The ratio of chelate-soluble fraction to alcohol insoluble residue is a major influencing factor on the texture of lotus rhizomes after cooking.

The differences in cell wall polysaccharides are considered as a major influencing factor on the texture of plant-based food after cooking. Here, 18 varieties of lotus rhizomes were collected from different regions of China and subjected to analysis, with the aim to identify the key factors that affect the texture of lotus rhizomes after cooking. The texture (hardness) of fresh samples and the samples after thermal treatment for different time periods was examined. The cell wall polysaccharides present in alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) were further subdivided into different fractions, and the composition of monosaccharides in each fraction was analyzed by gas chromatography. We then calculated the sugar ratios to examine the discrepancies in molecular structure among the fractions. Principal component analysis and regression analysis showed that the ratio of chelate-soluble fraction (CSF) to AIR is the major factor affecting the texture of lotus rhizomes after cooking.

Secondary metabolite profiling, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory potential and in vitro inhibitory activities of Nardostachys jatamansi on key enzymes linked to hyperglycemia, hypertension and cognitive disorders.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., 'Spikenard' or 'Jatamansi', a highly valued, aromatic herb from alpine Himalayas has a long history of use as ethnomedicine and dietary supplements in Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese system of medicine since Vedic ages (1000-800 BC). In Ayurveda and traditional system of medicine, the species is used as stimulant, sedative, brain tonic or mind rejuvenator, antidiabetic, cardio tonic, and in the treatment of various neurological disorders such as insomnia, epilepsy, hysteria, anxiety and depression. It is considered as Sattvic herb in Ayurveda and is now commercially marketed either as single or poly-herbal formulations by many companies in national and international markets. AIM OF THE STUDY: The species has become threatened in its natural habitats due to over exploitation and illegal trade of its rhizomes for drug preparation in herbal and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the increasing demand and tremendous medicinal importance of this threatened plant species, a detailed study was undertaken to evaluate its antioxidant potential, secondary metabolite profiling, cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory potential and in vitro enzyme inhibitory activities on key enzymes linked to hyperglycemia, hypertension and cognitive disorders in different plant parts of wild and in vitro-raised plants with respect to different solvent systems for its sustainable utilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-cholinesterase activity of leaves and rhizome of wild and cultured plant extracts was investigated against both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) enzymes. In vitro anti-hyperglycemic (α-amylase and PTP1B), anti-hypertensive (angiotensin-converting enzyme), anti-tyrosinase and anti-inflammatory potential (5-lipoxygenase and hyaluronidase) of different plant parts of wild and in vitro-raised plants with respect to different solvent systems were also evaluated. In vitro cytotoxic effect of rootstock extracts of wild and in vitro-derived plants were against cancer (HCT-116, MCF-7 and OE33) and two normal (HEK and MEF) cell lines. Secondary metabolite profiling of rhizome segments of wild and in vitro-derived plants was carried out by quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: In vitro-raised plantlets showed comparative higher yield of various secondary metabolites with a significantly high antioxidant activity as compared to the wild plants. Methanolic rootstock extracts of both wild and in vitro-derived plants of N. jatamansi exhibited significant AChE (IC50 36.46 ±â€¯2.1 and 31.18 ±â€¯2.6 µg/ml, respectively) and BuChE (IC50 64.6 ±â€¯3.5 and 60.12 ±â€¯3.6 µg/ml, respectively) inhibitory potential as compared to standard inhibitor galanthamine (IC50 0.94 ±â€¯0.03 and 4.45 ±â€¯0.5 µg/ml). Methanolic rootstock extract of in vitro-derived plants showed significant α-amylase (IC50 90.69 ±â€¯2.1 µg/ml), PTP1B (IC50 24.56 ±â€¯0.8 µg/ml), angiotensin-converting enzyme (IC50 42.5 ±â€¯3.6 µg/ml) and tyrosinase (IC50 168.12 ±â€¯3.6 µg/ml) inhibitory potential as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 52.36 ±â€¯3.1 µg/ml), ursolic acid (IC50 5.24 ±â€¯0.8 µg/ml), captopril (IC50 32.36 ±â€¯2.5 µg/ml) and kojic acid (IC50 = 54.44 ±â€¯2.3 µg/ml). Both the methanolic rootstock and leaf extracts of tissue culture-derived plants exhibited promising anti-5-LOX and anti-hyaluronidase activities against the known inhibitor of 5-LOX and hyaluronidase. Furthermore, methanolic rootstock extracts of both wild and in vitro-derived plants exhibited promising cytotoxic effects to HCT-116, MCF-7 and OE33 cell lines as compared to the normal HEK and MEF after 12 h of treatment. Secondary metabolite profiling of wild and in vitro-derived plants by quantitative GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of different classes of terpenoids and phenolic acids might be responsible for its effective biological activities. CONCLUSION: In vitro-derived plants revealed a substantial anti-cholinesterases, anti-hyperglycemic anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and anti-tyrosinase potential with higher yield of various bioactive metabolites and significantly higher antioxidant activity which substantially explain medicinal importance of N. jatamansi in traditional medicine, used for centuries in different Ayurvedic formulations. The present findings suggest that cultured plants could be a promising alternative for the production of bioactive metabolites with comparative biological activities to the wild plants.

Cryopreservation of banana's cv Grand Naine in vitro rhizomes

ABSTRACT The preservation of banana genetic material is usually performed through seedlings. However, most banana cultivars do not produce seed and are propagated vegetatively. Therefore, cryopreservation is a feasible technique that allows the preservation of banana genotypes indefinitely. For the success of cryopreservation protocols, the selection of cryoprotectants and pre-freezing techniques are important factor. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of different cryoprotectants with and without 1% phloroglucinol and pre-cooling periods on the development of a protocol for cryopreservation of in vitro rhizomes ofMusa accuminata(AAA) cv Grand Naine banana. The addition of 1% phloroglucinol to the cryoprotective solutions, such as PVS2 enhanced recovery of cryopreserved banana rhizomes. In addition, pre-cooling of explants in ice for 3 hours in PVS2 + 1% of phloroglucinol allowed efficient cryopreservation of banana rhizomes, followed by successful recovery and regeneration of in vitro shoots of banana cv Grand Naine.

Cryopreservation of banana's cv Grand Naine in vitro rhizomes.

The preservation of banana genetic material is usually performed through seedlings. However, most banana cultivars do not produce seed and are propagated vegetatively. Therefore, cryopreservation is a feasible technique that allows the preservation of banana genotypes indefinitely. For the success of cryopreservation protocols, the selection of cryoprotectants and pre-freezing techniques are important factor. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify the effects of different cryoprotectants with and without 1% phloroglucinol and pre-cooling periods on the development of a protocol for cryopreservation of in vitro rhizomes ofMusa accuminata(AAA) cv Grand Naine banana. The addition of 1% phloroglucinol to the cryoprotective solutions, such as PVS2 enhanced recovery of cryopreserved banana rhizomes. In addition, pre-cooling of explants in ice for 3 hours in PVS2 + 1% of phloroglucinol allowed efficient cryopreservation of banana rhizomes, followed by successful recovery and regeneration of in vitro shoots of banana cv Grand Naine.

Transcriptome sequencing of rhizome tissue of Sinopodophyllum hexandrum at two temperatures.

BACKGROUND: Sinopodophyllum hexandrum is an endangered medicinal herb, which is commonly present in elevations ranging between 2,400-4,500 m and is sensitive to temperature. Medicinal property of the species is attributed to the presence of podophyllotoxin in the rhizome tissue. The present work analyzed transcriptome of rhizome tissue of S. hexandrum exposed to 15°C and 25°C to understand the temperature mediated molecular responses including those associated with podophyllotoxin biosynthesis. RESULTS: Deep sequencing of transcriptome with an average coverage of 88.34X yielded 60,089 assembled transcript sequences representing 20,387 unique genes having homology to known genes. Fragments per kilobase of exon per million fragments mapped (FPKM) based expression analysis revealed genes related to growth and development were over-expressed at 15°C, whereas genes involved in stress response were over-expressed at 25°C. There was a decreasing trend of podophyllotoxin accumulation at 25°C; data was well supported by the expression of corresponding genes of the pathway. FPKM data was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data using a total of thirty four genes and a positive correlation between the two platforms of gene expression was obtained. Also, detailed analyses yielded cytochrome P450s, methyltransferases and glycosyltransferases which could be the potential candidate hitherto unidentified genes of podophyllotoxin biosynthesis pathway. CONCLUSIONS: The present work revealed temperature responsive transcriptome of S. hexandrum on Illumina platform. Data suggested expression of genes for growth and development and podophyllotoxin biosynthesis at 15°C, and prevalence of those associated with stress response at 25°C.

[Microscopic identification of dai medicine alpiniae kwangsiensis rhizoma and its confused species].

OBJECTIVE: To observe microscopic characteristics of rhizome of Alpinia kwangsiensis, Alpinia platychilus, Alpinia blepharocalyx, and to provide basis for their identification. METHODS: Microscopic identification of root transverse section by paraffin tissue section and free-hand section and powder were carried out to distinguish them. RESULTS: The microscopic identification can be made by cell structure of epidermis and endodermis, the existence of nonglandular hair, the lignification degree of vascular bundle fiber, the number and existence style of vascular bundle fiber, the number and size of tube, and so on. The powder identification can be made mainly according to the existence of nonglandular hair and spiral vessel, the shape of starch grain, and so on. CONCLUSION: The microscopic characteristics of rhizome can provide basis for the identification of three Alpinia species.

[Anatomical structures of Coleus forskohlii transplanted in Tongcheng].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the vegetative tissues of Coleus forskohlii cultivated in Tongcheng, Hubei Province, and to provide useful information for its planting. METHODS: The root, stem, leaf and enlarged rhizome of Coleus forskohlii were subject to routine paraffin section and staining with safranin and fast green FCF solution before examination by light microscopy. RESULTS: The secondary tissue was well developed in root, and stem showed a higher percentage of cortex and pitch, and 4 large vascular bundles. Leaf epidermis was covered by lots of trichomes, including glandular hairs, glandular scale and linear non-glandular hairs. Mesophyll tissue was poorly differentiated to palisade and spongy tissues. Enlarged rhizome was the same as normal dicotyledons plants. CONCLUSION: Enlarged rhizome, unconspicuous root tuber and poorly differentiated leaf mesophyll cells are 3 main different features of Coleus forskohlii transplanted in Tongcheng. These results provide scientific basis for formulating quality standards, further cultivation and utilization of the plant.

Natural products in Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) rhizome imaged at the cellular level by atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry imaging.

The rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) was analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging and tandem mass spectrometry imaging. An atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging ion source was combined with an orbital trapping mass spectrometer in order to obtain high-resolution imaging in mass and space. Sections of the rhizome were imaged with a spatial resolution of 10 µm in the positive ion mode, and a large number of secondary metabolites were localized and identified based on their accurate mass and MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Major tissue-specific metabolites, including free flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides and saponins, were successfully detected and visualized in images, showing their distributions at the cellular level. The analytical power of the technique was tested in the imaging of two isobaric licorice saponins with a mass difference of only 0.02 Da. With a mass resolving power of 140 000 and a bin width of 5 ppm in the image processing, the two compounds were well resolved in full-scan mode, and appeared with different distributions in the tissue sections. The identities of the compounds and their distributions were validated in a subsequent MS/MS imaging experiment, thereby confirming their identities and excluding possible analyte interference. The use of high spatial resolution, high mass resolution and tandem mass spectrometry in imaging experiments provides significant information about the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids and saponins in legume species, combing the spatially resolved chemical information with morphological details at the microscopic level. Furthermore, the technique offers a scheme capable of high-throughput profiling of metabolites in plant tissues.

[Macroscopic and microscopic identification of Chloranthus henryi].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Chloranthus henryi and provide a basis for establishing its quality standard. METHODS: The plants were identified by original plant, macroscopic and microscopic identification. RESULTS: The radical vascular bundle of Chloranthus henryi was primary xylem tetrarch. The secretory canals dispersed in cortex. The vascular bundle in rhizome was amphivasal bundle, stone cell scattered in cortex, and there were solitary crystals in the core parenchyma cell. Several vascular bundles in caudex were connected like a circel by interfascicular fibers. Meanwhile, two vascular bundles lay in main vein, like a converse Chinese letter eight. CONCLUSION: This paper reports the microscopic characteristics of Chloranthus henryi. It provides a basis for the quality standard of Chloranthus henryi.

Inducible growth mode switches influence Valonia rhizoid differentiation.

Cell differentiation and cell type commitment are an integral part of plant growth and development. Investigations on how environmental conditions affect the formation of shoots, roots, and rhizoids can help illustrate how plants determine cell fate and overall morphology. In this study, we evaluated the role of substratum and light on rhizoid differentiation in the coenocytic green alga, Valonia aegagropila. Elongating rhizoids displayed varying growth modes and cell shape upon exposure to different substrata and light conditions. It was found that soft substrata and dark incubation promoted rhizoid elongation via tip growth while subsequent exposure to light prevented tip growth and instead induced swelling in the apical region of rhizoids. Swelling was accompanied by the accumulation of protoplasm in the rhizoid tip through expansion of the cell wall and uninhibited cytoplasmic streaming. Subsequent diffuse growth led to the transformation from slender, rod-shaped rhizoids into spherical thallus-like structures that required photosynthesis. Further manipulation of light regimes caused vacillating cell growth redirections. An elongating V. aegagropila rhizoid cell thus appears capable of growth mode switching that is regulated by immediate environmental conditions thereby influencing ultimate cell shape and function. This is the first description of inducible, multiple growth mode shifts in a single intact plant cell that directly impact its differentiation.

The evolution of root hairs and rhizoids.

BACKGROUND: Almost all land plants develop tip-growing filamentous cells at the interface between the plant and substrate (the soil). Root hairs form on the surface of roots of sporophytes (the multicellular diploid phase of the life cycle) in vascular plants. Rhizoids develop on the free-living gametophytes of vascular and non-vascular plants and on both gametophytes and sporophytes of the extinct rhyniophytes. Extant lycophytes (clubmosses and quillworts) and monilophytes (ferns and horsetails) develop both free-living gametophytes and free-living sporophytes. These gametophytes and sporophytes grow in close contact with the soil and develop rhizoids and root hairs, respectively. SCOPE: Here we review the development and function of rhizoids and root hairs in extant groups of land plants. Root hairs are important for the uptake of nutrients with limited mobility in the soil such as phosphate. Rhizoids have a variety of functions including water transport and adhesion to surfaces in some mosses and liverworts. CONCLUSIONS: A similar gene regulatory network controls the development of rhizoids in moss gametophytes and root hairs on the roots of vascular plant sporophytes. It is likely that this gene regulatory network first operated in the gametophyte of the earliest land plants. We propose that later it functioned in sporophytes as the diploid phase evolved a free-living habit and developed an interface with the soil. This transference of gene function from gametophyte to sporophyte could provide a mechanism that, at least in part, explains the increase in morphological diversity of sporophytes that occurred during the radiation of land plants in the Devonian Period.

New insight into silica deposition in horsetail (Equisetum arvense).

BACKGROUND: The horsetails (Equisetum sp) are known biosilicifiers though the mechanism underlying silica deposition in these plants remains largely unknown. Tissue extracts from horsetails grown hydroponically and also collected from the wild were acid-digested in a microwave oven and their silica 'skeletons' visualised using the fluor, PDMPO, and fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Silica deposits were observed in all plant regions from the rhizome through to the stem, leaf and spores. Numerous structures were silicified including cell walls, cell plates, plasmodesmata, and guard cells and stomata at varying stages of differentiation. All of the major sites of silica deposition in horsetail mimicked sites and structures where the hemicellulose, callose is known to be found and these serendipitous observations of the coincidence of silica and callose raised the possibility that callose might be templating silica deposition in horsetail. Hydroponic culture of horsetail in the absence of silicic acid resulted in normal healthy plants which, following acid digestion, showed no deposition of silica anywhere in their tissues. To test the hypothesis that callose might be templating silica deposition in horsetail commercially available callose was mixed with undersaturated and saturated solutions of silicic acid and the formation of silica was demonstrated by fluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: The initiation of silica formation by callose is the first example whereby any biomolecule has been shown to induce, as compared to catalyse, the formation of silica in an undersaturated solution of silicic acid. This novel discovery allowed us to speculate that callose and its associated biochemical machinery could be a missing link in our understanding of biosilicification.

Microscopical discrimination of the subterranean organs of medicinally used plants of the Cichorieae and their relatives.

CONTEXT: Light microscopy is in most cases a quick method for the identification and discrimination of medicinally used plant drugs; moreover, this technique is very inexpensive. Reliable descriptions of the anatomy of plants and their adulterations are prerequisites for necessary purity controls. OBJECTIVE: The anatomy of the subterranean organs of 18 pharmaceutically useful as well as related but inconsiderable Asteraceae species from nine genera (Taraxacum F. H. Wigg., Leontodon L., Scorzoneroides Moench, Hypochaeris L., Crepis L., Aposeris Neck., Cichorium L., Scorzonera L., and Tragopogon L.; tribe Cichorieae, Asteraceae) is described in detail and graphically illustrated. Features characterizing and discriminating the studied taxa are presented and discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The roots/rhizomes of various species were examined by means of light microscopy. RESULTS: Useful anatomical characters were found for the discrimination between the species, and some of them were examined for the first time. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Discrimination of most genera and species investigated was possibly based on the anatomy of their underground parts. The identified characters may be effectively used for quality control of commercial drugs and the identification of adulterations.

Studies on morphology and aristolochic acid analogue constituents of Asarum campaniflorum and a comparison with two official species of Asari radix et rhizoma.

Dried whole herbs or roots and rhizomes of Asarum campaniflorum have been sold under the trade name Xixin and used as folk remedies in its producing areas for a long time. In order to avoid the misuse of A. campaniflorum as official species of Xixin (Asari radix et rhizoma), a comparative study based on the morphological and phytochemical analysis of the aerial and underground parts was carried out. The usual morphological methods and a microscopic imaging system were used. The results show that A. campaniflorum could be easily distinguished from two official species (Asarum sieboldii and A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum) by the diameter of thicker roots (1.3-2.7 mm), distinct large parenchymatous cells in phloem of roots, and the size of oil cells in upper leaf epidermises [(40)80-140(174) microm in diameter, where numbers in parentheses are for rare cases], etc. Nine aristolochic acid analogues (AAAs) were identified and estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). The aerial and underground parts of A. campaniflorum contained 3-4 AAAs, i.e., aristololactam-II-N-beta-D-glucoside (AL-II-Glc), aristololactam I (AL-I), aristololactam II (AL-II), and aristolochic acid I (AA-I), while only AL-I was detected in underground parts of A. sieboldii and no AAAs were detected in underground parts of A. heterotropoides var. mandshuricum. The respective contents (in mg/g) in aerial and underground parts of A. campaniflorum, were as follows: AL-I, 0.06-0.12, 0.05-0.10; AL-II, 0.03-0.04, 0.01-0.03; AA-I, 0.01-0.02, 0.0-0.0. These data suggest A. campaniflorum has a high risk of causing aristolochic acid nephropathy. All these discoveries can contribute to not only the better understanding of this new resource species, but also the safe use of the crude drug Xixin.

Heavy metals in a constructed wetland treating industrial wastewater: distribution in the sediment and rhizome tissue.

This study assessed copper and zinc distribution in the surface layer of sediment and rhizome tissue within the saturated surface vertical flow constructed wetland of CSBP Ltd, a fertiliser and chemical manufacturer located in Western Australia. Sediment and Schoenoplectus validus rhizome samples were collected at various distances from the inlet pipe while water samples are routinely collected. Water samples were analysed for nutrients and metals, sediments were analysed for total and bioavailable metals and rhizomes were analysed for total metals only. Mean influent copper and zinc concentrations were 0.19 mg/L and 0.24 mg/L respectively. The distribution of bioavailable Cu and Zn in the top sediment layer follows a horizontal profile. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the bioavailable fraction of these metals in sediments near the inlet pipe (30.2 mg/kg Cu and 60.4 mg/kg Zn) is significantly higher than in sediments at the farthest location (10.3 mg/kg Cu and 26.1 mg/kg Zn). The average total Cu concentration in the sediment at the 2 m location has reached the 65 mg/kg trigger value suggested by the Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ANZEEC 2000). Cu and Zn concentrations in the rhizome of S. validus do not vary significantly among different locations. Whether Cu and Zn concentrations at the CSBP wetland may reach toxic levels to plants and bacteria is still unknown and further research is required to address this issue. The surface component of the wetland favours sedimentation and binding of metals to the organic matter on the top of the sediment, furthermore, the sediment which tends to be anoxic with reducing conditions acts as a sink for metals.

Environmental effects on the maturation of the endodermis and multiseriate exodermis of Iris germanica roots.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Most studies of exodermal structure and function have involved species with a uniseriate exodermis. To extend this work, the development and apoplastic permeability of Iris germanica roots with a multiseriate exodermis (MEX) were investigated. The effects of different growth conditions on MEX maturation were also tested. In addition, the exodermises of eight Iris species were observed to determine if their mature anatomy correlated with habitat. METHODS: Plants were grown in soil, hydroponics (with and without a humid air gap) or aeroponics. Roots were sectioned and stained with various dyes to detect MEX development from the root apical meristem, Casparian bands, suberin lamellae and tertiary wall thickenings. Apoplastic permeability was tested using dye (berberine) and ionic (ferric) tracers. KEY RESULTS: The root apical meristem was open and MEX development non-uniform. In soil-grown roots, the exodermis started maturing (i.e. Casparian bands and suberin lamellae were deposited) 10 mm from the tip, and two layers had matured by 70 mm. In both hydro- and aeroponically grown roots, exodermal maturation was delayed. However, in areas of roots exposed to an air gap in the hydroponic system, MEX maturation was accelerated. In contrast, maturation of the endodermis was not influenced by the growth conditions. The mature MEX had an atypical Casparian band that was continuous around the root circumference. The MEX prevented the influx and efflux of berberine, but had variable resistance to ferric ions due to their toxic effects. Iris species living in well-drained soils developed a MEX, but species in water-saturated substrates had a uniseriate exodermis and aerenchyma. CONCLUSIONS: MEX maturation was influenced by the roots' growth medium. The MEX matures very close to the root tip in soil, but much further from the tip in hydro- and aeroponic culture. The air gap accelerated maturation of the second exodermal layer. In Iris, the type of exodermis was correlated with natural habitat suggesting that a MEX may be advantageous for drought tolerance.

[Identification on three kinds of Diphylleia sinensis (I)].

OBJECTIVE: In order to provide reference for the development of quality standards and distinction of authenticity, some sources of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the market were identified by sampling. METHODS: To identify the traits and microscopic features of six batches of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the market. RESULTS: They were the dried rhizome of Diphylleia sinensis Li., Dysosma versipellis (Hance) M. Cheng and D. pleiantha (Hance) Woods. CONCLUSION: The differences in traits and microscopic features of them are obvious.

[Identification on three kinds of Diphylleia sinensis (II)].

OBJECTIVE: In order to provide reference for the development of quality standards and distinction of authenticity, some sources of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the maket were identified by sampling. METHODS: The TLC of six batches of Diphylleia sinensis Li. in the market were identified. RESULTS: They were the dried rhizome of Diphylleia sinensis Li., Dysosma versipellis (Hance.) M. Cheng and D. pleiantha (Hance) Woods. According to the pharmaceutical characteristics, retrieval tables of identification on plants, traits, microscopic and TLC were established. CONCLUSION: It is simple and reliable to use TLC and retrieval table to identify three sources of Diphylleia sinensis Li.

Application of microscopy in authentication of traditional Tibetan medicinal plants of five Rhodiola (Crassulaceae) alpine species by comparative anatomy and micromorphology.

A comparative analysis was undertaken to conduct an anatomical and micromorphological study of five species of Rhodiola-R. kirilowii, R. yunnanensis, R. crenulata, R. fastigata, and R. quadrifida-collected from the western Sichuan province plateau of China. Rhodiola plants are a popularly used ethnodrug from the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau of China. Modern studies have shown that the plants of Rhodiola possess different pharmacological activities, chemical constituents, and efficiencies in clinical application. To distinguish five main species of Rhodiola and ensure their safety and efficacy, microscopic characteristics of roots, rhizomes, and stems, including transverse sections, stem and foliar epidermis, as well as the crude drug powder, were observed. The fixed, sectioned, and stained plant materials, as well as the crude powder, were studied using a light microscope according to the usual microscopic techniques. The results of the microscopic features were systematically and comparatively described and illustrated. The five species have distinct microscopic characteristic differences, thus allowing us to distinguish between the species. Also, semi-quantitative and quantitative micrographic parameter tables were simultaneously presented. Further, a key to the five species and a comparative chart of the key authentication parameters based on these anatomic characteristics analyzed was drawn up and is presented for the Rhodiola species studied. The study indicated that light microscopy and related techniques provide a method that is convenient, feasible, and can be unambiguously applied to the authentication of species of Rhodiola.

[Pharmacognostic identification of Rodersia aesculifolia].

OBJECTIVE: To establish pharmacognostical methods of Rodersia aesculifolia. METHODS: Macroscopical, microscopic and physicochemical identification were used to authenticate this crude drug, and the identification characteristics were studied. RESULTS: There were some palea on the rhizoma superior extremity and some white flare dot on transverse section. Vascular bundle formed into interval circularity in rhizoma transverse section, and some small atypia bundle appeared in lateral of core. Xylem of root was tetrarch. A lot of starch grain and acicular cyrstal were observed in parenchyma cell. Brown cell was present as single or several linked. CONCLUSION: These characteristics can be used as identification basis for Rodersia aesulifolia Batal.