Sideritis syriaca ssp. syriaca: Glandular trichome structure and development in relation to systematics

Sideritis syriaca ssp. syriaca is a taxon with a low essential oil content. Its leaves bear glandular trichomes of two types: long hairs with a 4-celled head, a 4-celled stalk and a 4-celled foot (reported for the first time in Lamiaceae) and short hairs with a 4–celled head, a unicellular stalk and a unicellular foot. The second type is considered intermediate between the capitate and peltate hairs, common in Lamiaceae, but found in S. syriaca ssp. syriaca. The ontogeny of the trichome types is described. The possible significance of the glandular trichome structure to Lamiaceae systematics is further discussed.     

Analysis of monoterpenoids in glandular trichomes of the catmint Nepeta racemosa

Plants within the Lamiaceae are characterized by their production of essential oils, largely composed of monoterpenoids. They also possess on their aerial surfaces different types of trichomes, including relatively large peltate glandular trichomes. Observation of leaves of the catmint Nepeta racemosa , using cryogenic scanning electron microscopy, showed that around 3000 peltate trichomes are present on a single expanded leaf. An approach has been developed for sampling directly from the subcuticular cavity of such trichomes, in order to characterize qualitatively and quantitatively their contents. Gland samples from Nepeta spp. were analysed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. These analyses have confirmed that the monoterpenoids characteristic of these species (nepetalactones) accumulate within the subcuticular cavity of peltate glandular trichomes. Qualitative analysis showed that three different nepetalactone stereoisomers were accumulated in different proportions in peltate glands from individual N. racemosa plants. Quantitative analysis showed that individual peltate glands accumulate around 30 ng of nepetalactone by maturity, and that accumulation of nepetalactone probably occurs exclusively within this gland type.     

The Essential Oils and Glandular Hairs in Different Chemotypes of Origanum vulgare L.

Leaves and flowers of four chemotypes of Origanum vulgare L.were examined for the main components of their essential oiland for the types and distribution of their glandular hairs.Two varieties have high phenol content, one thymol and the othercarvacrol, in their essential oils; one has a moderate thymolcontent and the fourth has a low phenol content and a high alcoholcontent. The percentage of essential oil and the number of peltatehairs were higher in the flowers than in the leaves, the highestbeing in the flowers of a chemotype with a high phenol (thymol)concentration. While there were no differences in structureof the peltate and two types of capitate hairs between chemotypes,the density of the peltate hairs varied and appeared to be correlatedwith the total essential oil content. Origanum vulgare L., essential oils, glandular hairs     

Foliar secretory trichomes of Ocimum obovatum (Lamiaceae): micromorphological structure and histochemistry

This study characterises the micromorphology, ultrastructure and main chemical constituents of the foliar glandular trichomes of Ocimum obovatum using light and electron microscopy and a variety of histochemical tests. Two types of glandular trichomes occur on the leaves: large peltate and small capitate. The head of each peltate trichome is made up of four broad head cells in one layer. The head of each capitate trichome is composed of two broad head cells in one layer (type I) or a single oval head cell (type II, rare). In peltate heads, secretory materials are gradually transported to the subcuticular space via fracture in the four sutures at the connecting walls of the head cells. Release to the head periphery occurs through opposite fracture in the four sutures in the head cuticle. In type I capitate trichomes, release of the secretions to the subcuticular space occurs via a pore between the two head cells, and release to the head periphery occurs through the opposite pore in the head cuticle. In type II capitate trichomes, the secreted material is released from the head cell through a ruptured particular squared area at the central part of the head cuticle. These secretion modes are reported for the first time in the family Lamiaceae. Histochemical tests showed that the secretory materials in the glandular trichomes are mainly essential oils, lipophilic substances and polysaccharides. Large peltate trichomes contain a large quantity of these substances than the small capitate trichomes. Ultrastructural evidence suggests that the plastids produce numerous lipid droplets, and the numerous polysaccharide small vesicles are derived from Golgi bodies.     

Structural and Histochemical Investigation of the Glandular Trichomes of Salvia aurea L. Leaves, and Chemical Analysis of the Essential Oil

Anatomical and histological investigations of the secretoryhairs ofSalvia aurea leaves, and identification of the maincomponents of the essential oil were carried out. Two typesof glandular trichome were found: peltate glands, characterizedby a short stalk and a large six to eight-celled head, and capitatetrichomes which were further subdivided into two kinds, thefirst with a short monocellular stalk and two-cellular head(type I), and the second with a multicellular stalk, a neckcell and a small globose unicellular head (type II). Whereaspeltate glands and type I capitate trichomes were always present,type II capitate glands were not found in all leaf samples.The histochemical study suggested an ‘endodermal’role for the stalk cell (peltate and capitate type I) as wellas for the neck cell (capitate type II), preventing the lossof essential oil. Histological reactions also revealed the complexnature of the material secreted by all types ofS. aurea trichome,including polysaccharides, polyphenols and proteins, in additionto the essential oil. Qualitative and quantitative GC-MS analysisof the essential oil revealed camphor to be the main constituent.The findings are discussed in relation to studies of trichomesfrom other members of the Lamiaceae. Salvia aurea L.; glandular trichomes; histochemistry; essential oil     

Glandular trichomes of Humulus lupulus var. Brewer's Gold: Ontogeny and histochemical characterization of the secretion

Leaves of Humulus lupulus possess two types of glandular trichomes: - peltate (lupulin) and bulbous.
Peltate trichomes are formed from a protodermal cell by two anticlinal divisions in perpendicular planes, followed by two periclinal ones that give rise to the initials of the head cells, the basal and the stalk cells. Head cells divide successively in radial and irregular planes. Fully developed peltate trichomes are built of a glandular head consisting of 30 to 72 cells, four stalk cells and four basal cells.
Bulbous trichomes are also formed from a protodermal cell by an anticlinal division followed by two periclinal ones that produce the initials of the glandular head cells, and the basal and stalk cells. Fully developed bulbous trichomes consist of four (occasionally eight) head glandular cells, two stalk cells and two basal cells.
The density of peltate trichomes decreases with the expansion of the leaves.
Both peltate and bulbous trichomes secrete essential oils. Peltate trichomes are the preferential site for the synthesis of bitter resins. Tannic acids could not be detected histochemically either in peltate or in bulbous trichomes. Both types of trichomes produce secretion that accumulates in the subcuticular space, being released, in the case of bulbous trichomes, by rupture of the cuticle.     

木香薷腺毛形态结构发生发育规律的研究

采用常规石蜡切片法及扫描电镜技术对木香薷(Elsholtzia stauntoni Benth)腺毛发生发育及其规律进行了研究。结果表明：木香薷表皮上主要有两种表皮毛：无分泌细胞的表皮毛与有分泌细胞的腺毛。前者包括单细胞乳头状毛、2~3细胞管状毛、分枝状毛及多细胞管状毛;后者包括头状腺毛与盾状腺毛。成熟头状腺毛头部由1、2或4个分泌细胞构成,头部呈圆球形或半圆球形;成熟盾状腺毛头部由8~12个分泌细胞构成,分泌细胞横向扩展形成盾状头部。木香薷腺毛主要在茎端幼叶处大量发生,从茎端第一对幼叶处开始产生;从幼叶期到成熟期均有腺毛发生,大部分腺毛在幼叶期发生发育,只有极少部分在叶的成熟期进行发生发育。     

羽叶薰衣草表皮毛的发育解剖学研究

对羽叶薰衣草(LavandulapinnataL.)茎和叶上两种表皮毛(腺毛和非腺毛)发育的解剖学观察表明,两者的发生都源于茎或叶的原表皮细胞,但外部形态、发育过程及功能明显不同。腺毛有头状腺毛和盾状腺毛两种类型,均由1个基细胞、1个柄细胞和头部细胞构成。头状腺毛的头部只有1个或2个分泌细胞,盾状腺毛由8个分泌细胞构成头部。非腺毛由3-20个细胞组成,可分为三种类型:单列不分枝、二叉分枝和三叉及三叉以上多分枝的树状分枝。非腺毛的顶部细胞由基部到顶部逐渐变细,先端成尖形。腺毛发育由原表皮细胞经两次平周分裂形成,由于柄细胞和头部细胞所处的分化状态不同而发育成两类腺毛。非腺毛由非腺毛原始细胞经二次或多次平周分裂和不均等分裂,再发育成数个至二十多个子细胞。     

Glandular trichomes and essential oil constituents ofCalamintha menthifolia (Lamiaceae)

Plant material ofCalamintha menthifolia was collected from two populations grown in the Vikos-Aoos area (NW. Greece). The structure and ontogeny of the glandular trichomes and the chemical composition of the secreted essential oil were studied. The leaves ofC. menthifolia have numerous glandular trichomes of three morphological distinct types: 1) glandular scales with a unicellular foot and stalk, and a 12-celled head, 2) glandular hairs with a unicellular foot and stalk, and a unicellular pear-shaped head and 3) glandular hairs with a unicellular foot, a bicellular stalk and a unicellular elongated head. Qualitative and quantitative GC-MS analyses of the essential oils revealed piperitone oxide as the main constituent in both populations. In the light of these results the relationships beweenC. menthifolia and other members of theSatureja group as well as its taxonomy are discussed.     

Characterization of Secondary Metabolites,Biological Activity and Glandular Trichomes of Stachys tymphaea Hausskn. from the Monti Sibillini National Park (Central Apennines,Italy)

Stachys tymphaea (Lamiaceae) is a perennial herb growing in forest openings and dry meadows of central and southern Italy. It was investigated for the first time here, determining the content of secondary metabolites, the micromorphology of glandular trichomes, the histochemical localization of secretion, and the biological activity of the volatile oil, namely, the cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. The plant showed a peculiar molecular pattern, being rich of biophenolic compounds as flavonoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, but poor of iridoids, which are known as marker compounds of the genus Stachys. The essential oil was characterized by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses, revealing a high percentage of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (54.6%), with germacrene D (30.0%) and (E)‐β‐farnesene (12.4%) as the most abundant compounds, while other main components were representatives of the diterpenes (19.2%), represented mainly by (E)‐phytol (11.9%). This composition supported the taxonomic relationships in the genus Stachys, which comprises oil‐poor species producing essential oils rich in hydrocarbons, with germacrene D as one of the predominant components. The micromorphological study revealed three types of glandular hairs, i.e., Type A peltate trichomes, being the primary sites of essential oil biosynthesis, Type B short‐stalked trichomes, typical mucopolysaccharide producers, and Type C long capitate trichomes, secreting a complex mixture of both lipophilic and hydrophilic substances, with a major phenolic fraction. Moreover, the MTT assay revealed the potential of the volatile oil to inhibit A375, HCT116, and MDA‐MB 231 tumor cells lines (IC₅₀ values of 23.9–34.4 μg/ml).     

Glandular Trichomes on the Leaves and Flowers of Plectranthus ornatus: Morphology, Distribution and Histochemistry

The types of glandular trichomes and their distribution on leavesand flowers of Plectranthus ornatus were investigated at differentstages of their development. Five morphological types of glandulartrichomes are described. Peltate trichomes, confined to theleaf abaxial surface, have, in vivo, an uncommon but characteristicorange to brownish colour. Capitate trichomes, uniformly distributedon both leaf surfaces, are divided into two types accordingto their structure and secretory processes. In long-stalkedcapitate trichomes, a heterogeneous secretion (a gumresin) isstored temporarily in a large subcuticular space, being releasedby cuticle rupture, whereas, in the short-stalked capitate trichomes,the secretion, mainly polysaccharidic, is probably exuded viamicropores. On the leaves, digitiform trichomes, which do notshow a clear distinction between the apical glandular cell andthe subsidiary cells, occur with a similar distribution to thecapitate trichomes. They do not develop a subcuticular space,and secrete small amounts of essential oils in association withpolysaccharides. The reproductive organs, particularly the calyxand corolla, exhibit, in addition to the reported trichomes,unusual conoidal trichomes with long unicellular conical heads.A large apical pore, formed by tip disruption, releases thesecretion (a gumresin) stored in a rostrum-like projection.On the stamens and carpels, digitiform, capitate and conoidaltrichomes are absent, but peltate trichomes are numerous. Theyoccur between the two anther lobes, on the basal portion ofthe style, and between the four lobes of the ovary. The resultspresented are compared with those of other studies on Lamiaceaeglandular trichomes. Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Plectranthus ornatus Codd, Lamiaceae, glandular trichomes, morphology, histochemistry, essential oils and mucilage secretion.     

The trichomes of pericarp in Juglans (Juglandaceae): scanning microscopy, fluorescent microscopy amd histochemistry

Four types of glandular and non-glandular trichomes of pericarp in four Juglans species (J. ailanthifolia, J. cordiformis, J. mandshurica and J. regia) from Juglandaceae were studied by scanning electron microscopy, fluorescent light microscopy and histochemistry. The capitate trichomes on short stalk, the capitate trichomes on long stalk and the peltate trichomes belong to glandular trichomes; the simple hairs concern to non-glandular trichomes. The investigated species differ one from another in dimensions and distribution oftrichomes as well as the chemical content and the mechanism of secretion. The fluorescent markers and histochemical tests show the presence of flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols in trichomes on short and long stalk. In peltate trichomes the flavonoids and tannins were found in lesser quantity and the polyphenols are absent. In simple hairs the phenolic substances have not been recognized. It has been come out with the suggestion about a functional role of each type of trichomes.     

The essential oil secretory structures of Prostanthera ovalifolia (Lamiaceae)

The structure of the essential oil secretory tissues of Prostanthera ovalifolia R.Br was investigated using bright- and dark-field optical microscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The leaves of P. ovalifolia have glandular trichomes of the peltate type common to many Lamiaceae species. The trichomes consist of a basal cell embedded in the epidermis, a stalk cell with heavily cutinized walls and a 16-celled secretory head, but they differ from those of many previously reported Lamiaceae species in their morphological form defined by the elevated cuticle. The sub-cuticular space contains a mixture of lipid and aqueous phases. Secretory cells have dense cytoplasm with many leucoplasts present. Volatile terpenoids are eliminated from the cytoplasm into the sub-cuticular space, the site of essential oil accumulation, via granulocrine secretion.     

Localization of salvinorin A and related compounds in glandular trichomes of the psychoactive sage, Salvia divinorum

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Salvia divinorum produces several closely related neoclerodane diterpenes. The most abundant of these, salvinorin A, is responsible for the psychoactive properties of the plant. To determine where these compounds occur in the plant, various organs, tissues and glandular secretions were chemically analysed. A microscopic survey of the S. divinorum plant was performed to examine the various types of trichomes present and to determine their distribution. METHODS: Chemical analyses were performed using thin layer chromatographic and histochemical techniques. Trichomes were examined using conventional light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS: It was found that neoclerodane diterpenes are secreted as components of a resin that accumulates in peltate glandular trichomes, specifically in the subcuticular space that exists between the trichome head cells and the cuticle that encloses them. Four main types of trichomes were observed: peltate glandular trichomes, short-stalked capitate glandular trichomes, long-stalked capitate glandular trichomes and non-glandular trichomes. Their morphology and distribution is described. Peltate glandular trichomes were only found on the abaxial surfaces of the leaves, stems, rachises, bracts, pedicles and calyces. This was consistent with chemical analyses, which showed the presence of neoclerodane diterpenes in these organs, but not in parts of the plant where peltate glandular trichomes are absent. CONCLUSIONS: Salvinorin A and related compounds are secreted as components of a complex resin that accumulates in the subcuticular space of peltate glandular trichomes.     

Glandular Hairs of Salvia officinalis: New Data on Morphology, Localization and Histochemistry in Relation to Function

The structure, site and histochemistry of glandular hairs onthe vegetative and reproductive parts ofSalvia officinalis wereinvestigated by UV and conventional light microscopy and byscanning electron microscopy. Five distinct types of glandularhair (one peltate and four capitate) with different sites, secretorymodes and secretions, were identified, and a functional rolepostulated for each type. All the hair types show mixed secretions,i.e., hydrophilic and lipophilic, except type I capitate hairs,which have hydrophilic secretions only. In peltate hairs andin type II capitate hairs hydrophilic secretion prevails; inthe remaining types, lipophilic secretion dominates. The manner,time and role of erection of peltate hairs on the reproductiveorgans and the role of non-glandular hairs are also considered.Copyright 1999 Annals of Botany Company Salvia officinalis, Labiatae, rising of peltate hairs, capitate hairs, secretion, plant/insect interaction.     

Antimicrobial activity, essential oil composition and micromorphology of trichomes of Satureja laxiflora C. Koch from Iran

The antimicrobial activity, essential oil composition and micromorphology of trichomes of Satureja laxiflora C. Koch, a native plant from Iran, were studied. The essential oil was obtained from the aerial parts at the flowering stage by hydrodistillation, and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Thirty-three compounds representing 99.1% of the total oil were characterized. The major compounds were thymol (63.9%) and gamma-terpinene (11.9%) followed by carvacrol (4.8%), p-cymene (3.9%), geraniol (3.2%) and geranyl acetate (3.1%). Furthermore, the essential oil and its three main components were tested against two bacteria and three fungi. The result of the bioassays has been shown that the oil possesses potent antimicrobial property. Chemical studies confirmed that a major portion of this antimicrobial activity is due to thymol present in the oil. Micromorphological analysis by SEM of both vegetative and reproductive organs revealed the presence of abundant sessile capitate and sparse short-stalked glandular trichomes along with retrorse eglandular hairs, giving useful diagnostic characters for identification of this medicinal plant.     

Glandular Trichomes on Vegetative and Reproductive Organs of Leonotis leonurus (Lamiaceae)

The types of glandular trichomes, their ontogeny and patternof distribution on the vegetative and reproductive organs ofLeonotis leonurus at different stages of development, are studiedby light and scanning electron microscopy. Two morphologicallydistinct types of glandular trichomes (peltate and capitate)are described. Peltate trichomes, at the time of secretion,are characterized by a short stalk, which is connected witha large spherical head composed of eight cells in a single layer.Capitate trichomes can be divided into various types. Generally,they consist of a four-celled head supported by one or threestalk cells. The two kinds of trichomes differ in the secretionprocess. In the peltate trichomes, the secretory product seemsto remain accumulated in a subcuticular space, unless an externalfactor damages it. In the capitate trichomes, this product probablybecomes released through micropores. On the leaves peltate andcapitate trichomes are abundant, while on the flowers only thepeltate trichomes are numerous and the capitate are rare orabsent.Copyright 1995, 1999 Academic Press Leonotis leonurus R. Br., lion's ear, lion's tail, Lamiaceæ, glandular trichomes, morphology, ontogeny     

Micromorphological and chemotaxonomical traits of Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott

A study on the types and distribution of trichomes, pollen morphology, chemical composition of essential oil (analyzed by GC-FID and GC/MS), and the content of macroelements (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and trace elements (B, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Al, Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Hg, and As) analyzed by ICP-AES (=inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) was conducted on Micromeria croatica (Pers.) Schott. Non-glandular trichomes, peltate trichomes (typical hairs of Lamiaceae), small capitate trichomes (composed of one basal epidermal cell and one head cell), and larger capitate trichomes (composed of one basal epidermal cell, two to three stalk cells, and one head cell with subcuticular space) were observed on leaves, stems, the calyx, and corolla. Pollen of M. croatica had six apertures (hexacolpate) which were set in the equatorial pollen belt (zonocolpate) and showed medium reticulate ornamentation (hetrobrochate type). The essential oil contained from 27 to 39?constituents, the most representative of which were caryophyllene oxide and E-caryophyllene. Among the investigated macroelements, the content of K was highest (8730-10080?mg/kg). The content of trace elements ranged from 0.12?mg/kg (Cr) to 78.00?mg/kg (Fe), while the content of Cd, Ni, Hg, and As were lower than the limit of quantification.     

An investigation of the storage and biosynthesis of phenylpropenes in sweet basil

Plants that contain high concentrations of the defense compounds of the phenylpropene class (eugenol, chavicol, and their derivatives) have been recognized since antiquity as important spices for human consumption (e.g. cloves) and have high economic value. Our understanding of the biosynthetic pathway that produces these compounds in the plant, however, has remained incomplete. Several lines of basil (Ocimum basilicum) produce volatile oils that contain essentially only one or two specific phenylpropene compounds. Like other members of the Lamiaceae, basil leaves possess on their surface two types of glandular trichomes, termed peltate and capitate glands. We demonstrate here that the volatile oil constituents eugenol and methylchavicol accumulate, respectively, in the peltate glands of basil lines SW (which produces essentially only eugenol) and EMX-1 (which produces essentially only methylchavicol). Assays for putative enzymes in the biosynthetic pathway leading to these phenylpropenes localized many of the corresponding enzyme activities almost exclusively to the peltate glands in leaves actively producing volatile oil. An analysis of an expressed sequence tag database from leaf peltate glands revealed that known genes for the phenylpropanoid pathway are expressed at very high levels in these structures, accounting for 13% of the total expressed sequence tags. An additional 14% of cDNAs encoded enzymes for the biosynthesis of S-adenosyl-methionine, an important substrate in the synthesis of many phenylpropenes. Thus, the peltate glands of basil appear to be highly specialized structures for the synthesis and storage of phenylpropenes, and serve as an excellent model system to study phenylpropene biosynthesis.     

UV-B is required for normal development of oil glands in Ocimum basilicum L. (sweet basil)

Plants of Ocimum basilicum L. grown under glass were exposed to short treatments with supplementary UV-B. The effect of UV-B on volatile essential oil content was analysed and compared with morphological effects on the peltate and capitate glandular trichomes. In the absence of UV-B, both peltate and capitate glands were incompletely developed in both mature and developing leaves, the oil sacs being wrinkled and only partially filled. UV-B was found to have two main effects on the glandular trichomes. During the first 4 d of treatment, both peltate and capitate glands filled and their morphology reflected their 'normal' mature development as reported in the literature. During the following days there was a large increase in the number of broken oil sacs among the peltate glands as the mature glands broke open, releasing volatiles. Neither the number of glands nor the qualitative or quantitative composition of the volatiles was affected by UV-B. There seems to be a requirement for UV-B for the filling of the glandular trichomes of basil.