OBJECTIVE To establish a microscopic examination method for the identification of adulteration in Xiaohuoluo pills, and provide identification basis for the adulteration of this kind of similar powder in Chinese patent medicine. METHODS The powder of the dried fruits of Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f., and Avena sativa L. have been identified by optical microscope and desktop scanning electron microscope, and compared with Xiaohuoluo pill with quality problems. RESULTS There are obviously differences in pericarp cells, transverse cells, aleurone layer cells and starch granules between the powder of the dried fruits of Triticum aestivum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f., Avena sativa L. While meeting the microscopic identification requirements of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Xiaohuoluo pill also observed the starch granules, aleurone layer cells and non-glandular hairs, and it is close to the characteristics of the powder of the dried fruits of Triticum aestivum L. CONCLUSION Xiaohuoluo pills with quality problems are more likely to be mixed with the powder of the dried fruits of Triticum aestivum L.. It can provide ideas and references for the research of anti-counterfeiting of Chinese patent medicine, and also lay a foundation for the establishment of other supplementary test methods.

OBJECTIVE To explore the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Pruni Semen and the adulterant species-Prunus tomentosa Thunb. and Prunus triloba Lindl. METHODS The appearance properties (front view, side view, top view, base view and surface structure), internal structure (transverse surface and longitudinal surface) and the microstructure (transverse section, powder) of Pruni Semen and the adulterant species were observed and characterized by stereo-fluorescence microscope and optical microscope respectively. RESULTS Pruni Semen and the adulterant species have some common macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, but can be identified according to the macroscopic identification characteristics (appearance properties and surface texture) and the microscopic identification characteristics (seed coat epidermis and stone cell). CONCLUSION In this study, the pharmacognosy identification characteristics of three kinds of Pruni Semen and two adulterant species were summarized, which can provide reference for the identification and supervision of Pruni Semen.

OBJECTIVE To explore and characterize digitally morphological characteristics taking the embryos of infruits and seeds of Chinese medicinal materials as the research object and provide a basis for the indentification and classification of fruits and seeds. METHODS Based on the relevant research of botany, the collected fruits and seeds Chinese medicinal materials were dissected reasonably, and the structure of their embryos was observed, analyzed, summarized and digitally characterized by fluorescence microscope and digital imaging technology. RESULTS According to the way of embryo attachment, the embryo of fruits and seeds Chinese medicinal materials was divided into three categories. On this basis, the embryo is divided into nine sub categories based on the size of the embryo, the position of attachment, the degree of rotation, and the folding of cotyledons. Based on this feature, the families and genera of fruits and seeds Chinese medicinal materials are reasonably summarized. CONCLUSION This study provides a new scientific basis for the identification, classification and standardization of seed Chinese medicinal materials, lays a research foundation for the establishment of digital samples of fruits and seeds Chinese medicinal materials and the attempt of intelligent identification, and provides certain digital data for the Chinese medicinal materials market and intelligent supervision.

OBJECTIVE To study the macroscopic and microscopic identification of mongolian medicine Semen Cynanchi (“Temo-huhu”), and to lay an experimental foundation for the identification of Semen Cynanchi and its adulterants. METHODS Digetal camera, stereomicroscope combined with digital imaging technology were used to observe and characterize the surface characters of Semen Cynanchi systematically. Microscope with digital imaging technology was used to observe and characterize the endocarp features(transverse section and powder). And input the obtained data into the digital specimen platform. RESULTS The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of Semen Cynanchi were identified through this study. The shape, size, color and especiall surface were the main macroscopic characters for the identification. The description of the surface was revised as “it is flat oval, with thin edge and gradually narrow wing shape. One side is slightly concave, a dark ridge in the middle, accounting for about 2/3 of the total length”.The epidermal cells and pigment layer cells were the main microscopic identification characters. The description of the surface was revised as “most of the outer walls protrude outward like mastoid or extended like nonglandular hair, claybank”, “The endotesta cells are pigment layer containing calcium oxalate crystals” and remove the description of mesophyll. The research results differ from those described in current legal standard. CONCLUSION Through pharmacognosy study and digitization, it can provide reference for the revision of relevant terms and descriptions of macroscopic and microscopic identification of Semen Cynanchi, and also lay a foundation for the construction of digital platform for ethnic medicine.