Tracing mucilage compounds in different stage of development of viola odorata L. leaf

Viola odorata, belongs to the family Violaceae, has medicinal properties due to presence of compounds such as carbohydrates and mucilage found in its leaves and flowers. Polysaccharide hydrocolloids, including mucilage compounds, are abundant in nature and commonly found in many higher plants. These polysaccharides constitute a structurally diverse class of biological macromolecules with a broad range of physicochemical properties, are widely used for various applications in pharmacy and medicine. This study was conducted to investigate and trace the mucilage compounds in the various stages of development of the leaves of V.o dorata, due to the economic and systematic values of these proprietary compounds. In this study, the seeds were growth under greenhouse conditions and conducted in a completely randomized design.To investigate and trace the mucilage compounds in various stages of plant growth, the cross-section of the leaves was made and painted with mucilage detection reagents . Results showed that the number of mucilage elements is very low at seedling stage and the mucilage compounds limited to cell wall. In the vegetative stage, an increase in the number and diameter of mucilage cells and their integration were observed. In the reproductive stage, the mucilage channels and cavities were created from fusion of adjacent cells especially in the area near the lower epidermis and main vein. Mucilage compounds increased with the increasing age of leaves, that this may be a developmental-protective reaction. This feature can be used in order to increase the production of exclusive pharmaceutical compounds of V. odorata.