Qualitative-quantitative micrographic analysis of medicinal plants used for the treatment of Cancer in the Province of Misiones

Abstract

The use and commercialization of plant species as a therapeutic agent in popular medicine in the Province of Misiones increased over time. Since they are known and marketed mainly by their common name, the correct identification of these species is an important contribution to quality control. In Misiones, mortality from tumors is the second cause of death in the population, representing 18.20% of total deaths. Four species used empirically were determined: Polygonum punctatum, Polygonum hydropiperoides Michx. var. setaceum, Acanthospermum australe, and Xanthium strumarium. The plant drug in all cases is the aerial part in the form of a decoction or infusion. For the test, leaves were selected in their optimal state of development, using a diaphanous coating. The observations were made with an optical microscope with a Moticam10 Camera. The Stomatal Indices and Palisade Indices were carried out considering an area of 0.4mm2. The results were processed in Microsoft Excel version 2016, obtaining the mean and standard deviation. The purpose of the work carried out is to provide quantitative data, which in the future could serve as support for the micrographic characterization of the species in question.