ABSTRACT
The relationship between structural features of various vegetative organs and triterpenoid saponin accumulation in Achyranthus bidentata Blume was investigated using anatomy, histochemistry and phytochemistry. The results showed that the primary and secondary structures of roots, and the structures of stems and leaves of A. bidentata, were similar to those of ordinary dicotyledonous plants. The enlargement of its roots, however, was primarily associated with growth and differentiation of tertiary structures. There were collateral medullary vascular bundles in addition to the normal vascular bundles in the stem. The tertiary structure was not only main parts in the roots of A. bidentata, but also important storage region of triterpenoid saponin in its growth and development. The stem may be the essential transport organ of triterpenoid saponin, while palisade parenchyma may be the primary synthesis location. In November, the total quantity of triterpenoid saponin and overall biomass in the roots reach a maximum level. This was the best time, therefore, to harvest the roots and corresponded to the traditional harvest period. Despite the withered appearance of leaves, stems also contained substantial amounts of triterpenoid saponin, and it was recommended that the stems of A. bidentata should be used.
Subject(s)
Achyranthes/anatomy & histology , Achyranthes/metabolism , Oleanolic Acid/metabolism , Saponins/metabolism , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Plant Leaves/anatomy & histology , Plant Roots/anatomy & histology , Plant Stems/anatomy & histology , Plants, Medicinal/anatomy & histology , Plants, Medicinal/metabolismABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The experiment was conducted to study the dynamic growth rhythm of Achyranthes bidentata under different densities. METHOD: The plant samples were collected to measure the growth rate of each organ. RESULT: Under different densities, the growing dynamic rhythm of A. bidentata were similar. The growth of main root exhibited a trend of "slow-fast-slow" by stages. The increase of dry root weight was fastest during the period of 30-40 days before harvest. The dry-matter increasing rate of whole plant was fastest in the later period of branching stage. The differences of root yields among the plants growing under different densities were significant. CONCLUSION: For high yield and good quality, the density of planting of A. bidentata should be considered.
Subject(s)
Achyranthes/growth & development , Plant Roots/growth & development , Plants, Medicinal/growth & development , Achyranthes/anatomy & histology , Achyranthes/chemistry , Biomass , Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis , Organ Size , Plant Leaves/anatomy & histology , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Plant Roots/anatomy & histology , Plant Roots/chemistry , Plant Stems/anatomy & histology , Plant Stems/chemistry , Plants, Medicinal/anatomy & histology , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Quality ControlABSTRACT
In this paper, 7 kinds of Niuxi from Guizhou Province have been studied on their pharmacognostical characters, histological characters and effective constituents and the difference of species have been found based on the experimental results.
