Studies on the Secretory Structure of Hypericum erectum / 中草药

The structures that secrete and store hypericin and volatile oil, the main medicinal com-ponent of Hepericum erectum Thunb. , were studied using Sudan black, 5% NaOH solution and 0.5%methanolic magnesium acetate on semi-thin sections of H. erectum. Results showed that hypericin was pro-duced and stored in the secretory cell nodules, while the volatile oil was produced and stored in its secreto-ry sac and canal. The distribution and denseness of these 3 secretory structures in various organs were de-scribed to provide a scientific basis for the rational utilization of different parts of this medicinal plant.