Investigation of botanical characteristics and preliminary phytochemical analysis of Nepenthes kampotiana Lecomte, Nepenthaceae

Abstract

Background: The Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes kampotiana Lecomte, Nepenthaceae) is used in folk medicine to treat diseases such as hepatitis, urethral stones... but there are no research documents on this plant. Objective: The research team conducted a survey on the botanical characteristics and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the Nepenthes kampotiana. Materials and methods: Pitcher Plant harvested in the Bac Ai mountains, Ninh Thuan in September 2023. The methods of botanical describing and microscopic examining the powder and also analyzing the chemical composition of the whole above-ground body of the Pitcher plant were used in this study. Results: in terms of bush form, it grows upright. Leaves transform into covered vessels (kettles) to catch prey. The root anatomy has a secondary structure, with strongly developed second wood occupying the center. Microscopic body has epidermis, thick tissue, soft tissue, under the soft tissue is a system of bundles arranged in a circle. Leaf anatomy has vascular bundles arranged in a circular shape within the leaf veins. Leaf powder has components such as stomata, soft tissue, reticulated vessel, and scalariform vessel. Chemical identification shows the presence of the following groups of compounds: essential oils, free triterpenoids, antraglycosides, flavonoids, anthocyanosides, proanthocyanidins, tannins, saponins, reducing agents, and polyuronid compounds. Conclusion: The study contributes to provide data on the botanical characteristics and preliminary phytochemical analysis of the Nepenthes kampotiana.