Anatomical Studies of the Foliar Epidermis and Petiole of some Lannea Species in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aims: Leaf epidermal morphology and petiole anatomy of seven Lannea species namely; Lannea velutina, Lannea kerstingii, Lannea egregia, Lannea schimperii, Lannea acida, Lannea microcarpa, and Lannea edulis in Nigeria were investigated to provide new taxonomic characters that could help in proper identification and delimitation of the taxa. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, University of Jos, Nigeria between August 2020 and March 2021. Methodology: Transverse sections of petioles were cut using a rotary microtome and epidermal peels were made. Staining was done using Safranin and slides observed using a light microscope. Results: Stomatal distribution was hypostomatic except for L. velutina and L. edulis with amphistomatic distribution. Three stomata types are found; paracytic occurring in L. velutina, L. edulis and L. egregia, cyclocytic in L. schimperii and L. microcarpa and anomocytic in L. kerstingii and L. acida. Stomata index vary among taxa with L. egregia and L. acida having the highest (22.43%) and lowest (12.17%) respectively. The epidermal cell shape was polygonal in all the species and anticlinal wall patterns were straight to slightly curved. Unicellular/multicellular uniseriate trichomes were observed in L. schimperii, L. egregia and L. kerstingii distinguishing them from other species. Petiole outlines were circular to oval, epidermis was uniseriate and vascular bundles are collateral. Presence of continuous sclerenchyma rings surrounding the vascular bundles in L. kerstingii and L. microcarpa serve as a distinguishing character. Other distinguishing characters are presence of crystals, druses and phenolic idioblasts. A taxonomic key was produced using the anatomical character as an aid to the identification of the species. Conclusion: Variations observed in the stomata types, petiole outline, petiole vasculature type, trichome type and stomata index could be employed for species identification and delimitation.

Leaf epidermal studies of four species of Chlorophytum Ker- Gawl in Nigeria

Studies of the foliar epidermal morphology in four species of Chlorophytum; C. orchidastrum, C. bichetii, C. stenopetalum and C. macrophyllum revealed the presence of stomata on both sides of the leaves (amphistomatic stomata distribution). In C. orchidastrum, few stomata are present on the adaxial surfaces. Stomata type has no diagnostic importance as all the species studied have tetracytic stomata. Stomata index (<10%) on the adaxial surface in C. orchidastrum easily distinguished the species from others. In C. bichetii and C. macrophyllum stomata index (<50%) was recorded while stomata index (>50%) was recorded for C. stenopetalum on the adaxial surface. Stomata index on the abaxial surface also shows that fewer stomata occur in C. macrophyllum compared with C. stenopetalum. The studies also revealed smooth leaf margin for C. orchidastrum. Papillea out growth were observed on the leaf margin of C. stenopetalum and C. macrophyllum, Papillea projections were however more pronounced in C. bichetii. Leaf epidermal character is hereby indicated as an important tool in delimiting species in the genus Chlorophytum. Keywords: Chlorophytum, stomata, epidermal cells, anatomy, foliar morphology.

ANATOMICAL STUDIES ON WALLICHIA NANA GRIFF., A WILD PALM OF ASSAM, INDIA

MEHMUD, S. & ROY, H. 2020. Anatomical studies on Wallichia nana Griff., a wild palm of Assam, India. Reinwardtia 19(2): 97‒102. ‒‒ The present communicated research is a study based on the observation of free hand transverse section of leaf, stem and root and epidermal morphology of lamina in Wallichia nana, a species distributed in North-eastern states of India. Occurrence of paracytic stomata was noted on both surfaces of the lamina but comparatively more on lower surface. Number of metaxylem vessel recorded in lamina is single whereas, one to two in stem, petiole and roots. Presence of mucilage sacs recorded in the cortex of both petiole and stem.

Comparative foliar epidermal morphology of Isolona Engl. (Annonaceae)

A qualitative micromorphological assessment of the seven species of Isolona occurring in Nigeria and the Cameroons was undertaken with the aid of light microscope. The stomatal cells are particularly useful, providing stable characters which can be reliably employed in distinguishing the species. Hypostomatic leaves and paracytic stomatal type are generic constant. Possession of only paracytic stomata is characteristic of I. dewevrei whereas other species may have in addition another type such as 1+2 laterocytic stomatal type found only in I. zenkeri and presence of brachyparacytic stomata which shows relatedness of I. campanulata, I. congolana, I. hexaloba, I. pleurocarpus and I. thonneri. The epidermal surfaces appeared glabrous but an indication of hairs is shown by the presence of a glandular trichome base only in I. hexaloba. The epidermal cell characters such as epidermal cell shapes and anticlinal wall patterns seem to intergrade and they are not as definite as the stomatal cells. However, a combination of these features will be helpful in defining the species better and their leaf fragments can be differentiated based on the various characters studied for effective utilization in herbal medicinal research.

Topical therapy in canine atopic dermatitis: new products

Topical therapy in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) can moisturise and soothe the skin; treat and prevent secondary bacterial and yeast infections; and remove debris, grease and allergens. Shampoos are commonly used but can be time-consuming. Non-rinsing wipes, foams and spot-on preparations facilitate topical application and improve compliance. The ideal topical product for CAD should be emollient, lipid-barrier sparing, microbiome balancing, easy to apply and well-tolerated, have some residual activity, and be safe for the dog and owner. Ophytrium is a novel Ophiopogon japonicus (Japanese mondo grass) derived product. It blocks inflammatory pathways, maintains epidermal morphology and barrier function, and reduces staphylococcal adherence and biofilm formation in human and canine epidermis models. It has been incorporated in shampoos and foams for dogs (Douxo S3®; Ceva Sante Animale, Libourne, France). Use of 3-week treatment cycles with one shampoo followed by a foam application every 2–3 days helps to ameliorate CAD (Douxo S3 Calm®) and superficial staphylococcal pyoderma (ophytrium/3% chlorhexidine; Douxo S3 Pyo®). Effective topical therapy used alone or alongside other modalities can improve the effectiveness and safety of treatment for CAD. Reducing the need for systemic antimicrobials is a vital part of antimicrobial stewardship.