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In this paper we examine the leaf-blade anatomy of: Commelina erecta L. var. erecta f. erecta, Tradescantia fluminensis Vell., Tripogandra diuretica (Mart.) Handlos, and T. glandulosa (Seub.) Rohweder. These species grow in the coastal region of the Río de la Plata (Argentina) where they are used as ophthalmic, diuretic, antirheumatic, sudorific, and digestive. The aim of this study was to establish diagnostic features in order to deepen knowledge of these medicinal species and thus, get a valuable tool to establish their botanical identity. The leaves were prepared according to usual methods for light and scanning electron microscopes. Histochemical techniques to identify starch, lipophilic substances, mucilage, tannins, and oxalate salts were performed. The ions analysis of oxalate salts using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer was performed. The main differential traits found were: stomata hexaperiginous in C. erecta var. erecta f. erecta, and tetraperigenous in T. fluminensis and Tripogandra species; leaf blade margins with parenchyma in C. erecta var. erecta f. erecta and T. fluminensis, and with fibers in Tripogandra species; presence of druses in palisade parenchyma of the blade in T. fluminensis, and the hairy index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seasonal variation of saponins in organs of Solidago chilensis var. chilensis (Asteraceae). Solidago chilensis Meyen var. chilensis is a widely distributed weed in Argentina. Owing to the presence of saponins, S. chilensis is a poisonous weed for cattle. However, it has several medicinal uses and it is considered a melliferous species. The purpose of this study was to analyze the seasonal variability in the saponin content of subterranean and aerial organs of S. chilensis by a qualitative method. Using an aqueous solution obtained from fresh plant material of different organs (rhizomes, roots, stems, leaves and inflorescences), the saponin content was determined by the height of the foam column of the solution. Saponins were always present in subterranean organs of the plant (roots and rhizomes), but also gave a highly positive reaction in leaves from the end of summer to early autumn (March-April). Accordingly, between March and April, is the most suitable period to extract saponins from S. chilensis under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]