Study of Morphological and Anatomical Diagnostic Signs of Astragalus dasyanthus Pall. Roots

Astragalus roots have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. The roots of Astragalus membranaceus and Astragalus mongholicus are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The European Pharmacopoeia describes the roots of Astragalus mongholicus. These species have tonic, immunomodulatory and antioxidative properties. The genus Astragalus has more than 2000 species, including Astragalus dasyanthus Pall., which grows in Central and Southeast Asia and has hypotonic and sedative activities. The aim of the study was to investigate the morphological and anatomical signs of Astragalus dasyanthus Pall. roots for its standardization and introduction into medical practice. External features of roots were analyzed under daylight using a magnifying glass. Microscopic analysis was carried out using a microscope MBI-3 and a digital camera Canon AOS 350D. The external and anatomo-diagnostic features of whole and chopped roots as well as powder were studied. Whole roots had a gray-brown surface with a yellowish-white fracture and a faint odor. The ground roots and powder had similar characteristics. Multilayered plug, large parenchyma cells, bast fibers, heartwood rays, cambium zone and large wood vessels were identified. The established morphological and anatomical signs of roots of Astragalus dasyanthus Pall. can be used for their standardization and introduction into medical practice.