Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Microscopy, the main identification technique used in pharmacognosy, was used to examine the characteristics of Streptocaulon griffithii (SG) and Streptocaulon juventas (SJ), the only two plants of the Steptocaulon in Asclepiadaceae family found in China. The similarities and differences in the roots, stems and leaves were compared in order to provide more proof of identification. Microscopic observations of the organization showed that more solitary crystals were present in the cortex of SJ than in SG and the xylem vessels of SJ radiated. Regarding the stems, the thickness of cell walls of the pith of SJ was significantly less than that of SG. The amounts of solitary crystals and hair trichome in leaves differed significantly between the leaf transections of SG and SJ. Microscopic examination of the powder found few differences.

Key words: Streptocaulon griffithii, Streptocaulon juventas, asclepiadacea, microscopic identification