Chemical and Microscopical Study Eichhornia crassipes Mart Spread in Asi basin

Abstract

Background & Objective: Eichhornia crassipes Mart invaded widely and dangerously many aquatic environments around the world, due to its ability to spread very quickly and adapted to grow in different environmental conditions, this reflected negatively on the areas in which is located. Research directed to investigate its benefits in order to take advantage of it. It started to threat the aquatic environments in Syria years ago. Therefore, this study was focused on the chemical and microscopical properties of this plant spread in Syria.

Materials & Methods: Eichhornia crassipes parts were separated, dried, and powdered, then the chemical and microscopic comparisons between the parts were investigated.

Results: The chemical tests showed that the plant parts contain flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins. However, anthraquinones, saponins, cardiac glycosides and alkaloids were absent. On the other hand, the microscopic study showed specific elements such as tetracytic stomata in the leaves, aerenchyma in the steams, starch and aleurone in the roots. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals.

Conclusions: Eichhornia crassipes contains many types of phenolic compounds (flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins), and specific microscopic elements such as tetracytic stomata and aerenchyma and other non-vital elements.