NGHIÊN CỨU ĐẶC ĐIỂM THỰC VẬT HỌC VÀ BƯỚC ĐẦU KHẢO SÁT THÀNH PHẦN HÓA HỌC LOÀI LẤU (Psychotria sarmentosa var. membranacea P.H.Hô) THUỘC HỌ CÀ PHÊ (RUBIACEAE)

Abstract

In Vietnam, the genus Psychotria L. comprises approximately 27 species and 1 variety, of which 9 species are of medicinal value in traditional medicine. This article investigates the morphological characteristics and chemical composition of Psychotria sarmentosa var. membranacea (Pit.) P.H.Hô by comparatively examining morphological features and anatomical structures, and qualitatively screening for chemical constituents using specific chemical reactions. The results illustrated that this species exhibits several characteristics, suggested to be called "Thin-leaved climbing Psychotria." Morphologically, the plant is a climbing vine with adventitious roots, elliptical leaves, petioles, and abaxial midribs with trichomes, umbellate inflorescences, small white flowers, white fruits, and pyrene 2. Micromorphologically, the leaves exhibit convex midribs on both sides, dorsal-ventral leaf blades, telete petioles with two short wings on both sides, round stem cross-sections, and the Calcium oxalate needle-shaped crystals found in the stems and leaves of this species. Moreover, comparisons of the thickness of the main vein, leaf blade, petioles, primary stem, and secondary stem in samples collected from Con Dao were found to be larger than those from Phu Quoc. Preliminary qualitative chemical analysis of the species determined the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugar, and coumarin. The study aims to contribute to providing scientific evidence to support the future development of the medicinal potential of the Psychotria species.