Foliar epidermal and phytochemical studies of the grasses <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i> (stapf.), <i>Axonopus compressus</i> (P. Beauv.) and <i>Eragrostis tremula</i> (S. W. Beauv) in Ekpoma, Edo state, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study presents investigations into the epidermal and phytochemical features of Eragrostis tremula (S.W.Beauv.), Cymbopogon citratus (Stapf.) and Axonopus compressus.(P.Beauv.). Epidermal features of the different species in the three genera showed slight differences for both the adaxial and abaxial parts with respect to prickles, papillae, macro hairs and micro hairs. Long cells, short cells, stomata and silica bodies are almost universally present in all the three species. With respect to their phytochemical characteristic, Cymbopogon citratus tested positive for alkaloid, saponin, inulin, cellulose, tannin and lignin; Eragrostis tremula tested negative for lignin and positive for cellulose, saponin and alkaloids while Axonopus compressus tested negative for lignin, but positive for alkaloid, saponin, inulin, cellulose and tannin respectively. Leaf epidermal studies help to determine patterns of variation in plant species thus helping in our knowledge of such species. It is useful in determining their different morphological, epidermal and phytochemical characteristics thus helping in the assessment of its values in species identification, classification and in establishing a taxonomic relationship between different species being studied.

Light and scanning electron microscopy‐based foliar morpho‐anatomical comparison of selected family Rosaceae members distributed in District Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

“…Therefore, current study focused on their taxonomic identification with the help of leaf epidermal characteristics. The leaf epidermal characters have provided information of taxonomic importance (Ogie‐Odia, Eseigbe, Ipechie, Erhabor, & Ogbeboy, 2010). Foliar epidermal characters have significance in plant systematics and characterization of subfamilies and tribes (Brown, 2008; Watson & Dallwitz, 2018).…”

A Simple Method for the Production of Pure Crystalline Silica from Lemon Grass

“…However, the observed mineral content varies with different methods of sample preparation and testing. Ogie-Odia et al (2010) studied the epidermal and phytochemical features of lemon grass using a scanning electron microscope. The micrograph showed the presence of silica bodies, mostly in a cross shape on the adaxial surface of the lemon grass.…”

Preliminary study of antidiabetic activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Axonopus compressus (P. Beauv) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

“…have been reported to demonstrate antidiabetic activities (Suba et al, 2004) also previous studies have shown that Axonopus compressus contains all the above phytoconstituents (Ogie-Odia et al, 2010). It is therefore possible that the phytochemicals present in the plant may be responsible for the observed antidiabetic activity.…”