Morpho-anatomy of Curculigo orchioides Gaerth. (Hypoxidaceae) and detection of its selected constituents.

Date

4-2013

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Biology

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Cardenas, Lourdes B.

Abstract

Curculigo orchioides Gaertm is a popular Ayuverdic medicinal plant significantly utilized as a nutritive tonic. The traded drug is its underground axis. This study was conducted to determine the botanical characteristics of C. ocioides morpho-anatomically therapeutic value. The underground axis was identified as a fleshy, vertical rhizome which is pulled firmly by contractile roots to the ground. The stele arrangement showed an atactostele, typical in most monocot stems. Histochemical tests revealed the presence of saponins, in therapeutic values was further verified through Thin Later Chromatography *TLC*. Five major bands (Rf 0.14, 0.24, 0.25, 0.50 and 0.82) were detected in the profiling of saponins. No alkaloid registered in chromatograms. Anatomical observations also revealed the abundance of starch grains and mucilage cells in the ground tissue. Saponins, mucilage and starch account for both the nutritive and therapeutic value of the plant. The low level of alkaloid is advantageous because this group can potentially cause harm. Attempts on seed germination were not successful as a means of propagation due to the plant species' deep physiologically dormancy. Rhizome cuttings (83% shoot development) proved to be a better alternative in addressing the shortage in supply of this drug plant. Whether the generated shoots can develop new rhizomes is still to be ascertained.

Language

English

Location

UPLB National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Call Number

LG 993.5 2013 B4 C37

Document Type

Thesis

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