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Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II
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Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Phytochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 13080

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Claudia Giuliani

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: medicinal plants, plant morpho-anatomy, microscopy, plant extracts, ecological role and biological activity of sec-ondary metabolites, chemotaxonomy, ethnobotany
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Fico Gelsomina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milan Via Mangiagalli, 25, I-20133 Milan, Italy
Interests: medicinal plants, plant morpho-anatomy, microscopy, plant extracts, ecological role and biological activity of sec-ondary metabolites, chemotaxonomy, ethnobotany
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the most recent results obtained in plant morphology and phytochemistry during the last years, encompassing anatomical, micromorphological, ultrastructural, morphometric, chemosystematic and taxonomic studies at species or lower and higher taxonomic levels.

This Special Issue aims to collect works that simultaneously contemplate morphological investigations, with a special emphasis on secretory structures (epidermal or tissue) in relation to the type of productivity in secondary metabolites. We expect the works to be new, therefore regarding taxa never investigated before as regards the morpho-anatomical or ultrastructural descriptions performed by means of light and electron microscopy, as well as the phytochemical characterization or the chemosystematic approach, such as comparative HPLC-MS, GC-FID, GC-MS, NMR (and others) investigations. The proposal of histochemical investigations is also encouraged. Comparative studies of the distribution of secondary metabolites at the species level or within a lower or higher taxon (e.g., subspecies, genus or family) are welcome. Comparative studies, encompassing multiple accessions of each of the taxa within their distribution, are particularly encouraged. Welcome also are studies including morphometric or anatomical surveys that contribute to elucidating or clarifying the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships, if accompained by in-depth and rigorous literature research on the secondary metabolite profiles. Studies that combine the above-mentioned morphological and phytochemical analyses aiming at identifying adulterations or confounding between species are welcome.

For this purpose, we are glad to invite you to submit original research articles, reviews, and short communications.

Dr. Claudia Giuliani
Prof. Dr. Fico Gelsomina
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • morpho-anatomy
  • microscopy
  • secretory structures
  • phytochemistry
  • secondary metabolites
  • chemosystematics
  • taxonomy
  • phylogenetic relationships

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 15307 KiB  
Article
An Integrative Approach to Selected Species of Tanacetum L. (Asteraceae): Insights into Morphology and Phytochemistry
by Claudia Giuliani, Martina Bottoni, Fabrizia Milani, Alberto Spada, Sara Falsini, Alessio Papini, Laura Santagostini and Gelsomina Fico
Plants 2024, 13(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020155 - 5 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 946
Abstract
In this work, we studied Tanacetum vulgare, Tanacetum parthenium, and Tanacetum corymbosum (Asteraceae) cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Northern Italy) of the University of Milan. An integrative research approach was adopted: microscopic and histochemical, with special focus [...] Read more.
In this work, we studied Tanacetum vulgare, Tanacetum parthenium, and Tanacetum corymbosum (Asteraceae) cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Northern Italy) of the University of Milan. An integrative research approach was adopted: microscopic and histochemical, with special focus on the secretory structures responsible for the productivity of secondary metabolites; phytochemical, with the analysis of the essential oil (EO) profiles from the air-dried, flowered aerial parts collected in June 2021; bio-ecological, with emphasis, based on literature data, on the ecology and biological activity of the main EO components. In all three species, two basic trichome morphotypes (flagellar non-glandular and biseriate glandular) occurred with different distribution patterns. The glandular ones produced terpenes, along with flavonoids. A high level of chemical variability in the EO compositions emerged, specifically for qualitative data. T. vulgare profile was more complex and heterogeneous than those obtained from T. parthenium and T. corymbosum, with camphor as the predominant compound, followed by farnesol and α-santalone, respectively. Finally, the obtained scientific findings were made available to the visitors of the botanic garden through new dissemination labeling that highlights the “invisible”, microscopic features of the plants, from an Open Science perspective (“Botanic Garden, factories of molecules…work in progress”—Lombardy Region Project Lr. 25/2016, year 2021). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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14 pages, 18585 KiB  
Article
Glandular and Non-Glandular Trichomes from Phlomis herba-venti subsp. pungens Leaves: Light, Confocal, and Scanning Electron Microscopy and Histochemistry of the Secretory Products
by Irina Neta Gostin
Plants 2023, 12(13), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132423 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4126
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the morphological peculiarities of glandular and non-glandular trichomes from leaves of Phlomis herba-venti subsp. Pungens using light, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. Histochemistry techniques were used to analyze the localization of different chemical compounds in [...] Read more.
The purpose of this paper is to highlight the morphological peculiarities of glandular and non-glandular trichomes from leaves of Phlomis herba-venti subsp. Pungens using light, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy. Histochemistry techniques were used to analyze the localization of different chemical compounds in secretory trichomes. Two types of non-glandular trichomes were identified: unicellular and branched. They were found more frequently on the lower epidermis of leaves in different stages of ontogenetic development. Glandular trichomes were categorized as capitate (C1 and C2) with different stalk lengths and one–four secretory cells and dendroids (D) with one–four secretory cells. The histochemical analyses revealed distinct secretory products in terms of composition and distribution among the three types of glandular trichomes. The dendroid category of glandular trichomes is rarely found in plants and is not characteristic of the Lamiaceae species. They were described and characterized from a micromorphological and histochemical point of view for the first time in P. herba-venti. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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19 pages, 16289 KiB  
Article
Histochemical Analysis and Ultrastructure of Trichomes and Laticifers of Croton gratissimus Burch. var. gratissimus (Euphorbiaceae)
by Danesha Naidoo, Yougasphree Naidoo, Gonasageran Naidoo, Farzad Kianersi and Yaser Hassan Dewir
Plants 2023, 12(4), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040772 - 8 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1679
Abstract
Croton gratissimus (Lavender croton) possesses three distinct secretory structures. These include lepidote and glandular trichomes and non-articulated unbranched laticifers. The lepidote trichomes form a dense indumentum on the abaxial surface of the leaves and canopy the glandular trichomes. Although assumed to be non-glandular, [...] Read more.
Croton gratissimus (Lavender croton) possesses three distinct secretory structures. These include lepidote and glandular trichomes and non-articulated unbranched laticifers. The lepidote trichomes form a dense indumentum on the abaxial surface of the leaves and canopy the glandular trichomes. Although assumed to be non-glandular, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated high metabolic activity within the stalk and radial cells. Glandular trichomes are embedded in the epidermal layer and consist of a single cell which forms a prominent stalk and dilated head. Laticifers occur on the mid-vein of leaves and are predominantly associated with vascular tissue. In the stems, laticifers are associated with the phloem and pith. Both trichome types and laticifers stained positive for alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and lipids. Positive staining for these compounds in lepidote trichomes suggests their involvement in the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites. These metabolites could provide chemical defense for the plant and potentially be useful for traditional medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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23 pages, 6316 KiB  
Article
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Diospyros villosa Extracts and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anti-Quorum Sensing Potential
by Oluwatosin Temilade Adu, Farzana Mohamed, Yougasphree Naidoo, Temitope Samson Adu, Hafizah Chenia, Yaser Hassan Dewir and Hail Rihan
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2514; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192514 - 26 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1664
Abstract
The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Diospyros villosa leaves and stem bark extracts is described. The stem bark AgNPs of D. villosa synthesized at 80 °C (S80) showed good scavenging activity with a lower IC50 value of 8.75 µg·mL−1 compared [...] Read more.
The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Diospyros villosa leaves and stem bark extracts is described. The stem bark AgNPs of D. villosa synthesized at 80 °C (S80) showed good scavenging activity with a lower IC50 value of 8.75 µg·mL−1 compared to ascorbic acid (9.58 µg·mL−1). The total phenol content of the S80 AgNPs was measured and found to be 10.22 ± 0.14 mg.g−1 gallic acid equivalence (GAE). Bacterial growth inhibition (% GI) and violacein inhibition (% VI) of 10.08% and 58.83%, respectively, was observed against C.subtsugae CV017 with leaf AgNPs synthesized at 80 °C (L80) at 80 μg·mL−1. Stem bark AgNPs synthesized at room temperature (SRT) also indicated % GI of 13.83% and % VI of 65.97% against C. subtsugae CV017 at 160 μg·mL−1. Leaf AgNPs of D. villosa synthesized at room temperature (LRT), showed % GI of 29.07% and % VI of 56.53%, respectively, against C. violaceum ATCC 12472 at 320 μg·mL−1. The L80 and SRT at 160 μg·mL−1 and LRT at 320 μg·mL−1 may be considered as potential QS inhibitors following their activity against C. subtsugae CV017 and C. violaceum ATCC 12472, respectively. Therefore, D. villosa represents a potential source of antioxidants as well as an anti-quorum sensing therapeutic candidate for the control of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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15 pages, 5508 KiB  
Article
Micromorphology and Histology of the Secretory Apparatus of Diospyros villosa (L.) de Winter Leaves and Stem Bark
by Oluwatosin Temilade Adu, Yougasphree Naidoo, Temitope Samson Adu, Venkataramegowda Sivaram, Yaser Hassan Dewir and Hail Rihan
Plants 2022, 11(19), 2498; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192498 - 23 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1901
Abstract
Diospyros villosa is a perennial species prominently acknowledged for its local medicinal applications. The native utilisation of this species in traditional medicine may be ascribed to the presence of secretory structures and their exudate (comprised of phytochemicals). However, the morphological nature and optical [...] Read more.
Diospyros villosa is a perennial species prominently acknowledged for its local medicinal applications. The native utilisation of this species in traditional medicine may be ascribed to the presence of secretory structures and their exudate (comprised of phytochemicals). However, the morphological nature and optical features of the secretory structures in D. villosa remain largely unclear. This study was directed to ascertain the occurrence and adaptive features of structures found within the leaves and stem bark of D. villosa using light and electron microscopy techniques. The current study notes the existence of trichomes, and other secretory structures were noted. SEM indicated the presence of non-glandular hirsute trichomes with bulky stalk on both leaves and stem surfaces. Transverse stem sections revealed the existence of crystal idioblasts. Moreover, the presence of the main phytochemical groups and their localisation within the foliage and stem bark was elucidated through various histochemical tests. The trichomal length and density were also assessed in leaves at different stages of development. The results indicated that the trichomal density at different stages of development of the D. villosa leaves and stem bark was not significantly different from one another, F(3,39) = 1.183, p = 0.3297. The average length of the non-glandular trichomes in the emergent, young and mature leaves, as well as in the stem, was recorded to be 230 ± 30.6 µm, 246 ± 40.32 μm, 193 ± 27.55 µm and 164 ± 18.62 µm, respectively. The perimeter and circumference of the observed trichomes in the developmental stages of D. villosa leaf and the stem bark were not statistically different, F(3,39) = 1.092, p = 0.3615. The results of histochemical tests showed the existence of phenols alkaloids, which are medicinally important and beneficial for treatment of diseases. The findings of this study, being reported for the first time may be considered in establishing microscopic and pharmacognostic measure for future identification and verification of natural herbal plant. Trichomal micromorphology and histological evaluations could be utilised as a tool for appropriate description for the assessment of this species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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Review

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32 pages, 2595 KiB  
Review
Glandular Trichomes and Essential Oils Variability in Species of the Genus Phlomis L.: A Review
by Irina Neta Gostin and Cristian Felix Blidar
Plants 2024, 13(10), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13101338 - 13 May 2024
Viewed by 417
Abstract
The genus Phlomis is one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae family and includes species used since ancient times in traditional medicine, as flavoring for food and as fragrance in cosmetics. The secretory structures (represented by glandular trichomes) as well as the [...] Read more.
The genus Phlomis is one of the largest genera in the Lamiaceae family and includes species used since ancient times in traditional medicine, as flavoring for food and as fragrance in cosmetics. The secretory structures (represented by glandular trichomes) as well as the essential oils produced by them constitute the subject of this review. While representatives of this genus are not typically regarded as large producers of essential oils compared to other species of the Lamiaceae family, the components identified in their essential oils and their biological properties necessitate more investigation of this genus. A comprehensive analysis of the specialized literature was conducted for each of the 93 currently accepted species to identify all the results obtained by researchers regarding the secretory structures and essential oils of this genus up to the present time. Glandular trichomes, still insufficiently studied, present morphological peculiarities that differentiate this genus within the family: they are of two categories: capitate (with a wide distribution in this genus) and dendroid. The peltate trichomes, characteristic of many species of this family, are absent. The essential oils from the species of the genus Phlomis have been much more widely studied than the secretory structures. They show considerable variability depending on the species and the environmental conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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20 pages, 1811 KiB  
Review
Health and Environmental Hazards of the Toxic Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (Bracken Fern)
by Matěj Malík, Otakar Jiří Mika, Zdeňka Navrátilová, Uday Kumar Killi, Pavel Tlustoš and Jiří Patočka
Plants 2024, 13(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13010018 - 20 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1562
Abstract
Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) is ubiquitous and acts as a cosmopolitan weed in pastures and similar environments. Despite its historical uses, it presents risks due to toxicity. This study, conducted in the second half of 2023, aimed to assess the [...] Read more.
Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn) is ubiquitous and acts as a cosmopolitan weed in pastures and similar environments. Despite its historical uses, it presents risks due to toxicity. This study, conducted in the second half of 2023, aimed to assess the environmental and health hazards of P. aquilinum, primarily focusing on its carcinogenic compound, ptaquiloside. The literature was comprehensively reviewed using diverse databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Information was synthesized from original research articles, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and relevant animal studies. Animals grazing on bracken fern face annual production losses due to toxin exposure. The substantial impact on biodiversity, animal health, and human well-being arises from the presence of ptaquiloside and related compounds in milk, meat, and water, along with the increasing global prevalence of P. aquilinum and its swift colonization in acidic soil and fire-damaged areas. The objectives were to identify major bioactive compounds and explore their effects at molecular, cellular, pathological, and population levels. Various cooking techniques were considered to mitigate toxin exposure, although complete elimination remains unattainable. Therefore, the findings emphasize the need for cautious consumption. In conclusion, continued research is necessary to better understand and manage its environmental and health implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Features and Phytochemical Properties of Herbs II)
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