Shape Of Starch Grains Research Articles

Comparative morpho-anatomical standardization and chemical profiling of root drugs for distinction of fourteen species of family Apocynaceae

BackgroundThe root drugs of the family Apocynaceae are medicinally important and used in Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM). There is often a problem of misidentification and adulteration of genuine samples with other samples in the market trade. Keeping in view the adulteration problem of raw drug material, comparative macroscopic and microscopic (qualitative and quantitative) characterisation and chemical analysis (TLC and LC–MS profiling) of a total of 14 economically important root drugs of family Apocynaceae were done for practical and rapid identification. A total of 33 qualitative botanical characteristics of root samples were subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster analysis to identify taxonomically significant characteristics in the distinction of root drug samples at the species level.ResultsComparative qualitative and quantitative data on morphological, macroscopic, and microscopic characters were generated for the studied 14 species. Despite the similarity in some root characters, a combined study involving the surface, anatomical, and powder features helped distinguish root samples at the species level. The relative relationship between selected species was represented as clustering or grouping in the dendrogram. PCA analysis determined significant characters leading to species grouping and identification. Results showed that clustering of xylem vessels in cross-section, pore size, and distribution in the cut root, the shape of starch grains, the thickness of cork zone were among the most notable characters in species distinction. Chemical profiling revealed unique fingerprints and content of chemical compounds, which were significant in identification of root drug samples.ConclusionsThe comparative botanical standards and chemical profiles developed in the present study can be used as future reference standards for the quick, easy, and correct identification of root drug samples to be used in the herbal drug industry. Further, the identified significant microscopic characters have the potential for taxonomic studies in species delimitation.

Morpho-Anatomical Characterisation of the Rhizomes of Ten Species of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) from south India

The morphological and anatomical characterisation of ten medicinally and economically important species of Curcuma L. from South India namely, C. aeruginosa (neela-kua), C. amada (manga-inchi), C. aromatica (kasturi-manjal), C. aurantiaca, C. caesia (kari-manjal), C. haritha (karpura-kua), C. longa (manjal), C. montana, C. zanthorrhiza (manja-kua) and C. zedoaria (chenthandan-kua) were studied and compared. Eventhough, all the species show similarity in their characters, striking differences were noticed with respect to morphological characters such as shape and size of mother rhizome and lateral branches, colour of the cut surface, aroma and taste of rhizomes etc. Differences were also observed in some anatomical characters such as nature of endodermoid layer, size and shape of starch grains, oil cells and curcumin cells, etc. Based on the distinct morpho-anatomical features, an artificial dichotomous key was proposed for taxonomic delimitation of the species with their rhizome.

Ultrastructure changes of seedlings of Kosteletzkya virginica under waterlogging conditions

The changes in ultrastructure of leaf cell in waterlogged Kosteletzkya virginica seedlings were observed by transmission electron microscope. During waterlogging, the chloroplasts turned into a round shape and their volume was gradually reduced. Furthermore, the lamellae of thylakoids swelled, and the inclusions in chloroplast decreased. The shape of starch grains slightly changed, but their number and volume decreased, and they even disappeared in the end. On the other hand, plastoglobules enlarged and their amount enhanced gradually. The membrane and inner cristea of mitochondria gradually became unclear, while the mitochondria firstly enlarged but disappeared at the end. Similar to chloroplast, cell nucleus dwindled gradually, concentrated and tended to a round shape. Additionally, the annulate lamellae and multivesicular body occurred on the 20th day of experiment, and the cell wall distorted and twisted at the late stage of waterlogging. Consequently, these changes of organelles are the typical characteristics of the complete cell disintegration or death for Kosteletzkya virginica under long-term waterlogging.

Análise da forma e tamanho de grânulos de amidos de diferentes fontes botânicas

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar a forma e tamanho de grânulos de amido de diferentes fontes botânicas, visando fornecer informações que contribuam para aplicabilidade destas como matérias-primas amiláceas. As féculas foram obtidas a partir do processamento das tuberosas em planta piloto de extração. Para a análise da forma dos grânulos utilizou-se o microscópio eletrônico de varredura, com as amostras diluídas em álcool etílico e metalizadas com ouro. A análise do tamanho dos grânulos foi realizada em microscópio ótico, sendo as amostras diluídas em solução de água e glicerina. Foram realizadas 500 determinações das medidas de tamanho (diâmetro menor, diâmetro maior e diferenças entre diâmetros) por fonte botânica. Os resultados obtidos mostraram diferentes formas para os grânulos de amidos e das tuberosas estudadas. Os grânulos de amido de menor tamanho foram os de taioba (Xanthosoma sp.) 12,87 µm, e os de maior tamanho os de biri (Canna edulis) 59,61 µm. Observou-se distribuição bastante regular para os grânulos de amido de ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa).

Mechanism of Action of Starch as a Tablet Disintegrant V: Effect of Starch Grain Deformation

Corn and waxy maise starches were observed under a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The effects of pressure and moisture were studied in both individual grains and in tablets. The starch grains were deformed by pressure and did not regain their original shape when moistened, nor was there significant swelling. The deformed cornstarch grains appeared to retain their birefringence. The regaining of the shape of starch grains is apparently not the mechanism of action as a tablet disintegrant.