macroscopic and microscopic identification of rhodiola crenulata traits and constituents

Microscopic Characterization and TLC-Based Identification of Rhodiola crenulate

Herbal medicine has a long history and rich application experience in China, and it was the first systematic recording in Shennong&#39;s herbal classic1. The discovery of artemisinin applied to malaria promoted the development of herbal medicine into a new stage1. The use of modern scientific technology to uncover the exact mechanism of herbal medicine increases the utilization rate and demand for herbal medicine, opening a new international market for it2,3,4. However, this has led to a series of negative effects. Non-professionals have a vague understanding of the characteristics of herbal medicine, which makes the use of herbal medicine face a huge safety risk5.
Rhodiola crenulata, one of the plants of the Rhodiola species, is mainly distributed in Tibet, northwest Yunnan, and western Sichuan of China (Figure 1)6,7. Rhodiola crenulata comprises salidroside, tyrosol, gallic acid, and other compounds for the treatment of hypoxic-related diseases through the function of &#34;invigorating qi and promoting blood circulation, clearing pulse and calming asthma&#34;8,9,10,11. Field investigation shows that Rhodiola crenulata can be found in the alpine talus zones, gully slopes, and rock crevices at an altitude of 4,000-5,600 m. Its growing environment is cold, full of sunshine and intense radiation, and it belongs to the alpine meadow ecosystem. Rhodiola crenulata can be distributed in lamellar and point-like populations according to the growth terrain, and gene flow can be carried out through cross-pollination.
The pollen abortion of the genus Rhodiola, illegality excavation, and degenerated ecological environment make Rhodiola crenulata an endangered species6,12. In view of the high medicinal value of Rhodiola crenulata, counterfeit products are expected to flow into the market. This article presents the habitat of Rhodiola crenulata and some convenient laboratory identification methods. Firstly, we observed the growth environment of Rhodiola crenulata and its medicinal properties. Secondly, the microstructure of medicinal powder was observed by microscope. The last step is the key point. The representative components of Rhodiola crenulata were separated and identified according to the different adsorption or dissolution properties of these components in a certain substance. DNA-based authentication or metabolomics analysis methods of medicinal plants are complicated and expensive13. These basic, convenient, and economical methods can quickly identify Rhodiola crenulata.

Author Spotlight: Developing Identification Methods for Rhodiola crenulata and Investigating Its Resource Distribution and Pharmacological Effects

Field Collection and Laboratory Routine Identification of Rhodiola crenulata

The scope of our research is centered on conducting a resource survey of ethnic medicine. Specifically, this study aims to develop a rapid and convenient methods for the identification of Rhodiola crenulata. The protocol we offer presents a cost-effective, straightforward, and rapid method for identifying various medicinal herbal materials.Our laboratory will concentrate its future research endeavors on investigation two primary areas, the distribution of research associated with Rhodiola crenulata and the pharmacological impacts of this species.

Macroscopic and Microscopic Identification of Rhodiola crenulata Traits and Constituents

To begin, observe the appearance traits of Rhodiola Crenulata with the unaided eye and record the observations. Inhale near the plant to identify the fragrance smell. Next, place a small piece of the root in the mouth, then sip and chew for taste identification.Using a brush, remove the soil on the surface of the plant. Place the plant in an oven at 40 degrees Celsius and turn it every 24 hours. Then powder the dried medicinal materials using a powder machine and filter it through a medicated number three sieve.Spread the powder evenly on a clean slide using a dissecting needle covering 1/3 of the slide within a two millimeter area. Using a glass dropper, add a drop of deionized water to the powder and quickly place a cover glass using a tweezer. Next, place the slide onto the microscope platform.Adjust the light source and the coarse focus spiral to view the powder. Switch to a 40X objective lens and observe the starch granules. Again, spread the powder evenly on a slide using a dissecting needle, then add a drop of chloral hydrate to the powder.Hold the slide with a tweezer and heat on the alcohol lamp thrice for one second each. Add a drop of glycerin to the powder and quickly place a cover glass onto the drop. After adjusting the microscope settings as demonstrated previously, select a 40X objective lens to visualize the catheter, cork cells and fibers, along with the wood parenchyma cells and pigment block respectively.Microscopic examination of our Crenulata revealed key features with cork cells appearing brownish yellow, or colorless with polygonal shapes. Starch grains were observed as single or multiples with distinctive umbilical points and closely arranged spiral vessels. Additionally, xylem parenchyma cells were visualized as achromatic and oval, containing calcium oxalate sand crystals, and irregularly shaped brown red pigment blocks were identified.

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

The identification of medicinal materials is the premise and guarantee of drug safety. The majority of scientific researchers are bound to favor the ...