Comparative Study of Leaf Anatomical Adaptations in Xerophytic and Halophytic Medicinal Plants

This research provides a detailed comparison of leaf anatomical traits of adaptations of xerophytic and halophytic medicinal plants that have adapted specialized structural traits to overcome adverse conditions. Xerophytes that inhabit dry areas have adaptations such as thick cuticles, decreased stomatal density, and waterstoring tissues that minimise water loss and their ability to store water. Halophytes, however, which are found in saline environments, have developed mechanisms like salt glands, epidermal thickenings and vascular salt compartmentalization that help to regulate it and prevent toxicity. Apart from being useful for the plants’ survival, these anatomical structures contribute to the accumulation of bioactive compounds with significant medicinal use such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and other therapeutic compounds. The research points out the roles of sustainability of the plants in the environment and their medicinal properties, which also imply that knowledge of survival strategies may lead to the discovery of new techniques in exploitation of medicinal plants to drugs and agriculture.