@article {702, title = {Anatomical Study and Characterization of Metabolites in Leaves of Momordica charantia L.}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {August 2018}, pages = {823-826}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {823}, abstract = {

Background: Momordica charantia L. (Cucurbitaceae), is an herbaceous plant used for food and traditional medicine. It presents a proven antidiabetic activity in the literature, being a promising species for the development of phytotherapics. Objective: The objective was performing an anatomical study and characterizing the metabolites in leaves of M. charantia. Materials and Methods: Semipermanent histological slides were prepared for analysis of petiole and leaf blade in optical, polarization and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Maceration and histochemical tests were also performed in the leaf blade. Results: The anatomical characterization revealed information about the type of trichomes, cuticle, vascular bundles and arrangement of the idioblasts and tissues that determine the botanical identity of this species. The histochemistry allowed determining the location of the metabolites and, along with the chemical microanalyses, to identify the type of crystal in the leaf blade. Conclusion: The study described new characters for M. charantia and the results provide support to quality control of the species.

}, keywords = {Anatomy, Bitter melon, Crystals, Histochemistry, Mel{\~a}o-de-S{\~a}o-Caetano}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2018.5.140}, author = {Rafaela Damasceno S{\'a} and Mar{\'\i}lia Barbosa Cadena and Rafael Jos{\'e} Ribeiro Padilha and Luiz Carlos Alves and Karina Perrelli Randau} } @article {329, title = {Microscopic Characterization of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {April 2017 }, pages = {361-366}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {361}, abstract = {

Background: Croton cordiifolius Baill. is popularly known as \“quebra-faca\” in the Brazilian Northeast and is used to treat general inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Objective: This paper aims to study the anatomical characteristics of C. cordiifolius. Materials and Methods: Cross-sections and paradermic sections of root, stem, petiole and leaf blade were obtained by hand and submitted to double staining with astra blue and safranin process for the anatomical study. Maceration was performed according to the method of Jeffrey. Results: The secondary root has peridermis, parenchymatic cortex, collateral vascular system surrounded by sclerenchyma. The secondary stem has peridermis, cortical region with lignified cells, isolated groups of fibers, laticifers, prismatic crystals, druses and starch. The vascular system of the stem is bicollateral. The petiole and the leaf blade have stellate, simple and glandular trichomes. The leaf blade is hypostomatic, with paracytic stomata. The mesophyll is isobilateral and the midrib shows a concave-convex contour. Laticifers occur in stem, petiole and leaf blade. Prismatic crystals and druses are found in all organs analysed. Through the maceration it was possible to identify the type of vessel elements. Conclusion: The anatomical features are useful for differentiation of other species of Croton and provide support to their quality control.

}, keywords = {Croton cordiifolius, Euphorbiaceae, Pharmacobotany, Plant anatomy, Quebra-faca}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2017.3.61}, url = {/files/PJ-9-3/10.5530pj.2017.3.61}, author = {Iasmine Andreza Basilio dos Santos Alves and Rafaela Damasceno S{\'a} and Mar{\'\i}lia Barbosa Cadena and Rafael Matos Ximenes and Karina Perrelli Randau} }