Morphology and microscopic identification of Anoectochilus lylei / 药学实践与服务

Objective To perform the pharmacognostic identification of Anoectochilus lylei and establish the foundation for its accurate identification and further development. Methods The macroscopic identification and microscopic identification methods were used to identify A. lylei. Results A. lylei has ovate leaf shape, possessing red reticulated veins. Inverted flowers have Y-shaped and white lip. The anterior part of lip is two-lobed, and the lobes are linear-oblong. There are 1 to 3 shorts serrations on each side of the middle part of lip. Microscopic characteristics mainly show as follows: the cortex is broad in the transverse section of roots and stems; 1-5 and 1-7 vascular bundles in the xylem of transverse section of roots and stem, respectively. Collateral vascular bundle in the main veins of transverse section of leaves. There are multitudinous types of stomas in the leaf abaxial epidermis, most of which are anomocytic. Conclusion These characteristics could provide reference for the correct identification of A. lylei.

Microscopic identification for roots from 4 medicinal plants of Actinidia genus / 药学实践与服务

Objective To perform microscopic identification for the roots of Actinidia macrosperma C.F. Liang, Actinidia valvata Dunn, Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch. ex Miq., Actinidia chinensis Planch., and provide the basis for judging medicinal materials exactly. Methods The powder microscopic characteristics of 4 medicinal plants of Actinidia genus were observed by microscopic identification method. Results Taking the morphological characteristics of calcium oxalate clusters, starch granules and ducts as the main differences, a key table was compiled to identify the roots of these four medicinal plants. Conclusion The microscopic identification method could effectively distinguish 4 Chinese herbs of Actinidia genus, and which is worth further studying.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Artemisia maritima L. a highly medicinal specie of genus Artemisia.

The light and scanning electron microscopic observations were carried out for anatomical features of leaf, pollens and powder.Microscopic studies provide useful information for identification and authentication of adulteration in A. maritima. Nutritional analysis of A. maritima revealed that life fundamental macromolecules such as carbohydrates (49.63 %) crude proteins (13.17 %) and crude fibers (21.06 %) were present in sufficient quantity while crude fats (4.11 %) reported in low quantity. The life essential elements such as Mg (9.472 ± 0.011), Ca (4.152 ± 0.135) and Fe (4.112 ± 0.002) were found in high concentration while heavy metals reported under the safety threshold of WHO. These observations favored A. maritima an alternative of food.Appreciable quantity of phenolics (17.64 ± 0.574) and flavonoids (7.67 ± 0.069) were found while qualitatively active phytochemicals were reported. The FTIR characterization of A. maritima crude powder revealed chromatogram in 3328.61 to 408.68 frequency range and 24 characteristic peaks on the basis of which different compounds of biological importance were classified. HPLC-UV technique quantifiedand identified six phenolic compounds morin,epigallocatechin gallate, catechin hydrate,ellagic acid, pyrogallol andrutin. Identification of compounds through GC-MS chromatogram revealed the presence of 46 compounds in methanolic fraction however 17 compounds of biological importance were selected. In-vitro biological evaluation of A. maritima for antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic (12.61 ± 0.113 %) and cytotoxic activities (LC50 = 20 µg/ml) suggested that methanolic fractions exhibited the highest activity as compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. The MIC values of 10 or 15 mg/ml were recorded for most of the fungal pathogens. Antibacterial activity revealed 3.75 mg/ml of MIC values against B. subtilis and 1.87 mg/ml against S. aureus, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. In-vivo biological evaluation revealed thatmaximum inhibition was observed for crude extract at 250 mg/kg body weight. The mechanism underlined in-vivo analgesic responses was carried out which revealed that naloxone (morphine and tramadol antagonist) showed no prominent effect while Glibenclamide pretreatment minutely modified the analgesic action. These observations clearly indicted the absence of opiod receptors and involvement of ATP sensitive potassium channels.

The standard specification of microscopic identification of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition / 药学实践杂志

Objective To improve the standardization and legitimacy of the quality control for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by analyzing the microscopic identification quality standard of TCM in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Volume 1). Methods Through the analysis of the standard items of microscopic identification in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Volume1), the problems in the standard was summarized and classified , and suggestions for revision were provided. Results The standardization and consistency have the room to improve in TCM microscopic identification standard in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 (Volume 1). Conclusion The TCM microscopic identification standard needs to be improved, and the formulation for the standard should be more specific and practical.

Study on the improvement of quality standard for Tibetan medicine Qinjiaohua / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To improve the quality standard of T ibetan medicine of Qinjiaohua ，and to provide scientific basis for comprehensive quality evaluation. METHODS The qualitative analysis of 16 batches of Qinjiaohua with different producing areas and different origins was carried out by microscopic and TLC identification. According to the method stated in 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia ，water content ，total ash content ，acid-insoluble ash content and alcohol-soluble extract content were determined. HPLC method was used to determine the contents of 5 components （loganic acid ，swertiamarin，gentiopicrin， swertionolin，isoorientin） in Qinjiaohua. RESULTS The medicinal powder of Qinjiaohua was light brown-yellow ，and the microscopic features of the powder were clear ，and pollen grains ，ducts，non-glandular hairs ，corolla epidermal cells and calyx epidermal cells were all found. The results of TLC indentification showed that there were fluorescent spots of the same color in the chromatogram of the tested product and the corresponding position of substance control （isoorientin）. The content ranges of water content，total ash content ，acid-insoluble ash content and alcohol-soluble extract were 5.40％-8.87％，3.76％-6.40％，0.27％-0.58％， 26.81％-42.51％，respectively. The results of content determination methodology met the requirements of pharmacopoeia ；the content ranges of loganic acid ，swertiamarin，gentiopicrin，swertionolin and isoorientin in 16 batches of Qinjiaohua were 3.13-9.36，1.26-22.39，13.80-74.60，1.24-12.22，2.58-14.96 mg/g，respectively. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the original quality standard of Qinjiaohua ，microscopic identification ，TLC identification ，content determination and examination items of water，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract are added. It is preliminarily proposed that water content ，total ash content and acid-insoluble ash content should not exceed 9.0％，6.5％ and 0.6％，while the contents of ethanol-soluble extract and gentiopicrin should not be less than 26.0％ and 13.8 mg/g，respectively.

Plant pharmacognostic and microscopic identification of Anoectochilus burmannicus / 药学实践杂志

Objective To identify the crude drugs of Anoectochilus burmannicus, and clarify its original plant pharmacognostical and microscopic characteristics. Methods The pharmacognostical identification method was used to observe the original plant, tissue structure and microscopic characteristics of A. burmannicus. Results Leaves were ovate or ovate elliptic with golden-red veins. Non-inverted yellow flowers had Y-shaped and yellow labellum, which were anteriorly enlarged and 2-lobed. The lobes were narrowly oblong or narrowly oblanceolate. The middle part of labellum was narrow to form a 10 mm long structure with margin narrowly winged. In the microscopic structure, the cortex is obvious in the cross sections of root and stem, together with needle crystals of calcium oxalate and mucous cells. The upper epidermal cells on the cross section of the leaves were papilloid in shape, whereas diverse stomas existed among the lower epidermal cells, with anomocytic stomas as the major type. Needle crystals of calcium oxalate and conduits can be found in the powder. Conclusion These data provide a reference for the identification and resource development and utilization of A. burmannicus.

Combined application of extended depth of field imaging, image stitching and polarized microscopy techniques in identification of Spatholobus suberectus / 中草药·英文版

Objective: As traditional techniques for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines currently lack objective and high-quality reference images, here we developed a systemic procedure to be used in microscopic identification of Chinese medicines, which would lead to more objective, effective and accurate identification process. Methods: Spatholobi Caulis (Jixueteng in Chinese) was used as the specimen in the development of such procedure. Jixueteng samples were microscopically examined in bright- and dark-field microscopy. Microscopic images were obtained by regular, EDF, and image stitching techniques. Results: The microscopic images of the characteristics in pulverized Jixueteng were captured, thanks to EDF imaging and image stitching techniques which allowed the detailed and full sighting of each characteristic to be obtained simultaneously. Different layers in anatomical transverse section, including cork, phelloderm, cortex, phloem, cambium, xylem and pith, were distinctively observed. Moreover, by comparing images of bright- and dark-field microscopy, birefringent and non- birefringent components could readily be distinguished. Conclusion: With application of the developed procedure, high-definition, panoramic and microscopic images were acquired, which could be used as the reference images for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines.

Pharmacognostical study of Chinese medicine Prinsepiae Nux / 中草药

Objective: To provide scientific evidence for the identification of Prinsepiae Nux by observing the characteristics and microscopic characteristics, which may be of relevance to the compilation of 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Methods: The pharmacognosy of fruit core from 12 batches of P. uniflora and nine batches of P. uniflora var. serrata were studied by character identification, micro-morphological identification, conventional microscopic identification and polarized light microscopic identification. Results: From the shape, size, color, surface characteristics, texture, cross-section, qi, taste and other aspects, the characteristics of pupae and dentate wood were observed and studied. For the hard texture and after the softening treatment, it is still not suitable to prepare cross-sections to observe the complete plant tissue structure and determine the medicinal material of the tissue site. Using free-hand slicing technology of positioning and taking materials can accurately obtain the microscopic characteristics of plant tissue in specific parts; A medicinal material that integrates a large group of bundles and is difficult to show the complete morphological characteristics of a single cell after pulverization. Using dissociated tissue filming technology, it is possible to obtain clear, complete, and non-overlapping single cell full-spectrum and characteristic information. Conclusion: Micro-morphological characteristics (endocarp,cotyledon and seed coat)were obtained for the first time. the results of microscopic identification and micro-morphological identification fill in the blank of color image information. Stone cells of endocarp can be used as specific markers for microscopic identifying Prinsepiae Nux.

The fast-bare-handed vertical slicing method for dry Chinese herbal medicine / 药学实践杂志

Objective To verify the feasibility and maneuverability of fast bare-handed vertical slicing method for dry Chinese herbal medicine, and to provide reference of this method for different types of medicinal materials. Methods Several representative medicinal herbs were randomly selected in the market to make micro-slices using the top-slicing method to observe its cutting effect. Results Experiments showed that microscopic slices can be obtained for most herbs in a few minutes, which can be used for identification and quality testing. Conclusion This method is fast, effective, simple and practical. It meets the requirements of pharmacopoeia for microscopic identification. This method deserves for promotion.

Combined application of extended depth of field imaging, image stitching and polarized microscopy techniques in identification of Spatholobus suberectus.

Objective: As traditional techniques for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines currently lack objective and high-quality reference images, here we developed a systemic procedure to be used in microscopic identification of Chinese medicines, which would lead to more objective, effective and accurate identification process. Methods: Spatholobi Caulis (Jixueteng in Chinese) was used as the specimen in the development of such procedure. Jixueteng samples were microscopically examined in bright- and dark-field microscopy. Microscopic images were obtained by regular, EDF, and image stitching techniques. Results: The microscopic images of the characteristics in pulverized Jixueteng were captured, thanks to EDF imaging and image stitching techniques which allowed the detailed and full sighting of each characteristic to be obtained simultaneously. Different layers in anatomical transverse section, including cork, phelloderm, cortex, phloem, cambium, xylem and pith, were distinctively observed. Moreover, by comparing images of bright- and dark-field microscopy, birefringent and non- birefringent components could readily be distinguished. Conclusion: With application of the developed procedure, high-definition, panoramic and microscopic images were acquired, which could be used as the reference images for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines.

Anatomical Characterization of Nine Taxa of Genus Acmella Rich. (Toothache Plant) in India

Abstract The present study is aimed for anatomical characterization of nine taxa of Acmella to supplement data specifically for its current sectional classification and species circumscriptions. Anatomical characterization of this genus is little explored. This study focuses on internal structure of leaves, petioles, peduncles, stems, roots and cell inclusions to determine its taxonomic importance. In stem anatomy the number of hypodermal collenchymatous layers and the arrangement of parenchymatous cortex together place an important role in the identification of Acmella. Root anatomy was similar in all the examined taxa except in the arrangement of xylem vessels. In A. tetralobata xylem vessels arranged in pentarch fashion while rest of the species possess tetrarch arrangement. Several cellular inclusions such as calcium oxalate crystals and oil bodies were observed. The petioles were crescent shaped having bifacial surfaces with both surfaces pubescent. Peduncles possess ridges and furrows in its outline. The leaves are dorsi ventral and possess single layered epidermal cells covered with cuticle having anomocytic, anisocytic and diacytic types of stomata in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The present study provides a tool for the microscopic identification of the genus.

Morphological and microscopic identification of three major medicinal Dendrobium species in Ta-pieh Mountains area.

Dendrobium is an important medicinal material in China. It has the effect of nourishing the stomach, nourishing yin and clearing heat. In China, there are many types of Dendrobium, and different Dendrobium species have different efficacy. The present study is aimed at distinguishing three major Dendrobium species from morphological and microscopic identification in Ta-pieh mountains area. In this article, the roots, stems and leaves of Dendrobium huoshanense, Dendrobium officinale, and Dendrobium moniliforme are used as materials to compare the differences of tissues of these three Dendrobium species by morphological indexes and microscopic identification of different Dendrobium. The stem morphology of these three Dendrobium species was significantly different except for stem internodes number and the middle part of the stem diameter by measuring the stems of Dendrobium. To ensure the safe use of Dendrobium, we built a fast and convenient method combining normal and fluorescence microscopy was applied in the present study to distinguish D. huoshanense, D. officinale, and D. moniliforme. The microscopic results show that different types of Dendrobium exhibit different states that can be distinguished under normal light normal and fluorescence microscopy. This comparative study of morphology and microscopy contributes to the development of identification and quality evaluation of Dendrobium.

Pharmacognostical study of Chinese medicine Mylabris / 中草药

Objective: To provide the scientific evidence for the identification of Mylabris phalerata and Mylabri scichorii by observing the characteristics and microscopic characteristics of the two species, which may be of relevance to the compilation of 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Methods: The pharmacognosy of six batches of M. phalerata and four batches of M. scichorii were studied by character identification, micro-morphological identification, conventional microscopic identification, polarized light microscopic identification and microsublimation methods. Results: Colored holographic image of the micro-morphological characteristics (body length, antenna, elytron and hind-wing), microscopic characteristics (bristle, body wall fragment, elytron debris, hind-wing debris, muscle fiber, debris of gas pipeline and undigested plant tissue) and crystalline sublimate characteristics were obtained for the first time. Conclusion: The results of micro-morphological identification complement the fine structural characteristics of traditional character identification. The microscopic and microsublimation methods for identification can be used as specific markers for identifying Mylabris.

Anatomy and microscopic characteristics of Picris japonica

ABSTRACT Picris japonica Thunb., Asteraceae, is an herbal medicine used to dispel heat, reduce swelling and alleviate pain in traditional Mongolian medicine. Its dried whole plant is mainly used to treat flu and mammary abscesses. Given the potential applications of such an herb, detailed pharmacognostic research on P. japonica is needed. This study attempted to fill this need by producing permanent and semi-permanent slides of different organs (root, stem, leaf, pollen grain, fruit and powder of the whole plant) using safranine staining, safranine-fast green double staining and common methods. Furthermore, several featured microscopic structures of P. japonica are described herein. The results obtained provide us with valuable information for botanical quality control and species identification and enable us to detect adulterations in commercial samples of Picris or in laboratory samples.

[Study on characteristics and microscopic identification of fruits of Notopterygium franchetii and N. forrestii].

Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii is a rare and endangered Chinese medicine. In the collection of Notopterygium franchetii fruits, we collected a sample of N. forrestii , which is a spurious breed. Fruits of N. franchetii and N. forrestii are very similar in morphology and can be easily confused. Until now the morphological identification of the fruits of Notopterygium has not been reported. To provide a scientific basis for the identification of N. franchetii and N. forrestii fruits, the morphology and microscopic identification were studied in this paper. In this study, stereomicroscope and paraffin sections were used to compare the morphological characteristics and microscopic characteristics of these two fruits. Our results showed that these two fruits were different in size, surface texture and the number of vertical edges on the back. These traits can be used as diagnostic characteristic of these two fruits. The difference between the number of tubing and the endosperm cell contents can be used as microscopic identification features. The above discriminative characteristics can distinguish the two fruits and provide scientific basis for the identification and germplasm evaluation of Notopterygium fruits.

[Study on original investigation, macroscopic and microscopic identification of pharmacopoeia contained species of Epmedii Folium].

Epimedii Folium is a commonly used traditional Chinese drug, and now still depends on the wild resource. In recent years, with the surge in consumption, the resources are declining, the use of market varieties are constantly changing. In this paper, Production and sales situation of the five species contained in pharmacopoeia(Epimedium brevicornu, E. sagittatum, E. pubescens, E. koreanum and E. wushanense) have been studied on the basis of the existing researches, in-depth investigation and collection of accurate plant specimens and samples. And the origins of Epimedii Folium regulated by the pharmacopoeia have been discussed. At the same time, more exclusive and practical features have been summarized on the basis of observation and comparison with the stereo, optical and stereo-fluorescence microscopy technologies, and refering the related literatures on leaf structure and anatomy.The results of this study will provide a useful reference for the clinical medication, supervision, inspection, and standard drafting and so on.

Pharmacognostical study of Cynanchum stauntonii and Cynanchum glaucescens, botanical sources of TCM Baiqian / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Cynanchum stauntonii and Cynanchum glaucescens are botanical species of Baiqian (Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma et Radix) in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, in which, however, there are no microscopic identification. Therefore, we provided the morphological and microscopic identification of the crude drug for updating Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Methods: Twelve batches of C. stauntonii and three batches of C. glaucescens and their crude drugs were taxonomically, morphologically, and microscopically examined. Results: Taxonomically, C. stauntonii had narrowly lanceolate leaves with acuminate apex and 5mm long petiole; Whereas C. glaucescens was oblong-lanceolate or oblong with rounded or acute apex in leaves, and had very short or no petiole. Morphologically, rhizomes of C. stauntonii and C. glaucescens both had hollow pith, but the hollow pith occupied about a half of the rhizome's diameter in C. stauntonii, whereas only a very small proportion of the overall diameter in C. glaucescens. Moreover, microscopic observation showed the difference in the proportion of xylem and in rhizome transverse-sections of the two species along with the difference in the size of the pith. Finally, laticifers and rhizome epidermal secretory cells were present in the powders of C. stauntonii, but absent from C. glaucescens. Conclusion: Based on observation of morphological and microscopic characteristics, the two species can be distinguished by the size of the pith, proportion of xylem of rhizomes, and crude drug powder characters such as laticifers and secretory cells.

Study on original investigation, macroscopic and microscopic identification of pharmacopoeia contained species of Epmedii Folium / 中国中药杂志

Epimedii Folium is a commonly used traditional Chinese drug, and now still depends on the wild resource. In recent years, with the surge in consumption, the resources are declining, the use of market varieties are constantly changing. In this paper, Production and sales situation of the five species contained in pharmacopoeia(Epimedium brevicornu, E. sagittatum, E. pubescens, E. koreanum and E. wushanense) have been studied on the basis of the existing researches, in-depth investigation and collection of accurate plant specimens and samples. And the origins of Epimedii Folium regulated by the pharmacopoeia have been discussed. At the same time, more exclusive and practical features have been summarized on the basis of observation and comparison with the stereo, optical and stereo-fluorescence microscopy technologies, and refering the related literatures on leaf structure and anatomy.The results of this study will provide a useful reference for the clinical medication, supervision, inspection, and standard drafting and so on.

Microscopic identification and in vitro activity of Agastache rugosa (Fisch. et Mey) from Xinjiang, China.

BACKGROUND: Agastache rugosa is well-known as a common traditional Chinese medicine, which have relieving summer-heat, analgesic and antipyretic effects, have long been used as folkloristic remedy in the treatment of several infectious diseases, anti-inflammatory, and for its antibacterial properties. Considering the lack of available data on the morphology, anatomy and in vitro activity of A. rugosa, the goal of the present study was to carry out the microscopic identification of its aerial parts and in vitro activity research as a contribution to the quality control and reasonable utilization involving A. rugosa. METHODS: The present study was (a) to describe the microscopic identification with usual light and scanning electron microtechniques of A. rugosa, collected from Xinjiang Region; (b) based on previous research on the essential oil constituents among different parts of A. rugosa from Xinjiang by GC-MS method, to evaluate its antibacterial effect and cell viabilitity assay. RESULTS: The microscopic identification of botanical material showed some typical structure. The essential oils from the dried flower (EOF) and leaves (EOL) of A. rugosa were 0.29% and 0.57% (w/w), respectively. The in vitro antibacterial activities showed strong inhibition against S.aureus, E. coli of EOF; strong inhibition against E. coli of EOL. Based GC-MS analysis, the MTT assay showed a dose and time-dependent increase in damage for gastric cancer cell line SGC-7901. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this work, based on an extensive analytical characterization of the EOF and EOL chemical composition, compared with other origins, showed A. rugosa possessed antibacterial and cytotoxicity properties activities, which need much additional work to open up new biomedical application of these components.

Pharmacognostic Study of Melilotus officinalis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study pharmacognosy of Melilotus officinalis.METHODS:Qualitative identification of M.officinalis was conducted in respects of morphology,macroscopic characters,microscopic identification,UV spectra for medicinal extracts and IR spectra for medicinal powder.RESULTS:Nineteen bundles of rays were distributed in the radial bundle of root cross section of M.officinalis.The main vein vascular bundle of leaf cross section had a palisade tissue passing over it.The pith of the cross section of the stem occupied 4/5 of the whole cross section.The cross section of the leafstalk was heart-shaped,and unequal vascular bundles arranged in a triangular array.There were glandular hairs,which consist of three cells,and unicellular non glandular hairs in leaf epidermis.The crystal fibers of calcium oxalate crystals and infinitive blowhole were found in the leaves;glandular hairs and non glandular hairs could be found in the leafstalk under tissue dissociation;verrucous like protuberance and threaded catheter were found on the surface.The UV spectrum of extract and two order derivative IR spectrum of the medicinal powder showed obvious characteristics.CONCLUSIONS:Established method can be used for pharmacognostic identification of M.officinalis.