Secretory tissues from Heracleum sphondylium L. fruits in different maturity stages

Heracleum sphondylium L., commonly known as hogweed, belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to Romania. Traditionally it is used to manage several human ailments, mostly for the treatment of pathologies related to hormonal balance. These uses are based on empirical experience only. This microscopic study is the first step in a comprehensive work aimed for elucidating these effects. Heracleum sphondylium plants were collected from spontaneous flora in August 2022 (Simeria, Romania) and were identified by Erzsébet Domokos. Immature fruits and mature fruits were transversely sectioned in the middle area, and examined under light microscopy. The small secretory canals were associated with the three dorsal vascular bundles from the mesocarp and the dorsal vascular bundle from the lateral wings. The mature fruits presented four dorsal vittae and two commissural vittae with resin and volatile oil secreting epithelia. In the immature fruits the commissural vittae were not developed ([Fig. 1]).

Fig. 1 Transverse sections of the fruits of Heracleum sphondylium. Immature fruit (a), mature fruit (b).

Funding This work was supported by the University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology “George Emil

Palade” of Târgu Mureş Research Grant number 164/17/10.01. 2023.

 

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
16. November 2023