[Identification of elephantopi herba and its adulterants by LM/SEM observation and TLC scanning].

OBJECTIVE: To provide identification basis for distinguishing Elephantopi Herba and its adulterants. METHODS: Light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thin layer chromatography scanning (TLCS) methods were used to identify Didancao (Elephantopus scaber) and its adulterants Baihuadidancao (Elephantopus mollis) and Jiadidancao (Pseudelephantopus spicatus). RESULTS: Based on the microscopic features and TLC profiles, the commercial Didancao samples retailed in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau markets were identified as Elephantopus scaber. CONCLUSION: These methods are accurate and reliable, which can be used for identification of Elephantopi Herba and its adulterants.