[Pharmacognostical identification of the leaf of Uncaria hirsuta Havil].

OBJECTIVE: To perform a pharmacognostical study of the leaf of Uncaria hirsuta Havil. METHODS: The specimens of Folium Uncariae Hirsutae were collected for studying its characteristics, microscopic appearance and thin-layer chromatography. RESULTS: The leaf of Uncaria hirsuta Havil was characterized by numerous multicellular non-glandular hairs, 2 lines of palisade tissue, a diacytic type of stoma, and clustered crystals in its parenchyma. At least two kinds of alkaloids identical to the control were identified in the specimens. CONCLUSION: The results can be used as the evidence for identification, formulation of the quality-control standards as well as further utilization of Folium Uncariae Hirsutae.