Morpho-anatomical, Phytochemical, and Histochemical characterization of Hymenaea courbaril (Leguminosae), occurring in Southern Amazon

Abstract This study aimed to characterize the morphology, histochemistry and phytochemistry of the vegetative organs of Hymenaea courbaril, aiming to detect secretory structures and secretory cells that store secondary metabolites, whose attributions confer medicinal potential to the species. The collection of plant material was carried out in native individuals of H. courbaril in the municipality of Alta Floresta, MT. The plant material (leaflets and stem) was fixed, transverse and paradermic sections were performed on the organs, mounted on histological slides, and the fresh material was submitted to histochemical and phytochemical tests. Secretion channels were detected in the leaflet and stem of H. courbaril, the phyto-histochemical characterization proved positive for secondary metabolites such as tannins, steroids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, lipids, saponins and glycosides, the presence of these compounds may confer important biological activities in the treatment of various types of diseases. In addition, such substances present an important ecological role in the maintenance and continuity of the species in nature as mechanisms against herbivory and dehydration.