STUDY ON ANATOMICAL CHARACTERIZATIONOF RHINACANTHUS NASUTUS (L.) KURZ

Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, belonging to the family Acanthaceae, is an herbaceous shrub. This plant holds significant value in traditional medicine. The leaves of R. nasutus are commercially available as tea bags, marketed as a natural remedy for various ailments. However, the conservation status of R. nasutus necessitates appropriate protective measures to ensure its sustainability. Anatomical studies provide various histological layers, including the epidermis, cortex, vascular bundles, and pith. The leaves feature numerous diacytic stomata and hypostomatic nature. The leaf midrib exhibits a narrow epidermis with numerous glandular hairs. The medulla contains arc-shaped vascular bundles and lateral accessory bundles, with the stele comprising linear xylem elements towards the inner side and phloem elements on the outer region. Transfusion tracheids are present between the palisade and spongy cells, with tissues containing large quantities of oil droplets. The petiole shows a narrow epidermis with numerous glandular hairs. The vascular region features a V-shaped stele. The stem reveals the stelar region is extensive and the inner region is rich in developed xylem elements with linear multiple vessels. The medullary ray cells are narrow, and the pith region displays intruded primary xylem with thick-walled parenchyma cells. Wood anatomical analysis shows xylem parenchyma cells that are paratracheal. The vessel elements possessing perforation plates and transverse walls with bordered pits. Tracheids have a narrow lumen, and the lateral walls contain simple pits. The wood demonstrates multiseriate ray parenchyma and the bark consists of phloem rays and narrow fibers. In conclusion, R. nasutus exhibits a variety of histological and anatomical characteristics that support its traditional medicinal uses. The detailed anatomical studies contribute to understanding the plants structural adaptations and potential environmental interactions, thereby facilitating its identification and utilization in herbal medicine. The conservation of this species is critical to preserving its medicinal value and ensuring its availability for future research and therapeutic applications.