Macroscopic and Microscopic Characteristics of Eupatorium fortunei Turcz.

Abstract

Introduction and objective: San Phra Hom (SPH), or Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. in the family Compositae, has properties according to ancient medicinal texts using leaves. It is an antipyretic, a cold remedy, a detoxifier, and a tonic; and it is an ingredient of Ya Khiao Hom, which is included in the National List of Essential Medicines’ antipyretic group. The objective of this study was to establish the macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of SPH leaves and stems.

Methods: The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were evaluated, including shape, color, smell, and taste. The tissue structure was investigated under a microscope.

Results: The macroscopic characteristics of dry SPH leaves and stems were greenish-brown, thin and fragile with a light smell and slightly bitter taste, while the microscopic characteristics observed included the upper and lower epidermis in surface view, lamina, midrib and petiole in cross-sectional view, and powder drugs made from leaves/petioles and stems, which are presented as color photographs and drawings under a microscope using a photography set and a drawing tube attached to the microscope.

Discussion: As SPH leaves are used as a medicinal ingredient, the collected herbal material may contain other parts of the plant such as petioles and stems. So such parts need to be studied also in order to obtain more microscopic information. The results have been recorded by drawing and photographing under more modern microscope, under which the tissues can be more realistically drawn and photographed.

Conclusion and recommendation: The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of San Phra Hom leaves and stems have been collected. The information can be used for pharmacognostic specifications preparation, identity proofing, herb quality control, the preparation of Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia, and analytical service provision.