[Study on macroscopic and microscopic identification of Saposhnikovia divaricata and its counterfeits].

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To provide an identification method for the roots of Saposhnikovia divaricata and its three counterfeits. METHODS: Macroscopic identification and microscopic identification of root transverse section and powder were carried out to distinguish these four species. RESULTS: For macroscopic characteristics, Saposhnikoviae Radix and its counterfeits can be distinguished by the head of the residual leaf and sections. As for microscopic identification, the feature was not obvious. But there were some differences to distinguish them,such as the number of cork layer, cambium was evident or not, the number of the xylem catheter,the presence or absence of large oil pipe and longitudinal cracks between the part from cortex to xylem. CONCLUSION: This is a simple and accurate method for distinguish Saposhnikoviae Radix and its counterfeits.