Distribution of Epimedium sagittatum and its research progress on quality characteristics / 中草药

ABSTRACT

To promote the rational development and utilization of Epimedium sagittatum, and to propose the utilization strategies and future research suggestions. The distribution was illuminated based on the examination of herbarium specimens and our field investigation. At the same time, the quality characteristics of different harvest time, different parts and different producing areas were summarized according to the literature review and our previous researches. In terms of the distribution, E. sagittatum is a widely distributed species in Epimedium. However, there were many errors in the identification of herbarium specimens. At least 13 taxa were wrongly identified as E. sagittatum. The distribution of E. sagittatum was not as extensive as previously recorded in the literature. Although the distribution of E. sagittatum has been recorded in 12 provinces and in Chongqing Municipality, it was mainly distributed in Anhui, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hubei provinces, and the resources in each region were not abundant. In terms of quality characteristics, there were great differences in both composition and contents of the active components among different germplasm. Some of the germplasm in Hunan, Hubei and Sichuan provinces were excellent. However, the stability and homogeneity were not ideal. Therefore, the utilization of E. sagittatum should depend on the quality characteristics. It was found that there were great differences among populations and which were closely related to the genetic basis. The effect of physiological ecology on quality and its mechanism, as well as the molecular mechanism of quality formation should be paid more attention in the future.