Mucilage Cells Research Articles

Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical Evaluation and Unlocking the Pharmacological Power of <i>Pyrus communis</i> L. Leaf Extract on DOCA Salt Induced Hypertension in Wistar Rats

Objectives: Identification of the active ingredient in medication is greatly aided by pharmacognostical and phytochemical research, such as the macroscopic, GC-MS analysis and to study hypertensive treatment with ethanolic extract of Pyrus communis L. Methods: Transverse sections, powder microscopy, Histochemical analysis also performed preliminary phytochemical analysis and GC-MS of P. communis. The different groups of Wistar rats were administered 400mg/kg as a lower dose and 600mg/kg as a higher dose given DOCA salt-induced hypertension. Results: Histochemical analysis of this leaf shows the presence of cutin, mucilage cells, tannin, alkaloids, lignin, starch grains, calcium oxalates cluster crystals, and oils. Eleven components in the extract were reported via GC-MS. This report confirms the existence of various phytocomponents which are 4-pyridine methanol; N-Methylmaleimide; 4-acetyl-1h-pyrroline-2-carbaldehyde; Carbamic acid, 2-(Dimethyl amino) Ethyl Ester; 5-Acetyl-4-Amino-3-(2-Dimethylaminoethylthio)Thieno[3,2-C]Isothiazole; Cyclobutaneoctol; 1,3-Propane diamine, N, N’-Bis (3-Aminopropyl)-; Arginine; 9-Methyl-11-Oxo-1,6-Diaza tricyclo [7.2.0.0(6,8)] Undecane; Egtazic Acid; animal study significantly reduced the pressure compared to the control group. P. communis ethanolic extract possesses a significant (p≤0.05) reduction in hypertensive rats from measurements of control group as 157/137 mmHg systolic and diastolic blood pressure to 140/98 mmHg in 600 mg/kg Conclusions: These results will also be helpful to add to the advanced knowledge of P. communis standardisation and identification, which are essential components in separating real Pyrus species from adulterants and imitations in the herbal medicine formulations better for the treatment of hypertension. The empirical and phytochemical study of P. communis leaf holds significant potential for the development of novel herbal remedies for hypertensive patients.

Unveiling foliar secreting sites and secretion composition in the legume tree Swartzia flaemingii Raddi.

Secretory structures in plants play a crucial role in producing bioactive compounds. Despite the potential of the Swartzia genus, comprehensive studies in this context are still scarce. Swartzia is a legume tree (Fabaceae) that occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot, and includes species such as Swartzia flaemingii. Therefore, we aim to achieve: (1) identify and characterize the key secretory sites responsible for saponin production in S. flaemingii leaflets; (2) confirm the presence of saponins in S. flaemingii leaves by comparing them with known chemical profiles of other Swartzia species; (3) assess the potential hemolytic and cytotoxic effects of crude leaf extracts. Our investigation unveils the presence of phenolic idioblasts, mucilage cells, and articulate laticifers, which play pivotal roles in defense and adaptation. Notably, we report the first-ever ultrastructural details of laticifers in a legume species. Additionally, oleanane-type saponins were identified in the leaves, giving insights into the chemotaxonomic profile of Swartzia. The crude extracts show low cytotoxicity levels, showcasing as a promising alternative source of saponins. This investigation reinforces the importance of conserving plants in threatened regions like the Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot facing substantial anthropogenic pressures.

Sympetaly in the mimosoid clade (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae): An unusual trait in the rosid group

Sympetaly is a notable feature within the mimosoid clade (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae), specially as it is uncommon in rosids. The way the petals are organized, forming a tubular corolla by the union of the petals directly affects the perception of pollinators. This study examines whether the petal union leading to a sympetalous corolla in the mimosoid clade is widespread and whether there is variation in type and extent. For this purpose, floral buds and flowers of 16 species from 13 genera were collected, fixed, and processed for analysis by light and scanning electron microscopy. Most species studied display a pentamerous sympetalous corolla with free lobes. The petal primordia are individualized and emerge simultaneously on the floral apex, alternating with the sepal primordia. Petals remain free at the beginning of the intermediate stages of development, and subsequently, the petals curve and approach each other, and their margins touch. Epidermal papillae are found on the petals’ apical margin interconnecting the lobes, which enclose the inner organs of the floral bud. The structure of the sympetalous corolla is variable regarding the type and extent of the union. Four different types of sympetaly were found and classified as follows: 1. full connation - petals fully united along their length; 2. connation-coherence - petals genuinely united in the basal portion and coherent in the median and apical portion; 3. full coherence - petals intertwined with papillae throughout; and 4. partial coherence - free petals at the base and intertwined with papillae in the middle and apical portion. Thus, sympetaly of mimosoid legumes results from postgenital union of the petals at the apical, median, and basal regions during their development by tissue union (connation), intertwining of epidermal papillae (coherence), or both processes. The mucilage cells found along the petals guarantee the stabilization and flexibility of the tubes, in addition to contributing to the protection of the internal organs of the flower. Although more studies on floral development are needed to understand the evolution of this unusual trait, connation appears to be a derived trait within mimosoids.

Mucilage cells in the flower of Rosales species: reflections on morphological diversity, classification, and functions.

The presence of mucilage cellsin plants, studied mainly in vegetative organs, is a condition shared by several taxonomicgroups and aspects related to their diversity have been discussed with systematic purposes. This study explores the flower distribution and classification of mucilage cells in Rosales species, with inferences about flower functions. Floral buds from fifty-seven species representing seven of nine families recognized in the Rosales were sampled and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Mucilage cells were found in about 40% of the studied species of Cannabaceae, Rhamnaceae, Ulmaceae, and Urticaceae families, whereas no floral mucilage cells were found in species of Elaeagnaceae, Moraceae, and Rosaceae. Mucilage cells were found in the epidermis and internal tissues of many organs of different floral morph types. There is a great diversity of forms of presentation of mucilage in cells, from smaller individualized single cells to very bulky cells and to completely filled mucilage reservoirs. In some cases, cells with mucilage apparently in the cell wall and others with mucilage in the vacuole seem to occur side by side. This diversity challenges the existing classifications of mucilage cells and reinforces the importance of ontogenetic and ultrastructural studies following the path of mucilage in cells in order to propose a more natural classification and to elucidate the evolution of mucilage cells in plants.

Comparative Study of Leaf Anatomy and Micromorphology of Selected Justicia Species from Peninsular Malaysia

Justicia has been recognized as one of the largest genera in the Acanthaceae family with 600 species have been identified. Most researchers have problems identifying Justicia species especially if the samples are incomplete. Other than that, there is no comprehensive study on Justicia species, especially in Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, a comprehensive study of leaf anatomy and micromorphology of three selected Justicia species which are Justicia adathoda, Justicia gendarussa and Justicia procumbens were conducted in order to assess the leaf anatomical and micromorphological variations that would be useful to identify the plant species. The methods used in this study involved several methods such as cross-section using a sliding microtome and observation under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the epidermis of abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Collenchyma, sclerenchyma and mucilage cells can be found either in the petiole or the midrib in all species studied. Amphistomatic stomata have also been recorded in all species examined. Meanwhile, several differences were discovered in this study, including the type of trichomes, the pattern of vascular bundles, the type of epicuticular wax structures, cuticle ornamentation and the presence of cystolith cells. In conclusion, the characteristics of some Justicia species in Peninsular Malaysia can be identified using leaf anatomy and micromorphology.

Justicia gendarussa (BURM F.) (WILLOW-LEAVED Justicia) FROM PENINSULAR MALAYSIA: LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY

Acanthaceae or the Acanthus family has been commonly used by local peoples as traditional medicines, especially in PeninsularMalaysia. Justicia gendarussa, also known as ‘daun rusa’ or ‘genda rusa,’ treats inflammatory disorders, asthma, hepatic injuries,arthritis, and digestion problems. Many taxonomists nowadays struggle to identify Acanthaceae species due to morphologicalsimilarities and incomplete parts during the identification process. Other than that, there has been no comprehensive study ofJusticia gendarussa leaf anatomy to date. Therefore, this study aims to describe the leaf’s anatomical and micromorphologicalcharacteristics that would be useful to identify this plant species. The leaf anatomical study involved several methods such ascross-section using a sliding microtome and observation under a light microscope. While the leaf micromorphology methodinvolved the observation under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the epidermis of abaxial and adaxial surfaces. Theresult of this study showed the presence of collenchyma, sclerenchyma, and mucilage cells in the petiole and midrib. The patternsof petiole and midrib vascular bundles were described as the main vascular bundle (opened system with continuous rings of thevascular bundle) with two additional vascular bundles located the above right and left of the main vascular bundle near eachwing. The cystolith cells are present in the epidermis and parenchyma cortex while glandular and non-glandular trichomeswere recorded in the species studied. In conclusion, comprehensive data for the leaf anatomical and micromorphologicalcharacteristics can be used to supplement data in the identification of Justicia gendarussa.

Comparative stem anatomy of three species of Coryphantha (Cactoideae-Cactaceae)

Background: The genus Coryphantha has the second largest number of species of the tribe Cacteae-Cactaceae. Morphologically, it has been reported that the stem presents mainly globose, ovoid and cylindric variations. However, at the anatomical level, descriptions are scarce and focused on particular tissues (epidermis or xylem). The aim of this work is to contribute to the anatomical knowledge of the genus.
 Questions and/or Hypotheses: What are the anatomical characteristics that differentiate one species from another? Does the presence of crystals allow differentiation between species?
 Study species: Coryphantha clavata, Coryphantha cornifera and Coryphantha radians.
 Site and years of study: San Luis Potosí and Querétaro, Mexico; 2017, 2020.
 Methods: Three individuals per species were collected, and conventional histological techniques were applied. Anatomical descriptions were made for different tissues, and structural characteristics were measured for each species.
 Results: The species exhibited the greatest differences in the epidermis and hypodermis, such as the presence of subepidermal stomata (C. radians), three-layered hypodermis (C. clavata), and non-collenchymatous hypodermis (C. cornifera). Crystals were not observed in the epidermises but instead in the hypodermes, which exhibited crystal shapes of druses (C. cornifera and C. radians), prisms and round bodies (C. clavata). In the cortical tissue, C. clavata had abundant mucilage cells. The observed xylem and phloem tissues exhibited characteristics similar to those of other Coryphantha species.
 Conclusions: The anatomical characteristics of the epidermis and hypodermis are considered of high systematic value and could be used to distinguish between species of the genus.

Heterochrony and repurposing in the evolution of gymnosperm seed dispersal units

BackgroundPlant dispersal units, or diaspores, allow the colonization of new environments expanding geographic range and promoting gene flow. Two broad categories of diaspores found in seed plants are dry and fleshy, associated with abiotic and biotic dispersal agents, respectively. Anatomy and developmental genetics of fleshy angiosperm fruits is advanced in contrast to the knowledge gap for analogous fleshy structures in gymnosperm diaspores. Improved understanding of the structural basis of modified accessory organs that aid in seed dispersal will enable future work on the underlying genetics, contributing to hypotheses on the origin of angiosperm fruits. To generate a structural framework for the development and evolution of gymnosperm fleshy diaspores, we studied the anatomy and histochemistry of Ephedra (Gnetales) seed cone bracts, the modified leaves surrounding the reproductive organs. We took an ontogenetic approach, comparing and contrasting the anatomy and histology of fleshy and papery-winged seed cone bracts, and their respective pollen cone bracts and leaves in four species from the South American clade.ResultsSeed bract fleshiness in Ephedra derives from mucilage accumulated in chlorenchyma cells, also found in the reduced young leaves before they reach their mature, dry stage. Cellulosic fibers, an infrequent cell type in gymnosperms, were found in Ephedra, where they presumably function as a source of supplementary apoplastic water in fleshy seed cone bracts. Papery-winged bract development more closely resembles that of leaves, with chlorenchyma mucilage cells turning into tanniniferous cells early on, and hyaline margins further extending into “wings”.ConclusionsWe propose an evolutionary developmental model whereby fleshy and papery-winged bracts develop from an early-stage anatomy shared with leaves that differs at the pollination stage. The ancestral fleshy bract state may represent a novel differentiation program built upon young leaf anatomy, while the derived dry, papery-winged state is likely built upon an existing differentiation pattern found in mature vegetative leaves. This model for the evolution of cone bract morphology in South American Ephedra hence involves a novel differentiation program repurposed from leaves combined with changes in the timing of leaf differentiation, or heterochrony, that can further be tested in other gymnosperms with fleshy diaspores.

LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY OF STROBILANTHES CRISPA (BLUME) (PECAH BELING) FROM KUANTAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

The anatomical studies of selected plant species of Acanthaceae in Kuantan, Pahang are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the leaf anatomical and micromorphological characteristics of S. crispa which can give additional information for identification of species. In addition, not only for taxonomy purpose, but also useful for ethnobotany perception on using as medicinal purpose because nowadays people are more searching on traditional plants as the alternative for drugs medicines, especially S. crispa. Methods used in this study were sectioning using sliding microtome, epidermal peeling and leaf micromorphology method by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Findings from this study showed that the presence of collenchyma, sclerenchyma and mucilage cells in either petiole or midrib of the leaves. Meanwhile, the anatomical characteristics observed include petiole and midrib outlines, patterns of petiole and midrib vascular bundles, presence of cystolith cells and presence and types of trichomes. As a conclusion, leaf anatomy and micromorphology characteristics are useful for identification of species studied.

LEAF ANATOMY OF YOUNGIA JAPONICA (L.) DC. (ASTERACEAE) FROM PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Leaf anatomical and micromorphological studies on Youngia japonica (Asteraceae family) were accomplished. In the North America, this wild plant is consumed as salad as a healthy diet. The whole plant is edible and has been consumed in past years especially during famine. The Chinese community has been using this plant to perform blood cleansing, to cure sore throat, diarrhoea, mastitis, shingles, sprains, and bruises. Since there is yet any comprehensive study on the taxonomic study of Y. japonica in Kuantan, this study aims to investigate and examine its leaf anatomical and micromorphological characteristics that can be used as a complete guidance for its identification and additional data for its species classification. The methods involved in the leaf anatomy included a cross sectioning method on the petiole, midrib, lamina, and margin using a sliding microtome, clearing of venation using basic fuchsin, and epidermal peel methods using Jeffrey solution. The micromorphology of the leaf was observed under a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result of the characteristics of leaf anatomical and micromorphological studies for Y. japonica found the type of vascular bundle at petiole which was an opened system, noncontinuous ring of separated vascular bundle arranged in arc-shaped with additional vascular bundles, there were presence of mucilage cells, incomplete marginal venation, anomocytic stomata at leaf epidermis, granules and crust of wax, and multicellular trichomes with different ended and capitate glandular trichome. In conclusion, the findings have shown that the anatomical and micromorphological characteristics have their taxonomic value and can be useful in the identification, differentiation, and classification of the plant at the species level.

Leaf Structure and Histochemical Analysis of Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum Camphora), a Plant Used in Traditional Remedies

ABSTRACT An integrated microscopical investigation of the secretive activity in the above ground parts such as the leaves, petioles, and young stems of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) was performed. Different kinds of cells were localized accumulating different metabolites as this was demonstrated by histochemical tests. The wide distribution of oil and mucilage cells and other idioblasts was set out. Virtually all palisade cells appeared to be involved in secondary metabolite production which may explain the complexity of the plant extracts and their wide range of therapeutic anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects they have in traditional medicine.

New Insights into the Evolution of Mucilage Cells in Araucariaceae: Araucaria violetae sp. nov. from the Early Cretaceous Araripe Basin (Northeast Brazil)

Premise of research. Araucariaceae are currently disjunctively distributed over the Southern Hemisphere, dominating only some restricted habitats. In contrast, fossil representatives of this group ...

Sub-Tissue Localization of Phytochemicals in Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl. Growing in Northern Italy.

In the present paper, we focused our attention on Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl. (Lauraceae), studied at three levels: (i) micromorphological, with the analysis of the secretory structures and a novel in-depth histochemical characterization of the secreted compounds; (ii) phytochemical, with the characterization of the essential oils from young stems, fruits, and leaves, subjected to different conservation procedures (fresh, dried, stored at −20 °C, stored at −80 °C) and collected in two different years; (iii) bioactive, consisting of a study of the potential antibacterial activity of the essential oils. The micromorphological investigation proved the presence of secretory cells characterized by a multi-layered wall in the young stems and leaves. They resulted in two different types: mucilage cells producing muco-polysaccharides and oil cells with an exclusive terpene production. The phytochemical investigations showed a predominance of monoterpenes over sesquiterpene derivatives; among them, the main components retrieved in all samples were 1,8-cineole followed by α-terpineol and sabinene. Conservation procedures seem to only influence the amounts of specific components, i.e., 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol, while analyses on each plant part revealed the presence of some peculiar secondary constituents for each of them. Finally, the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the essential oil showed a promising activity against various microorganisms, as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, we combined a micromorphological and phytochemical approach of the study on different plant parts of C. camphora, linking the occurrence of secretory cells to the production of essential oils. We compared, for the first time, the composition of essential oils derived from different plant matrices conserved with different procedures, allowing us to highlight a relation between the conservation technique and the main components of the profiles. Moreover, the preliminary antibacterial studies evidenced the potential activity of the essential oils against various microorganisms potentially dangerous for plants and humans.

Achene mucilage content of six Turkish endemic Tripleurospermum (Asteraceae) taxa and its ecological significance

In this study, the achene mucilage content of six Turkish endemic Tripleurospermum taxa, namely T. baytopianum E. Hossain, T. conoclinium (Boiss. & Bal.) Hayek, T. fissurale (Sosn.) E. Hossain, T. hygrophilum (Bornm.) Bornm., T. rosellum (Boiss. & Orph.) Hayek var. album E. Hossain and T. ziganaense Inceer & Hayirlioglu-Ayaz was determined by micro-staining reactions. Within the examined taxa, the mucilage cells on the achene surface are capable of forming a musilage envelope resembling a gel during hydration. The mucilage is heterogeneous and chemically contains pectin and cellulose. There are differences in the capacities of mucilage forming as well as adhesive to soil of the achenes in the studied taxa. The mucilage could have great importance in distribution and adaptation of Tripleurospermum taxa to diverse environments.

Essential Oil Composition, Cytotoxicity against Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and Macro and Micro-Morphological Fingerprint of Laurus nobilis Cultivated in Egypt

GC/MS analysis of hydro-distillated essential oil (1.9% v/w) from fresh leaves of Laurus nobilis cultivated in Egypt revealed the presence of 81 components from which 59 compounds were identified, the identified compounds represent 96.3 % of the oil composition. The major constituents were 1,8-cineole (27.41%), linalool (19.37%), α-terpinyl acetate (14.65%), methyl eugenol (7.73%), α-terpineol, (2.84%), terpinen-4-ol (2.09%), elemicin (2.08%) and sabinene (1.80%). Qualitative and quantitative identification of the essential oil constituents was based on comparison of retention indices (RIs) of standard n-alkanes (C8-C24) and mass spectra of the oil components with those reported in the literature. The essential oil exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against Hep-G2 (IC50= 1.83μg/mL). The cytotoxic activity study was enriched using molecular docking analysis of the oil components against caspase3 (apoptotic enzyme). The docking reflected the ability of 32 compounds to interact with caspase3 at different sites and initiating its activity. Moreover, macro- and micromorphological studies of the plant’s leaves, petioles and stem in both entire and isolated elements forms were carried out. They reflected the presence of characteristic oil cells and fibers in the leaves, petioles and stems in addition to mucilage cells in the leaves and petioles, sclereids in the leaves and old stems and small trichomes on the young stem surface.

LEAF ANATOMY AND MICROMORPHOLOGY OF SELECTED EUPHORBIACEAE SPECIES IN KUANTAN, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Leaf anatomy and micromorphology study was carried out on three selected taxa in Euphorbiaceae. The three chosen taxa were Jatropha curcas Linn., Euphorbia milii Des Moul. and Euphorbia hirta Linn. The methods involved procedures such as sectioning using sliding microtome, epidermal peeling and leaf micromorphology method using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The aim of this study is to identify the common, variation and diagnostic characteristics of leaf anatomy and micromorphology of selected species collected from Kuantan area which can give additional information for identification and classification of species. Findings in this study have shown that there were two common characters present in all the species studied which include the presence of mucilage cells and cuticular sculpturing of abaxial and adaxial epidermis. Meanwhile, several variable characters have been recorded in this study which can be useful in species differentiation such as vascular bundles arrangement in the midrib, pattern of anticlinal wall, types of stomata, waxes and trichomes. The diagnostic characteristics identified in this study are sinuous anticlinal wall pattern and anomocytic type of stomata that can only be found in E.hirta while crust of wax type and absence of trichomes can only be found in E.milii. The study reveals that leaf anatomy and micromorphology characteristics have taxonomic values and can be used as an additional data for identification and classification of species in Euphorbiaceae.

Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Hook.f. (Thomas) grown in Sri Lanka: Pharmacognostical, physico- chemical and phytochemical analysis of the stem

Tinospora cordifolia (wild) Hook.f. (Thomas) is an important medicinal plant distributed throughout in Sri Lanka and commonly known as Rasakinda in Sinhala and Giloy in English. It is widely used in Sri Lankan traditional medical system and Ayurveda for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, fever, arthritis, skin diseases and for Rasayana (rejuvenating) therapies due to its anti-inflammatory, hypoglyceamic, immunomodulatory, antioxident, anti-allergy, antipyretic, antiarthritic and various other medicinal properties. Imported T. cordifolia stems and Sri Lankan grown T. cordifolia stems can be found in Sri Lankan herbal market. Moreover, different varieties of Tinospora species known as Tikthakinda, Bukinda and Gatakinda are available in the market under the name of Rasakinda which leads to adulteration. Hence, in this research an attempt was made to develop standards for genuine T. cordifolia grown in Sri Lanka. Stems of T. cordifolia evaluated for macroscopical, microscopical, physico-chemical, phytochemical constituents, TLC and HPTLC fingerprint patterns. Microscopical examinations of T. cordifolia stem exhibited the wheel shaped appearance at the transverse cut surface, which is a main characteristic feature of the family Menespermaceae. Stem also showed the mucilage cells and abundant starch granules. Percentages of total ash, water soluble ash and acid insoluble ash, were 9.1%+0.1, 2.31%+0.1, <0.1% respectively. Among the percentages of extractable matter of T. cordifolia, highest amount was shown in hot water extract (16.2 %+0.3). Heavy metals (Hg, As, Cd, Pb) were within the limits given in WHO guidelines. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides. TLC fingerprint of T. cordifolia was developed using butanol: ethyl acetate: acetic acid: water in a ratio of 5: 8: 6:2 v/v and compared with one of its marker compound, Berberine. The HPTLC fingerprint patt ern of T. cordifolia showed a spot bearing the same Rf value corresponds to Berberine, at wavelength 254 nm. In conclusion, the results obtained from this study can be used as a standard reference for Sri Lankan grown T. cordifolia stems.

Immunodetection of Pectic Epitopes, Arabinogalactan Proteins, and Extensins in Mucilage Cells from the Ovules of Pilosella officinarum Vaill. and Taraxacum officinale Agg. (Asteraceae).

The main aim of this study was to compare the cytological difference between ovular mucilage cells in two Asteraceae species—Pilosella officinarum and Taraxacum officinale—in order to determine whether pectic epitopes, arabinogalactan proteins, or extensins are present. The immunocytochemical technique was used. Both the Taracacum and Pilosella genera have been used recently as models for understanding the mechanisms of apomixis. Knowledge of the presence of signal molecules (pectic epitopes, arabinogalactan proteins, and extensins) can help better understand the developmental processes in these plants during seed growth. The results showed that in Pilosella officinarum, there was an accumulation of pectins in the mucilage, including both weakly and highly esterified pectins, which was in contrast to the mucilage of Taraxacum officinale, which had low amounts of these pectins. However, Taraxacum protoplasts of mucilage cells were rich in weakly methyl-esterified pectins. While the mucilage contained arabinogalactan proteins in both of the studied species, the types of arabinogalactan proteins were different. In both of the studied species, extensins were recorded in the transmitting tissues. Arabinogalactan proteins as well as weakly and highly esterified pectins and extensins occurred in close proximity to calcium oxalate crystals in both Taraxacum and Pilosella cells.

Morpho-anatomical Studies of Woodfordia fruiticosa (L.)Kurz

The present investigation deals with the study of morpho-anatomical studies in node and leaf of Woodfordia fruiticosa (L.)Kurz belongs to family Lythraceae. The plant is widely used as medicinal purpose. The node has unilacunar one traced; anatomically the leaf shows several variations. The mesophyll cells are arranged loosely. The epidermis of leaf is covered with unicellular simple trichomes. The leaves are dorsiventral and hypostomatic stomata are more on lower surface of leaf. The mucilage cells are commonly occurs. The vascular bundle is bicollateral, solitary and arc shaped, parenchymatous cortex is present. These anatomical characters are useful for segregation of taxa that’s why the anatomical studies of Woodfordia were undertaken.

Studies on the Identification of Chinese Drug Material in Yams (Dioscorea spp.)

The botanical origins of the Chinese drug material in yams were clarified by anatomical studies of the plant materials, twelve cultivarities/species of Dioscorea. These plant materials were TNG1(Dioscorea alata L.), TNG2(D. alata L.), 70W34(D. alata L.), 70W35(D. alata L.), 70W47(D. alata L.), 80W02(D. alata L.), 70R16(D. alata L. var. purpurea (Roxb) M. Pouch), 70W41(D. batatas L.), 70W59(D. batatas L.), 70W43(D. japonica Thumb.var. pseudojaponica (Hay.) Yamamoto), 70W37(D. bulbifera L.). There were some differences found in the cork layer, cortex, scleroid, mucilage cell, raphide, resin canal, starch grain characters and powder color of the underground stems. Therefore, these twelve cultivarities/species can be clearly distinguished from each other. The results are shown in the index table given.