MICROSCOPIC EVALUATION OF THE LEAF OF VERNONIA AMBIGUA KOTSCHY AND PEYR. (FAMILY: ASTERACEAE/COMPOSITAE) GROWING IN NIGERIA

*Ugbabe, G.E.; Elaigwu, P. O.; Ibrahim, J. A.; Fatokun, O.T.; Esievo, K. B. and Kunle O. F.

ABSTRACT

Vernonia ambigua Kotschy and Peyr. is a plant in the family Asteraceae/Compositae that has been used traditionally for problems related to reproductive health. Substantial amount of work has been done on the phytochemical profile of the leaf. However, there is no report on the microscopiy of the leaf in literature. Result of the microscopic analysis shows wavy-walled epidermal cells on the upper surface while the lower surface has more or less polygonal epidermal cells. Stomata are present on both surfaces of the leaf (amphistomatic) and are of the anomocytic type. The distribution of stomata is more in number on the lower surface. Trichomes are of two types: long multicellular trichomes with broad base and tapering ends (non-glandular) and peltate (glandular) trichomes with short stalk which are more abundant on the lower epidermis. Spiral vessels and fibres with tapering ends are observed. The data obtained from this study will be useful in the identification of the species, in detecting substitution and adulteration of the plant drug and in developing standards for monograph and future reference.

Keywords: Microscopy, Amphistomatic, Asteraceae, Anomocytic stomata, Vernonia ambigua, Nigeria.