, architecture, and foliar micromorphology of Mexican Pentaphylacaceae.

INVESTIGATIONS ON MORPHO-ANATOMICAL AND VOLATILE COMPOUNDS OF CULTIVATED Fritillaria persica L. (LILIACEAE)

In this study, cultivated Fritillaria persica L. (Liliaceae) investigated morpho-anatomical and volatile compounds of bulbs. Purple tepals, 12-28 flowers in inflorescence, yellow-green filaments and dark yellow or purple anthers were notable morphological properties. For the anatomical study, sections were prepared from root, stem and leaf. The cortex of the stem was comprised of parenchyma and sclerenchyma. The collateral vascular bundles were scattered. The leaves were unifacial and amphistomatic. The stomata type was anomocytic. The crushed bulb volatiles of F. persica were trapped by the headspace-solid phase microextraction technique and determined by analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Eight compounds (83.9%) were identified and the major compounds were found as 1,3-dichlorobenzene (60%), limonene (8.1%) and p-cymene (5.1%).

Anatomical and histochemical characterization of the vegetative organs of Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss.

Talinum fruticosum (L.) Juss. is popularly known as beldroega and bredo, its leaves are highly nutritious consumed as a substitute for spinach, presenting considerable concentrations of pro-vitamin A, calcium and iron. In addition, its leaves are used in the management of cardiovascular diseases, having immunomodulatory properties. In view of this, the objective of the study was to carry out the anatomical and histochemical characterization of the vegetative organs of T. fruticosum. For this, the usual methods in plant anatomy were used to make semi-permanent slides containing cross-sections of the root, stem, petiole and leaf blade and paradermal sections of the leaf blade of the species for analysis in optical microscopy light and polarized light. Histochemical tests were also performed using specific reagents in order to locate the metabolites in the fresh leaf blade through cross-sections. The main characters useful in identifying the species were: root with periderm with 4-5 cell layers and tetrarch vascular cylinder; stem with presence of angular collenchyma and druses in the parenchyma; petiole with open collateral vascular bundle and absence of collenchyma; amphistomatic leaf blade with paracytic stomata, midrib showing biconvex contour, uniseriate epidermis, annular collenchyma, mesophyll with 2-3 layers of palisade parenchyma and 5-6 layers of spongy parenchyma and presence of druses. In addition, through the histochemical study, the presence of lignin, druses of calcium oxalate and lipophilic compounds in the leaf blade was observed. The results presented are fundamental for the quality control of the plant drug and pharmacobotanical standardization of the studied species.

Microstructural Feature of Salvia glutinosa L. vegetative and generative organs

 It has been studied perspective medicinal plant S. glutinosa  aboveground parts vegetative and generative organs internal diagnostic features. The aboveground vegetative and generative organs of the plant are lined with unicellular or multicellular, conical trichomes, glands, unicellular or multicellular, also conical, spherical, secretory trichomes; Basal layer cells of curved and curved wall epidermal tissue is characteristic feature for leaf. The leaf is bifacial, amphistomatic, dorsoventral structure. Folium and axial organs cover tissue are presented diacytic type stomata. Lentil-like Guard cells of stomata, subsidiary cells stomata are curvilinear structure.In the internal structure of aboveground part polygonal structure tissue and mechanical tissue are actively represented, fiber and collenchyma existence are particularly characteristic sign for mechanical tissue. The transport system is monocyclic, collateral vascular bundles reflected in the stem, leaf stalk, and midrib. Longitudinally arranged, spherically shaped vascular vessel and tracheid element is in the transport system cortex. The axis organs xylem vessel mainly is spiral type, rarely  porous wall thickening.

Pharmacognostic standardization of Xanthium spinosum L. through scanning electron microscopy and analytical techniques.

The present study was intended to evaluate the pharmacognostic attributes including macroscopy, microscopy, physico-chemical and phytochemical screening of the aerial part of Xanthium spinosum, belonging to family Asteraceae. Morphologically, the leaf was covered with sparsely scattered non-glandular, multicellular hair on adaxial surface, while abaxial surface was reported with dense silvery furs. Leaf showed lamphystomatic nature bearing anomocytic stomata. Various other leaf constant values like vein islets number, vein termination number and palisade cell ratio were also observed and recorded as 4.36 ± 0.5, 3.36 ± 0.5, and 11.82 ± 2.04, respectively. Cross section of the stem showed typical dicot anatomy differentiated into a single epidermal layer followed by few rows of collenchyma cells, thin-walled parenchyma cells followed by closed and collateral vascular bundles having prephloemic sheaths and a central pith. Light and scanning electron microscopy of the powdered drug revealed a variety of tissues and cells fragments having different measurements. Fluorescence analysis of the fine powder treated with different reagents revealed a variety of colors implying as a sign for the presence of various biochemical constituents. Highest and lowest percent extractive value was found in methanol and distilled water which were 29.10% and 9.80%, respectively. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenols, tannins, glycosides, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, and coumarins, while quantitative phytochemical screening detected maximum quantity of flavonoids in chloroform followed by methanol and ethyl acetate. The aforementioned studies have been reported first time for the said species, which may be helpful for the standardization of the current taxon.

Vegetative anatomy and endorrhizal fungal morphology of an endangered medicinal plant Gloriosa superba L.

Gloriosa superba L. is of great economic importance due to its high medicinal value. Nevertheless, there is a need to reexamine species delimitation in the Gloriosa taxa as most of the species have been synonymised as G. superba. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the vegetative anatomical traits of G. superba. The leaf, scale leaf, tendril, stem, tuber, and roots of G. superba were freehand sectioned and stained with various staining solutions to record the anatomical structures. The cellular dimensions of each plant part were measured. The present study revealed the presence of intercostal and costal regions in the leaf epidermis, anomocytic stomata on abaxial surface, uniseriate epidermis covered by cuticle, undifferentiated mesophyll, and a bundle sheath surrounding vascular bundles in a leaf. Unlike the leaf, the scale leaf contains air chambers in the mesophyll region and bundle sheath is absent. The tendril had uniseriate cuticularized epidermis followed by few layers of cells developing wall thickenings, and collateral vascular bundles. The mature stem is differentiated from the young stem by the presence of bi-layered epidermis, the absence of stomata on the stem surface, and chlorenchymatous hypodermis. Air passage containing epidermis covered by thin cuticle is recorded in the stem. Starch grains are present in the tuber ground tissue. Velamen is reported for the first time in G. superba root. Scalariform perforation end plate present in root metaxylem. Roots of G. superba are colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizal and dark septate endophytic fungi. Therefore, these anatomical traits could aid in the identification of G. superba. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Anatomy of vegetative parts of Gloriosa superba was studied. Air-passage enveloped by uniseriate epidermis present in stem. Bundle sheath surrounds vascular bundles of leaf and stem. Cells of rhizome ground tissue contain abundant starch grains. Velamen tissue is reported for the first time in roots.

STUDYING MAHONIA AQUIFOLIUM (PURSH) NUTT., INTRODUCED IN GEORGIA, FOR THE CONTENT OF ALKALOIDS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MICROSTRUCTURAL DIAGNOSTIC SIGNS OF THE PLANT

The research aimed to investigate qualitative and quantitative composition of alkaloids from M. aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt. (fam. Berberidaceae), as well as to determine the authenticity of raw materials on the basis of microstructural diagnostic features. Qualitative TLC and GС /MS analysis of substances obtained by liquid-liquid extraction from above- and underground vegetative organs of Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt, in the presence of reference compounds, identified representatives of the protoberberine, aporphine and bis-benzylisoquinoline groups of biologically active alkaloids.Study of the microstructural peculiarities of the M. aquifolium revealed the following: in the central cylinder of the root of M. aquifolium, the phloem is perixilar, the wood armature is thick-walled, the conducting vessels are chaotically scattered; roots covered with velamen cells, the conducting tissue is represented by collateral type bundles. Rectilinear pavement cells of the shoot epidermis are stitched; the stomata are complex, stomata satellites are tetrasect, less often hexasect; in the conducting system the phloem is compressed, while the xylem is radial and consists of spiral, porous and roundly thickened vessels; the radial beams are multilayered. M. aquifolium leaf is bifacial, hypostomatic, with the mesophyll of dorsoventral structure; the basal cells of the adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the leaf are nonstitched, curvilinear, curved type; stomata of the anomocytic type; collateral conductive bundles are embedded into mechanical tissue. In the midvein of the leaf differentiated collateral vascular bundles are surrounded by mechanical elements.