Metals Accumulation and Leaf Surface Anatomy of Murdannia spectabilis Growing in Zn/Cd Contaminated Soil

Murdannia spectabilis (Kurz) Faden was identified as a Zn/Cd hyperaccumulative plant. Leaf surface anatomy of the plant growing in non-contaminated soil (control) and Zn/Cd contaminated soil,was studied and compared by a light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy combined with Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM/EDS). The similarities were reticulate cuticle on epidermises, uniform polygonal cell, stomatal arrangement in six surrounding subsidiary cells, and submarginal sclerenchyma. The dissimilarities were uniserate trichomes spreading on both adaxial and abaxial epidermis of the plants growing in non-contaminated soil, whereas the uniserate trichomes were only on the submarginal-adaxial epidermis of the control plants. The trichomes on leaves of the plants growing in non-contaminated soil were found to have both uniseriate non-glandular and uniseriate glandular trichomes;whereas, leaves of the plants growing in the contaminated soil were merely non-glandular trichomes. The different shape and location of trichomes, the number of stomata and trichome indicated the effect of Zn and Cd on M. spectabilis. The higher percentages of Zn and Cd in the vascular bundle than in the cross section and epidermis areas showed both solutes could move along each route, with diffusion through the symplast and apoplast. The increase of Ca in M. spectabilis growing in Zn/Cd contaminated soil corresponded to the Zn and Cd distributed in the leaves. Zn K-edge and S K-edge XANES spectra proposed that Zn2+ ions were accumulated and/or adsorbed on the epidermis of the tuber, and then absorbed into the root and transport to the xylem. The double peaks of Zn-cysteine in the leaf samples proposed the metal sequestration was by sulphur proteins

Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis, a new species from Thailand

Kaempferia mahasarakhamensis sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Northeastern Thailand, is described, photographed and illustrated. It can be easily recognized by its erect and elongate psuedostem, length of leaf sheaths and leaves elliptic with apex acuminate. The new species resembles K. larsenii Sirirugsa but it differs in its two leaves, pseudostem high, blade broadly elliptic, leaf apex acute, length of leaf sheath, length of petiole, number flower per inflorescence, white flower and labellum white with two darker purple patches towards the base

Diversity and Traditional Utilization of the Zingiberaceae Plants in Nakhon Nayok Province, Central Thailand

The Zingiberaceae family boasts remarkable species diversity, with significant implications for conservation and resource management. The objective of this research is to study the diversity and traditional utilization of Zingiberaceae in Nakhon Nayok Province. Through field observations, herbarium specimens, interviews, and surveys, we documented the species, classified them into tribes, genera, and species, and analyzed their distribution across districts. The findings revealed a rich species diversity, encompassing 155 species from 16 genera and 3 tribes. The tribe Zingibereae displayed the highest species diversity (120 species), followed by Alpinieae (23 species) and Globbeae (12 species). These species were found in diverse ecosystems such as dry evergreen forests, mixed deciduous forests, and more. The study also identified the Mueang district as having the highest species count. Additionally, we explored the traditional utilization of Zingiberaceae plants in Nakhon Nayok Province, which encompasses various purposes including ornamental use, rituals, traditional medicine, and more. This research contributes valuable insights into the ecological and cultural significance of Zingiberaceae plants, identifies endangered species requiring conservation measures, and sheds light on the unique plant diversity and cultural heritage in Nakhon Nayok Province. These findings serve as a valuable resource for conservation efforts, sustainable utilization, and future research

Cytogenetic Study of Five Varieties of <i>Callisia repens</i> (Jacq.) L. (Commelinaceae) from Laos

Cytogenetical studies were carried out on five varieties of Callisia repens, i.e., turtle vine, green, pink lady, gold, and Bianca. The morphological characteristics of all five varieties differed in leaf shape and color of the plant. All five varieties have the same chromosome number, 2n = 12, and the fundamental number (NF) = 24. The number of metacentric (m), submetacentric (sm), and subtelocentric (st) chromosomes was related to the discrepancies between the various karyotypes that were found. The formula for each of the karyotypes was 2m + 2sm + 8st (turtle vine), 2m + 10st (green), 8m + 4st 14 (pink lady), 2m + 4sm + 6st (gold), and 2m + 2sm + 8st (Bianca). Therefore, all five strains had asymmetrical karyotypes. The chromosome number of C. repens has been reported previously, but this is the first report of karyotype variation among the varieties. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) of the karyotype formula was able to distinguish C. repens ‘pink lady’, C. repens ‘green’, and C. repens ‘gold’, but it was unable to differentiate between C. repens ‘Bianca’ and C. repens ‘turtle vine’. Additionally, PCA conducted on the centromeric index (CI) and the leaf colors of the five varieties of C. repens successfully separated all of them. Therefore, the prominent morphological traits and karyotype information of the five varieties of C. repens from Laos can be used to distinguish between them

Evaluation of Color, Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Mulberry Fruit (Morus alba L.) during Ripening

Mulberry fruits are used for food, cosmetics and medicine. Several phytochemical and bioactive compounds in mulberry fruits are widely used for health benefits. During the ripening stage of mulberry fruits, different phytochemicals are present. This study investigates color, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in mulberry fruit during seven ripening stages. The results indicate that the color changes from green to purple. The green stage contains high levels of vitamin c (12 mg/gDW), while the purple stage has the highest sugar levels, particularly fructose (241 mg/gDW) and glucose (171 mg/gDW). Trends of amino acids, anthocyanin and vitamin C increased initially, peaking in M6 and then declined in the final ripening stage (M7). Phenolic acid, flavonoids and &gamma;-aminobutyric increased when the ripening level increased. The antioxidants activity was analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. It was found to have the highest contents in M7 at 19 mgTE/gDW (DPPH) and 22 mg FeSO4/gDW (FRAP), which were positively correlated with the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. This study provides information on mulberry fruit during ripening that should be helpful in designing products while maintaining its high antioxidant content, excellent bioactivity and quality for use in food, cosmetics and medicine

Evaluation of Color, Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Mulberry Fruit (<i>Morus alba</i> L.) during Ripening

Mulberry fruits are used for food, cosmetics and medicine. Several phytochemical and bioactive compounds in mulberry fruits are widely used for health benefits. During the ripening stage of mulberry fruits, different phytochemicals are present. This study investigates color, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in mulberry fruit during seven ripening stages. The results indicate that the color changes from green to purple. The green stage contains high levels of vitamin c (12 mg/gDW), while the purple stage has the highest sugar levels, particularly fructose (241 mg/gDW) and glucose (171 mg/gDW). Trends of amino acids, anthocyanin and vitamin C increased initially, peaking in M6 and then declined in the final ripening stage (M7). Phenolic acid, flavonoids and γ-aminobutyric increased when the ripening level increased. The antioxidants activity was analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. It was found to have the highest contents in M7 at 19 mgTE/gDW (DPPH) and 22 mg FeSO4/gDW (FRAP), which were positively correlated with the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents. This study provides information on mulberry fruit during ripening that should be helpful in designing products while maintaining its high antioxidant content, excellent bioactivity and quality for use in food, cosmetics and medicine