Department of Botany, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan.
Microsc Res Tech. 2022 Sep;85(9):3130-3139. doi: 10.1002/jemt.24171. Epub 2022 Jun 3.
The aim of this study was to assess and compare the pharmacognostic and microscopic features of the selected parts of Rhododendron afghanicum Aitch. & Hemsl. It is a perennial and shrub. Anatomy of stem and leaves depicted dicot structure. It will provide knowledge about standardization, authentication, and adulteration with its co-species. The macroscopic examination reveals that fresh leaves are green, pleasant odor with a bitter taste. The leaf is oblong-elliptic in shape and sub-acute at apex; rounded at the base with entire margin. Stem is irregular and the outer surface is light brown, rough with fissures and ridges. Microscopic examination indicated the presence of xylem, phloem, peltate trichome, epidermal cells, collenchymas cells, paracytic stomata, and reticulate vessels. Stem microscopy reveals epidermis, hypodermis, cortex, sclerenchymatous sheath, phloem, xylem, and pith. It will be helpful in identification and quality control. Micro-morphological features were observed through SEM. EDX spectroscopy were carried out and revealed the presence of calcium, silicon, and potassium. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, phenols, protein, flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids. Ethyl acetate for leaf and stem demonstrate the highest extractive values (18% and 13%), respectively. XRD peaks appeared at 30.21, 28.73, 205.73, 200.73, 380.07, 390.24, 490.11, and 450.33 . This will be helpful to identify the ownership of herbal drugs by the diffraction peaks through crystal structures and atomic spacing. These parameters are crucial for drug identification, standardization, authentication, and drug designing. These studies also provided knowledge regarding therapeutic and nutraceutical importance of this plant. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The current pharmacognostic studies carried out on Rhododendron afghanicum can serve as a basis for compiling keys for finding the taxonomic identification and authentication of the said species by morphological, anatomical, and physicochemical features.
本研究旨在评估和比较选定的阿富汗杜鹃（Rhododendron afghanicum Aitch. & Hemsl.）部位的生药学和微观特征。它是一种多年生灌木。茎和叶的解剖结构显示出双子叶植物的结构。这将为其与同物种的标准化、鉴定和掺伪提供知识。宏观检查显示，新鲜叶片呈绿色，有宜人的气味和苦味。叶片呈长椭圆形，先端渐尖；基部圆形，边缘完整。茎不规则，外表面浅棕色，粗糙，有裂缝和脊。微观检查显示存在木质部、韧皮部、盘状毛、表皮细胞、厚角组织细胞、离生气孔和网状脉管。茎的微观结构显示出表皮、下皮层、皮层、厚壁鞘、韧皮部、木质部和髓。这将有助于鉴定和质量控制。通过 SEM 观察微观形态特征。进行 EDX 光谱分析，结果显示存在钙、硅和钾。植物化学分析显示存在单宁、皂苷、酚类、蛋白质、类黄酮、糖苷和生物碱。叶和茎的乙酸乙酯提取物分别具有最高的提取值（18%和 13%）。XRD 峰出现在 30.21、28.73、205.73、200.73、380.07、390.24、490.11 和 450.33。这将有助于通过晶体结构和原子间距的衍射峰来识别草药的归属。这些参数对于药物鉴定、标准化、鉴定和药物设计至关重要。这些研究还提供了有关该植物治疗和营养重要性的知识。研究亮点：目前对阿富汗杜鹃进行的生药学研究可以作为基础，通过形态学、解剖学和物理化学特征来编制该物种的分类鉴定和鉴定的关键。
