Clinical Pharmacology & Biopharmaceutics
Open Access

Abstract

Piper amalago L. is popularly known in Brazil by the terms Jaborandi-manso, Jaborandi-falso and Jaborandi-nhandi which is a shrub that measures 2-7 m in length and is found in a region that stretches from Central America to Rio Grande do Sul in the south of Brazil. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cicatrizing, and antileishmanial properties. Additionally, it has been suggested that it has antioxidant properties since it contains vitexin and lupeol which have been isolated through phytochemical analysis.The objective of this study was to analyze its leaf and stem by optical and scanning electron microtechniques so that information could be obtained to identify the species. The leaf and stem morpho-anatomy of Piper amalago were similar to other Piper species. The features observed should be evaluated as a representative of the entire species, even though several structures can be highlighted as distinguishable among the species of the genus. The main characteristics include a hypostomatic leaf, a sub-epidermal layer on the surfaces, sac-like glandular trichomes, conical non-glandular trichomes, dorsi-ventral mesophyll, a plano-convex midrib with a single collateral vascular bundle, short petiole with irregularly shaped and adaxially grooved. At the caulinar level that was analyzed,the shape is circular and there are collateral vascular bundles arranged in two rings (the outer one in the vascular cylinder and the inner one in the pith). In the perimedular region, a sinuous sclerenchymatic sheath is apparent. These morphological and anatomical features observed for Piper amalago enable this taxon to be identified and differentiated from other species of this plant grouping.

Biography

Email: vera.s@uninter.com