title: Microscopical discrimination of the subterranean organs of medicinally used plants of the Cichorieae and their relatives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Light microscopy is in most cases a quick method for the identification and discrimination of medicinally used plant drugs; moreover, this technique is very inexpensive. Reliable descriptions of the anatomy of plants and their adulterations are prerequisites for necessary purity controls.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The anatomy of the subterranean organs of 18 pharmaceutically useful as well as related but inconsiderable Asteraceae species from nine genera (Taraxacum F. H. Wigg., Leontodon L., Scorzoneroides Moench, Hypochaeris L., Crepis L., Aposeris Neck., Cichorium L., Scorzonera L., and Tragopogon L.; tribe Cichorieae, Asteraceae) is described in detail and graphically illustrated. Features characterizing and discriminating the studied taxa are presented and discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The roots/rhizomes of various species were examined by means of light microscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Useful anatomical characters were found for the discrimination between the species, and some of them were examined for the first time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discrimination of most genera and species investigated was possibly based on the anatomy of their underground parts. The identified characters may be effectively used for quality control of commercial drugs and the identification of adulterations.
authors.affiliation: University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Elisabeth.Fritz@fritztec.com
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fritz
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Saukel
mesh_terms: D019659:Asteraceae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification* / Q000166:cytology; D008853:Microscopy; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000145:classification* / Q000166:cytology; D027343:Rhizome / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000166:cytology