Features of the Root and Rhizome Anatomical Structure of Potentilla Alba L. As a Diagnostic Sign of the Raw Materials

Abstract

Raw materials derived from the species Potentilla alba L. have been widely used in medicine. It has been shown that roots and rhizomes contain compounds with a number of antioxidant properties that may support therapeutic, namely anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects. The species is also promising in the complex treatment of thyroid pathology. Analysis of the obtained raw materials for the presence of the required plant species for the manufacture of medicines is essential procedure. The purpose of the research is to identify the anatomical features of the root and rhizome of Potentilla alba. It will help to identify these plants in the raw material. Comparison of the anatomical structure of the roots and rhizomes of five members of the genus Potentilla L.: P. alba L., P. anserinа L., P. argentea L., P. pilosa Willd., P. reptans L. has been held. All species have been grown in the collection of the Fomin Botanical Garden. The cross sections of the root and rhizome with a thickness of 15-20 μm were made by the means of a freezing microtome. The inclusions were identified in the resulting cross sections stained with safranin, KI and sudan. The species differ in the development and location of xylem elements, and by localization of inclusions. The most effective anatomical markers of P. alba, compared to other species of the genus, are the development and the location of rhizome xylem elements. The vessels of the secondary xylem are small, placed with uneven radial strands. The thicknes of strands is 1-3 vessels, delimited by the rays of the xylem parenchyma. The number of inclusions depends to a greater extent on the conditions of plant growth, so it is a less important factor during the analysis of plant raw materials.