OBJECTIVE To establish a method for identification of Dongchongxiacao(Cordyceps sinensis)and its counterfeits dyed by safflower plant pigment. METHODS On the basis of traditional identification experience, a variety of microscopic identification techniques were applied, combined with HPLC and UPLC-MS / MS, Cordyceps sinensis and its dyed counterfeits collected in this study were identified. RESULTS The micrioscopic feature of pollen grain of safflower were observed in the dyed counterfeits, and the specific component of hydroxy safflower yellow A was further detected. CONCLUSION The comprehensive analysis method based on “morphology-tissue-chemical composition” established in this study can accurately screen the counterfeiting of safflower plant pigment staining in Cordyceps sinensis. This method provides technical methods for the quality management of TCM life cycle.

OBJECTIVE To provide reference for further research and resource development through the ethnic medicinal history research of Anaphalis Herba and its adulterant Anaphalis Surculosa Herba and explore the pharmacognosic identification method of the two Anaphalis Herbas. METHODS Through the integration and sorting of herbal medicine works and literature materials, the name, original species, origins, efficacy and so on of P. scandens were studied. Using stereo microscopy and optical microscopy, in-depth study on the macroscopic and microscopic identification methods were performed for Anaphalis Herba and its adulterant Anaphalis Surculosa Herba from the macroscopic identification characteristics, including the overall character, local characteristics and the microscopic identification characteristics, including the transverse section and the powder. Then the identification characters were summarized and digitized. RESULTS According to the records, the effects of Anaphalis Herba and Anaphalis Surculosa Herba are mostly the same, but a few are different. There were significant differences in the the macroscopic and the microscopic identification characteristics of Anaphalis Herba and Anaphalis Surculosa Herba. CONCLUSION The medicinal history of Anaphalis Herba and Anaphalis Surculosa Herba is compared and verified, providing research materials for the resource expansion of ethnic medicinal materials. This study summarizes the exclusive and practical features in pharmacognosic identification of Anaphalis Herba and Anaphalis Surculosa Herba, providing a useful reference for supervision the clinical medication, inspection, and standard drafting.

OBJECTIVE To study the pharmacognosy of a genus myrrh collected from Africa. METHODS By reference to the “Flora of East Africa”, the original identification of the plant specimens taken from the African was applied. The stem, leaf and resin parts were observed and described in detail by means of type microscope, scanning electron microscope and optical microscope. The resin of this plant was compared with natural myrrh and colloidal myrrh by TLC. RESULTS The origin of this plant was identified as Commiphora kataf (Forssk.) Engl.. The characteristics of oil chamber in transverse section of stem and leaf and non-glandular hairs on leaf surface were consistent with those of myrrh recorded in related literature. Through thin layer experiment, it was found that the resin had similar chemical composition with natural myrrh reference substance. CONCLUSION The results of this study provide necessary reference for clarifying the source of myrrh in domestic market, and also provide experimental basis for establishing the quality standard of imported medicinal materials.

OBJECTIVE To study the characters and microscopic characters of Cymbopogi distantis herba and provide a basis for differentiation and farther development of Cymbopogi Distantis Herba. METHODS Specimens were collected and sorted, characters and microscopic identification were used to compare Cymbopogi distantis herba and its congeners. RESULTS Cymbopogi distantis herba and its genera were different in leaf sheath, leaf tongue, leaf ear, upper surface of leaf, non-glandular hair, transected main vein and glume of flower. CONCLUSION There are great differences between leaves and flowers of Cymbopogi distantis herba, which can provide scientific basis for the use of this medicinal resource.