Tissue Structure Changes of Aquilaria sinensis Xylem after Fungus Induction

In this study, we analyzed the mechanism and the process of fungal-induced agarwood formation in Aquilaria sinensis and studied the functional changes in the xylem structure after the process. The microscopic structure of the white zone, transition zone, agarwood zone, and decay zone of 12-and 18-months of inoculation A. sinensis xylem was studied. The distribution of nuclei, starch grains, soluble sugars, sesquiterpenes, fungal propagules, and mycelium in xylem tissues was investigated by histochemical analysis. The results show that the process of agarwood formation was accompanied by apoptosis of parenchyma cells such as interxylary phloem, xylem rays, and axial parenchyma. Regular changes in the conversion of starch grains to soluble sugars, the production of sesquiterpenoids, and other characteristic components of agarwood in various types of parenchyma cells were also observed. The material transformation was concentrated in the interxylary phloem, providing a structural and material basis for the formation of agarwood. It is the core part of the production of sesquiterpenoids and other characteristic products of agarwood. Compared with the A. sinensis inoculated for 12 months, the xylem of the A. sinensis inoculated for 18 months was more vigorous. There were no significant differences between the 12 and 18 months of inoculation in terms of sugars and agarwood characteristic products. In production, harvesting after 12 months of inoculation can improve harvesting efficiency.

Characterization of ground parenchyma cells in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis–Poaceae)

Ground parenchyma cells play a crucial role in the growth and the mechanical properties of bamboo plants. Investigation of the morphology of ground parenchyma cells is essential for understanding the physiological functions andmechanical properties of these cells. This study aimed to characterize the anatomical structure of bamboo ground parenchyma cells and provide a qualitative and quantitative basis for the more effective utilization of bamboo. To do this, the morphology of ground parenchyma cells in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) was studied using light microscopy and field-emission environmental scanning electron microscopy. Results show that various geometric shapes of ground parenchyma cells were observed, including nearly circular, square, long, oval, and irregular shapes. Cell walls of both long and short parenchyma cells exhibited primary wall thickening and secondary wall thickening, resulting in a primary pit field and simple pits. Most long cells were strip-shaped (L/W = 2.52), while most short cells were short and wide (L/W = 0.59). The proportion of long cells was 11 times greater than that of short cells. Most long cells were filled with starch grains, and some short cells also occasionally had starch grains. These findings allowed the first construction of the three-dimensional structure of parenchyma cells.

Endosperm starch grains of Andropogon, Arthraxon hispidus, and Hyparrhenia rufa (Andropogoneae, Panicoideae, Poaceae)

Background and Aims: Grasses have five different types of endosperm starch grain morphology. Even though there is high diversity within the family, the morphology of the starch grains is generally represented by one or two species. Some genera, such as Andropogon (Andropogoneae), were reported to have at least three types of starch grains. However, most of the reviewed species were transferred to other genera. Therefore, the question whether the genus has one or more types of starch grain morphology remains unanswered. Methods: Between four and eight mature caryopses were removed from specimens deposited in the herbarium IEB for most species, as well as from plants monitored in the field until they had mature caryopses. The caryopses were attached on a plate with a drop of white adhesive Resistol® or resin and then sectioned with a razor blade. Sections were stained with a drop of diluted Lugol´s solution, microscopically observed and photographed at several magnifications. Key results: All Andropogon species observed have only one type of starch grain morphology, the Andropogon-type. In all species the simple starch grains are much more abundant than the compound ones, except in A. tenuispatheus where the ratio is inverted. The other two reviewed species, Arthraxon hispidus and Hyparrhenia rufa have Andropogon-type and Panicum-type starch grains, respectively. Conclusions: It is confirmed that, so far, all Andropogon species observed have one type (Andropogon-type) of endosperm starch grain morphology. There is variation in the size, size distribution and shape of the starch grains among the species. Andropogon gayanus is the only reviewed species with large starch grains reaching 28 µm, whereas those in the other species measure up to 15 µm in diameter.

Assessment of microstructural changes in processed products from green peas

A demand for canned vegetables and fruit depend, first of all, on their consumer characteristics. These products should correspond to high requirements regarding their nutritional and biological value, as well as sensory properties. The aim of the work was to study the microstructural changes in the cells of green peas in the products of their processing. Fresh, frozen and canned peas made from fresh and rehydrated raw materials were used as objects of the research. Components such as chlorophyll and starch were characterized in the cells of the hypodermis and parenchyma, respectively, using light microscopy. It was found that plastids with chlorophyll stained in the bright green color were present only in cells of the hypodermis of frozen peas. Moreover, the same color of the pigment was also recorded in the samples of fresh peas. Appearance of brown hues in these cells was observed in the canned product from fresh peas, which was associated with transformation of chlorophylls into pheophytins and pyrophephytins. The hypodermis in the samples of canned peas from rehydrated raw materials was represented by almost colorless cells. When analyzing the preparations of the parenchymal cells of the indicated processed products stained with iodine, it was shown that starch grains in the samples of frozen and canned green peas from fresh raw materials maintained their concentric shape, while swelling of starch grains was observed in the stained preparations of the parenchyma of canned peas from rehydrated raw materials. The comparative microstructural analysis of processed products from green peas showed that maximum quality had the frozen product from fresh raw materials as the studied indicators (chlorophyll and starch grains) showed.

PHARMACOGNOSTICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL STUDY ON LEAF OF COMBRETUM INDICUM (L.)

Combretum indicum (L.) is an extra-pharmacopeial drug with an abundance of medicinal properties. Throughout the world, different Parts of Combretum indicum (L.) is used in curing many ailments by folklore healers. In India, the drug Combretum indicum (L.) is commonly known by the name MadhuMalathi and used by the folklore healers of different areas. Especially the use of Combretum indicum (L.) is seen among the folklore Practitioners of Dakshina Kannada District in curing ailments including paediatric conditions. Thus, it is very important to explore the identity of this drug by the proper Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical analysis. Hence, the present study was aimed at Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical study on Leaf of Combretum indicum (L.). The transverse section of the midrib of the leaf shows the presence of the endodermal layer; which is single-layered, surrounds by a vascular bundle and packed with starch grains. Endodermis covers the vascular bundle and contains several starch grains. The powder microscopy shows the presence of glandular trichome, calcium oxalate crystals etc. The percentage of extractive value was maximum in methanol which was 7.18%, Preliminary phytochemical study showed the presence of Proteins, Carbohydrates, Tannins, Steroids, Alkaloids, Triterpenoids, Starch, Resin and Phenols. The total ash attained was 7.84% and the water-soluble ash was 3.4%.

Everyday Knowledge and Apothecary Craft: Pharmacopoeias of Ancient Northwestern Honduras

Medicinal practices were critical in ancient societies, yet we have limited insight into these practices outside references found in ancient texts. Meanwhile, historic and ethnographic resources have documented how a number of plants, from across the landscape, are assembled into pharmacopoeias and transformed into materia medica. These documentary resources attest to diverse healthcare practices that incorporate botanical elements, while residues in the archaeological record (seeds, phytoliths and starch grains) point to a variety of activities, some of them therapeutic in nature. Focusing on four pre-Hispanic communities in northwestern Honduras, I draw upon ethnobotanical and ethnobiological knowledge to infer medical practices potentially represented by ancient plant residues. Comparing these findings with prior investigations, I address the limits of dividing taxa into mutually exclusive categories such as ‘food’, ‘fuel’ and ‘medicine’. I consider the importance of apothecary craft in past lifeways, as well as the persistence of many traditions in contemporary medical practice.

Evaluation of highly starchy potato varieties by the intensity of starch accumulation and the size of starch grains

В 2018-2020 годах проведено сравнительное изучение высококрахмалистых сортов картофеля по интенсивности накопления крахмала и размеру крахмальных зерен. Полевые и лабораторные исследования выполнены на экспериментальных базах «Пышлицы» и «Коренево» ФИЦ картофеля имени А.Г. Лорха (Московская область). В качестве исходного материала в опытах использовали шесть сортов картофеля собственной селекции среднераннего (Артур, Садон) и среднеспелого (Авангард, Каскад, Накра, Синеглазка 2016) сроков созревания. Объект исследования – нативный крахмал, полученный по ГОСТ 7699-78 из клубней для определения размера крахмальных зерен безмикроскопным методом. Установлена вариабельность крахмалистости изученных сортов с учетом генотипических особенностей, сроков созревания и условий выращивания. Выявлены наиболее стабильные по уровню крахмалонакопления в клубнях сорта Артур, Каскад, Накра и Синеглазка 2016. Различия в крахмалистости между средними и мелкими клубнями одного и того же сорта более существенны в сравнении с различиями между средними и мелкими клубнями. В летней пробе по уровню крахмалистости клубней выделились сорта Накра (20,0%) и Каскад (19,2%) в сравнении с сортом-стандартом Зарево (19,6%), а также сорта Артур и Синеглазка 2016 с крахмалистостью 18,6% и 18,5% соответственно. При анализе высококрахмалистых сортов показано, что в составе крахмала наибольшее количество крахмальных зерен более 57 мкм содержится в клубнях сортов Накра (60,8%), Синеглазка 2016 (60,5%), Каскад (55,7%) и Артур (56,3%). In 2018-2020, a comparative study of high-starch potato varieties was carried out according to the intensity of starch accumulation and the size of starch grains. Field and laboratory studies were carried out at the experimental bases «Pyshlitsy» and «Korenevo» FPRC of named after A.G. Lorkh (Moscow region). Six varieties of potatoes of their own selection of medium-early (Artur, Sadon) and medium-ripe (Avangard, Kaskad, Nakra, Sineglazka 2016) maturation dates were used as the starting material in the experiments. The object of research is native starch obtained according to GOST 7699-78 from tubers for determining the size of starch grains by a non microscopic method. The variability of the starch content of the studied varieties was established, taking into account genotypic features, maturation periods and growing conditions. The most stable in terms of starch accumulation in tubers of the varieties Artur, Kaskad, Nakra and Sineglazka 2016 were identified. Differences in starchiness between medium and small tubers the same varieties are more significant in comparison with the differences between medium and small tubers. In the summer sample, according to the level of starchiness of tubers, the varieties Nakra (20.0%) and Kaskad (19.2%) were distinguished in comparison with the standard variety Zarevo (19.6%), as well as the varieties Artur and Sineglazka 2016 with a starchiness of 18.6 and 18.5%, respectively. When analyzing highly starchy varieties, it was shown that the largest number of starch grains in the starch composition is more than 57 microns contained in the tubers of the varieties Nakra (60.8%), Sineglazka 2016 (60.5%), Kaskad (55.7%) and Artur (56.3%).

Anatomical studies on the leaf and stem of Tinospora formanii Udayan & Pradeep (Menispermaceae), an endemic species to Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India

The anatomical studies on leaf and stem of T. formanii Udayan & Pradeep an endemic species to southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India was carried out focusing on its macroscopic, microscopic, maceration along with organoleptic evaluation. Distinguishing characters of the stem revealed the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, simple and compound starch grains and pitted lignified fibers. Leaf anatomy showed the anomocytic and paracytic stomata, pitted lignified fibers, spiral vessels, non-glandular small trichomes, C or half-moon shaped vascular bundle, surrounded with sclerenchymatous tissues and rosette and prism shaped calcium oxalate crystals. Whereas, maceration studies revealed the presence of spiral and scalar form vessel, fibers, calcium oxalate crystals, simple starch grains. These anatomical studies are vital in the present-day trade scenario not only helpful in the proper identification of the genuine materials in use but also to distinguish different species of Tinospora, where the stem and leaf are often admixed with other species of Tinospora in the crude drug markets.

Macro-microscopic Atlas on Heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Red sandalwood)

Background: Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. (Fam. Leguminosae) is a medium sized, deciduous tree distributed in South India mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The heartwood is highly prized and medicinally useful. The heartwood is used in Indian system of medicine for leucorrhoea, piles, syphilis, vomiting, fever, thirst, purifying blood and in wound healing. Pterocarpus santalinus is one of the ingredients in many Siddha and Ayurvedic formulations namely Cintil Ney, Senchandana Manapagu, Candana Bala, Laksadi Taila and Candanadi lauha. Objective: The present study brings out macro-microscopic atlas on heartwood of medicinal plant Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. Materials and Methods: Sections and powder were observed and photographed under different magnifications with the help of Olympus BX51 Microscopic unit fitted with Olympus Camera. Results: Macroscopically colour, odour and taste; microscopically tyloses, needle eye end fibres, forked fibres with pegged and sharp end, pitted and border pitted vessels, uni-seriate medullary rays, Reddish brownish content, oil globules, simple starch grains, crystal fibres and prismatic crystals of calcium oxalate are the unique diagnostic characters reported. Conclusion: The finding of the present study is believed to be helpful in identifying the genuineness of the heartwood in crude raw drug and also in standardization of herbal formulation containing red sandalwood as ingredient.