Paracytic Type Research Articles

A Electron micrograph of the leaf epidermal structure of legumes

Our goal was to find morphological features that can help us identify or describe the stomata ontogeny and epidermal structures. Our team got seeds of two types of leguminous plants—Arachis hypogaea L. groundnuts and Vigna subterranean L. bambaranuts—from the Kano State Agricultural and Rural Development Authority and the Yankaba market in Nassarawa, which is in Kano State. The study specifically evaluated the leaf epidermal studies, stomata development (ontogeny), types of stomata, stomata size, pore length, pore width, and stomata index in both the surfaces of the leaves. We conducted ontogenetic studies using safety razor blades on the epidermal layers. We determined the stomata index by studying the type of stomata, the number of stomata, and the number of epidermal cells. We subjected the obtained data to a one-way analysis of variance. All the studied varieties/species exhibited amphistomatic stomata on both surfaces, with a higher density on the lower surface. In SAMNUT 23, we found the paracytic type of stomata, which is perigynous and has an irregular anticlinal cell wall. In Dandakar, we found the tetracyclic type, which is mesogynous and has a pentagonal epidermal cell shape and a slightly straight anticlinal cell wall. Finally, in Bambara nuts, we found the endocytic type, which is polygonal with a curved anticlinal wall and a mesoperigynous ontogeny.

Biosystematic Studies, Distribution and Conservation Status of Guaiacum officinale L. in Karnataka State

Guaiacum L. is an evergreen tree indigenous to South America, West Indies and USA. It was introduced during British period. The stem is hard, abundant resin wood, ash- grey-green bark and paripinnate leaves. The flowers are blue-purple in colour and occur in axillary clusters. The fruit is a capsule. Anomocytic, Paracytic and tertacytic types of stomata present only on abaxial surface of the leaf, trichomes absent on both surface. Pollen monad, radialy sysmmetric, tricolporate. The secondary veins are joined to form a loop at the margin. Phenolic test, alkaloid test etc. gave positive results. This plant is having commercial as well as medicinal value. In Karnataka state this plant found only in two places, one in Lalbagh, Bangalore and another in Karnataka College, Dharwad. Silviculture experiments were conducted but not succeeded. In both the places flowers are many, but fruit setting is negligible. It inhibits the spreading of the species in Karnataka.

Anatomical structure of leaves in Magnolia kobus, M. obovata, M. denudata in the first stages of ontogenesis

In the ontogenesis of woody plants in general, and magnolia species in particular, the virginal age is quite long, and therefore is critically important from the point of view of selecting optimal conditions for growing plants. The study was conducted on biennial plants of deciduous magnolias: Magnolia kobus Sarg., M. obovata Thunb., M. denudata Desr. The studied plants were at the beginning of the virginile stage of development. The material for the investigation is selected from plants, which were planted by us in the research area of A. V. Fomin Botanical Garden of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. In this study, we used scanning electron and light microscopes to examine the ultrastructure of the surface of leaves of the studied species. The histological characteristics of the leaves of the studied species are similar. They are hypostomatic. Their stomata are of the paracytic type, they are evenly distributed on the abaxial surface of the leaves. The epidermal cells of the studied species of the genus Magnolia have tortuous (cells located on the periphery of the leaf) or straight (cells located on the veins) outlines and rectangular (cells located on the veins) or flattened (cells placed on the periphery of the leaf) projection. The cuticle is relatively thin, located on both the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaves. Epicuticular wax is observed of three types in the studied species: films (M. denudata), crust (M. kobus, M. obovata) and wax granules (M. denudata, M. obovata). The amount of wax and pubescence is greater on the abaxial surface in M. obovata; very weak pubescence and waxy layer is observed only on the abaxial surface of the leaf in M. kobus, weak pubescence is present on both sides in M. denudata. In all species of the genus Magnolia pubescence is simple, formed by hairs that "accompany" the veins. There are two main types of lamina relief in the studied species: reticular (M. obovata, M. denudata (subtype reticular-collicular)) and pitted (M. kobus). The species clearly differ in this feature, so we believe that the type of relief of the lamina can be used as an additional diagnostic feature to distinguish species of the genus Magnolia. Magnolia denudata is characterized by a small number of stomata, while M. obovata and M. kobus are characterized by their average number. The Stomata Index varies from 2.8 in M. denudata to 1.02 in M. kobus. The lamina is the thickest in M. obovata, the thinnest is in M. kobus, but the total thickness of the epidermal tissue as a percentage of the thickness of the leaf is, in descending order: M. denudata (29%), M. kobus (24%), M. obovata (18%). The mesophyll varies from homogeneous-spongy (in M. kobus) to layered (in M. obovata, M. denudata) type. The number of layers of cells that form the mesophyll in all studied species is from 4 to 6. Thus, M. kobus is characterized by the least specialized type of mesophyll. The vascular system in the studied plants is represented by small central and lateral vascular bundles. The ground tissue is present only in the central and large side bundles. In the early stages of ontogenesis the studied plants are typical mesophytes with hypostomatic leaves adapted to exist in sufficiently moist conditions in soil and air. In practical terms, the results of investigation can be used to select optimal conditions for growing plants at the initial stages of ontogenesis.

Foliar epidermal micromorphology of genus Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) by using light and electron microscopy

The present study was conducted to compare both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of foliar epidermal micromorphology on some members of Glochidion in Assam. As taxonomic attributes, the foliar epidermal micromorphology study of nine taxa of both abaxial and adaxial surfaces was performed by using light microscopy (LM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The result showed both amphistomatic and hypostomatic types of leaf surfaces. On the same surface of the leaf, multiple types of stomata were observed such as anomocytic, anisocytic, hemiparacytic, and paracytic types. Significant diversity and variations were observed in stomatal number, size, area, epidermal cell number, subsidiary cells, and trichomes. The stomatal index, stomatal shape, epidermal cell shape, length and width of the stomata, and trichomes showed variation among the studied taxa. Glands were absent in all studied members. Papillae and epicuticular wax crystals were observed in some taxa. In addition, a taxonomic key was also provided based on foliar leaf epidermal characteristics using qualitative and quantitative data from LM and FESEM. Based on quantitative data of foliar leaf micromorphology, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were carried out to authenticate the micromorphological data. These would aid in the identification of taxa as well as in taxonomic delimitation.

Opuntioideae cactus stem Bioimaging analysis: Bridging taxonomy and antimicrobial research.

This study presents a comprehensive scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of Opuntioideae cactus stems indigenous to the arid regions of Saudi Arabia, elucidating their intricate microstructural features. The findings not only advance taxonomic understanding by aiding in species differentiation but also reveal the antimicrobial potential of these cacti, highlighting their significance as valuable natural resources for both ecological and pharmaceutical applications. The present study is aimed to present the stem epidermal anatomical description of Opuntioideae (Cactaceae) belonging to genus Opuntia (five Species), Cylindropuntia (two Species), and Austrocylindropuntia (one Species) as tool for systematic identification. Stem epidermal anatomical features represent here are epidermal cells, stomatal complex, subsidiary cells, and trichomes findings was observed using light microscope and SEM. The stem epidermal sections were made by heating in test tube containing lactic acid and nitric acid protocol. In anatomical findings, irregular, zigzag, wavy, and polygonal epidermal cells with sinuate, sinuous, and straight anticlinal walls were observed. Quantitatively minimum length (28.05 ± 2.05 μm) and width (23.15 ± 3.41 μm) of epidermal cells were noted in Cylindropuntia kleiniae. Paracytic type of stomata present was observed in all species with kidney-shaped guard cell present in six species, and in Opuntia macrocentra and Austrocylindropuntia subulata, dumbbell-shaped guard cells were observed. The largest length of stomata (53.25 ± 2.05 μm) and width of stomata (35.10 ± 5.19 μm) were observed in Opuntia monacantha. In present research work, stem anatomical features show many diverse characters are of special attention for plant taxonomist for the correct identification and provide baseline for further study in subfamily Opuntiodeae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The intricate microstructures of Opuntioideae cactus stems. Investigating the antimicrobial potential of compounds found within Opuntioideae cactus stems. Correlations between the unique structural features observed through SEM and the antimicrobial activity of Opuntioideae cactus stem extracts.

Histological and Micromeritic Differences Between the Two Varieties of Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) Kunth ex DC. (Fabaceae)

Purpose: Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.) kunth ex DC. (Fabaceae) is a tropical plant used in ethnomedicine as an analgesic, appetite stimulant, antibacterial and cytotoxic agent. This study aims to establish histological and micromeritic parameters as standards for the leaves of brown and white varieties. Methods: The leaves of both varieties were collected, dried under shade and pulverized. Microscopic evaluations were done on both the fresh and powdered samples. Micromeritic properties were determined for the plant organs collected. Carr’s index, angle of repose and Hausner’s ratio were calculated. Chemomicroscopic and fluorescence evaluations were also done on the powders. Results: The results obtained from the microscopy of the fresh leaves revealed hypostomatic stomatal distribution and anomocytic type of stomata for the brown variety and paracytic type of stomata for the white variety both on abaxial surfaces. The epidermal cell shapes for the abaxial and adaxial surfaces were both irregular. The stomatal number was found to be 36.9 ± 0.71 and 17.8 + 0.97 for the brown and white varieties respectively. The stomatal index was 8.13 %. and 7.45 % for the brown and white varieties respectively. The angle of repose for the brown and white varieties were 33.7 ± 0.72 and 40.05 ± 0.57 respectively. The chemomicroscopic result revealed that both leaves contained cellulose, mucilage, lignin, protein and starch. Conclusion: The results obtained from this study can be used to distinguish between the two varieties, and could also serve as pharmacopeial standards for quality assurance of the medicinal plant as a herbal drug. Keywords: Lonchocarpus sericeus, Carr’s index, Hausner’s ratio, micromeritic, histological

Pharmacognostic characteristics and antioxidant studies of Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson

• Psydrax subcordata is a small flowering tree or shrub that grows in central and western Africa belonging to the family Rubiaceae. • Pharmacognostic (organoleptic, macroscopic, microscopic and physico-chemical) parameters of P. subcordata leaves can serve as simple means to identification and also for the quality control of the plant material. • Antioxidants are endogenous or exogenous substances that interact with and neutralize free radicals • Numerous stomata of paracytic type occurred on both the upper and lower surfaces but more abundantly on the lower surface of the plant P. subcordata . • P. subcordata leaf microscopic features include shiny, circular and irregularly shaped calcium oxalate crystals, fibres, unicellular trichomes and starch granules. Psydrax is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae with over 80 accepted plant species. Psydrax subcordata is a small tree or shrub that grows in Central and Western Africa countries where its roots, leaves and stem are used locally by traditional healers for medicinal purposes. These local uses include the treatment of malaria fever, inflammation, haemorrhoids, enteritis, stomach ulcer, epilepsy and cardiovascular ailments. This study was carried out to examine parameters for identification of the plant and investigate potential antioxidant activity. The macroscopic, microscopic and physico-chemical characteristics of the leaf were determined using standard procedures. Antioxidant activity was also investigated using five different antioxidant models namely; DPPH Radical scavenging activity, FRAP assay, Total antioxidant capacity (Phosphomolybdenum) assay, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay and Reducing power assay. The leaves of the plant are simple, broad and entire. Ovate in shape, shortly acuminate apex and subcordate at the leaf base. The dark green upper surface is hairy or pubescent while greyish-green lower surface is sparely pubescent. The leaf showed microscopic mono-cyclic calcium oxalate crystals, unicellular trichomes, xylem vessels and other diagnostic features. The in-vitro antioxidant assays conducted, suggested that the extract contains antioxidant compounds. The characteristic macroscopic, microscopic and physico-chemical parameters evaluated for the plant sample can be used in rapid identification, authentication and for the quality control of the plant material before they are used for treatment and manufacturing of herbal medicines. The results of the antioxidant study showed that the extract exhibited potent antioxidant activity.

Micromorphology of leaflets of Senna series Bacillares (Leguminosae) and its taxonomic significance

Senna ser. Bacillares (Benth.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby comprises approximately 50 species, 23 of which are found in Brazil. Micromorphological studies of the leaflet epidermis were performed on ten species of Senna ser. Bacillares collected in the Atlantic Forest north of the São Francisco River, in Northeastern Brazil, to identify qualitative and quantitative characters supporting their taxonomy. All species showed a uniseriate epidermis, hypostomatic leaflets, and more than one type of stomata (the paracytic type being predominant). Different types of epicuticular waxes were observed, including microplatelets as rosettes (characteristic of Fabaceae), fissured layers, and membranous platelets. A glabrous epidermis on both surfaces was characteristic of Senna splendida (Vogel) H.S.Irwin & Barneby, and disperse trichomes were observed on the abaxial surface of Senna quinquangulata (Rich.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby. Straight to curved anticlinal cell walls were observed in most species, the curved pattern was exclusive to Senna quinquangulata and sinuous types on the abaxial surfaces of Senna macranthera (DC. ex Collad.) H.S.Irwin & Barneby and Senna splendida. A papillose epidermis on the abaxial surface was common to seven species. Four types of stomata were observed, including the anomotetracytic type, which has not been previously reported in Senna Mill. Spherical crystals and crystal sand are reported here for Senna for the first time. Those sets of micromorphological characters provide additional subsidies for the taxonomy of Senna ser. Bacillares, as well as for the genus Senna.

Microstructural features of generative and vegetative organs of Allium ponticum growing in Georgia

The aim of the study is to determine diagnostic characteristics based on the study of the macro- and microstructural characteristics of the generating and vegetative organs of Allium ponticum Micscz ex Grossh. Bilateral epidermis of leaves of A. ponticum has identical structure. Paracytic type of stomatas are concentrated on the narrowed edge of cells of leaf epidermis. Vascular bundle of collateral type. The protective tissue of the stem is cutinized, the epidermis is one-line, the outer periclinary wall of epidermal cells is powerfully thickened. In the epidermis, slightly submerged stomatas are differentiated. The leaf is abundantly equipped with collateral-type vascular bundle of different diameters. The flower is a round, hemisphere, frequent-flowered umbrella. Basal cells of the epidermis of the filament are characterized by straight or indirect tilt of elongated, linear periclinal walls. The bulb is well developed, free. It is spherical-oval in shape, its shell is almost leathery. On the panorama of the texture of the cross section of the bulb, in the basipetal direction, tendency of differentiation of fibrous root system is manifested.

Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Leaf of Jatropha nana var. bengalense C.H. Rahaman and S. Mondal: An Endemic Member of Euphorbiaceae

Pharmacognosy Research,2022,14,2,204-210.DOI:10.5530/pres.14.2.29Published:April 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Swarnendu Mondal, and Nayan Roy Author(s) affiliations:Swarnendu Mondal1,*, Nayan Roy2 1Department of Botany, Tribal Medicine and Pharmacognosy Lab., MUC Women’s College, Burdwan, West Bengal, INDIA. 2Department of Zoology, Ecology Research Unit, MUC Women’s College, Burdwan, West Bengal, INDIA. Abstract:Background: Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies helps to maintain the quality of herbal products and purity of crude drugs by means of standardized parameters which will lead to developing the safest and efficacious natural products. Objectives: This study was undertaken to carry out pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation of the leaves of the Jatropha nana var. bengalense (Euphorbiaceae), an ethnomedicinal plant. Materials and Methods: Epidermal Micromorphology, physical and physicochemical constants like ash value determination and UV-fluorescence study have been employed for pharmacognostic evaluation. For qualitative phytochemistry, microchemical color reaction test and TLC studies performed. Variations in different biochemical parameters of leaves of different developmental stages have been examined and the obtained data statistically analyzed following standard methods. Results: Typical paracytic type of stomata is found in hypostomatic condition distributed in irregular-shaped epidermal cells. Index of these stomata was found 20.251%. Phytochemical analysis in qualitative and quantitative approaches has also been done to describe its chemical variability. Ash value was found above 8% which shows more than 50% solubility in acid whereas water and ethanol solubility is found to be just below and above the 30% respectively. In UV- fluorescence study very distinctive colour changes of the powdered leaf have been recorded. Alcoholic extracts have shown positive results for presence of most of the phytochemical groups. Quantitative phytochemical analysis confirms that a range of phytochemicals are present in good amount in the leaves of this medicinal plant which could vary in amount in different developmental states. Thin Layer Chromatography has been carried out on ethanolic extract in two different solvent systems which show 6 different Rf values further indicates the presence of important phytochemical derivatives. Conclusion: This study will finally be needful for standardization of identification of the genuine drug, its adulterants and of the chemical constituents present in the leaves and finally bioprospection. Key words: Adulteration, Bioprospection, Euphorbiaceae, Jatropha nana var. bengalense, Pharmacognosy. View:PDF (450.58 KB)

Comparative vegetative anatomy of Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. and the endemic Wrightia indica Ngan (Apocynaceae Juss.) occurring in peninsular India

• The vegetative anatomy of Wrightia tinctoria and Wrightia indica was examined. • Giant stomata were present in leaves of W. tinctoria . • Trichomes were absent in the stem of W. tinctoria but present in W. indica . • Gelatinous fibers present in roots of W. indica were absent in W. tinctoria . • Vegetative anatomy could be valuable in the pharmacognosy of the Wrightia species. Wrightia tinctoria R.Br. and the endemic Wrightia indica Ngan are important medicinal plants possessing novel therapeutic compounds. However, the anatomy of these medicinal plants is not well studied. Therefore, the present study illustrates the vegetative anatomy of the two Wrightia R.Br. species using light microscopy. The stomata in the leaves were paracytic/anomocytic type in W. tinctoria and of paracytic type in W. indica . The foliar cuticle was of varying thickness, and multicellular trichomes were distributed on the abaxial surface of W. tinctoria and both leaf surfaces of W. indica . The leaf anatomical characters like uniseriate epidermis, collenchymatous hypodermis, heterogeneous mesophyll, endarch xylem, idioblasts, starch grains, and raphides were common for both the Wrightia species. Stems of W. indica were sparingly covered by multicellular trichomes. The stems of both Wrightia species possess uniseriate epidermis, angular collenchymatous hypodermis, parenchymatous cortex, starch grains, bicollateral vascular bundles with endarch xylem, idioblasts containing calcium oxalate crystals and water-cells in the stelar region. Starch grains were abundant in the pith of W. indica . The root periderm consists of rectangular cells and the cortex was parenchymatous in both Wrightia species. Water-cells and sclereids were present in the cortex of W. tinctoria , whereas sclereids were absent in W. indica . Vascular bundles were amphicribral in both Wrightia species. Significant differences were evident in the cellular dimensions of vegetative parts of both the Wrightia species. The observations of the present study indicate that the vegetative anatomy could aid in the discrimination of these two Wrightia species.

Foliar micromorphology of Pimpinella (Apiaceae) species from Eastern Ghats, India

Pimpinella L. is a potential but little-known genus of medicinal plants of Apiaceae, represented by four species from the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. Epidermal features such as stomata and trichomes were studied. For each species, the composition of stomatal types, nature of anticlinal walls of the epidermal cells, stomatal index and frequency, and trichome morphology along with distribution were determined. Haplocytic, diacytic, amphidiacytic, paracytic, transitional, anisocytic and anomocytic types have been revealed, while trichomes were confined to non-glandular ones multicellular, unbranched type. The present study establishes the taxonomic significance of the foliar epidermis.

Morphological and Anatomical Studies on Some Members of Araceae of North Bengal

The present study aimed to characterize eight edible members of the family Araceae on the basis of their morphological and anatomical characteristics. The petiole length, leaf size, and corm size varied widely across the studied members. Significant variations in the stomatal index, stomatal length, and width were observed, although all were of paracytic type with elliptical to circular shapes. Leaf epidermal cells were found to be polygonal or puzzle shaped. Mesophyll cells were non-distinguishable as palisade or spongy parenchyma. The root vascular bundles were found to be exarch, either arranged circularly or remaining scattered in the ground tissue. Pith was also observed, either large, centrally located, or scattered. Petiole anatomy showed scattered vascular bundles with collateral xylem and phloem in almost all the species, except Ol Kochu, Panchmukhi Kochu, and Ghot Kochu. Presence of tannins was observed in the petioles of all the species, whereas calcium oxalate crystals in the form of raphides were found to be present in some members. Water vessels, either large or small were found in the petioles of all the species. The number of parenchyma cells varied from 2 to 6 depending on the species. All the morphological and anatomical characteristics would help identify the eight members of Araceae and provide information for future studies with them.

Palyno-anatomical characters and their systematic significance in the family Apiaceae from Chitral, eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan.

The present study was performed to provide a detailed explanation of leaf epidermal anatomy and pollen micromorphological features of selected species of family Apiaceae from Chitral, eastern Hindu Kush region as the basis of forthcoming studies. In the present article pollen morphology of eight species and foliar epidermal of seven species of family Apiaceae have been examined through microscopic techniques. In results two types of pollen prolate (five species) and perprolate (three species) with three colpi have been recorded. The exine ornamentation was found to be regulate, striate, and cerebroid. Largest pollen was found in Heracleum leucocarpum with the polar diameter of 43.25 μm and equatorial diameter of 21.6μm. Smallest pollen was observed in Elaeosticta chitralica with the polar diameter of 18.4μm. The P/E ratio varied from 1.59 to 2.16. Regarding to foliar epidermal anatomy, three types of epidermal cells including rectangular, irregular, and polygonal with variation in anticlinal wall pattern were determined. In the selected species three kinds of stomata comprising anisocytic, anomocytic, and paracytic type were reported in the current research. The size of epidermal cells ranged from 106 × 42.50 μm in Bupleurum falcatum subsp. cernuum and 77.25 × 26.35 μm in Prangos pabularia in adaxial surface. Largest stomatal complex was found in Prangos pabularia both in adaxial 33.55 × 20.05 μm and abaxial 50.25 × 39.40 μm. All the observed quantitative and qualitative features of the species were proved to be useful in the delimitation of species at generic and species level.

Evaluation of pharmacognostic profile, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties of Psychotria vogeliana Benth. (Rubiaceae), Leaf

The use of plants for the treatment of human diseases is as old as mankind on earth.. While there are reports on some Psychotria species there is virtually none on the plant Psychotria vogeliana Benth, (Rubiaceae). This research aims to evaluate the pharmacognostic, phytochemical and antimicrobial activities of the leaves of the plant. Macroscopic and microscopic characters of the plant material were evaluated and recorded. The plant material was sequentially extracted with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol using a soxhlet extractor. The methanol extract was evaluated for acute toxicity using Lorke’s method. Phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods while antimicrobial screening was done to test for antibacterial and antifungal activities following methods Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document M07-A9 2012). The phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard methods. Extraction yield; Methanol Extract = 9.73 %, ethyl acetate extract= 6.35 %, n-hexane extract = 7.22 %. The bitterness value (expressed as Mean ± SEM) was 0.65±0.04 IU/g, swelling index was insignificant. Results for Foaming Index indicated an insignificant foaming index. Ethanol soluble extractive (%) was 5.2±0.00, Water soluble extractive (%) was 5±0.012 Total ash (%) was 6.67±0.003, Moisture content (Loss-on-drying) (%) was 7.50±0.00. The leaf is hypostomatic with the paracytic type of stomata, with stomatal number 30.6 ±0.27, stomatal size 293.56 ±9.95 stomatal index 27.7 ±0.17%, vein islet number 3.82. The methanol extract was found to be non-toxic at doses below 400 mg kg-1. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, tannins, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, cyanogenic compounds. The methanol extract has activity against all the tested organisms, but the n-hexane extract has no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while the ethyl acetate extract had no activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The methanol and n-hexane fractions showed activity against C.albicans. The qualitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, reducing sugars, tannins, glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, phenols, cyanogenic compounds. The plant Psychotria vogeliana Benth (Rubiaceae), leaf contains many major phytochemicals and methanol extract possesses antimicrobial activity. Further work should be carried out to investigate other activities of the plant.

Comparative morphological and anatomical analysis of the feverfew herb varieties Phlora Pleno and White Gem

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip. is a perennial plant of the Aster family, which has an anti-migraine, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. These days studying of the feverfew varieties is actual in order to expand the raw material base because species and varieties are known to have a similar chemical composition. In Ukraine, the varieties White Gem and Phlora Pleno are widely cultivated and they are unpretentious to the natural and climatic conditions of Ukraine. The morphological and anatomical study of the selected varieties previously has not been studied, therefore this analysis is actual.
 The aim of the work was to conduct a morphological and anatomical analysis of the feverfew herb varieties Phlora Pleno and White Gem.
 The object of the study was samples of the feverfew herb varieties Phlora Pleno and White Gem collected during the period of mass flowering in 2018–2019 on experimental plots of the Botanical Garden of the National University of Pharmacy (Kharkiv, Ukraine) and the National Botanical Garden N. N. Grishka (Kiev, Ukraine.). Morphological features were examined on fresh, dry and fixed raw materials using a Levenhuk Zeno Handy ZH19 magnifier. Anatomical studies were carried out using raw materials fixed in a mixture of alcohol–glycerin–water (1:1:1) and in accordance with the requirements of the SPhU.
 As a result of the analysis the general and individual morphological and anatomical features of the feverfew herb varieties White Gem and Phlora Pleno were determined. The individual morphological features of the Phlora Pleno variety include white, female ray flowers up to 1.0 cm long, arranged in 2–3 rows; variety White Gem – white, female up to 0.8 cm long, located singly ray flowers. The individual anatomical features of the Phlora Pleno variety include the paracytic and anisocytic types of the stomata; single prismatic crystals and druses in the mesophyll; variety White Gem – anomocytic type of the stomata, on the epidermis of the stem – trichomes with a lobed terminal cell and glandules.
 For the first time a comparative morphological and anatomical analysis of the feverfew herb varieties Phlora Pleno and White Gem collected in Ukraine was carried out. The general and distinctive features of each variety, as well as their main diagnostic features, have been determined, therefore it will be used later to standardize the feverfew herb varieties Phlora Pleno and White Gem.

Leaf epidermal anatomy of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. in relation to ecotypic adaptation

Qualitative and quantitative studies were done on leaf epidermal characteristics with special reference to stomatal features to find out the impact of environmental condition on twenty four accessions of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. collected from different ecological habitats of Bangladesh. The foliar epidermal peels from both surfaces of mature leaves were observed under microscope. The leaves were found to be amphistomatic and stomata were paracytic type. The epidermal cells in this study were found to be sinuous. Silica bodies were found to be saddle and cross shaped. Prickles angular were pointed at the tip. Macro-hairs were present in all the accessions, but no micro-hair was found both adaxially or abaxially. Stomatal frequency and stomatal index were found to vary from accession to accession on both adaxial and abaxial surface of leaves, and the differences were statistically significant in most of the cases.
 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 171-193, 2021 (June)

Taxonomic implications of leaf epidermis in halophytes of Amaranthaceae from Salt Range of Punjab, Pakistan

The leaf epidermal anatomy of 15 salt-tolerant plant species belonging to the Amaranthaceae from the Salt Range of Punjab-Pakistan was studied using light microscopy (LM). The main purpose of this investigation was to compare the leaf micro-morphologies of the studied taxa, which can provide diagnostic characters useful for correct identification of halophytic taxa. Various quantitative and qualitative foliar epidermal features of adaxial and abaxial surfaces, including epidermal cell shape, anticlinal wall pattern, lobes per cell, anomocytic, anisocytic, and paracytic types of stomata and trichome diversity, were studied. Eight types of trichomes reported for the halophytes studied i.e. stellate, glandular, conical, capitate, non-capitate, non-glandular, cylindrical, and falcate. The shapes of epidermal cells found are pentagonal, polygonal, irregular, wavy, and tetragonal. This is the first report on leaf epidermal micromorphology of halophytes of family Amaranthaceae of Salt Range of Punjab. The findings revealed that leaf epidermal features showed adequate variations among genera distinguishing the halophytic taxa of family Amaranthaceae.

Macroscopic-microscopic characteristics and AFLP fingerprint for identification of Erythroxylum novogranatense, E. cambodianum and E. cuneatum endemic to Thailand

Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron, E. cambodianum Pierre and E. cuneatum (Miq.) Kurz in family Erythroxylaceae was traditionally used as an antipyretic, general stimulant and gastrointestinal diseases. Due to their morphological similarity, the correct identification was necessary for the quality control in herbal medicine. E. novogranatense (Morris) Hieron, E. cambodianum Pierre and E. cuneatum (Miq.) Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics evaluated Kurz endemic to Thailand according to WHO standard guideline and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprint. Morphological characters of E. novogranatense, E. cambodianum and E. cuneatum were similar in their flower, fruit and seed but different in stem and leaf. Microscopic characteristics from these three species, including constant leaf numbers, showed individual values. The stomata were classified as paracytic type. The midrib transverse section showed distinct characters of the epidermis, palisade cell, stomata, spongy cell, parenchyma, xylem vessel, phloem tissue and collenchyma. AFLP fingerprint showed highly polymorphisms 97.42% with the number of bands (349 bands) ranging between 50-750 bands. Primer E+ACG/M+CTT had the highest number of AFLP band (91 bands). The dendrogram generated from UPGMA could separate these three species. In summary, the combination of morphological characteristics, microscopic investigation and AFLP fingerprinting can be used to identify plant species and determine the genetic relationship among three Erythroxylum species.

Comparative foliar epidermal morphology of Isolona Engl. (Annonaceae)

A qualitative micromorphological assessment of the seven species of Isolona occurring in Nigeria and the Cameroons was undertaken with the aid of light microscope. The stomatal cells are particularly useful, providing stable characters which can be reliably employed in distinguishing the species. Hypostomatic leaves and paracytic stomatal type are generic constant. Possession of only paracytic stomata is characteristic of I. dewevrei whereas other species may have in addition another type such as 1+2 laterocytic stomatal type found only in I. zenkeri and presence of brachyparacytic stomata which shows relatedness of I. campanulata, I. congolana, I. hexaloba, I. pleurocarpus and I. thonneri. The epidermal surfaces appeared glabrous but an indication of hairs is shown by the presence of a glandular trichome base only in I. hexaloba. The epidermal cell characters such as epidermal cell shapes and anticlinal wall patterns seem to intergrade and they are not as definite as the stomatal cells. However, a combination of these features will be helpful in defining the species better and their leaf fragments can be differentiated based on the various characters studied for effective utilization in herbal medicinal research.