Author(s):
Assem Mamurova1, Gulzat Kairanova, Zhansaya Abdualiyeva, Aidana Toregeldiyeva2, Moldir Sharipova, Nurzhigit Urnesh, Nazgul Altybaeva, Zhansaya Turgara, Lashyn Kiyekbayeva, Akerke Tokenova, Nurymzhan Aubakirov, Alma Baltaeva, Bedel Kaliyev
Email(s):
gulzatkajranova@gmail.com , lashynk@mail.ru
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00182 
Address:
Assem Mamurova1, Gulzat Kairanova1,2*, Zhansaya Abdualiyeva1, Aidana Toregeldiyeva2, Moldir Sharipova2, Nurzhigit Urnesh2, Nazgul Altybaeva3, Zhansaya Turgara1,4, Lashyn Kiyekbayeva 5*, Akerke Tokenova6, Nurymzhan Aubakirov7, Alma Baltaeva8, Bedel Kaliyev9,10.
1Department of Botany and Agroecology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
2Department of Fundamental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Healthcare, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
3Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
4Branch of the Republican State Enterprise on the Right of Economic Management “State Institute for Carrying out Works on Land Survey,” Committee for Land Management, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
5Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmaceutical School, Asfendiyarov
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Zygophyllum fabago L. is recognized as a valuable medicinal species traditionally applied in the treatment of rheumatism, inflammatory and dermatological disorders, urinary tract problems, and intestinal parasitic infections. In the present work, a comparative anatomical study was performed on specimens collected from three natural populations located near the villages of Topar, Bakanas, and Miyaly within the Ili-Balkhash region of Kazakhstan. The objective was to characterize the variability of vegetative-organ anatomy in relation to soil differences such as salinity, compaction, and nutrient supply. Samples were preserved in 70 % ethanol, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned at 40 µm with a rotary microtome (MEDITE M530). Microscopic observations were carried out using a Levenhuk D740T instrument, and dimensional data were obtained with the LevenhukLite software package. Among the studied populations, root periderm thickness ranged from 119.35 µm (Pop. 1) to 168.54 µm (Pop. 3). The thickest xylem was observed in Pop. 3 (860.65 µm), suggesting improved hydraulic conductance, while the most developed mesophyll layers occurred in the same group, where palisade and spongy tissues reached 728.51 µm and 843.68 µm, respectively. Such structural variation demonstrates the pronounced adaptive flexibility of Z.fabago under contrasting edaphic conditions. This investigation provides the first comprehensive anatomical characterization of the species from southern Kazakhstan, emphasizing the diagnostic importance of tissue traits for assessing ecological resilience and the potential of Z.fabago in restoring arid and saline landscapes.
Cite this article:
Assem Mamurova1, Gulzat Kairanova, Zhansaya Abdualiyeva, Aidana Toregeldiyeva2, Moldir Sharipova, Nurzhigit Urnesh, Nazgul Altybaeva, Zhansaya Turgara, Lashyn Kiyekbayeva, Akerke Tokenova, Nurymzhan Aubakirov, Alma Baltaeva, Bedel Kaliyev. Comparative anatomical analysis of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations from the Ili-Balkhash region, Kazakhstan. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(3):1273-1. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00182
Cite(Electronic):
Assem Mamurova1, Gulzat Kairanova, Zhansaya Abdualiyeva, Aidana Toregeldiyeva2, Moldir Sharipova, Nurzhigit Urnesh, Nazgul Altybaeva, Zhansaya Turgara, Lashyn Kiyekbayeva, Akerke Tokenova, Nurymzhan Aubakirov, Alma Baltaeva, Bedel Kaliyev. Comparative anatomical analysis of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations from the Ili-Balkhash region, Kazakhstan. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(3):1273-1. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00182 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-3-43
REFERENCES:
1. Yao R, He Z, Jiang W, Zeng X, Zheng M, Wang J, Li Z, et al. Comparative study on the efficacy of Panax japonicus and its stem-leaf saponins in alleviating renal fibrosis and vascular calcification in mice with chronic kidney disease. Food Biosci. 2025 Sep; 71: 107100. doi:10.1016/j.fbio.2025.107100.
2. Gemedzhieva NG, Sitpayeva GT, Karzhaubekova ZhZh, Choi SH, Paik JH. Medicinal plants of Kazakhstan. Vol. 1. Daejeon: Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology; 2022. ISBN 978-89-6709-196-5.
3. Baytenov MS. Flora of Kazakhstan. In 2 Vol. Almaty: Gylym; 2001. (in Russian).
4. Ametov A. Botany. Almaty: Dauir Publishing House; 2005. p. 511. (in Kazakh).
5. Mussina M, Nurtayeva M, Imanaliyeva M. Calligonum leucocladum (Schrenk) Bunge populations: genomic and population genetics analyses for assessing genetic diversity [Preprint]. Res Sq. 2025. doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-7028190/v1.
6. Mamurova A, Kairanova G, Beyatli A, Smagulova G, Yedilova A, Zhaldybayev K, et al. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic activities of different solvent extracts of Zygophyllum fabago L. Braz J Biol. 2025 May 26; 85: e293666. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.293666.
7. Feng YL, Li HR, Rao Y, Luo XJ, Xu LZ, Wang YS, Yang SL, et al. Two sulfated triterpenoidal saponins from the barks of Zygophyllum fabago L. Chem Pharm Bull. 2009; 57(6): 612–4. doi:10.1248/cpb.57.612.
8. Feng YL, Li HR, Xu LZ, Yang SL. 27-Nor-triterpenoid glycosides from the barks of Zygophyllum fabago L. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2007; 9(6): 505–10. doi:10.1080/10286020600782157.
9. Feng YL, Wu B, Li HR, Li YQ, Xu LZ, Yang SL, et al. Triterpenoidal saponins from the barks of Zygophyllum fabago L. Chem Pharm Bull. 2008; 56(6): 858–60. doi:10.1248/cpb.56.858.
10. Yaripour S, Delnavazi MR, Asgharian P, Valiyari S, Tavakoli S, Nazemiyeh H. A survey on phytochemical composition and biological activity of Zygophyllum fabago from Iran. Adv Pharm Bull. 2017; 7(1): 109–14. doi:10.15171/apb.2017.014.
11. Yuan H, Ma Q, Ye L, Piao G. The traditional medicine and modern medicine from natural products. Molecules. 2016; 21(5): 559. doi:10.3390/molecules21050559.
12. Abdrakhmanova Gulmira M., Ishmuratova Margarita Yu., Ivasenko Svetlana A, Losseva Irina V., Kukuła-Koch Wirginia. Histochemical Analysis of Medicinal Raw Material Nitraria schoberi L., growing in the Territory of Central Kazakhstan. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2023; 16(9): 4188-2. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00685
13. Kurmantayeva G.K., Ishmuratova M.Yu., Atazhanova G.A., Smagulov M.K., Sabiyeva A., Medeshova A.T., Makhmutova A.S.. Morphological and Anatomical Study of Aerial organs of Nepeta pannonica L.. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024; 17(11): 5311-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00813
14. Sabiyeva А., Ishmuratova M. Yu., Atazhanova G. А., Smagulov М. K., Kurmantayeva G. K., Ashirbekova B. B., Taiken A. A.. Anatomical study of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology 2023; 16(3): 1193-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00198
15. Mamurova A, Kairanova G, Zaparina Y, Mengtay A, Kudaibergenova A, Yedilova A, et al. Soil morphological and physico-chemical characteristics of Zygophyllum fabago L. populations in the Ili-Balkhash Region of Kazakhstan. EQA Int J Environ Qual. 2025; 70: 106-15. doi:10.6092/issn.2281-4485/22033.
16. Turdiyeva Zh. A., Ishmuratova M. Yu., Atazhanova G. A., Ramazanova A. Histochemical Analysis of The Aerial part of Ferula songarica growing in the Territory of the Karaganda Region (Central Kazakhstan). Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2023; 16(11): 5079-4. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2023.00823
17. Badekova K. Zh., Atazhanova G. A., Ishmuratova M. Yu., Akhmetova S.B., Brazhanova A. K., Tazhina A. M.. Morpho - Anatomical study of Origanum vulgare L. Growing in the Akmola Region of Kazakhstan. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024; 17(7): 3013-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00471.
18. Gemedzhieva NG, Grudzinskaya LM, Karzhaubekova ZhZh, Kurbatova NV. Resource characteristics of economically valuable plants of the Balkhash region (cistanche, rhubarb, harmala, licorice). Proc Inst Botany Phytointroduction. 2017; 23(9): 224.
19. Islamgulova A, Osmonali B, Skaptsov M, Koltunova A, Permitina V, Imanalinova A. Habitats, plant diversity, morphology, anatomy, and molecular phylogeny of Xylosalsola chiwensis (Popov) Akhani & Roalson. Plants. 2025 Jul 24; 14(15): 2279. doi:10.3390/plants14152279.
20. Zholdasbayev ME, Ishmuratova MYu, Atazhanova GA, Musozoda SM, Poleszak E. Macro- and microscopic evaluation of above-ground parts of Prunella vulgaris L., growing on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Res J Pharm Technol. 2024; 17(1): 156-62. doi:10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00025.
21. Nurmahanova A, Ibisheva N, Kurbatova N, Atabayeva S, Seilkhan A, Tynybekov B, et al. Comparative anatomical and morphological study of three populations of Salvia aethiopis L. growing in the southern Balkhash region. J Ecol Eng. 2023; 24(9): 27-38. doi:10.12911/22998993/168252.
22. Prozina MN. Botanical microtechnics. Moscow: MSU; 1960. p. 260. (in Russian).
23. Permyakov AI. Microtechnics. Moscow: MSU; 1988. p. 11–29. (in Russian).
24. Barykina RP, Veselova TD, Devyatov AG. Handbook of botanical microtechnics. Moscow: MSU; 2004. p. 313. (in Russian).
25. Barykina RP, Veselova TA. Reference book on botanical microtechnology. Moscow: MSU; 2004. p. 322. (in Russian).
26. Barykina RP, Veselova TD, Devyatov AG, Dzhalilova KhKh, Il’ina GM, Chubatova NV. Reference book on botanical micro-technology: Fundamentals and methods. Moscow: Moscow State University; 2004. (in Russian).
27. Evert RF. Botany. Moscow: Binom. Laboratory of Knowledge; 2025. p. 600. ISBN 978-5-9963-1572-7. (in Russian).
28. The State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan. 3rd ed. Almaty: Zhibek Zholy; 2014. p. 58-9. (in Russian).
29. Asadullaeva Z.M., Ishmuratova M. Yu., Atazhanova G.A., Smagulov M.K.. The macroscopic, microscopic and histochemical analyses of aerial parts of Achillea salicifolia growing in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024; 17(11): 5463-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00836.
30. Kh.I. Itzhanova, P.Zh. Bekisheva, M.Yu. Ishmuratova, Zh. S. Nurmaganbetov, A.T. Serikbay, Ewa Poleszak. Histochemical Analysis of Plant Raw Materials of Anabasis salsa Growing in the Territory of The Central Kazakhstan. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2024; 17(7): 3334-8. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2024.00521
31. Ren X, Liu Q, Zhou P, Zhou T, Wang D, Mei Q, et al. DHX9 maintains epithelial homeostasis by restraining R-loop-mediated genomic instability in intestinal stem cells. Nat Commun. 2024 Apr 9;15:3080. doi:10.1038/s41467-024-16742-6.
32. Cunningham LM. Observations on the structure of Zygophyllum fabago, Linn. Trans Bot Soc Edinb. 1927; 29(1–4): 352–61. doi:10.1080/03746602709469438.
33. Aruna. R, Sasikala Ethirajulu, Jega Jothi Pandian S. Pharmacognostical Studies on Siddha Medicinal Plant Boerhaavia diffusa L. Res. J. Pharmacognosy & Phytochem. 2014; 6(4): 156-159.
34. Budnikov T. Landscape and ecological assessment of the Ili-Balkhash region. Probl Osvoeniya Pustyn. 2001; (2): 19–26. (in Russian).
35. Seleiman MF, Al-Suhaibani N, Ali N, Akmal M, Alotaibi M, Refay Y, et al. Drought stress impacts on plants and different approaches to alleviate its adverse effects. Plants. 2021; 10(2): 259. doi:10.3390/plants10020259.
36. Mukhitdinov A, Nurtazin S, Alimova S, Ablaikhanova N, Yessimsiitova Z, Salmurzauly R, et al. The transformation of ecosystems of the Ili River delta (Kazakhstan) under the flow regulation and climate change. Appl Ecol Environ Res. 2020; 18(2): 2483–98. doi:10.15666/aeer/1802_24832498.
37. Ievinsh G. Water content of plant tissues: So simple that almost forgotten? Plants. 2023; 12(6): 1238. doi:10.3390/plants12061238.
38. Lotova LI. Botany. Morphology and anatomy of higher plants: Textbook. 3rd ed. Moscow; 2007. p. 510. (in Russian).
39. Lotova LI. Botany: Morphology and anatomy of higher plants. Moscow: KomKniga; 2010. p. 512.
40. Mukhitdinov NM. Geobotany. Almaty: RBC Dauir LLP; 2011. p. 384. (in Kazakh)
41. Liu S, Zheng J. Adaptive strategies based on shrub leaf stem anatomy and their environmental interpretations in the eastern Qaidam Basin. BMC Plant Biol. 2024; 24: 323. doi:10.1186/s12870-024-05026-3.
42. Sheahan MC, Cutler DF. Contribution of vegetative anatomy to the systematics of the Zygophyllaceae R.Br. Bot J Linn Soc. 1993; 113(3): 227–62. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.1993.tb00339.x.
43. Abd Elhalim ME, Abo-Alatta OKh, Habib SA, Abd Elbar OH. The anatomical features of the desert halophytes Zygophyllum album L.F. and Nitraria retusa (Forssk.) Asch. Ann Agric Sci. 2016; 61(1): 97–104. doi:10.1016/j.aoas.2015.12.001.
44. Lyshede OB. Xeromorphic features of three stem assimilants in relation to their ecology. Bot J Linn Soc. 1979; 78(2): 85–98. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8339.1979.tb02187.x.
45. Inamdar JA. Epidermal structure, stomatal ontogeny and relationship of some Zygophyllaceae and Simarubaceae. Flora B. 1969; 158: 360–8. doi:10.1016/S0367-1801(17)30222-3.
46. Dörken VM, Ladd PG, Parsons RF. Anatomical aspects of xeromorphy in arid-adapted plants of Australia. Aust J Bot. 2020; 68(3): 245–66. doi: 10.1071/BT19073.
47. Zhao C, Zhang H, Song C, Zhu JK, Shabala S. Mechanisms of plant responses and adaptation to soil salinity. Innovation (Camb). 2020 Apr 24; 1(1): 100017. doi: 10.1016/j.xinn.2020.100017.
48. M. B. Viswanathan, J. Jeya Ananthi, N. Venkateshan. Pharmacognostical Studies on the leaves of Jatropha tanjorensis. Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2018; 10(4): 291-298. doi: 10.5958/0975-4385.2018.00047.X
49. Ahmed A, Hameed A, Saeed S. Ecological distribution, morphological and molecular characterization of Zygophyllaceae from diverse ecological zones of Balochistan, Pakistan. Appl Ecol Environ Res. 2020; 18(2): 2445–62. doi: 10.15666/aeer/1802_24452462.
50. Mamurova A, Kairanova G, Amertayeva G, Akhtayeva N, Beyatli A, Kiyekbayeva L, Iskakova Z, Zhaldybaev K, Zhumalina K. Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant properties of Ajania fastigiata (C. Winkl.) Poljakov (Asteraceae). Farmacia. 2025; 73(4): 1038-1046. doi: 10.31925/farmacia.2025.4.23.
51. Ecevit-Genç G, Büyükkılıç-Altınbaşak B, Özcan T, Dirmenci T. Comparative anatomical studies of some Teucrium sect. Teucrium species: Teucrium alyssifolium Stapf, Teucrium brevifolium Schreb. and Teucrium pestalozzae Boiss. (Lamiaceae). PhytoKeys. 2018; 96: 63–77. 10.3897/phytokeys.96.24498.
52. Doghbage A, Belhadj S, Belhouadjeb FA, Boukerker H, Mevy JP, Gauquelin T, et al. Leaf morphological and epidermal traits variability along environmental gradients in ten natural populations of Pistacia lentiscus. Life. 2023; 13(7): 1617. doi:10.3390/life13071617.
53. Liska D, Martinka M, Kohanova J, Lux A. Asymmetrical development of root endodermis and exodermis in reaction to abiotic stresses. Ann Bot. 2016; 118(4): 667–74. doi:10.1093/aob/mcw047.
54. Meena KK, Sorty AM, Bitla UM, Choudhary K, Gupta P, Pareek A, et al. Abiotic stress responses and microbe-mediated mitigation in plants: The omics strategies. Front Plant Sci. 2017 Feb 9; 8: 172. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2017.00172.
55. Beier BA, Chase M, Thulin M. Phylogenetic relationships and taxonomy of subfamily Zygophylloideae (Zygophyllaceae) based on molecular and morphological data. Plant Syst Evol. 2003; 240: 11–39. doi:10.1007/s00606-003-0007-0.
56. Akcin E, Yildirim N, Ozdemir C, Akcin TA. The effect of salinity on anatomical characteristics of two Salicornia species. J King Saud Univ Sci. 2023; 35(5): 102597. doi:10.1016/j.jksus.2023.102597.
57. Wasim MA, Naz N, Zehra SS. Anatomical characteristic, ionic contents and nutritional potential of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) under high salinity. S Afr J Bot. 2022; 144: 471-9. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2021.09.015.
58. Iqbal U, Hameed M, Ahmad F, Ahmad MSA, Ashraf M, Kaleem M, Shah SMR, Irshad M. Contribution of structural and functional modifications to wide distribution of Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Flora. 2022; 286: 151973. doi:10.1016/j.flora.2021.151973.