Authentication and Quality Control of the Brazilian Traditional Herb "Espinheira-Santa" (Monteverdia ilicifolia) by Morpho-Anatomy and Microscopy.

The leaves of Monteverdia ilicifolia (syn. Maytenus ilicifolia), commonly called espinheira-santa, are widely used in South American traditional medicines to treat gastritis and ulcers. Several products labeled as espinheira-santa are sold as dietary supplements in retail stores and via e-commerce. Many different species with similar leaf morphology are often mistaken for Monteverdia ilicifolia and used as espinheira-santa, including Monteverdia aquifolia (Celastraceae), Citronella gongonha (Cardiopteridaceae), Jodina rhombifolia (Santalaceae), Sorocea bonplandii (Moraceae), and Zollernia ilicifolia (Fabaceae). This study aimed to characterize M. ilicifolia and distinguish it from adulterants using morphological and microscopic techniques. In addition, foreign matter and powder characteristics of botanical materials sold as "espinheira-santa" were analyzed. The morphoanatomical studies of the leaves and stems of M. ilicifolia and its five adulterant species have revealed noteworthy features that can help species identification and quality control of commercial espinheira-santa. This study showed that many commercial espinheira-santa materials were adulterated and of inferior quality.

Chemical Profiles and Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oils from Six Species of Baccharis Subgenus Coridifoliae (Asteraceae).

Several Baccharis species are popularly known in traditional medicine as "carquejas", "vassouras", "ervas-santas" and "mio-mios", and are used as anti-inflammatories, digestives, and diuretics. This study aimed to investigate the chemical compositions and cytotoxic activities of essential oils (EOs) of six Baccharis species belonging to subgenus Coridifoliae, namely B. albilanosa, B. coridifolia, B. erigeroides, B. napaea, B. ochracea, and B. pluricapitulata. GC/MS analyses of the EOs showed that the oxygenated sesquiterpenes spathulenol (7.32-38.22 %) and caryophyllene oxide (10.83-16.75 %) were the major components for all the species. The EOs of almost all species were cytotoxic against cancer (BT-549, KB, SK-MEL and SK-OV-3) and normal kidney (VERO and LLC-PK1) cell lines, whereas B. erigeroides EO showed cytotoxicity only against LLC-PK1. This article augments the current knowledge about the chemical-biological properties of Baccharis subgenus Coridifoliae and discusses the therapeutic potentials of these economically unexploited plants.

Ultrastructural, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Chemical Study and LC-DAD-QToF Chemical Characterization of Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach.

The lichen Cetraria islandica (L.) Ach. has been used in traditional and modern medicines for its many biological properties such as immunological, immunomodulating, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This species is gaining popularity in the market, with interest from many industries for selling as medicines, dietary supplements, and daily herbal drinks. This study profiled the morpho-anatomical features by light, fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy; conducted an elemental analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; and phytochemical analysis was performed using high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with a liquid chromatography system (LC-DAD-QToF) of C. islandica. In total, 37 compounds were identified and characterized based on comparisons with the literature data, retention times, and their mass fragmentation mechanism/s. The identified compounds were classified under five different classes, i.e., depsidones, depsides, dibenzofurans, aliphatic acids, and others that contain simple organic acids in majority. Two major compounds (fumaroprotocetraric acid and cetraric acid) were identified in the aqueous ethanolic and ethanolic extracts of C. islandica lichen. This detailed morpho-anatomical, EDS spectroscopy, and the developed LC-DAD-QToF approach for C. islandica will be important for correct species identification and can serve as a useful tool for taxonomical validation and chemical characterization. Additionally, chemical study of the extract of C. islandica led to isolation and structural elucidation of nine compounds, namely cetraric acid (1), 9'-(O-methyl)protocetraric acid (2), usnic acid (3), ergosterol peroxide (4), oleic acid (5), palmitic acid (6), stearic acid (7), sucrose (8), and arabinitol (9).

Application of Microscopy in the Quality Control of Licorice Roots: Comparative Anatomy of the Roots and Rhizomes of Five Species of Glycyrrhiza.

The raw materials of "licorice root" in the commerce consist of roots and/or rhizomes (stolons) of different species of Glycyrrhiza. Licorice products and raw materials are frequently mislabeled and often have mixed, misidentified, or unidentified species and parts. This paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of the morpho-anatomies of the rhizomes and roots of five species of Glycyrrhiza, namely G. glabra, G. uralensis, G. echinata, G. inflata, and G. lepidota, by bright-field light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The studied species showed some similarities in their basic anatomical features due to the fact that they are phylogenetically closely related and belong to the same genus. However, differences in microscopic features such as the thickness of cork and medullary rays, pore frequency, and size of the vessels were observed. The rhizomes can readily be distinguished by the presence of a distinct pith. The roots lack a well-defined pith and instead have primary xylem in the center.

Comparative Morpho-Anatomical and HPTLC Profiling of Tinospora Species and Dietary Supplements.

Overlapping geographical occurrence, history of traditional use, confusion in species identification, and morphological resemblances among various species are some considerations that necessitate the importance of qualitative analysis for efficient quality control and safer botanical products. This paper provides detailed morpho-anatomies of the leaves and stems of Tinospora cordifolia, Tinospora crispa, and Tinospora sinensis, and stems of Tinospora baenzigeri. Microscopy studies of the selected Tinospora species revealed key diagnostic features that can help distinguish the closely related species of Tinospora as well as to detect any adulteration or substitution in the raw materials. HPTLC profiles of the authenticated plant materials, as well as commercial products claiming to contain Tinospora, were compared to distinguish T. crispa from other closely related species and to establish an efficient method to assess the identity and quality of the products using qualified chemical markers. HPTLC chromatograms of both plant samples and dietary supplements were compared with six reference marker compounds. The analysis revealed that borapetoside B and C were useful to identify T. crispa while tinosineside A was found to be characteristic to authenticate the T. sinensis products.

Insecticidal and Biting Deterrent Activities of Magnolia grandiflora Essential Oils and Selected Pure Compounds against Aedes aegypti.

In our natural products screening program for mosquitoes, we tested essential oils extracted from different plant parts of Magnolia grandiflora L. for their insecticidal and biting deterrent activities against Aedes aegypti. Biting deterrence of seeds essential oil with biting deterrence index value of 0.89 was similar to N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET). All the other oils were active above the solvent control but the activity was significantly lower than DEET. Based on GC-MS analysis, three pure compounds that were only present in the essential oil of seed were further investigated to identify the compounds responsible for biting deterrent activity. 1-Decanol with PNB value of 0.8 was similar to DEET (PNB = 0.8), whereas 1-octanol with PNB value of 0.64 showed biting deterrence lower than 1-decanol and DEET. The activity of 1-heptanol with PNB value of 0.36 was similar to the negative control. Since 1-decanol, which was 3.3% of the seed essential oil, showed biting deterrence similar to DEET as a pure compound, this compound might be responsible for the activity of this oil. In in vitro A & K bioassay, 1-decanol with MED value of 6.25 showed higher repellency than DEET (MED = 12.5). Essential oils of immature and mature fruit showed high toxicity whereas leaf, flower, and seeds essential oils gave only 20%, 0%, and 50% mortality, respectively, at the highest dose of 125 ppm. 1-Decanol with LC50 of 4.8 ppm was the most toxic compound.

Antimicrobial Constituents from Machaerium Pers.: Inhibitory Activities and Synergism of Machaeriols and Machaeridiols against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium, and Permeabilized Gram-Negative Pathogens.

Two new epimeric bibenzylated monoterpenes machaerifurogerol (1a) and 5-epi-machaerifurogerol (1b), and four known isoflavonoids (+)-vestitol (2), 7-O-methylvestitol (3), (+)-medicarpin (4), and 3,8-dihydroxy-9-methoxypterocarpan (5) were isolated from Machaerium Pers. This plant was previously assigned as Machaerium multiflorum Spruce, from which machaeriols A-D (6-9) and machaeridiols A-C (10-12) were reported, and all were then re-isolated, except the minor compound 9, for a comprehensive antimicrobial activity evaluation. Structures of the isolated compounds were determined by full NMR and mass spectroscopic data. Among the isolated compounds, the mixture 10 + 11 was the most active with an MIC value of 1.25 µg/mL against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains BAA 1696, -1708, -1717, -33591, and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE 700221) and E. faecalis (VRE 51299) and vancomycin-sensitive E. faecalis (VSE 29212). Compounds 6-8 and 10-12 were found to be more potent against MRSA 1708, and 6, 11, and 12 against VRE 700221, than the drug control ciprofloxacin and vancomycin. A combination study using an in vitro Checkerboard method was carried out for machaeriols (7 or 8) and machaeridiols (11 or 12), which exhibited a strong synergistic activity of 12 + 8 (MIC 0.156 and 0.625 µg/mL), with >32- and >8-fold reduction of MIC's, compared to 12, against MRSA 1708 and -1717, respectively. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations on polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN), compounds 10 + 11, 11, 12, and 8 showed activity in the range of 0.5-8 µg/mL for two strains of Acinetobacter baumannii, 2-16 µg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and 2 µg/mL against Escherichia coli NCTC 12923, but were inactive (MIC > 64 µg/mL) against the two isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Co-Loaded Curcumin and Methotrexate Nanocapsules Enhance Cytotoxicity against Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells.

Background: As part of the efforts to find natural alternatives for cancer treatment and to overcome the barriers of cellular resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, polymeric nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate were prepared by an interfacial deposition of preformed polymer method. Methods: Physicochemical properties, drug release experiments and in vitro cytotoxicity of these nanocapsules were performed against the Calu-3 lung cancer cell line. Results: The colloidal suspensions of nanocapsules showed suitable size (287 to 325 nm), negative charge (-33 to -41 mV) and high encapsulation efficiency (82.4 to 99.4%). Spherical particles at nanoscale dimensions were observed by scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that nanocapsules exhibited a non-crystalline pattern with a remarkable decrease of crystalline peaks of the raw materials. Fourier-transform infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between the drug(s) and polymers. Drug release experiments evidenced a controlled release pattern with no burst effect for nanocapsules containing curcumin and/or methotrexate. The nanoformulation containing curcumin and methotrexate (NCUR/MTX-2) statistically decreased the cell viability of Calu-3. The fluorescence and morphological analyses presented a predominance of early apoptosis and late apoptosis as the main death mechanisms for Calu-3. Conclusions: Curcumin and methotrexate co-loaded nanocapsules can be further used as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating non-small-cell lung cancer.

Quantification of Phenolic Compounds from Fadogia agrestis and Dietary Supplements using UHPLC-PDA-MS.

Fadogia agrestis is used in traditional African medicine as an analgesic and for anti-inflammatory and aphrodisiac activities. An ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the determination of 11 chemical constituents from roots and aerial parts of F. agrestis. The separation was achieved within 7 min by using C-18 column material and a water/acetonitrile mobile phase, both containing 0.1% formic acid gradient system with a temperature of 45 °C. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limits of detection, and limits of quantification. The limits of detection of phenolic compounds were found to be in the range from 0.025 to 0.1 µg/mL. The wavelengths used for quantification with the photodiode array detector were 238, 254, 291, and 325 nm. Twelve of 17 dietary supplements contained phenolic compounds in the range from 0.3 to 2.7 mg/d. The phenolic compounds were not detected in five dietary supplements. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with electrospray ionization interface method is described for the identification and confirmation of compounds from plant samples and dietary supplements claiming to contain F. agrestis. This method involved the use of [M + H]+ and [M + Na]+ ions in the positive mode and [M - H]- ions in the negative mode with extractive ion monitoring. The developed method is simple, economic, rapid, and especially suitable for quality control and chemical fingerprint analysis of F. agrestis.

Application of GC/Q-ToF Combined with Advanced Data Mining and Chemometric Tools in the Characterization and Quality Control of Bay Leaves.

Correct identification of the true bay leaf (Laurus nobilis) and its substitutes is important not only for the quality control of the products, but also for the safety of the consumers. L. nobilis is often substituted or confused with other species, such as Cinnamomum tamala, Pimenta racemosa, Syzygium polyanthum, and Umbellularia californica. In the present study, the potential of gas chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry for the profiling of various bay leaf products was evaluated for the first time. Thirty-nine authenticated samples representing the true bay leaf and the four commonly substituted species were analyzed. An automatic feature extraction algorithm was applied for data mining and pretreatment in order to identify the most characteristic compounds representing different bay leaf groups. This set of data was employed to construct a sample class prediction model based on stepwise reduction of data dimensionality followed by principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis. The statistical model, with demonstrated excellent accuracies in recognition and prediction abilities, enabled the correct classification of commercial samples including complex mixtures and essential oils. In addition, in-house developed personal compound database and library with retention time locking offered the advantage of combining retention time matching with accurate mass matching, resulting in high confidence of compound identification for each bay leaf subgroup. At least three marker compounds were identified for each bay leaf species that could be used to discriminate among them.

Essential Oils of Five Baccharis Species: Investigations on the Chemical Composition and Biological Activities.

This paper provides a comparative account of the essential oil chemical composition and biological activities of five Brazilian species of Baccharis (Asteraceae), namely B. microdonta, B. pauciflosculosa, B. punctulata, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla. The chemical compositions of three species (B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla) are reported for the first time. Analyses by GC/MS showed notable differences in the essential oil compositions of the five species. α-Pinene was observed in the highest concentration (24.50%) in B. reticularioides. Other major compounds included α-bisabolol (23.63%) in B. punctulata, spathulenol (24.74%) and kongol (22.22%) in B. microdonta, ß-pinene (18.33%) and limonene (18.77%) in B. pauciflosculosa, and ß-pinene (15.24%), limonene (14.33%), and spathulenol (13.15%) in B. sphenophylla. In vitro analyses for antimalarial, antitrypanosomal, and insecticidal activities were conducted for all of the species. B. microdonta and B. reticularioides showed good antitrypanosomal activities; B. sphenophylla showed insecticidal activities in fumigation bioassay against bed bugs; and B. pauciflosculosa, B. reticularioides, and B. sphenophylla exhibited moderate antimalarial activities. B. microdonta and B. punctulata showed cytotoxicity. The leaves and stems of all five species showed glandular trichomes and ducts as secretory structures. DNA barcoding successfully determined the main DNA sequences of the investigated species and enabled authenticating them.

Which Bay Leaf is in Your Spice Rack? - A Quality Control Study.

The accurate identification of bay leaf in natural products commerce may often be confusing as the name is applied to several different species of aromatic plants. The true "bay leaf", also known as "bay laurel" or "sweet bay", is sourced from the tree Laurus nobilis, a native of the Mediterranean region. Nevertheless, the leaves of several other species including Cinnamomum tamala, Litsea glaucescens, Pimenta racemosa, Syzygium polyanthum, and Umbellularia californica are commonly substituted or mistaken for true bay leaves due to their similarity in the leaf morphology, aroma, and flavor. Substitute species are, however, often sold as "bay leaves". As such, the name "bay leaf" in literature and herbal commerce may refer to any of these botanicals. The odor and flavor of these leaves are, however, not the same as the true bay leaf, and for that reason they should not be used in cooking as a substitute for L. nobilis. Some of the bay leaf substitutes can also cause potential health problems. Therefore, the correct identification of the true bay leaf is important. The present work provides a detailed comparative study of the leaf morphological and anatomical features of L. nobilis and its common surrogates to allow for correct identification.

Simultaneous Determination of Aegeline and Six Coumarins from Different Parts of the Plant Aegle marmelos Using UHPLC-PDA-MS and Chiral Separation of Aegeline Enantiomers Using HPLC-ToF-MS.

A fast UHPLC-PDA method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of one alkaloid, aegeline, and six coumarins, viz., umbelliferone, scopoletin, marmesinin, 8-hydroxypsoralen, angelicin, and marmelosin, from the leaf, fruit, root, and bark of Aegle marmelos. The UHPLC method was validated for linearity, accuracy, repeatability, limits of detection and limits of quantification. The linearity range (r(2) > 0.99) of the seven compounds was found to be 0.5-250 µg/mL, and the limits of detection and limits of quantification for the seven compounds were found to be 0.1 and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. The developed UHPLC method is simple, fast, and especially suitable for quality control analysis of coumarins and aegeline from A. marmelos and commercial dietary supplements. Single quadrupole mass spectrometry was used for the identification and confirmation of coumarins and aegeline from different plant parts and dietary supplements. In addition, a novel chiral HPLC-ToF-MS method was developed for the resolution of aegeline enantiomers. By applying this chiral method, the distribution of enantiomers of aegeline from different parts of A. marmelos and aegeline-containing dietary supplements is reported for the first time.

New and unusual forms of calcium oxalate raphide crystals in the plant kingdom.

Calcium oxalate crystals in higher plants occur in five major forms namely raphides, styloids, prisms, druses and crystal sand. The form, shape and occurrence of calcium oxalate crystals in plants are species- and tissue-specific, hence the presence or absence of a particular type of crystal can be used as a taxonomic character. So far, four different types of needle-like raphide crystals have been reported in plants. The present work describes two new and unusual forms of raphide crystals from the tubers of Dioscorea polystachya--six-sided needles with pointed ends (Type V) and four-sided needles with beveled ends (Type VI). Both of these new types of needles are distinct from the other four types by each having a surrounding membrane that envelopes a bundle of 10-20 closely packed thin crystalline sheets. The previously known four types of needles have solid or homogenous crystalline material, surrounded by a membrane or lamellate sheath called a crystal chamber. Only the Type VI crystals have beveled ends and the needles of the other five types have pointed ends.

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.

Calcium oxalate crystal macropattern and its usefulness in the taxonomy of Baccharis (Asteraceae).

This study provides a comprehensive account of the various types of calcium oxalate crystals found in the genus Baccharis and assesses the exceptional value of crystal macropatterns for the taxonomy of the genus. The morphotype, occurrence, and chemical composition of the crystals found in the stems and leaves are studied. The 44 species included in this study were selected based on a broad phylogeny-based sampling covering seven subgenera and 31 sections. These species were chosen to represent all the main phylogenetic lineages of Baccharis; thus, the sampling also represents a comprehensive coverage concerning evolutionary significance for such a large and environmentally and economically important plant group. The samples were analyzed by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Several morphotypes of crystals, including druses, crystal sand, styloids and prisms, were present. Based on their chemical composition, the crystals were classified as pure calcium oxalate, mixtures of oxalates and sulfates, and mixtures of oxalates, sulfates, and silica. The crystal macropatterns observed in this study aid in species identification and provide novel data for the taxonomy of Baccharis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Most species of Baccharis have a specific crystalline pattern. Each species produces a crystal morphotype or a set of morphotypes specific to it. The crystals observed are formed by calcium oxalate.

Investigations on the morpho-anatomy and histochemistry of the European mistletoe: Viscum album L. subsp. album.

Viscum album L. (Santalaceae) is an important medicinal plant traditionally used to treat several diseases, including cancer therapy. This paper provides detailed morpho-anatomical characteristics of the leaves, stems and berries of Viscum album subsp. album growing as hemi-parasite on the branches of Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. (Rosaceae) to aid species identification and botanical characterization. Additionally, for the first time, microchemical analyses of all tissues and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy analyses of the calcium oxalate crystals are provided for the first time. The plant features leathery presents green leaves with parallel veins, small yellow unisexual flowers in 3-flowered cymes, and the dioecious inflorescences usually consist of three flowers, with female flowers generating white fleshy berries, in which a seed is embedded in the mucilaginous mesocarp, normally containing two embryos. Anatomically, the analyzed leaves were isobilateral and amphistomatic, and showed straight anticlinal epidermal cell walls, thick cuticles with epicuticular wax crystalloids, and paracytic stomata. The midrib is flat on both sides and has a single vascular bundle, whereas the strongly shortened petiole is concave-convex in shape and contains five bundles. The stems show a primary structure with a ring of nine vascular bundles enclosing the pith. Calcium oxalate druses and cubic and quadrangular prisms were observed in different plant parts. The results of this study provide new microscopy information that can help in the authentication of mistletoe raw materials.

Baccharis Species Essential Oils: Repellency and Toxicity against Yellow Fever Mosquitoes and Imported Fire Ants.

Essential oils from five Baccharis species were screened for their toxicity and biting deterrence/repellency against yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.), and imported fire ants, including Solenopsis invicta Buren (RIFA), Solenopsis richteri Forel (BIFA) and their hybrids (HIFA). Baccharis microdonta DC. and B. punctulata DC. at 10 µg/cm2 showed biting deterrence similar to DEET, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide at 25 nmol/cm2, whereas the repellency of B. pauciflosculosa DC., B. sphenophylla Dusén ex Malme and B. reticularioides Deble & A.S. Oliveira essential oils was significantly lower than DEET against mosquitoes. Two major compounds from the active essential oils, kongol and spathulenol, also exhibited biting deterrence similar to DEET against mosquitoes. The highest toxicity exhibited against mosquitoes was by Baccharis punctulata essential oil (LC50 = 20.4 ppm), followed by B. pauciflosculosa (LC50 = 31.9 ppm), B. sphenophylla (LC50 = 30.8 ppm), B. microdonta (LC50 = 28.6 ppm), kongol (LC50 = 32.3 ppm), spathulenol (LC50 = 48.7 ppm) and B. reticularioides essential oil (LC50 = 84.4 ppm). Baccharis microdonta essential oil showed repellency against RIFA, BIFA and HIFA at 4.9, 4.9 and 39 µg/g, respectively. Baccharis microdonta essential oil also showed toxicity with LC50 of 78.9, 97.5 and 136.5 µg/g against RIFA, BIFA and HIFA, respectively, at 24 h post treatment.

Morpho-anatomical characterization of Eryngium yuccifolium ('Rattlesnake-master').

This paper provides detailed morpho-anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the leaves, peduncles, stems, and roots of Eryngium yuccifolium Michx. (Apiaceae) by bright-field light and scanning electron microscopy. Noteworthy morpho-anatomical features include the monocot-like leaves with parallel venation and distant marginal bristles, amphistomatic leaves with paracytic or anisocytic stomata and heterogenous isobilateral mesophyll, the presence of epicuticular wax crystalloids on both leaf surfaces, calcium oxalate druses and secretory canals in all the studied plant parts, presence of hypodermis, stem and peduncle with longitudinal ribs containing collenchyma, presence of aerenchyma in the peduncle and root, and absence of sclerenchyma in all the plant parts analyzed. These characteristics would aid in the taxonomy, species identification as well as quality control of the botanical.

Microscopic investigations of Ocotea paranaensis-A Brazilian endemic and endangered species.

This article describes the morpho-anatomies of the leaves and stems of Ocotea paranaensis Brotto, Baitello, Cervi & Santos (Lauraceae) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The main anatomical features characterizing the species are the presence of simple non-glandular trichomes in the leaves and stems, large secretory cells in the leaves, flat-convex petioles with two small lateral ribs, brachysclereids in the stem cortex and pith, and the presence of starch grains and various types of calcium oxalate crystals in the pith. Histochemical tests indicated the presence of lignin in stone cells, fibers, and xylem. Lipophilic contents were found in the secretory cells. Phenolic compounds were detected in the epidermis, hypodermis, phloem, and xylem. The present study's findings can contribute to the taxonomy and authentication of O. paranaensis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: This article is the first morpho-anatomical study of Ocotea paranaensis. Anatomy and histochemistry of the leaves and stems were studied by light microscopy, FESEM and EDS. The findings of this study would aid in the species identification and taxonomy.