Comparison of the Morphology, Anatomy, and Chemical Profile of Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata.

Mikania glomerata and Mikania laevigata are medicinal plants popularly used in Brazil for colds and asthma. Although several studies report differences in their composition, they are frequently used indistinctly, which may be due to misidentification of the species or the plant part used. Herein, the chemical, anatomical, and morphological profiles of both species were evaluated, seeking to differentiate them. Due to the pattern of secondary metabolites found in M. glomerata and M. laevigata, the chemical profile of the leaves was the characteristic that best differentiated the two species. Coumarin was present in all the leaf samples of M. laevigata but absent or in low concentration in leaf samples of M. glomerata. The stems presented coumarin in both species, albeit in different concentrations. The quantification of chlorogenic and dicaffeoylquinic acids was crucial for the separation of the two species, as higher concentrations are found in M. glomerata. The anatomic structure of the leaves, stem, and petioles of both species was conserved, even when exposed to different environments, but presented only subtle differences between species. The morphology of the leaves presented different characteristics for each species but altered when exposed to shade. Therefore, the chemical analysis together with the morphological characteristics of plants grown in full sunlight may be used for the correct identification of these species.

Biofertilization with Azospirillum brasilense improves in vitro culture of Handroanthus ochraceus, a forestry, ornamental and medicinal plant.

Biofertilization with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria is a potential alternative to plant productivity. Here, in vitro propagation of Handroanthus ochraceus (yellow lapacho), a forest crop with high economic and environmental value, was developed using the Azospirillum brasilense strains Cd and Az39 during rhizogenesis. Epicotiles of in vitro plantlets were multiplied in Woody Plant Medium (WPM). For rooting, elongated shoots were transferred to auxin-free Murashige-Skoog medium with Gamborg's vitamins and WPM, both at half salt concentration (½MSG and ½WPM), and inoculated with Cd or Az39 at the base of each shoot. Anatomical studies were performed using leaves cleared and stained with safranin for optical microscopy and leaves and roots metalized with gold-palladium for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In ½WPM auxin-free medium, A. brasilense Cd inoculation produced 55% of rooting, increased root fresh and dry weight (45% and 77%, respectively), and led to lower stomata size and density with similar proportion of open and closed stomata. Both strains selectively increased the size or density of glandular trichomes in ½MSG. Moreover, bacteria were detected on the root surface by SEM. In conclusion, the difference in H. ochraceus response to A. brasilense inoculation depends on the strain and the plant culture media. Cd strain enhanced rooting in auxin-free ½WPM and produced plantlets with features similar to those expected in ex vitro plants. This work presents an innovative in vitro approach using beneficial plant-microorganism interaction as an ecologically compatible strategy in plant biotechnology.

Avaliação da qualidade de amostras de plantas medicinais comercializadas no Brasil / Quality assessment of samples of medicinal plants marketed in Brazil

Apart from constituting the raw material used to manufacture phytomedicines, plant drugs are commonly used by people as a therapeutic resource. Thus, the market in plant natural products has become an attractive target for investments of pharmaceutical companies. The aim of this study was to test the quality of commercial plant drugs in Brazil, employing simple and low-cost methods. Anatomical and microchemical tests were performed on commercial samples of "centela" (Asian pennywort or centella), "chá verde" (green tea) and "espinheira santa", to assess their quality and check their identity. The anatomical study revealed that all 3 samples of centella consisted of Centella asiatica leaves, but some were poorly conserved. The majority of contaminants consisted of other parts of C. asiatica, leaves of Poaceae and other species, and unidentified stalks. Two samples of green tea revealed leaves of the correct species (Camellia sinensis), with twigs of the same as contaminants, while the third consisted mainly of Ilex paraguariensis (mate tea) with some Bambusoideae (Poaceae) leaves. One of the 3 samples of "espinheira santa" contained Sorocea bonplandii leaves (cincho), and the others revealed leaves and stem fragments of Maytenus ilicifolia. The 3 samples of centella showed triterpene saponins. All samples of "green tea" revealed methylxanthines, but only those with C. sinensishad flavonoids. The samples of "espinheira santa" showed condensed tannins. Thus, the proposed analytical methods provided complementary results, which may be applied to quality control of plant drugs...

Drogas vegetais constituem uma das matérias-primas utilizadas na fabricação de fitoterápicos, além de serem largamente utilizadas pela população como recurso terapêutico. O mercado de produtos derivados de matéria-prima vegetal, com isso, se tornou alvo de investimentos de empresas do setor farmacêutico. O presente trabalho objetivou verificar a qualidade de drogas vegetais comercializadas no mercado brasileiro, utilizando-se conjuntamente métodos de análise simples e de baixo custo.Para tanto , foram usadas amostras de "centela", "chá verde" e "espinheira santa", obtidas em estabelecimentos comerciais, sendo sua identidade e qualidade avaliadas por meio de análises anatômicas e microquímicas. O estudo anatômico demonstrou que as três amostras de centela continham Centella asiatica, estando algumas em mau estado de conservação. Os contaminantes desta amostra eram principalmente outras partes do corpo vegetativo de C. asiatica, além de folhas de Poaceae e de outras espécies vegetais. Duas amostras de chá verde foram identificadas como Camellia sinensis e apresentavam caules da mesma espécie como contaminantes. A terceira amostra de chá verde era constituída por Ilex paraguariensis, sendo que folhas de Bambusoideae (Poaceae) também foram encontradas. Uma das amostras de espinheira santa era constituída de Sorocea bonplandii. As demais continham folhas e fragmentos de caule de Maytenus ilicifolia. As três amostras de centela apresentaram saponinas triterpênicas. Todas as amostras de chá verde possuíam metilxantinas. Dessas, apenas aquelas constituídas por C. sinensis demonstraram a presença de flavonoides. As amostras de espinheira-santa apresentaram taninos condensados. Desse modo, as metodologias propostas forneceram resultados complementares que podem ser empregados no controle de qualidade de drogas vegetais...

Microscopic characters of the leaf and stem of Lavandula dentata L. (Lamiaceae).

Lavandula dentata L. is an aromatic plant used in folk medicine for different purposes and, for this reason, phytochemical surveys have been carried out in the search for bioactive substances aiming to support its uses. Since there is little knowledge on the structural aspects of L. dentata, this work has studied the anatomical characters of the leaf and stem using light and scanning electron microscopy, in order to assist the species identification. As a result, there are different types of trichomes: capitate glandular with uni- or bicellular head, peltate glandular with multicellular head, and branched non-glandular. The leaf is hypostomatic showing diacytic stomata. The epidermis is uniseriate and coated with striate cuticle. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and the midrib is concave-convex and traversed by a single collateral vascular bundle. The stem is quadrangular and has alternating strands of collenchyma and cortical parenchyma as well as a typical endodermis in the cortex. The phloem and xylem cylinders are traversed by narrow rays and there is an incomplete sclerenchymatic sheath adjoining the phloem. These results are a novelty for the species and contribute to distinguish it from other lavenders.

Diversity of foliar endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Sapindus saponaria L. and their localization by scanning electron microscopy.

Endophytic fungi inhabit vegetable tissues or organs, without causing them any harm. Endophytes can co-evolve with plant hosts and possess species-specific interactions. They can protect the plant from insect attacks and diseases, and are also able to produce substances of biotechnological interest. In folk medicine, the bark, roots and fruits of Sapindus saponaria is used to produce substances with anxiolytic, astringent, diuretic and expectorant properties, as well as tonics, blood depuratives and cough medicine. This study evaluated the diversity of endophytic fungi present in the leaves of S. saponaria L. and observed the colonization of host plants by endophytes, using light and scanning electron microscopy. We verified that these fungi are found in intercellular and intracellular spaces. The genera of some isolates of S. saponaria were identified mainly by sequencing of ITS region of rDNA and, when possible, also by their microscopic features, as follows: Cochliobolus, Alternaria, Curvularia, Phomopsis, Diaporthe and Phoma. Phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of genetic variability of the genera Phomopsis and Diaporthe and interspecific variation among the Curvularia, Alternaria and Phoma, belonging to family Pleosporaceae.

Diversity of foliar endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Sapindus saponaria L . and their localization by scanning electron microscopy

Endophytic fungi inhabit vegetable tissues or organs, without causing them any harm. Endophytes can co-evolve with plant hosts and possess species-specific interactions. They can protect the plant from insect attacks and diseases, and are also able to produce substances of biotechnological interest. In folk medicine, the bark, roots and fruits of Sapindus saponaria is used to produce substances with anxiolytic, astringent, diuretic and expectorant properties, as well as tonics, blood depuratives and cough medicine. This study evaluated the diversity of endophytic fungi present in the leaves of S. saponaria L. and observed the colonization of host plants by endophytes, using light and scanning electron microscopy. We verified that these fungi are found in intercellular and intracellular spaces. The genera of some isolates of S. saponaria were identified mainly by sequencing of ITS region of rDNA and, when possible, also by their microscopic features, as follows: Cochliobolus, Alternaria, Curvularia, Phomopsis, Diaporthe and Phoma. Phylogenetic analysis showed the existence of genetic variability of the genera Phomopsis and Diaporthe and interspecific variation among the Curvularia, Alternaria and Phoma, belonging to family Pleosporaceae.

Morphogenesis in short-term and long-term anther derived calli of Oenothera hookeri de vries

Anther culture of O. hookeri on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 2 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2 mg-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid produced callus formation. When subcultured onto medium lacking auxin, the callus regenerated through the organogenic pathway. Non-organogenic and organogenic callus was observed using histological methods after 2, 3 and 24 weeks in culture. Three types of calli were recognized: non-organogenic friable calli, organogenic friable calli with roots and organogenic hard calli with shoots. The microscopical sections showed striking differences in tissue organization among friable and compact calli. Vascular bundles were prominent in compact calli, but were not found in friable calli. Calli sections showed at light microscopy cells at two developmental stages; differentiated highly vacuolated cells and meristematic small isodiametric cells with densely stained cytoplasm. At electron microscopy level abnormal chloroplasts were present in non-organogenic calli, while chloroplasts were well developed in organogenic hard calli. Peroxisomes with paracrystalline protein bodies were abundant in both types of calli.(AU)

Morphogenesis in short-term and long-term anther derived calli of Oenothera hookeri de vries.

Anther culture of O. hookeri on Murashige and Skoog (1962) medium supplemented with 2 mg l-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 2 mg-1 1-naphthaleneacetic acid produced callus formation. When subcultured onto medium lacking auxin, the callus regenerated through the organogenic pathway. Non-organogenic and organogenic callus was observed using histological methods after 2, 3 and 24 weeks in culture. Three types of calli were recognized: non-organogenic friable calli, organogenic friable calli with roots and organogenic hard calli with shoots. The microscopical sections showed striking differences in tissue organization among friable and compact calli. Vascular bundles were prominent in compact calli, but were not found in friable calli. Calli sections showed at light microscopy cells at two developmental stages; differentiated highly vacuolated cells and meristematic small isodiametric cells with densely stained cytoplasm. At electron microscopy level abnormal chloroplasts were present in non-organogenic calli, while chloroplasts were well developed in organogenic hard calli. Peroxisomes with paracrystalline protein bodies were abundant in both types of calli.

Morfodiagnose da droga conhecida como cipo-almecega-Mikania malacolepsis Robinson / Morphological and histological diagnosis of crude drug know as cipo-almecega-Mikania malacolepsis Robinson

A droga constituida de partes aereas de mikania malacolepsis Robinson, conhecida vulgarmente por cipo-almecega, foi estudada morfologica e anatomicamente, de modo a fornecer subsidios a sua identificacao. Desenhos acompanham as descricoes

[The chayote, Sechium edule Swartz (Cucurbitaceae)]. / El chayote, Sechium edule Swartz (Cucurbitaceae).

Sechium edule (chayote) is a cucurbitaceus species. A fast transition from domestic crop to exportation product, made evident the lack of adequate information about the plant and the cultivation techniques. This work summarizes, reinterprets or describes comprehensively several aspects related to the taxonomy, origin, morphology, physiology, ecology and culture of the species.

El Chayote, Sechium edule Swartz (Cucurbitaceae) / The chayote, Sechium edule Swartz (Cucurbitaceae)

El chayote, Sechium edule, es una cucurbitácea de la tribu Sivcyoeae. La rápida transición de cultivo doméstico a producto no tradicional de exportación, ha puesto en evidencia la falta de información sobre la planta y la tecnología de cultivo. Este trabajo recopila, reinterpreta o describe por primera vez, aspectos relativos a la taxonomía y origen del chaiote, así como la morfología, ecología y cultivo de la especie

Ultrastructural evidence of abscisic acid binding sites in guard cells of Vicia faba

Se presenta el uso de una técnica citoquímica que utiliza anticuerpo contra ácido abscísico (ABA) unido al complejo peroxidasa-antiperoxidasa (PAP) por globulina de oveja anti-conejo, para localizar sitios de unión de ABA a nivel de la membrana plasmática, mediante microscopía electrónica. La identificación de las características moléculas cíclicas de PAP confirma, en alta resolución, la tinción específica en secciones ultrafinas, a lo largo de la membrana plasmática de protoplastos de células estomáticas de Vicia faba. La intensidad de la tinción inmunocitoquímica sobre la membrana plasmática que enfrenta al apoplasto fue mayor en especímenes incubados con ABA 10**4 M, así como en aquellos sometidos a estrés hídrico, en comparación con los controles. Mediante el uso de este método sensible, se presenta evidencia ultraestructural del hipotético sitio de acción del ABA en las células estomáticas

[Morphology and anatomy of the leaf of Cybistax antisyphilitica (Martius) Martius, Bignoniaceae]. / Sobre a morfologia e anatomia da folha do Cybistax antisyphilitica (Martius) Martius, Bignoniaceae

The anatomical study on the leaf of Cybistax antisyphilitica (Martius) Martius was perfomed. It is used in folk medicine. A comparative analysis with other organs of the same species, which is native in Brazilian flora, was made. In the leaf plentiful inclusions of reside oil were found whose chemical composition and pharmacodynamic effects are little know.