Study on quality control method of Flueggea suffruticosa / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish the quality control method of Flueggea suffruticosa. METHODS The microscopical identification and thin layer chromatography （TLC） of F. suffruticosa were carried out， and the mass fractions of moisture， total ash， acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extracts in F. suffruticosa were measured based on the 2020 version of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （part Ⅳ）. The content of securinine in medicinal materials was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS The powder of F. suffruticosa was gray-green， with obvious microscopic characteristics such as pores， pollen grains， calcium oxalate cluster crystals， ducts. The results of TLC identification showed that in the chromatograms of 16 batches of medicinal samples， the same color spots were found on the corresponding positions of the chromatograms of securinine， rutin， quercetin and F. suffruticosa control. The average mass fractions of moisture， total ash， acid-insoluble ash and alcohol- soluble extracts in 16 batches of medicinal materials were 9.26%， 6.96%， 1.17% and 28.89%， respectively. The injection volume of securinine in the range of 0.052 4-0.524 0 µg had a good linear relationship with the peak area （R2＝0.999 8）. RSDs of precision， repeatability and stability （24 h） test were all less than 3% （n＝6 or 7）. The average recovery of sample was 97.47%， RSD was 1.63% （n＝6）. The content of securinine in 16 batches of medicinal materials was 1.003-6.872 mg/g. CONCLUSIONS The quality control method of F. suffruticosa is established， and the mass fractions of moisture， total ash and acid-insoluble ash should not exceed 12.0%， 9.0% and 2.0%， respectively； the alcohol-soluble extract should not be less than 20%， and the content of securinine should not be less than 1.00 mg/g.

Microscopic identification for roots from 4 medicinal plants of Actinidia genus / 药学实践杂志

Objective To perform microscopic identification for the roots of Actinidia macrosperma C.F. Liang, Actinidia valvata Dunn, Actinidia arguta (Sieb. & Zucc) Planch. ex Miq., Actinidia chinensis Planch., and provide the basis for judging medicinal materials exactly. Methods The powder microscopic characteristics of 4 medicinal plants of Actinidia genus were observed by microscopic identification method. Results Taking the morphological characteristics of calcium oxalate clusters, starch granules and ducts as the main differences, a key table was compiled to identify the roots of these four medicinal plants. Conclusion The microscopic identification method could effectively distinguish 4 Chinese herbs of Actinidia genus, and which is worth further studying.

Morphology and microscopic identification of Anoectochilus lylei / 药学实践杂志

Objective To perform the pharmacognostic identification of Anoectochilus lylei and establish the foundation for its accurate identification and further development. Methods The macroscopic identification and microscopic identification methods were used to identify A. lylei. Results A. lylei has ovate leaf shape, possessing red reticulated veins. Inverted flowers have Y-shaped and white lip. The anterior part of lip is two-lobed, and the lobes are linear-oblong. There are 1 to 3 shorts serrations on each side of the middle part of lip. Microscopic characteristics mainly show as follows: the cortex is broad in the transverse section of roots and stems; 1-5 and 1-7 vascular bundles in the xylem of transverse section of roots and stem, respectively. Collateral vascular bundle in the main veins of transverse section of leaves. There are multitudinous types of stomas in the leaf abaxial epidermis, most of which are anomocytic. Conclusion These characteristics could provide reference for the correct identification of A. lylei.

Study on the improvement of quality standard for Tibetan medicine Qinjiaohua / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To improve the quality standard of T ibetan medicine of Qinjiaohua ，and to provide scientific basis for comprehensive quality evaluation. METHODS The qualitative analysis of 16 batches of Qinjiaohua with different producing areas and different origins was carried out by microscopic and TLC identification. According to the method stated in 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia ，water content ，total ash content ，acid-insoluble ash content and alcohol-soluble extract content were determined. HPLC method was used to determine the contents of 5 components （loganic acid ，swertiamarin，gentiopicrin， swertionolin，isoorientin） in Qinjiaohua. RESULTS The medicinal powder of Qinjiaohua was light brown-yellow ，and the microscopic features of the powder were clear ，and pollen grains ，ducts，non-glandular hairs ，corolla epidermal cells and calyx epidermal cells were all found. The results of TLC indentification showed that there were fluorescent spots of the same color in the chromatogram of the tested product and the corresponding position of substance control （isoorientin）. The content ranges of water content，total ash content ，acid-insoluble ash content and alcohol-soluble extract were 5.40％-8.87％，3.76％-6.40％，0.27％-0.58％， 26.81％-42.51％，respectively. The results of content determination methodology met the requirements of pharmacopoeia ；the content ranges of loganic acid ，swertiamarin，gentiopicrin，swertionolin and isoorientin in 16 batches of Qinjiaohua were 3.13-9.36，1.26-22.39，13.80-74.60，1.24-12.22，2.58-14.96 mg/g，respectively. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of the original quality standard of Qinjiaohua ，microscopic identification ，TLC identification ，content determination and examination items of water，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract are added. It is preliminarily proposed that water content ，total ash content and acid-insoluble ash content should not exceed 9.0％，6.5％ and 0.6％，while the contents of ethanol-soluble extract and gentiopicrin should not be less than 26.0％ and 13.8 mg/g，respectively.

The standard specification of microscopic identification of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition / 药学实践杂志

Objective To improve the standardization and legitimacy of the quality control for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by analyzing the microscopic identification quality standard of TCM in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Volume 1). Methods Through the analysis of the standard items of microscopic identification in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Volume1), the problems in the standard was summarized and classified , and suggestions for revision were provided. Results The standardization and consistency have the room to improve in TCM microscopic identification standard in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 (Volume 1). Conclusion The TCM microscopic identification standard needs to be improved, and the formulation for the standard should be more specific and practical.

Study on quality standard for rice-fired Glehnia littoralis / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To establish a quality standard for rice-fired Glehnia littoralis . METHODS Appearance observation ， powder microscopic identification and thin-layer chromatography （TLC）identification were performed for the samples of rice-fired G. littoralis decoction piece. According to the relevant methods stated in 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （part Ⅳ），the contents of moisture ，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash ，water-soluble extract and acid-soluble extract were determined. The contents of psoralen，zanthoxylin，bergapten，imperatorin and isoimperatorin were determined by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. RESULTS The rice-fired G. littoralis decoction pieces were round-like small segments ，slightly rough ，yellow（peeled） or dark yellowish brown （with peel ），special gas and slightly sweet taste. The powder was yellowish white. Under the microscope ， secretions and secretory cells ，ducts，gelatinized starch granules ，ray cells ，parenchyma cells ，etc. could be seen. TLC showed the spots developed clearly. In the chromatogram of the test sample ，there was the same blue fluorescent spot at the corresponding position of the chromatogram of isoimperatorin control sample. The moisture ，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash ，water-soluble extract and ethanol-soluble extract from 9 batches of samples were 5.82％-6.27％，3.19％-3.59％，0.21％-0.27％，24.91％-30.30％ and 20.66％ -25.83％ ，respectively. The linear range of psoralen ，zanthotoxin，bergapten，imperatorin and isoimperatorin were 0.240-2.400，0.320-3.200，0.224-2.240，0.292-2.920，0.208-2.080 µg/mL（all r＞0.999 0）. Limits of quantitation were 0.032 0， 0.030 0，0325 0，0.032 0，0.045 0 µg，respectively. Limits of detection were 0.100 8，0.089 6，0.071 5，0.090 0，0.132 0 µg， respectively. RSDs of prescision ，stability（24 h）and reprodu- cibility tests were less than 3％. Average recoveries were 100.56％ （RSD＝1.36％ ，n＝6），100.73％（RSD＝2.25％ ，n＝6）， 100.36％（RSD＝0.98％，n＝6），98.24％（RSD＝0.40％，n＝6） E-mail：853063968@qq.com and 99.40％（RSD＝0.35％，n＝6），respectively. The contents of above five components were 5.85-13.31，8.63-33.38，6.23- E-mail：shixiaofeng2005@sina.com 15.25，6.12-12.98，5.52-10.77 µg/g，respectively. The total contents were 34.20-83.47 µg/g. CONCLUSIONS It is preliminarily proposed that the moisture ，total ash and acid-insoluble ash should not exceed 7.30％，4.10％，0.30％. The water-soluble extract and ethanol-soluble extract are no less than 21.00％ and 18.00％，respectively. The total content of coumarin should not be less than 52.03 µg/g（with peel ）and 26.34 μg/g（peeled）. Established quality standard can be used for the quality control of rice-fired G. littoralis .

Improvement of Quality Standard for Mongolian Medicine Artemisia sacrorum / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To improve the quality standard of M ongolian med icine Artemisia sacrorum ，and to provide scientific basis for comprehensive quality evaluation. METHODS ：The appearance and microscopic characteristics of A. sacrorum were identified；scopoletin，chlorogenic acid ，caffeic acid ，scopoletin and 3，5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were identified quantitatively by TLC；the contents of above 5 components were determined by HPLC. The water content ，total ash and extract were examined. RESULTS：The stem of A. sacrorum was cylindrical ，and its surface was purple or purple-brown or cyan-brown ；the leaves were ovate or oblong-ovate ，fragrant；the flowers were yellow ，head-shaped，subglobose or hemispherical. The powder was green or yellow-green，its pollen grain had three germination ；the parenchymal cell clusters with sharp edges and numerous threaded ducts ， occasionally having marginal pitted ducts ；its wood fibers were in bundles mostly. Results of TLC showed that the spots of the same color were found in the corresponding positions of chromatogram for 5 substance control and samples. The linear range of scopoletin， chlorogenic acid ， caffeic acid ， scopolactone and 3，5-dicaffeoylquinic acid were 85.60-428.00， 10.16-101.60， 10.20-102.00，40.84-408.40 and 40.80-408.00 μg/mL（all r＞0.999 0）. RSDs of precision ，stability，repeatability tests were all less than 3.00％（n＝6）. The average recoveries were 103.07％，99.66％，98.37％，97.78％，98.40％（all RSDs ＜3.00％，n＝6）. The contents of the above-mentioned 5 compounds in 10 batches of samples were 0.36％-1.23％，0.09％-0.51％，0.04％-0.13％， 0.61％ -1.13％ ，0.12％ -1.11％ ，respectively；the average com contents of water ，total ash and water soluble extract were 6.25％，5.86％，26.50％，respectively. CONCLU SIONS：O the basis of the original quality standard of A. sacrorum ， microscopic identification，TLC identification ，content determination and examination items of water ，total ash and extract are added. The method shows good precision ，accuracy and stability ，which can provide reference for more scientific and standardized evaluation of the quality of this medicinal material.

Plant pharmacognostic and microscopic identification of Anoectochilus burmannicus / 药学实践杂志

Objective To identify the crude drugs of Anoectochilus burmannicus, and clarify its original plant pharmacognostical and microscopic characteristics. Methods The pharmacognostical identification method was used to observe the original plant, tissue structure and microscopic characteristics of A. burmannicus. Results Leaves were ovate or ovate elliptic with golden-red veins. Non-inverted yellow flowers had Y-shaped and yellow labellum, which were anteriorly enlarged and 2-lobed. The lobes were narrowly oblong or narrowly oblanceolate. The middle part of labellum was narrow to form a 10 mm long structure with margin narrowly winged. In the microscopic structure, the cortex is obvious in the cross sections of root and stem, together with needle crystals of calcium oxalate and mucous cells. The upper epidermal cells on the cross section of the leaves were papilloid in shape, whereas diverse stomas existed among the lower epidermal cells, with anomocytic stomas as the major type. Needle crystals of calcium oxalate and conduits can be found in the powder. Conclusion These data provide a reference for the identification and resource development and utilization of A. burmannicus.

Study on Quality Standard of Yao Medicine Pileostegia tomentella / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To establi sh the quality standard of Yao medicine Pileostegia tomentella，and to provide reference for its quality control. METHODS ：Totally 10 batches of P. tomentella were collected from Guangxi area. The properties of P. tomentella were observed and microscopic identification was conducted for the transverse section of its stems ，roots and powder. TLC method was established by using 7-hydroxycoumarin as reference. The contents of water ，total ash ，acid-insoluble ash and alcohol-soluble extract in P. tomentella were determined. The contents of skimmin ，7-hydroxycoumarin and 7-hydroxy-8- methoxycoumarin in P. tomentella were determined by HPLC. RESULTS ：The root and stem surface of P. tomentella possessed obvious wrinkles ，hard texture ，slight smell and bitter taste ，and there were secretory cells and needle crystal cells in the cross section. The medicinal powder contained calcium oxalate needle crystal ，calcium oxalate square crystal ，sclerotic cell and starch granules. The results of TLC showed that the spots of the same color were found in the corresponding positions of chromatograms of test samples and 7-hydroxycoumarin control. In the 10 batch of P. tomentella ，the contents of water were 9.1％-11.8％；those of total ash were 3.6％-6.7％；those of acid-insoluble ash were 0.10％-0.44％；those of alcohol-soluble extract were 8.9％-14.0％.The linear range of skimmin ，7-hydroxycoumarin and 7-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumarin were 6.088-182.640，1.568-47.040 and 1.096- 32.880 μg/mL（all r not less than 0.999 7）. The average recoveries were 99.47％，101.07％ and 99.89％（RSD were all less than 2％）. RSDs of precision ，stability（24 h），reproducibility and durability tests were all lower than 2％ . The contents of 3 components such as skimmin were 1.337-9.534，0.348-2.236， 0.083-1.088 mg/g，respectively. CONCLUSIONS ：It is preli- 201705） minarily proposed that the content of water in P. tomentella is not more than 12.0％ ；that of total ash is not more than 7.0％；that of alcohol-soluble extract is not less than 8.0％； E-mail：luguoshou@foxmail.com that of ski mmin is not less than 1.30 mg/g；that of 7-hydroxy- coumarin is not less than 0.30 mg/g；that of 7-hydroxy-8-methoxycoumarin is not less than 0.06 mg/g.

Anatomical Characterization of Nine Taxa of Genus Acmella Rich. (Toothache Plant) in India

Abstract The present study is aimed for anatomical characterization of nine taxa of Acmella to supplement data specifically for its current sectional classification and species circumscriptions. Anatomical characterization of this genus is little explored. This study focuses on internal structure of leaves, petioles, peduncles, stems, roots and cell inclusions to determine its taxonomic importance. In stem anatomy the number of hypodermal collenchymatous layers and the arrangement of parenchymatous cortex together place an important role in the identification of Acmella. Root anatomy was similar in all the examined taxa except in the arrangement of xylem vessels. In A. tetralobata xylem vessels arranged in pentarch fashion while rest of the species possess tetrarch arrangement. Several cellular inclusions such as calcium oxalate crystals and oil bodies were observed. The petioles were crescent shaped having bifacial surfaces with both surfaces pubescent. Peduncles possess ridges and furrows in its outline. The leaves are dorsi ventral and possess single layered epidermal cells covered with cuticle having anomocytic, anisocytic and diacytic types of stomata in both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The present study provides a tool for the microscopic identification of the genus.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification Study of Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps sinensis ( Berk. ) Sacc.) and Its Counterfeits / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To research for the identification of Dongchongxiacao [Cordyceps sinensis( Berk.) Sacc.] and its counterfeits-processed materials from Cordyceps taii Liang et Liu. METHODSE: On the basis of the specimens of Dongchongxiacao and four types of counterfeits, the macroscopic and microscopic identification methods were studied, including the comparison of the macroscopic features, such as insertion position of stroma, colour of caterpillar part, abdominal leg, and the microscopic features such as the transverse section of the stroma, the caterpillar's body wall and the planta of abdominal leg. RESULTS: The differences between Dongchongxiacao and four types of counterfeits were obvious in macroscopic and microscopic features. CONCLUSION: Dongchongxiacao and its counterfeits-processed materials from Cordyceps taii Liang et Liu. can be identified by the differernces of macroscopical and microscopical fetures.

Pharmacognostical study of Chinese medicine Prinsepiae Nux / 中草药

Objective: To provide scientific evidence for the identification of Prinsepiae Nux by observing the characteristics and microscopic characteristics, which may be of relevance to the compilation of 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Methods: The pharmacognosy of fruit core from 12 batches of P. uniflora and nine batches of P. uniflora var. serrata were studied by character identification, micro-morphological identification, conventional microscopic identification and polarized light microscopic identification. Results: From the shape, size, color, surface characteristics, texture, cross-section, qi, taste and other aspects, the characteristics of pupae and dentate wood were observed and studied. For the hard texture and after the softening treatment, it is still not suitable to prepare cross-sections to observe the complete plant tissue structure and determine the medicinal material of the tissue site. Using free-hand slicing technology of positioning and taking materials can accurately obtain the microscopic characteristics of plant tissue in specific parts; A medicinal material that integrates a large group of bundles and is difficult to show the complete morphological characteristics of a single cell after pulverization. Using dissociated tissue filming technology, it is possible to obtain clear, complete, and non-overlapping single cell full-spectrum and characteristic information. Conclusion: Micro-morphological characteristics (endocarp,cotyledon and seed coat)were obtained for the first time. the results of microscopic identification and micro-morphological identification fill in the blank of color image information. Stone cells of endocarp can be used as specific markers for microscopic identifying Prinsepiae Nux.

The fast-bare-handed vertical slicing method for dry Chinese herbal medicine / 药学实践杂志

Objective To verify the feasibility and maneuverability of fast bare-handed vertical slicing method for dry Chinese herbal medicine, and to provide reference of this method for different types of medicinal materials. Methods Several representative medicinal herbs were randomly selected in the market to make micro-slices using the top-slicing method to observe its cutting effect. Results Experiments showed that microscopic slices can be obtained for most herbs in a few minutes, which can be used for identification and quality testing. Conclusion This method is fast, effective, simple and practical. It meets the requirements of pharmacopoeia for microscopic identification. This method deserves for promotion.

Histomorphological Identification of Nandina domestica / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective::Histomorphological study of the Nandinae Radix, Nandinae Caulis, Nandinae Folium, Nandinae Fructus were conducted to provide the basis for the identification of its authenticity and falsehood. Method::The origin and macroscopic identification were used to describe the plant morphology and the appearance characteristics of all medicinal parts. The microscopic characteristics of the medicinal parts, such as roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, were observed and photographed by paraffin section and powder preparation techniques. Result::It was found that the morphological characteristics of the original plant were consistent with the descriptions in herbaceous books. There was no pith on the cross-section of roots. In the transverse section of stems, there were intermittent circular fiber bundles in the cortex and a cap-shaped fibrous bundle in the inner part of the xylem. In the transverse section of the leaves, the palisade tissue was wider and the fiber bundles around the main vascular bundles formed a ring. In the transverse section of petiole, the fiber bundles were arranged intermittently into rings. In the transverse section of fruit, multi-layered sclereids formed a ring in the mesocarp. The powder characteristics of root and stem mainly contained crystalliferous sclereids. There were crystal sheath fibers and stomatal infinitive in the leaf powder, and pollen grains in the flower powder, with 3-hole grooves, obvious reticulate engraving pattern in the outer wall and more reticulate cells. There were a large number of branched sclereids and calcium oxalate square crystals in the fruit powder. Conclusion::The above-mentioned morphological and microscopic features have identification significance, and provide scientific basis for the authenticity identification, the quality standard and the utilization of resources of Nandina domestica.

Combined application of extended depth of field imaging, image stitching and polarized microscopy techniques in identification of Spatholobus suberectus / 中草药·英文版

Objective: As traditional techniques for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines currently lack objective and high-quality reference images, here we developed a systemic procedure to be used in microscopic identification of Chinese medicines, which would lead to more objective, effective and accurate identification process. Methods: Spatholobi Caulis (Jixueteng in Chinese) was used as the specimen in the development of such procedure. Jixueteng samples were microscopically examined in bright- and dark-field microscopy. Microscopic images were obtained by regular, EDF, and image stitching techniques. Results: The microscopic images of the characteristics in pulverized Jixueteng were captured, thanks to EDF imaging and image stitching techniques which allowed the detailed and full sighting of each characteristic to be obtained simultaneously. Different layers in anatomical transverse section, including cork, phelloderm, cortex, phloem, cambium, xylem and pith, were distinctively observed. Moreover, by comparing images of bright- and dark-field microscopy, birefringent and non- birefringent components could readily be distinguished. Conclusion: With application of the developed procedure, high-definition, panoramic and microscopic images were acquired, which could be used as the reference images for microscopic identification of Chinese medicines.

Pharmacognostical study of Chinese medicine Mylabris / 中草药

Objective: To provide the scientific evidence for the identification of Mylabris phalerata and Mylabri scichorii by observing the characteristics and microscopic characteristics of the two species, which may be of relevance to the compilation of 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Methods: The pharmacognosy of six batches of M. phalerata and four batches of M. scichorii were studied by character identification, micro-morphological identification, conventional microscopic identification, polarized light microscopic identification and microsublimation methods. Results: Colored holographic image of the micro-morphological characteristics (body length, antenna, elytron and hind-wing), microscopic characteristics (bristle, body wall fragment, elytron debris, hind-wing debris, muscle fiber, debris of gas pipeline and undigested plant tissue) and crystalline sublimate characteristics were obtained for the first time. Conclusion: The results of micro-morphological identification complement the fine structural characteristics of traditional character identification. The microscopic and microsublimation methods for identification can be used as specific markers for identifying Mylabris.

Study on the Quality Standards of Miao Medicine Oxalis corniculata / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To provide scientific basis for the utilization and development of Miao medicine Oxalis corniculata by promoting the quality standard of it. METHODS： Total of 12 batches of O. corniculata were collected from Guizhou， Anhui and Henan， etc. Microscopic characteristics of 12 batches of O. corniculata powder were observed. According to the corresponding methods in 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia （part Ⅳ）， TLC was used for qualitative identification [developing solvent was trichloromethane-methanol-formic acid （8 ∶ 1 ∶ 0.1， V/V/V）]， and the contents of moisture， total ash， acid insoluble ash and alcohol soluble extractive from 12 batches of O. corniculata were determined. The content of isovitexin was determined by HPLC. The determination was performed on Venusil XBP C18 （L） with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1％ phosphoric acid solution  （15 ∶ 85， V/V） at the flow rate of 1 mL/min. The column temperature was 35 ℃， and the detection wavelength was set at 338 nm. The sample size was 10 μL. RESULTS： Microscopic observation showed that the powder was grayish brown to yellowish brown， with many non-glandular hairs and obvious fibrous pore. Results of TLC identification showed that the spots of the same color appeared in the corresponding positions of the test and the control chromatogram. The contents of moisture， total ash， acid insoluble ash and alcohol soluble extract from samples were 6.66％-12.13％， 9.16％-13.79％， 1.58％-4.63％ and 5.22％-15.79％， respectively. Results of HPLC method showed that the concentration of isovitexin showed a good linear relationship in the range of 5.20-78.3 μg/mL （r＝0.999 0）； RSDs of reproducibility （n＝9）， intermediate precision （n＝6） and stability （24 h， n＝6） tests were all lower than 2.0％； and the recovery rates were 97.54％-99.52％ （RSD＝0.74％， n＝6）； the contents of isovitexin in 12 batches of O. corniculata were 0.036％-0.144％ （n＝3）. CONCLUSIONS： Qualitative and quantitative identification methods of O. corniculate were established， which can be used as a reference for improving the quality standard of O. corniculata.

Anatomy and microscopic characteristics of Picris japonica

ABSTRACT Picris japonica Thunb., Asteraceae, is an herbal medicine used to dispel heat, reduce swelling and alleviate pain in traditional Mongolian medicine. Its dried whole plant is mainly used to treat flu and mammary abscesses. Given the potential applications of such an herb, detailed pharmacognostic research on P. japonica is needed. This study attempted to fill this need by producing permanent and semi-permanent slides of different organs (root, stem, leaf, pollen grain, fruit and powder of the whole plant) using safranine staining, safranine-fast green double staining and common methods. Furthermore, several featured microscopic structures of P. japonica are described herein. The results obtained provide us with valuable information for botanical quality control and species identification and enable us to detect adulterations in commercial samples of Picris or in laboratory samples.

Microscopic and molecular identification of foreign matter in food: detection of fraudulent practices Identification of foreign matter: food fraud / Identificação microscópica e molecular de matérias estranhas em alimentos: detecção de práticas fraudulentas

Introduction: The most frequent demands on microscopic food analysis are allegations of consumers finding macroscopic foreign matter or suspecting the presence of undeclared ingredients on products labels. The byproducts and foreign matters detection are fundamental practice for indirectly verifying the conditions of food production. Objective: This study reports the processes of microscopic and molecular identification (PCR) of a foreign matter found in a meat pie after a consumer complaint, occurred in the city of Itapira, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Method: Two distinct procedures were used to identify foreign matter: macroscopic examination, following FDA standards, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to identify DNA extracted from foreign materials. Results: The macroscopic analysis identified animal taste buds composing the pie fillings, and the PCR test confirmed that they were of bovine origin. Conclusions: Macroscopic analysis and the PCR test allowed the identification of the type of foreign matters and confirmed its bovine origin, what was enough to characterize it as a fraud by the improper use of inferior tissues in the preparation of ready-to-eat pastry.

Introdução: Uma das mais frequentes demandas de análise microscópica de alimentos são denúncias de consumidores que encontram matéria estranha macroscópica ou suspeitam da presença de ingredientes não declarados no rótulo do produto. A detecção de subprodutos e matérias estranhas é uma prática fundamental para verificar indiretamente a condição de produção de alimentos. Objetivo: Este estudo relata o processo de identificação microscópica e molecular (PCR) de uma matéria estranha encontrada em um pastel de carne após queixa de um consumidor no município de Itapira, estado de SP, Brasil. Método: Dois procedimentos distintos foram empregados para a identificação da matéria estranha: exame macroscópico seguindo padrões estabelecidos pelo FDA e técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para identificação do DNA extraído da matéria estranha. Resultados: A análise macroscópica identificou a matéria estranha como sendo papilas gustativas de origem animal, e o teste da PCR confirmou que as mesmas eram de origem bovina. Conclusões: A análise macroscópica e o teste da PCR permitiram a identificação do tipo de matéria estranha e confirmação de sua origem bovina, caracterizando a fraude pelo uso indevido de tecidos inferiores na preparação de pastéis prontos para consumo.

Revision and Improvement of Quality Standard for Rosae Davuricae Radix Et Rhizoma / 中国药师

Objective: To revise the quality standard and provide scientific basis for the quality conctrol and utilization and devel-opment of Rosae Davuricae Radix Et Rhizoma. Methods: The historical evolution and resource distribution of Rosae Davuricae Radix Et Rhizoma were studied by herbalogical study and textual research. Macroscopic and microscopic identification were used to identify the transverse section and the powder. TLC was used to identify Rosae Davuricae Radix Et Rhizoma. The contents of moisture, total ash, acid insoluble ash and alcohol soluble extract were determined to make out the corresponding limits. An HPLC method was used to de-termine the content of ursolic acid with the following conditions: an Diamonsil C18column (250 mm×4. 6 mm, 5 μm) was eluted with the mobile phase of methanol-0. 5% phosphoric acid ( 87: 13), the column temperature was 30℃, the flow rate was 1. 0 ml·min-1 and the detection wavelength was 210 nm. Results: The samples showed good macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. TLC showed that the spots were clear with good resolution. According to the measurement results, the content of moisture, total ash, acid in-soluble ash and alcohol soluble extract from the samples was 5. 6%-7. 3% , 1. 5%-3. 2% , 0. 2%-1. 1% and 15. 8%-28. 1% , respec-tively. The linear range of ursolic acid was 0. 10-1. 99 μg (r=0. 999 9), the average recovery was 97. 5% with the RSD of 1. 3% (n=9). The content of ursolic acid in the samples were 0. 1320-0. 5730 mg·g-1. Conclusion: The established methods are suitable for the quality control of Rosae Davuricae Radix Et Rhizoma.