Comparative authentication of three "snow lotus" herbs by macroscopic and microscopic features. Issue 8 (20th May 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Qilei; Yi, Tao; Tang, Yina; Wong, Lai Lai; Huang, Xiaoxuan; Zhao, Zhongzhen; Chen, Hubiao
• Is Part Of: Microscopy research and technique. Volume 77:Issue 8(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 631
• Page End: 641
• Publication Date: 2014-05-20
• Subjects: Electron microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Periodicals; Microscopy -- Technique -- Periodicals; 502.825
• DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22381
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-910X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>"Snow lotus" is a famous Chinese Materia Medica derived from species of the genus <italic>Saussurea</italic> (Compositae). To differentiate three representative easily‐confused snow lotus herbs, namely, <italic>Saussurea involucrata</italic> (Kar. et Kir.) Sch.‐Bip, <italic>Saussurea laniceps</italic> Hand.‐Mazz., and <italic>Saussurea medusa</italic> Maxim., macroscopic features of the three herbs were systemically observed, and microscopic features were compared by using ordinary light microscopy, polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that, as for macroscopic identification, capitula situation and arrangement, and as for microscopic identification, pollen grains, nonglandular hairs, glandular hairs, and cells of inner surface of the microdiodange can be used to authenticate the three snow lotus herbs. Comprehensive table comparing the characteristics were presented in this study. SEM has been found to provide a number of unique characteristics of pollen grains. Based on the observation of pollen grains, evolution sequence of the three species was speculated. The present method was proven to be efficient, convenient, simple, and reliable, which was successfully applied to the authentication of three snow lotus herbs. <italic>Microsc. Res. Tech.1 77:631–641, 2014</italic>. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.</p> </abstract>