Histochemical Assays of Secretory Trichomes and the Structure and Content of Selected Components in Rubus Idaeus L. Leaves

Leaves of Rubus idaeus are a raw material, ingredients of herbal blend and a source of antioxidants. There are no data concerning histochemistry of trichomes and little is known about the leaves structure of this species. The aim of this study was to determine the histochemistry of active compounds and the structure of glandular trichomes, micromorphology, anatomy and ultrastructure of leaves as well as content of elements. To determine the histochemistry of glandular trichomes different chemical compounds were used. The leaves structure was analysed using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopes. The content of elements was determined with atomic absorption spectrometry and the microanalysis of the epidermis ultrastructure was carried out with transmission electron microscope equipped with a digital X-ray analyser. In glandular trichomes: polyphenols, terpenes, lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates were identified. The main elements in the ultrastructure of the epidermis were: Na, S, Ca, Mg, B, Mo, and Se. In dry matter of leaves K, Mg, Ca, P, and Fe were dominant. Infusions from leaves are safe for health in terms of the Cd and Pb concentrations. Leaves can be a valuable raw material. Non-glandular trichomes prevent clumping of mixed raw materials in herbal mixtures.

Studies in the genus Machairopliyllum (Mesembryanthemaceae), with notes on some related genera

Machairophyllum Schwantes is a small genus of the family Mesembry anthemaceae. confined to the southern part of central South Africa from the Little Karoo at Barrydale in the west to the Zuurberg near Kirkwood in the east. Machairo­phyllum is unusual in the Mesembryanthemaceae-Ruschioideae in that fynbos and renosterveld are the preferred habitats. The morphology, anatomy as well as the pollen, seed and leaf epidermis ultrastructure of the genus were examined. The taxonomy of Machairophyllum is revised on the basis of data presented. Of the ten names originally described, only four are upheld. M. alhidum (L.) Schwantes, M. stayneri L.Bolus. M. bijliae (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus and M. brevifolium L.Bolus. All four species are very similar in their vegetative habit, and differ mainly in inflorescence and flower characters. Several presumably related genera. Bijlia N.E.Br.. Carruanthus (Schwantes) Schwantes and Cerochlamys N.E.Br.. are briefly discussed.