[Pharmacognostical identification of "guijiu ([symbol: see text])" in Shosoin of Japan].
OBJECTIVE
To identify the botanical origin of the Guijiu in Shosoin of Japan from Tang Dynasty, and trace its medicinal history.


METHODS
Anatomical characteristics of the underground parts of Guijiu in Shosoin were compared with those of Hosta plantaginea and H. ventricosa, and research on the medicinal history of Guijiu was made based on its original identification results and describes in herbals.


CONCLUSIONS
Guijiu in Shosoin of Japan was derived from the underground parts of H. plantaginea and is one of Guijiu used in Tang Dynasty and earlier on.
Zhong
Guo-yue
GY
Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065, China.
Xu
Luo-shan
LS
Xu
Guo-jun
GJ
Namba
Tsuneo
T
D002681:China; D049691:History, Medieval; D031422:Hosta / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007564:Japan; D010598:Pharmacognosy / Q000266:history*; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000033:anatomy & histology*