Investigation of botanical characteristics, DNA barcoding and chemical constituents of Stahlianthus campanulatus Kuntze in Dak Lak province

Abstract

This study aimed to establish a scientific database on the biological characteristics and chemical constituents of Stahlianthus campanulatus Kuntze, a potential medicinal plant, collected from Chu Yang Sin National Park. The samples were identified to species level by DNA sequencing, along with detailed descriptions of morphology, microanatomy, and powdered crude drug characteristics, and preliminary analysis of chemical constituents. Sequencing of the trnL–trnF region yielded an 870 bps fragment, and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) showed similarity to Stahlianthus campanulatus Kuntze up to 99.84%. The rhizome powder is light brown, slightly pungent, and aromatic. The parenchyma composed fragments of polygonal thin-walled cells contain numerous ovoid and oval starch granules, along with scalariform vessels and fiber bundles. Chemical analysis indicated that the tubers of S. campanulatus contain several groups of compounds, including essential oils, free triterpenes, and coumarins, detected in ether and non-hydrolyzed alcohol extracts, existing in free form or as less-polar derivatives. The results contributed to the determination of species identity, morphological characteristics, and a preliminary profile of chemical constituents. These provide an important basis for more studies on the exploitation and conservation of this medicinal resource in the future.