Secretory Structure and Histochemistry of Leaf of Medicinal Plant Arcangelisia Flava
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v12i4.13773Published:
2026-05-04Downloads
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the tissue-level localization of major secondary metabolites and to describe the secretory structures of Arcangelisia flava leaves. Fresh transverse and paradermal hand sections of mature leaves were subjected to histochemical tests for flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, terpenoids, and lipophilic compounds. Flavonoid staining showed that flavones were the predominant class, accumulated strongly in the epidermis, while flavanones occurred only in guard cells; flavonols were not detected. Phenolic compounds were abundant in both the epidermis and mesophyll. Alkaloids also localized prominently in these tissues and around vascular bundles. Terpenoid detection using cupric acetate revealed intense deposits in epidermal and mesophyll idioblasts, whereas NADI staining indicated that essential oils were restricted to the epidermis. Lipophilic compounds were similarly concentrated in epidermal idioblasts. A consistent pattern was found in the epidermal cell rows flanking the leaf veins, which simultaneously accumulated flavonoids, phenolics, and terpenoids, suggesting a coordinated defensive zone along vascular pathways. The study also identified glandular hydathode trichomes containing flavones, phenolics, and lipophilic compounds, contrasting with previous descriptions of non-glandular trichomes in this species. This research provides the first detailed histochemical map of A. flava leaves and highlights key secretory features relevant to its medicinal value
Keywords:
Flavon Glandular Trichome Laticifer Secondary metabolites ParadermalReferences
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