RESUMO
Objective: Syngnathus has long been used as an important traditional animal medicine in China,but many syngnathus-like animals also used as Hailong in herbal markets. This study aims to define the zoological origin of Syngnathus in China Pharmacopoeia. Method: Herbalogical records,particularly pictures and photographs of ancient literatures, Syngnathus specimens in museum were stidued to determine the zoological origin of Syngnathus in Chinese herbal medical classics and China Pharmacopoeia. Result: Based on the morphological and DNA sequencing,all the commercial "S. acus" originated from Syngnathus schlegeli (Kaup,1856).Feature description of "S. acus" in China Pharmacopoeia also conformed to S. schlegeli. S. acus in China may be a misidentification of S. schlegeli. Conclusion: Syngnathus in China Pharmacopoeia originates from Solegnathus hardwickii (Gray,1830),Syngnathoides biaculeatus (Bloch,1785) or Syngnathus schlegeli (Kaup,1856).It is suggested to add identification methods of "Hailong", especially molecular identification methods in China Pharmacopoeia,in order to improve quality control standards of Syngnathus.
RESUMO
"Haima" (Hippocampus) has a long history in China as an important traditional animal medicine, but many closely-related members of the Hippocampus genus are also used as Haima in particular regions. To investigate the real origin of "Haima", a herbalogical studies, particularly inpictures and photographs of the ancient literature are corroborated with seahorse specimens in museum, we confirm Chinese material medica "Haima" in China Pharmacopoeia is origin from H. kelloggi, 1901, H.spinosissimus, 1913, H. kuda, 1852, H. trimaculatus, 1814, or H. mohnikei, 1853. The so-called "Ci Haima" is H. spinosissimus, instead of H. histrix, 1856. The paper also suggests to revise of "macroscopical identification" item and add identification methods of "Haima" in China Pharmacopoeia, which may improve quality controls tandards of "Haima".