Morphologic characteristics and identification methods of seeds in Astragalus membranaceus var.mongholicus and A.membranaceus / 中草药

ABSTRACT

Objective To provide a method for identifying the seeds of Astragalus membranaceus var.mongholicus(AMM) and A.membranaceus(AM) and to provide basic research data for establishing relevant Standard Operating Practice(SOP) in accordance with GAP of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.Methods The seed morphologic characteristics and microcosmic structures were observed by eyes,light microscopes,and electron microscopes;the seed germination rates of AMM and AM were also compared.Results There was no obvious discrimination of the seed morphology between AMM and AM.There was obvious discrimination on the characteristic of germination-hole,the microcosmic structures of seed-umbilici and seed-coats of seeds between AMM and AM.The hard seed percentage for AMM was higher than that of AM,and its sprouting was not even and sprouting peak appeared later than that of AM.(Conclusion) The seeds of AMM and AM can be identified accuratly with electron microscopes.The patterns of germination-hole,microcosmic structures of seed-umbilici and seed-coats can be used as indices to identify the seeds of AMM and AM.The hard seed percentage and germination characteristics can be used to(identify) the seeds of AMM and AM subsidiarily.