Internal secretory structures and preliminary phytochemical investigation on flavonoid and coumarin content in Santolina insularis (Asteraceae)

UV investigation has shown that vegetative and flowering plants of Santolina insularis (Fiori) Arrig. have internal secretory structures similar to those of many other Asteraceae. In the root two arrays of ducts arise abutting the endodermis, while in the stem single or unconnected pairs of ducts are localized between the vascular bundles. The leaves and bracts present ducts vein-associated. A preliminary phytochemical investigation employing HPTLC evidenced the presence of some fluorescent flavonoids and coumarins. The fluorescence of the secretion and the presence of fluorescent metabolites in the plant organs, led to assume that the secretory system is involved in producing and/or storing the secondary metabolites which justify the use of this species in Sardinian traditional medicine.