Morpho-anatomical characterization, phytochemical screening, and antibacterial activity of Swertia decurrens C.B.Rob (Gentianaceae)
Swertia decurrens
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17390556Keywords:
Cordillera Central Range, endemic, agar-well diffusion method, anomocytic, undivided mesophyllAbstract
The pursuit of scientific exploration requires a thorough investigation into the morphology and anatomy of plants, extending beyond visible structures to analyze the intricacies found at the cellular and subcellular levels. To contribute to this endeavor, the study documented the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Swertia decurrens, an endemic plant from the Cordillera Central Range, Northern Philippines. The morphological and anatomical characteristics of S. decurrens showed similarities to Swertia chirayita. It was observed that both have longer and wider leaves and an erect, greenish, quadrangular stem. Their flower characteristic is found to be the same, hypogynous with complete bisexual and purplish, but seen to be dotted in S. decurrens while marginal in S. chirayita. Also, the flower of S. decurrens is smaller. The phytochemical screening found alkaloids, anthraquinones, essential oils, saponins, and steroids to be present in S. decurrens, but flavonoids, phenols, and tannins were negative. Lastly, the plant showed no antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, which could be attributed to the absence of phenols and flavonoids. This contrasts with the medically proven S. chirayita that have strong antimicrobial activity. This information is helpful documentation of the understudied endemics and unverified medicinal plants in the tropics and in the country.
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