A first report on the anatomical structure of underground organs of Leonurus cardiaca L. species
April 25, 2025
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| Article Title: | A first report on the anatomical structure of underground organs of Leonurus cardiaca L. species |
| Authors: | Bota V.B., Turcuș V., Mihali C.V., Zamfirache M.-M., Ivănescu L.C. |
| Affiliation: | Doctoral School of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iași Department of Biology and Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, „Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad National Institute for Economic Research “Costin C. Kiritescu” of the Romanian Academy/Centre for Mountain Economy (CE-MONT) Research and Development Station for Bovine Arad |
| Abstract: | Leonurus cardiaca L. is an officinal species with medicinal applications on the cardiovascular, nervous, and female reproductive systems. Existing research provides some knowledge about the morpho-anatomy, phytocomposition, and biological activity of its aerial parts, but little is known about the underground organs. In order to address this knowledge gap, of both botanical and medicinal importance, we present a first detailed report on the morpho-anatomical structure of the rhizome and adventitious root of Leonurus cardiaca L., using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The study was carried out on specimens collected from the spontaneous flora of Macea commune (Arad County, Romania), during the flowering period, and preserved in 70% alcohol. Results show that the surface of both organs is covered by mucilages and small crystals. The rhizome has a more developed central cylinder, with secondary phloem and xylem organized in distinct layers, as well as cork and lenticels. Rare intracellular deposits are observed only in the rhizome, at the level of cortical parenchyma and secondary phloem outer layers. Therefore, the rhizome may present some deposits of secondary metabolites of currently uncertain significance. |
| Keywords: | Leonurus cardiaca L., micromorphology, anatomical structure, roots, rhizome, SEM, optical microscopy. |
| *Correspondence: | Bota Viviane Beatrice, Vasile Goldis” Western University of Arad, Faculty of Medicine, Departament,of Biology and Life Sciences, St. Liviu Rebreanu, No 91-93, Arad, Romania, e-mail: viviane.beatrice@gmail.com |
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