ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to analyze the morphology and anatomy of the leaves of Protium ovatum Engl., Burseraceae, and verify the antiproliferative activity in cervical cells. For anatomical analysis, the leaf samples were fixed in formol, acetic acid, alcohol 70, dehydrated, included in hydroxyethyl methacrylate and sectioned at a thickness of 5-10 µm in rotative microtome. The samples were stained with toluidine blue and blades mounted with synthetic resin "Entellan". Histochemical tests and scanning electron microscopy were also performed. To investigate the antiproliferative effect we used the cells strain of human cervix carcinoma and normal keratinocytes. The anatomical analysis demonstrated that the leaf is hypostomatic and the epidermal cells walls were slightly undulate on both faces. The palisade parenchyma occupies most part of leaf mesophyll. The spongy parenchyma is organized into 3-4 layers of cells. Vascular bundles of smaller diameter and secretory cavities are distributed along the leaf mesophyll. The midrib region was formed by a single vascular bundle with xylem in the center surrounded by phloem. Secretory cavities are distributed along the phloem. The histochemical tests revealed the presence of lipids in the secretory cavities and phenolic compounds in almost cell of mesophyll. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed the smooth leaf cuticle ornamentation with some striated areas. It was observed antiproliferative effect on human cervix carcinoma cell comparing with normal cells.