Calcium Oxalate Crystals in Thai Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth Stems and Leaves
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Abstract
Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth is one of the most popular local Thai vegetables, especially in the northeast of Thailand where a relatively high rate of kidney stone illness was also found. It has been shown that there is a direct link between consuming high-oxalate vegetables and kidney stone incident. On a contrary, recent studies report the ancient traditional uses of P. pellucida in treating fever, high blood pressure, diabetes, skin disorder, among many others. Further studies are needed to investigate the controversial effects of P. pellucida. In this study, we used light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to examine Peperomia pellucida stems and leaves. Various crystal shapes of calcium oxalate were found including druses, prismatic, hexagonal and octahedron in both stems and leaves with about the same frequencies. One hundred of each crystal form were examined. The crystal sizes were varied drastically ranging from 0.11 to 27.64 μm. The raphide crystal form was not found, unlike some of the previously studied Peperomia. EDS spectra and X-ray maps show that the crystals were composed primarily of calcium and oxygen. This is a basic research with potentials to be used for the medicinal field and for anyone who wants to prevent themselves from getting too much calcium oxalate from plants.
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