Botanical characteristics, ITS gene sequence and preliminary phytochemical composition of Baeckea frutescens L., Myrtaceae

Abstract

     The objective of the study was to investigate the botanical characteristics and ITS sequence to contribute to the accurate identification of “Kim sa tung” species and preliminarily survey its phytochemical composition. The “Kim sa tung” species was identified based on morphology and ITS gene sequencing. The ITS gene sequencing results confirmed that the studied specimen belongs to the species Baeckea frutescens L. The morphological survey revealed characteristics such as single leaves, opposite position, 5 attached sepals, 5 unattached petals, (6-8) free stamens arranged in a single whorl, 3 carpels, hypergynous. Accompanying anatomical data showed the presence of phloem fibers, internal phloem, secretory cavities, and calcium oxalate crystals in the transverse sections of the stems and leaves. The preliminary phytochemical survey of the leaves revealed the presence of essential oils, triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and anthranoids. The study results contribute to provide additional data on the ITS sequence, as well as the morphological, anatomical characteristics of the stem and leaves, and the phytochemical composition of the leaves of “Kim sa tung” in Viet Nam.