Unicellular Trichomes Research Articles

Anatomical Tool as Additional Approach for Identifying Pharmaceutically Important Ephedra Species (Ephedraceae) at Gender Identity Level in Egypt.

The genus Ephedra Tourn. ex L. (Ephedraceae) is an important source with pharmacological and environmental potential. Conversely, Ephedra spp. still exhibit taxonomic complexity, especially for the specimens lacking reproductive cones. This complexity is attributed to its xeromorphic features, notably the reduced leaves and analogous assimilating branches, which make the species identification a real challenge. The current study provides a pioneering approach to distinguish fragments of Ephedra species at the gender level. This study was based on the stem anatomy and stem epidermal features using a light microscope for five species (E. alata Decne., E. aphylla Forssk., E. ciliata Fisch. & C.A.Mey., E. foeminea Forssk. and E. Ephedra pachyclada Boiss.) represented by ten genders collected from S. Sinai, Egypt. Anomocytic and brachyparacytic stomata, tanniniferous idioblasts, annual rings, a terete and furrowed outline, the number and width of tracheids, patches of cortical fibers, unicellular trichomes, druses, solitary crystals, and the activity of interfascicular cambium were among the distinguishing features that were found. Different statistical analyses were applied to explore the diversity at interspecific and intra-generic levels. This study revealed that the stem anatomy was not only an efficient tool for identifying the investigated five Ephedra species at the species level but also presented a differential key to distinguish between genders and species. In addition, our results indicated that the epidermal features played a critical role in differentiating the studied Ephedra species at the gender level. This study confirms the efficacy of stem anatomy as an identification approach for the Ephedra species at the gender level and recommends this approach to identify the fragmented Ephedra for taxonomical, pharmaceutical, and medical applications.

Classostrobus doylei, a new cheirolepidiaceous cone with in situ pollen from the Figueira da Foz Formation (lower Aptian – upper Albian), western Portugal

The genus Classostrobus was established to accommodate unattached Classopollis-containing cones. It is noteworthy that Classopollis as a whole shows significant variation in morphological structure, and male cones bearing Classopollis pollen grains are rarer than vegetative organs of cheirolepidiaceous conifers. A new cheirolepidiaceous microsporangiate cone, Classostrobus doylei, containing Classopollis triangulus pollen grains is described for the first time based on a single specimen from sedimentary rocks exposed in the Carregueira open-cast clay pit complex close to the small village of Juncal, in the Estremadura region(Lusitanian Basin, western Portugal). The plant-bearing horizon from Carregueira is included in the basal part of the Famalicão Member of the Figueira da Foz Formation, considered to be of late Aptian – early Albian age. The new microsporangiate cone is small, about 2.0 mm long and 1.5 mm wide, ovoid in shape and of typically coniferous structure, probably belonging to Pseudofrenelopsis zlatkoi. The male cone consists of about 16 peltate, imbricated microsporophylls of deltoid shape. Each sporophyll is composed of a stalk and deltoid head showing abaxially 4–5 ovoid pollen sacs. The marginal parts of the sporophylls display long and unicellular trichomes. The observed in situ pollen grains are triangular to subcircular in outline, 16–28 μm in diameter, with an equatorial girdle, subequatorial rimula, proximal trilete scar and a distal cryptopore. The pollen ultrastructure is typical for Classopollis, except for the destroyed condition of the exine. The in situ pollen grains under study are consistent with the data on known dispersed Classopollis triangulus.

Pharmacognostic Study and Phytochemical Profilling of Dichloromethane Extracts of the Leaf and Stem of Vernonia conferta Benth and Vernonia colorata Drake Asteraceae

Aims: The study determines various taxonomic, pharmacognostic and phytochemical standards helpful to ensure the identity, purity, safety and efficacy of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia conferta. Study Design: To study these two species of Vernonia for their epidermal cell shapes, stomatal types and distribution, trichome types, chemomicroscopic and fluorescence characters, flow properties, ash values, extractive solvents and phytoconstituents of dichlormethane fractions using GC-MS. Place and Duration: This study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo from June 2023 to December 2023. Methodology: The pharmacognostic characterization was determined following the guidelines given by the World Health Organization (WHO). Parameters determined included microscopy, powder microscopy, chemomicroscopy, micromeritic properties, ash values, extractive values, fluorescence analysis while phytochemical analysis was done using Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometer. Results: Epidermal cell shapes were both irregular with undulate and sinuous anticlinal wall pattern for both V. colorata and C. conferta respectively. Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic with paracytic stomata on the abaxial surface for C. conferta while amphistomatic with anomocytic stomata in V. colorata. Stomatal index was highest in V. conferta with 27.31% and least in V. colorata 21.52%. Unicellular trichomes were observed in V. colorata and V. conferta epidermal surfaces. The chemomicroscopic study revealed the presence of lignin, starch, cellulose, oils, calcium oxalate crystals, mucilage and protein for both leaf and stem respectively. The fluorescence characteristics showed the presence of different colours supporting the presence of various phytoconstituents for both leaf and stem. The quantitative epidermal studies, chemomicroscopic and fluorescence characteristics revealed characteristic features for the drug. The flow properties for both leaf and stem were poor. The total ash values for both leaf and stem ranges between (2.40 – 9.30 and 10.60 – 11.06), acid-insoluble ash values were low, moisture contents were between 8 - 14%w/w, water and methanol extracted more constituents. In total, 12 chemical constituents each were recorded for the leaves of V. colorata and V. conferta, respectively, while 10 and 12 were also recorded for the dichloromethane stem extracts of V. colorata and V. conferta, respectively. Conclusion: This study is useful in pharmacognostic standardization of Vernonia colorata and Vernonia conferta.

Microanatomy sectioning and phytochemicals overview in selected Oleaceae species

This study provides in-depth observations into the microanatomical structure of leaves and stem of eight selected Oleaceae species revealing comprehensive tissue organization using microtome sectioning and peeling leaf epidermis techniques. The phytochemicals profile overview of selected olive species extracted from leaf and stem of Oleaceae species contributes to identifying bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic and medicinal applications. An overview of histochemistry of bioactive metabolites revealed in Oleacee species shows the presence of phenolic compounds (oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol), localized in the leaves and stems, contributing to their antioxidant properties. The present study represent foliar anatomical traits; epidermal cells (ECs) polygonal shape and straight anticlinal walls, paracytic stomata and simple unicellular trichomes. The maximum ECs length (30 μm) was noted in Olea europaea and minimum (20 μm) in Jasminum fluminense was measured. Oleaceae species microtome stem sectioning examined revealed cortex type (parenchyma and collenchyma), vascular bundles (VBs) arrangements (radial, scattered and bundled), xylem vessels (scalariform, annular, spiral and reticulate), phloem fiber arrangements (banded and scattered), and uniseriate, biseriat and multiseriate medullary rays. Stem transverse section with maximum length (1300 μm) was observed in Olea europaea and the lowest (1100 μm) in Jasminum grandiflorum L. subsp. floribundum. This taxonomic histological method links the relationship between anatomy and chemistry, lead to identification of bioactive chemical compounds diversity among Oleaceae species. This anatomical methods used to enhance and consider the plant micromorphological structure-function relationships adapted to diverse environmental conditions.

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By using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the pollen grains and foliar epidermal morphology of four species and two varieties of Egyptian Oxalis Linnaeus, 1753 belonging to three sections of the subgenus Oxalis Linnaeus, 1753 were studied. The objective was to determine the importance of pollen and foliar epidermal characters as taxonomic evidence. The current study revealed that the pollen grains of all taxa examined are monads, radially symmetric, isopolar, and of medium size; the shape varied from sub-spheroidal to subprolate. The pollen apertures were tricolpate with ornamented colpal membranes (rugulate, warty, congregated granules). Exine is semi-tectate, with micro-reticulate to reticulate ornamentation, perforate in O. debilis Kunth, 1822. The study also revealed the presence of four types of stomata: actinocytic, anisocytic, anomocytic, and an unusual 4-celled anisocytic. Both abaxial and adaxial epidermal cells were irregular or polygonal in shape, with undulate or straight anticlinal walls and semi-swollen to swollen periclinal walls with dispersed epicuticular wax. Two forms of non-glandular, unicellular trichomes were observed: short clavate and long with a tapering apex and papillate surface. The study further discussed numerical results based on combined morphological, palynological, and foliar epidermal characters. This study is the first report dealing with anatomical and palynological features of the genus Oxalis in Egypt.

Anatomical and histochemical characterization of vegetative organs of Brazilian species of Renealmia (Zingiberaceae)

Abstract Renealmia comprises approximately 85 herbaceous and rhizomatous plants in Africa and America known for their metabolite diversity. This study characterized the anatomy and histochemistry of the vegetative organs of three native Brazilian Renealmia species, R. breviscapa and R. nicolaioides, collected from the Amazon Forest in Acre and R. chrysotricha from the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro. Samples were fixed and processed using conventional plant anatomy and micromorphology techniques, including histochemical tests to identify classes of compounds in vegetative organs. Characteristics including oil idioblasts, dorsiventral leaf structure, tetracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, and prismatic crystals were common among the studied species of Renealmia, and thus significant for the family. Distinctive characteristics were identified in the vegetative organs of the three species, including the cellular distribution of root phloem, covering of rhizome tissue, different types and distributions of idioblasts and phenolic trichomes in rhizomes and leaves, presence or absence of petiole, and subepidermal layer in the intercostal region of leaves. Mineral content importance as a diagnostic characteristic of the genus is also emphasized. The results of this study advance the understanding of the distinctive anatomical characteristics of the three species of Renealmia in different environments, two in the Atlantic Forest and one in the Amazon Forest.

AUTHENTICATION OF SOME COMMERCIAL TEAS IN ILORIN, NORTH-CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Adulteration and substitution of herbal drugs are trending issue in the herbal industry, posing a serious threat to commercial natural product research. Anatomical and chemical studies were carried out on Camellia sinensis and 6 commercial tea samples using chemical maceration technique (C-tea, L-tea, T-tea, H-tea, N-tea and A-tea). C. sinensis has hypostomatic leaves with paracytic and anomocytic stomatal complex types and thick-cell wall. The plant also possessed non-glandular unicellular trichomes. The anticlinal wall pattern was straight and rectangular, and it is undulating on the adaxial surface. Anatomically, C-tea has paracytic and pericytic stomatal complex types and unicellular non-glandular and multicellular glandular trichomes. L-tea has paracytic and anomocytic with unicellular glandular and multicellular non glandular trichomes. Paracytic, polocytic and anisocytic stomatal complex types with unicellular glandular and multicellular non-glandular trichomes were observed in T-tea. Occurrence of paracytic and anomocytic stomata was observed in H-tea; paracytic and tetracytic stomata were present in N-tea while paracytic stomata were observed in A-tea with unicellular glandular trichomes. The chemical tests shown that Prussian blue was present in three commercial samples of black tea and turmeric was present in two commercial green tea samples. Anatomical studies revealed that four of the selected commercial tea samples shown traces of adulteration.

Correlating habitat dynamism with foliar anatomical modulations: A study with <i>Phymatosorus scolopendria </i>(Burm. F.) ching

There is a dearth in ecological details on Cryptogamia when compared to available literature on higher plants. Hence, we investigated the extent of variation in altitude, light intensity and sunlight duration existing in four contrasting habitats dominated by Phymatosorus scolopendria in relation to fern foliar anatomical dynamics using standard anatomical procedures and ecological protocol. The species consistently possessed diacytic and anisocytic stomata across the habitats whereas anomocytic stomata were also found in the shrub epiphytes. Similarly, unicellular trichomes were consistently present in epiphytic plant forms while oil droplets were consistent throughout except in the tree epiphytes. Also, the stomatal index and number of stomata differed significantly (P<0.05) and were highest in the epiphytes growing on the tree barks (17.337±3.00; 14.33±1.154) but least in the erect forms (12.875±1.10; 8.67±0.577) respectively. The lithophytes recorded highest number of epidermal cells (76.67±15.280) whereas the erect forms recorded the least (46.33±4.041). Altitude varied between 8.23 to 10.36 m; light intensity ranged between 1045 to 13088 lux while sunlight duration ranged from 2 to 8 hours/day. Correlation analysis revealed significant (P<0.05 and P<0.01) coefficients. Specifically, altitude indicated strong positive association with light intensity (r= 0.987* ) and sunlight duration (r= 0.990**) while light intensity correlated strongly with sunlight duration (r= 0.958). The stomatal types were strongly associated with altitude (r=0.679), light intensity (r= 0.769) and sunlight duration (0.570) while stomatal index correlated inversely with altitude (r= - 0.505) and sunlight duration (r= - 0.553). Implicitly, shady habitats with short durations of low light intensity induced higher stomatal development and density while prolonged sunlight duration and increasing light intensity retained low stomatal density in this plant. This pattern indicates a close association between species anatomical progression in relation to prevailing environmental conditions. This information reveals aspects of plant survival mechanism in different environmental scenarios and may aid future conservation efforts.

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.

Micromorphological and Pharmacognostic Studies of Mussaenda philippica L. Flower

Mussaenda philippica Linn. belongs to the sub-family Ixoroideae which belongs to the family Rubiaceae. The aim of this study was to employ the quality control parameters in the evaluation of flowers of M. philippica L. The flowers were collected, identified, air dried and pulverized. Standard procedures were carried out to obtain microscopic features of the fresh and powdered samples, micromeritic, chemomicroscopy, flourescence properties, soluble-extractive values, moisture content and ash values. The results of the microscopic studies using the fresh and powdered flower revealed the presence of paracytic and anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface of the flower (hypostomatic) and none on the adaxial. The abaxial surface also had a stomatal number of 13.6, stomatal index of 4.97% and epidermal number of 260.8 while the adaxial surface had an epidermal number of 304.4. The plant samples of the flower also possessed unicellular trichomes. Results of the micromeritic properties of the samples were bulk volume of 67.16±0.16, tapped volume of 48.00±0.57, bulk density of 0.14±0.00, tapped density of 0.20±0.00, angle of repose of 38.5°, Carr’s Index of 28.50±0.81 and Hausner’s ratio of 1.39±0.01. Chemomicroscopy study showed cellulose, mucilage and protein. The moisture content values obtained was13%w/w. Results for the total ash, acid-insoluble ash and water-soluble ash values were 7.7%w/w, 1.3%w/w and 4%w/w and for the ethanol-soluble, methanol-soluble and water-soluble extractive values were 33%w/w, 33%w/w and 36%w/w. The above results could be used to establish pharmacopoeial standards for both fresh and powdered flower of M. philippica.

Taxonomic implications of leaf epidermal characteristics in subfamily Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae)

This paper deals with the foliar epidermal anatomy of 25 species belonging to 14 genera (i.e., Bauhinia, Caesalpinia, Cassia, Delonix, Guilandina, Hardwickia, Libidibia, Lysiphyllum, Parkinsonia, Peltophorum, Phanera, Saraca, Senna and Tamarindus) of subfamily Caesalpinioideae (Leguminosae) using light microscopy (LM). The target species were collected from different regions (Terai Region, Gangetic Plain, Vindhyan Region and Semiarid region) of Uttar Pradesh, India. Several leaf micromorphological characters such as anticlinal wall pattern, epidermal cells shape, stomatal complex andtrichomes were assessed in the present study. Both quantitatively and qualitativelystudy revealed that species understudy mostly consisted of polygonal epidermal cells with straight anticlinal walls, were amphi stomatic with paracytic stomata, non-glandular and unicellular trichomes. An attempt was also made to establish phylogenetic relationships in members of Caealpinioideae growing in Uttar Pradesh on the basis of these characters.

Effect of light spectra on in vitro multiplication, elongation and adventitious rooting stages of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J. C. Wendl.

Bamboos occur throughout much of the temperate and tropical world, have rapid growth, and have various commercial and environmental applications. Clonal production of selected plants on a industrial scale is an important strategy for the bamboo sector. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the light spectrum on in vitro multiplication, elongation, adventitious rooting, and anatomical features of the leaf surface of Bambusa vulgaris. In the multiplication and elongation stages, in vitro–established explants were transferred to a culture medium supplemented with 8.88 µmol of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.69 µmol of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), and subjected to four light spectra (i.e., white, blue, green, and red). At the adventitious rooting stage, the culture medium was supplemented with 9.84 µmol of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), 5.37 µmol NAA, and 2.22 µmol BAP under identical light spectra. Explant survival was not influenced by light spectra in the multiplication and elongation stages. White (2.2 shoots) and blue (1.8 shoots) light spectra were the most suitable for the number of shoots per explant. The white spectrum was associated with the highest average length of shoots (7.4 cm) and number of leaves per explant (3.0 leaves). The white light spectrum resulted in the highest average chlorophyll a contents (12.60 µg mg−1), total chlorophyll (16.60 µg mg−1), and carotenoids (10.10 µg mg−1). White and blue light spectra resulted in the best responses for vigor, and least senescence and tissue oxidation. White and blue light spectra favored the chlorophyll b content, resulting in 4.60 and 3.60 µg mg−1, respectively. Survival (80.0 %), adventitious rooting (50.0 %), vigor, senescence, and tissue oxidation were favored in the white light spectrum in the adventitious rooting stage. Scanning electron microscopy of leaves exposed to the white light spectrum revealed microtrichomes and spines on the adaxial surface of the leaf blade, papillae and stomata; on the abaxial surface, there were many unicellular trichomes arranged in rows, denoting normal growth and development. These results may help the production of micropropagated plants of Bambusa vulgaris on an industrial scale.

Comparative Pharmacognostic Screening of Tribulus terrestris and Tribulus subramanyamii

The genus Tribulus belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae comprises approximately 25 species that grow as prostrate. This study will collect Tribulus terrestris L. and Tribulus subramanyamii P. Singh, G.S. Giri & V. Singh. and analyzed for their macroscopic, microscopic and phytochemical properties. Selected plant species were collected from three geographical locations in Maharashtra State, India. To confirm the quality and authenticity of plants, standard pharmacognostic procedures described in standard reference books were used to conduct a comparative analysis of Tribulus sps. The current study examines pharmacognostic studies on its numerous parts, such as the stem, leaf, flower and fruit. The study shows the presence of unicellular trichomes on leaf section are substantially less denser in T. subramanyamii than T. terrestris. In numerous tests for qualitative analysis of distinct Tribulus sps. phytochemical substances such as alkaloids, starch, carbohydrates, tannin, saponins, glycosides, phenol, flavonoids, and proteins were found to be present.

Leaf epidermal characteristics of Annonaceae Juss. and its taxonomic evidence in Nigeria and the Cameroons

AbstractThis study describes the comprehensive micromorphology and taxonomic evidence of 28 species of Annonaceae from Nigeria and the Cameroons using light microscopy to provide additional anatomical and morphological diagnostic characters to complement the systematics boundaries of the infrafamilial and tribal clades. The epidermal cell shape varies from polygonal to irregular on both or either surface except Annona reticulata with isodiametric on the adaxial surface. The anticlinal wall patterns are either undulated, straight, or curved in the family. The constant generic feature encountered includes hypostomata which are mostly paracytic except in Cananga odorata, Isolona zenkeri, Uvaria angolensis and Letestudoxa bella possessing pericytic, 1 + 2 laterocytic and stephanocytic, respectively. Hemiparacytics, brachyamphiparacytic and brachyparacytic stomata, which are variables of paracytic are also present. These stomata complexes proved useful in species delimitation and diagnostic of the family Annonaceae. Other foliar epidermal features were crystals of different shapes and sizes mainly of druses and styloid, unicellular trichome type, and anticlinal wall pattern. The pattern of affinity among the species suggested evidence of similarity and differences in the micromorphological characters, which cumulated to the distinct identification of each species. Based on the most reliable characters within the family, the k‐means cluster, distance matrix, correlation coefficient, and UPGMA dendrogram tree were constructed.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Ipomoea hederifolia L.

Ipomoea hederifolia commonly known as Red morning glory or Scarlet creeper has diuretic, anthelminthic, laxative, carminative and anti-inflammatory qualities. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used as cathartic, diuretic and expectorant. The plant is known to have sternutatory action. This study was aimed to investigate the pharmacognostic and physicochemical parameters of the leaf and stem. Macroscopic, microscopic and physicochemical parameters of the leaf and stem were investigated using standard methods. The macroscopy showed it is a twining vine. Microscopic studies revealed the leaves are dorsiventral in nature. Presence of cluster crystals of calcium oxalate, paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, bicollateral vascular bundles were also observed. The physicochemical parameters such as different ash values and extractive values were also investigated. The present study includes macroscopic and microscopic characters of the stsem and leaf of Ipomoea hederifolia and these various parameters observed help to establish the correct identity of Ipomoea hederifolia to check the occurrence of adulteration.

Pharmacognostic profiles, evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant activities of Newbouldia laevis (P. Beauv.) Seem. ex Bureau leaf and root extracts in Wistar rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNewbouldia laevis is a popular medicinal plant whose leaves and roots are used in Nigeria as ethnomedicinal prescriptions for pain, inflammation, convulsion, and epilepsy. These claims have not been scientifically verified prior to this study. Aim of the studyTo determine pharmacognostic profiles of the leaves and roots and evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant activities of methanol leaf and root extracts in Wistar rats. Material and methodsThe pharmacognostic profiles of the leaves and roots were determined using standard procedures to serve as fingerprints for the plant. The methanol leaf and root extracts of Newbouldia laevis were tested for acute toxicity using the OECD’s up and down method at the maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg (orally) in Wistar rats. Analgesic studies were carried out in acetic acid-induced writhing in rats and tail immersion. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated using carrageenan-induced rat paw-oedema and formalin-induced inflammation in rats’ mode. The anticonvulsant activity was determined using strychnine-induced, pentylenetetrazol-induced, and maximal electroshock-induced rat convulsion models. For each of these studies, the extracts doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg were administered to the rats following the oral route. ResultsThe pharmacognostic profiles showed that the leaves possessed deep-sunken paracytic stomata (5-8-16 mm2; adaxial, 8-11-24 mm2; abaxial epidermis), vein islets (2-4-10 mm2; adaxial), vein terminations (10-14-18 mm2; adaxial), palisade ratio (8.3-12.5-16.4 mm2; adaxial, 2.5-6.8-12.2 mm2; adaxial), covering unicellular trichome (8–14; adaxial), spheroidal calcium oxalate crystals (3–5 μm), and oval-shaped striated starch grain with no hilum (0.5–4.3 μm). The transverse section of the leaf showed the presence of spongy and palisade parenchyma as well as a closed vascular bundle. The root powder showed the presence of brachy sclereid, fibers without lumen, and lignin. All physicochemical parameters fall within the acceptable limits, phytochemical contents showed mainly glycosides, alkaloids, and steroids while acute oral toxicity (LD50) of the parts for 14 days did not produce any toxicity signs or mortality in the rats. The extracts produced dose-dependent (100–400 mg/kg) analgesic involving opioid receptors, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant activities in the rats which were significant (p ≤ 0.05) when compared to the standard drugs. The leaf extract possessed the most potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in the rats, while the most anticonvulsant effects were observed in rats treated with the leaf extract. Both extracts showed elevated levels of protection against strychnine-induced, pentylenetetrazol-induced, and maximal electroshock-induced seizure in rats. ConclusionOur study revealed some pharmacognostic profiles of Newbouldia laevis leaves and roots that are vital for its identification from closely related species often used for adulteration in traditional medicine. The study further showed that the leaf and root extracts of the plant possessed dose-dependent analgesics, anti-inflammatory and anti-convulsant activities in rats, thus, justifying its use for the treatment of these diseases in Nigerian traditional medicine. There is a need to further study its mechanisms of action towards drug discovery.

Bridging molecular genetics and genomics for cotton fiber quality improvement

AbstractUpland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is the main source of natural fiber for the textile industry. Cotton fibers are unicellular trichomes that emerge from the epidermal cells of the seed. In cultivated cotton species, seed trichomes differentiate into two distinct types, spinnable lint, and short fuzz. The main priority for cotton growers is fiber yield, whereas the textile industry also demands better fiber quality characteristics, such as length, uniformity, strength, maturity, and optimal fineness. However, it is a major challenge for breeders to improve fiber quality while maintaining yield, because of the observed negative correlation between yield and fiber quality traits. Recent technical advances in sequencing and bioinformatics have facilitated the assembly of reference quality genomes of multiple cotton species, bringing a new era for cotton genomics. Available genomic resources will help genetically dissect the agronomic and fiber quality traits of cotton and identify gene variants that can be used for cotton improvement through breeding or biotechnology. Here, we review recent progress in the sequencing of genomes of cotton species and approaches in molecular genetics and genomics for the improvement of cotton fiber quality traits. We discuss progress in the understanding of each stage of cotton fiber development and the remaining challenges.

Micromorphological Characters in Wild Medicinal Species of Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae)

Adulteration, misidentification, and substitution of wild Dioscorea species are common in Nigeria's herbal market and among traditional herbal practitioners. The present investigation reports a comparative micromorphological study of three wild species of Dioscorea L. used in ethnomedicine in South-western Nigeria to elucidate taxonomically significant characters, which would aid species identification. Physical and chemical methods were used in obtaining the epidermal leaf surfaces of the Dioscorea species. Leaves of D. hirtiflora Benth. and D. bulbifera L. were amphistomatic, whereas D. dumetorum (Kunth) Pax were hypostomatic. Diagnostic foliar epidermal characters include striated cell wall; presence of raphides in D. hirtiflora and D. dumetorum and secretory glands in D. dumetorum (wild) and D. hirtiflora. Glandular trichomes were observed in all species in addition to simple, elongated, unicellular trichomes in D. dumetorum and stellate trichomes in D. hirtiflora. Epidermal cells mainly were polygonal, straight to slightly wavy but deeply undulating in D. dumetorum. The largest and smallest mean epidermal cell sizes were obtained on the adaxial surfaces of D. bulbifera (mauve) and D. dumetorum (wild), respectively. Micromorphological characters in the Dioscorea species studied are taxonomically significant for species identification and could serve as diagnostic taxonomic tools for their standardization. A key for the identification of species is provided.

High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography Method Development to Estimate Phytoconstituents in Hedychium species

Objective: The H. coronarium (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant. Chinese immigrants introduced the H. coronarium species as an ornamental plant in 1888. Its attractive fl owers make it a desirable ornamental plant. The present study aims to evaluate the physiochemical characteristics and development of the (HPTLC) Fingerprint sequence profi le of Hedychium coronarium leaves. Method: Pharmacognostic characteristics and physiochemical parameters were performed according to the method prescribed. The mobile phase confi rmation was completed using by performing (TLC). The development of the HPTLC fi ngerprint was performed with some modifi cations to get exact separation of phytochemicals using mobile phases such as Toluene: chloroform: ethanol (4:4:1). Result: Pharmacognostic study reported the presence of unicellular trichomes, vessels, epidermal cells, oil globules, and vascular bundles. Pharmacognostic and physiochemical parameters like color, nature, odor, taste, foreign organic matter, loss on drying, ash value, extractive value, and the foaming index were found to be satisfi ed as documented in the results. The HPTLC fi ngerprinting reveals the presence of various chemical compounds expressed as Rf value. Conclusion: From current scientifi c research work, Hedychium coronarium can be useful in modern medicine as various bioactive secondary metabolites were detected.

Elucidating the Anatomical Features, Adaptive and Ecological Significance of Kopsia fruticosa Roxb. (Apocynaceae)

Anatomical characteristics play a pivotal role in understanding the evolutionary relationship among various plant taxa and identifying species of pharmacological importance. Though the anatomical features of the family Apocynaceae have been widely recognized, there is limited research on the stem wood anatomy of Kopsia fruticosa, whereas nothing was previously known about its root wood anatomy. The present work describes and analyses its anatomy and correlates the anatomical features with the habitat and ecology of this plant. The oval shape of the young stem and the presence of unicellular trichomes, stone cells in the pith region, laticiferous canals, calcium oxalate crystals, and vascular bundles of two different sizes, viz., smaller in the broad, flattened region and more prominent on the two narrow sides, are remarkable features of the plant, which collectively may often be helpful in distinguishing K. fruticosa from other species of this genus. Apart from the previously known qualitative characteristics of the family Apocynaceae, the coalescence of pit aperture and storied pattern of vessels of K. fruticosa are newly observed features of the subfamily Rauvofiòideae. On the other hand, in the root wood, vessels are wider (33–64 μm), less frequent (about 53% more in the stem), and shorter, and the rays are larger (21–46 cells in height) and more frequent than those of stem wood; these are the valuable findings which strongly support the non-climbing nature of the studied plant. The vulnerability and mesomorphy indices for stem wood are 0.914 and 349, respectively, indicating plants’ adaptation toward a mesic habitat. The correlation of the anatomical traits of plants with the habitat and ecology represents their survivability in different situations. Consequently, anatomical features such as intraxylary phloem, vessel grouping, the storied pattern of vessels, the simple perforation plate, and intervascular vestured pits suggest that plants can tolerate drought. We firmly believe that the present study’s outcome can fulfil the research gaps of this hardy plant.